Best Equestrian Camping near Ames, IA
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.