Established Camping
South Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
The Beach and South Campgrounds are accepting walk-in, self registration through at least August 21, which is dependent on the contractor. If you want to be notified if the closure is modified fill out the following form, **Brushy Creek Campground Google Form.**(Updated August 6, 2025)
The north campground is closed for 2025 for major renovations. (Updated April 15, 2025)
South Equestrian Campground at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is near Lehigh, Iowa. The terrain consists of open fields and wooded areas, providing a mix of landscapes for campers. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer, and nearby attractions include Brushy Creek Lake and hiking trails.
Description
Brushy Creek is one of Iowa's premier outdoor recreation destinations. At 6,500 acres, it has the largest tracts of public recreation land with a mosaic of native prairie, grassland, timber, riparian and lake habitats. The 690-acre lake is the deepest artificial permanent pool lake in Iowa and has an extensive network of trails. Join our interpreter in the summer for nature-related programs and hikes. Each spring, the park hosts a geo-caching event and fishing derby for kids. Program event details are posted at the campground kiosks.
Trails are closed to non-foot traffic during wet conditions. Horses are not to be hitched or tied to trees, shrubs or park facilities in a manner that will cause injury or damage to the plant or facility. Animals may be hitched to trailers for short periods of time for grooming and saddling. Animals must be stabled inside a trailer, at a hitch rail or in stalls or corrals if provided. Portable stall/pens or electric fences are not allowed.
Multi-Use Trail System Rules:
- Always call ahead for current trail conditions (515) 543-8298.
- Stay on designated trails only.
- Respect others' trail rights.
- Report any trail problems to park staff.
Attention Equestrian Riders: State regulations require horses, mules and donkeys being transported interstate (from one state to another) must have a current Certification of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and a negative Coggin's test (EIA). This paperwork must accompany the animal into the State of Iowa. Please refer to www.iowaagriculture.gov/animalindustry/horseadmissionregs.asp for more information.
This law applies to equestrian camping, day-use and trail riding in any State owned Park or Forest.
Location
South Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is located in Iowa
Directions
Visitors from the North From Hwy 20 go south on P73, for West Entrance go east on Lake View Dr.; for South Entrance continue on P73 and go east on D46. Visitors from the South Get on D46- the South Campground and South Day Use Area are located off of this road. For all other facilities go north on Brushy Creek Rd. which curves and becomes Lakeview Dr. Trap Shooting Range can be reached by taking 250th from County Rd P73, then turn right onto Taylor Ave.
Address
2802 Brushy Creek Rd.
Lehigh, IA 50557
Coordinates
42.36848046 N
93.9848104 W
Detours Nearby
Bells Mills County Park
6 min away
Don Williams Park
28 min away
Drive Time
- 43 min from Ames
- 1 hr 10 min from Des Moines
- 1 hr 24 min from Waterloo
- 2 hrs 6 min from Cedar Rapids
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage
Verizon5GGood Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
