Best Equestrian Camping near Amana, IA

None of the campgrounds in the data explicitly show horse facilities. Wakpicada Natural Area, Lake Iowa County Park, Matsell Bridge Natural Area, Wanatee Park, Keokuk County Belva Deer Park, and Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area do not list horse corrals or dedicated equestrian facilities in their features. According to the provided JSON data, all these campgrounds have "NO horse-corral" listed in their features. While the parks offer various recreational opportunities for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts, none appear to have specialized accommodations for horses.

Several of the parks offer trail systems and natural areas that could be enjoyed by visitors. Lake Iowa County Park features wildlife viewing opportunities where campers report seeing deer and rabbits near their sites. Wanatee Park provides access to bike trails and is noted for its spacious sites with some shade. Matsell Bridge Natural Area offers a rustic setting along the Wapsipinicon River with opportunities for primitive camping.

Visitors interested in outdoor activities near Amana, Iowa would find options for tent, RV, and in some cases cabin camping at these locations. Many parks provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to bathrooms. Some parks like Lake Iowa County Park and Wanatee Park feature shower facilities that reviewers note are particularly clean and well-maintained. For those seeking horseback riding opportunities, it would be advisable to contact local park authorities directly to inquire about trail riding regulations or nearby equestrian facilities, as the provided data does not indicate specialized horse camping options in this area.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Amana, Iowa (6)

    1. Lake Iowa County Park

    7 Reviews
    Williamsburg, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 655-8465

    "Wife and I will likely return and see more of the Amana communities in the fall."

    "Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  "

    2. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    6 Reviews
    Marion, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    $23 - $33 / night

    "We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance.  Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "

    "There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."

    3. Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    3 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    "Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."

    4. Wakpicada Natural Area

    1 Review
    Central City, IA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 438-6616

    "Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren’t right next to each other."

    5. Keokuk County Belva Deer Park

    1 Review
    Sigourney, IA
    33 miles
    +1 (641) 622-3757

    "12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance."

    6. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    4 Reviews
    West Liberty, IA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 264-5922

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting. There are three separate campgrounds."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Amana, IA

23 Reviews of 6 Amana Campgrounds


  • Clifton B.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Very nice campground off the beaten path

    Wife and I met friends here in August 2025.  This was the middle between us & them as we live in CO and they live in NY.  The campground was very well maintained.  Shower rooms & restrooms were very clean and all were functional.  We really enjoyed the long weekend here.  Be advised tho, we were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August.  Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didnt expect the humidity to affect us as it did.  Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees.  Wife and I will likely return and see more of the Amana communities in the fall.

  • Jessica H.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    Ranger Review: VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens at Saulsbury Bridge

    Campground Review:

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area is 675 acres, nestled between rolling fields of corn, dairy farms, native prairie, and the Cedar River. Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting.

    There are three separate campgrounds. The main campground has electrical hookups, picnic benches, fire rings, modern restroom facilities including showers, a dump station, playground, and firewood for purchase. There are 24 sites, and they run $20 per night.

    The primitive campground area sits along Chicken Creek and offers four, tent-only sites, and is just off the main campground. The sites are well spaced and surrounded by large trees. These are walk in sites with parking in the main campground. It’s a short hike in from the parking area, and within walking distance of the restrooms and firewood. Primitive sites are $10 per night.

    Across the road from these two campgrounds is the main boat access and fishing dock for Chicken Creek. Only non-motorized boats are allowed here. If you don’t have your own, you can rent kayaks and canoes through the Muscatine County Conservation office. There is also a large shelter, which is reservable along with day use picnic areas, playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, and vault toilets. There’s large, open expanses of grassy fields and oak shade trees; perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day.

    The river campground sits right along the Cedar River and allows easy access to fishing along with a boat ramp. This campground is a short hike to the old Saulsbury Bridge and Lodge. The bridge has a small gazebo-like structure and bench which provides a nice view of the river. There are vault toilets in this campground, but the modern restrooms are within walking distance as well. There are 10 sites in this campground and run $17 per night.

