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Best Equestrian Camping near Ames, IA

85 Reviews

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area features two equestrian campgrounds with full camping amenities and direct trail access. The North and South Equestrian Campgrounds provide RV sites with electric hookups, including both 30-amp and 50-amp service. Both campground areas offer water hookups, sewer hookups, and sanitary dump stations. The sites include picnic tables and allow campfires, accommodating both tent and RV campers. Horse trailer parking is available with sufficient space for larger vehicles and equipment. The campgrounds maintain a pet-friendly policy, allowing campers to bring other animals alongside their horses. Group equestrian camping opportunities exist for larger parties traveling with multiple horses. Campgrounds operate seasonally from April 1 to December 31.

Connected trail systems provide extensive riding opportunities throughout Brushy Creek's recreation area. The equestrian trails connect directly to both campgrounds, allowing for convenient daily rides without needing to trailer horses to trailheads. Both North and South Equestrian Campgrounds permit drive-in and walk-in access, making them suitable for various camping setups and trailer configurations. Riders have access to approximately 45 miles of multi-use trails throughout the recreation area, with several routes specifically designated for equestrian use. The trails traverse diverse terrain including woodlands, open prairie, and creek crossings. While the campgrounds lack dedicated horse corrals, the spacious campsites accommodate portable corrals and containment systems that many equestrians bring. Campsite reservations are recommended, especially during peak season weekends when horse campers frequently fill the equestrian areas.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Ames, Iowa (8)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Ames, IA

85 Reviews of 8 Ames Campgrounds

  • Tom S.
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Don't fall off the ledge!

    One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there. It's close to how I remember it.

    The campground has a good picnic area, restrooms, and an excellent trail. It's also inexpensive.

    What I enjoy most about this park compared to others in Iowa are the sandstone ledges and the slopes on the trail. There are some excellent views, so make sure your phone has enough battery to take photos (unlike me). I also spent a lot of time off the trail. It isn't too hard to get around. I'm not one who enjoys staying at a park that is mostly flat, so this is definitely a good place in Iowa for me to camp.

    If you are looking for a cool place to camp within an hour of Des Moines, you should seriously consider this park.

  • Wendy P.
    Jul. 19, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Beautiful hikes. Prepare for coons.

    One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.

    Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.

  • B
    Aug. 19, 2016

    North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    Nice campground

    I stayed here at the start of the summer and had a great time. We chose to stay in the equestrian campsite (even though we didn't have horses) because it was a bit more secluded and shaded. The campsites were nice and the lake and stream were very nice as well. I was surprised to see a school of muskie while fishing, but it appeared that they were spawning at the time. If you go camping in May, make sure to bring a slightly heavier fishing pole to handle the musky. They're worth it.

  • Willy W.
    Jun. 1, 2020

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Ledges

    Ledges State Park

    Ledges is an amazing place. It has so much to do. There are long trails to hike, creeks to play in.

    You can bring your tent or RV and camp. The RV camps have water/sewer hookups. The primitive tent sites are usually pretty clean and can get pretty busy on the weekends.

    There are lots of bridges that get flooded out and are fun to drive over. Most of the kids like to hang out near them and get splashed.

    Its a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors and especially in the fall. Also if you go to Ames stop at Great Plains pizza company.

  • J
    Dec. 14, 2021

    Jester County Park

    Nice, Quiet CG

    Nice CG located on the North end of Saylorville Reservoir. Camped in the upper CG site#145. Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV. CG has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course and nature center. Plenty to do with the city of Ankeny just 15 minutes away. CG was fairly empty until around Thursday and filled on the weekend. Seniors can get$5 off per day of their reservation. Dump station is at the entrance of the CG. We camped at Jester Park in a Travel Trailer.

  • Whitney S.
    Apr. 9, 2022

    Jester County Park

    Little bit of everything

    Campgrounds amazing views airsoft gun and archery ranges snowshoeing equestrians and cross-country skiing

  • S
    Jul. 6, 2021

    North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    North Equine Campground

    The only open site was in the North Equine Campground so we took a chance. We really did like the Campground, it was well maintained, clean and quiet. There were a few campers with horse but not many. Hitching posts behind each site which we enjoyed seeing. The roads inside the campground were all asphalt so lots of bikers enjoying rides around the grounds. There was also a nice playground for the kids surrounded by a well maintained, large, grassy area. There were many empty sites because so many had no electric. It made for lots of nice open space. Unfortunately, we had no shade in the afternoon so weren't able to eat dinner outside or enjoy a fire in the evening. We are fortunate we camped in a 5th wheel so we could escape the heat, we would have left after the first night otherwise.
    We did drive through the Beach Campground and the South Equine Campground. Beach had very little shade and was primarily families with younger children. The beach looked real nice, not too crowded for a hot, July day. North Equine was where most of the horse folks were staying it was quite crowded. A very bustling area.

  • Mike C.
    Sep. 26, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Small Quant and scenic

    The views around the park are some of the very best in Iowa. Hiking trails often found you coming face to face with deer who look at you inquisitively. Fun for family as the waters over the roadways are a splash for adults and children alike. It's a hidden gem, just outside Boone Iowa.

Guide to Ames

Horse camping in Iowa offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for riders and their horses.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Tips for equestrian camping near Ames, Iowa

  • When visiting the Ledges State Park Campground, be prepared for scenic hikes along rocky hills, perfect for exploring with your horse.
  • The Dallas County Fairgrounds offers a clean and economical option for horse camping, with friendly staff to assist you during your stay.
  • For a quieter experience, consider the Squirrel Hollow Co Park, which provides rustic camping spots and a peaceful environment for you and your horse.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ames, IA is Ledges State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Ames, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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