    All campsites are self-registration and are on a first come, first served basis. There is a campground host on duty in the main campground and the park officer lives on site. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash in the campgrounds and on trails. However, they are allowed to run in the designated hunting areas. These areas are marked with signs. If you plan to hike during hunting season, it’s a good idea to wear bright colors/blaze orange so you are visible to hunters and not mistaken for a deer or other wildlife.

    This park also has prairie/natural habitat restoration areas that, in spring and summer, attract Monarch butterflies, and an abundance of birds including indigo bunting, red headed woodpecker, and goldfinch. In the colder months you can spot bald eagles flying along the river. There are also deer, wild turkey, and pheasants. While there, we walked around the campground areas that were open and over to the day use area along Chicken Creek to roast marshmallows. We hiked the short distance out to the Saulsbury Bridge to watch the Cedar River flow by and caught a beautiful sunset.

    The one downfall to this park is the possibility for flooding. When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds.

    A call ahead to the conservation office to check on closures is a good idea. We had hoped to camp at a primitive site, but learned the trail leading into the campground was under water, which also meant the river campground was closed as well. Though there was some water over the road in the main campground, it was minimal and we were able to choose an electrical site. We opted to car camp as we were only staying one night. Only about a third of the campground was filled and we had no one on either side of us which meant for a more quiet camping experience.

    This is one of my favorite local areas to hike and camp that’s close to home. It offers a full picture of Iowa’s varied landscapes and outdoor activity opportunities.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. On this camping trip, I tried out VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens sneakers. VivoBarefoot’s goal is to provide an environment that allows the feet to remain in their natural state while providing a protective shoe. https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/womens/off-road/primus-trail-sg-womens?colour=Olive

    1. Anytime I purchase a new pair of shoes, whether for daily use or outdoor recreation, I make sure to break them in as much as possible as I’m prone to blisters. I did wear the Primus around the house a few times and on my daily walks before taking them camping. Though they have a snug fit, they’re not uncomfortable. They also include a pair of removable inserts and extra laces. The laces are adjustable which allowed me to either loosen or tighten the shoe. Bonus; no socks needed. As someone who would opt to wear sandals year round if possible, I liked the fact I didn’t have to put an extra layer on my feet.
    2. The timing couldn’t have been better for testing out these sneakers; Saulsbury was experiencing minor flooding while we were there. Not only do they have rugged soles for gripping in wet and rocky terrain, the mesh material allows for quick drying if they do get wet, and provided easy clean up of mud and other debris.
    3. Honestly, I was really pleased with the fact that many of the women’s shoes came in neutral and earth tone colors (I absolutely checked out other shoe options on their website). While I don’t mind the brighter colors that seem to be the trend for women’s trail runners, I really prefer something a little more low key.
    4. One of the best things about these shoes was the ease of slipping them on and off, say in the middle of the night when nature called.
    5. All in all, I feel this shoe is a good match for the outdoor activities I enjoy; camping, hiking, bicycling, and kayaking. I’m looking forward to seeing how they hold up while hiking in the mountains out West this summer.
  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2024

    brinton timbers park

    Great park no showers though

    I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.

  • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

    Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

    Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

  • L
    Jul. 10, 2022

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Good, but.

    The good: The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife. We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through. The bad: very few sites have a view of the lake. To walk to the lake or near by pond you must go down hill, which could be a problem for any one with mobility issues. Once down to the water trail are easy to walk. I would say if you can try and get sites, 67-70. They have beautiful views.

  • C
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    Nice little inexpensive primitive site... spaces almost always available

    Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this "best kept secret" for primitive and inexpensive camping sites. Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Good for RV, trailer or tent camping… level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water.

  • Clint  G.
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    A Gem in Linn County, IA

    We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance.  Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers.  The sites are very spacious with some shade, a fire ring, and picnic table provided.  The nearest grocery store was within 5 miles.  The bathhouse and showers were clean with lots of hot water.

  • John S.
    Apr. 18, 2018

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    Close to town camping

    A little pricy for tent camping. Ten dollars per tent per night and you’re restricted to the primitive area. It’s not bad if you’re just wanting to get away for a little bit but stay close to town. Otherwise if you’re looking for a better get away from it all I’d recommend some place else.

  • C
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    Great location and amenities

    I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.


Guide to Amana

Campgrounds near Amana, Iowa offer options for overnight stays in Iowa's rural heartland, characterized by rolling hills and river valleys at elevations between 700-850 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer humidity levels frequently reaching 80-90%, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most campgrounds are situated along waterways like the Cedar River, Wapsipinicon River, and various lakes or ponds.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Access the Wapsipinicon River at Matsell Bridge Natural Area, where campers find secluded spots with riverside access. "The 4th of July weekend it was us, one other camper and the random one nighters... Overall very good experience," reports Randi C.

Mountain biking trails: Ride the single-track trails connecting to Wanatee Park. "The best thing about this campground is it's access to the squaw creek man bike single track. The sites are nice, and easy access to town if you forgot stuff," notes Kris P.

Kayaking and canoeing: Paddle along Chicken Creek at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area where non-motorized boats are welcome. "There are three separate campgrounds... Across the road from these two campgrounds is the main boat access and fishing dock for Chicken Creek. Only non-motorized boats are allowed here," explains Jessica H.

Wildlife viewing: Spot local wildlife at Lake Iowa County Park where trails lead through diverse habitats. "There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife. We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through," shares Leslie P.

What campers like

Clean shower facilities: Lake Iowa County Park maintains exceptional bathhouse facilities. "Shower house and bathrooms were really nice! Wasn't expecting to want to take a shower but couldn't pass up the opportunity when we saw them. Very hot water," says Claudia M.

Quiet atmosphere: Wakpicada Natural Area offers peaceful camping with minimal crowds. "Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren't right next to each other. I consider it a little hidden gem," writes Parker H.

Proximity to bike trails: Wanatee Park connects to extensive regional trail systems. "Very well kept and quiet campground... Lots of opportunity to ride the numerous bike trails nearby and hike in wanatee park and nearby pinicon," notes Kristy E.

Natural settings: Matsell Bridge Natural Area provides rustic camping along the river. "Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River... take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this 'best kept secret' for primitive and inexpensive camping sites," advises Carol M.

What you should know

No horse facilities available: None of the campgrounds near Amana, Iowa offer dedicated horse camping facilities or corrals. For equestrian-friendly options, you'll need to travel beyond the immediate area.

Seasonal flooding concerns: River-adjacent campgrounds like Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area may experience closures due to high water. "When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds," reports Jessica H.

Summer humidity challenges: Prepare for high humidity from June through August. "We were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August. Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didnt expect the humidity to affect us as it did. Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees," explains Clifton B.

Campfire smoke concerns: Sites at Lake Iowa County Park can be close together, affecting air quality. "Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open," warns Randall K.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. "There are 24 sites, and they run $20 per night... There's a playground, and firewood for purchase," mentions Jessica H. about Saulsbury Bridge.

Wildlife education: Use Lake Iowa County Park's trails for nature learning opportunities. "Not too far off the highway. Very clean and quiet. The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake... Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake," shares Ken G.

Site selection matters: For families wanting lake views, be strategic about site selection. "Very few sites have a view of the lake. To walk to the lake or near by pond you must go down hill, which could be a problem for any one with mobility issues... I would say if you can try and get sites, 67-70. They have beautiful views," advises Leslie P.

Tips from RVers

Hookup options: Keokuk County Belva Deer Park offers both primitive and serviced options. "$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance," notes Keith B.

Level sites: Check campground reviews for site levelness information. "We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers," shares Clint G.

Site spacing considerations: Wanatee Park offers well-spaced sites. "There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it's never a far walk and the shower house was really nice," explains Colleen L.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Amana, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Amana, IA is Lake Iowa County Park with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Amana, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Amana, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.