Hacklebarney Woods County Park provides a specialized equestrian camping area approximately 300 yards beyond the main entrance. The campground contains both upper and lower camping circles, featuring 15 total sites with individual water and electric hookups. Campsites are spacious with ample shade trees throughout the park. Trail riding opportunities include multiple maintained paths ranging from flat terrain to more challenging routes with elevation changes.
What to do
Trail riding options: Lake Icaria County Park offers well-maintained riding paths through wooded areas. "Love the trails," notes Jenny A. in her review of Lake Icaria Co Park.
Hiking opportunities: The park system contains numerous walking paths suitable for various skill levels. "The park is big - lots of trails for hiking and horses. They are usually very well maintained - they keep them mowed in nice wide paths and the trails range from nice and flat to a bit more steep," according to a review of Nodaway Valley County Park.
Lake activities: Visitors can enjoy boating and fishing at nearby Lake Icaria. "It one of the only lakes in Iowa where you can drive your boats fast. Great fireworks show on the 4th of July," writes Laura B.
Seasonal events: County fairgrounds often host special events throughout camping season. At Madison County Fairground, a camper noted: "You might get a view of bridesmaids and grooms at the fairgrounds on the weekend heading to a wedding in the fairground building."
What campers like
Privacy and quiet: Many equestrian campers value the secluded nature of these campgrounds. "Very secluded but nice," notes Deb W. about Hacklebarney Woods County Park.
Spacious sites: Lake Icaria receives praise for its campground layout. "The spots are spacious, and there are tons of options. In the fall we went and had no neighbors," writes Nicole B. about Lake Icaria Co Park.
Clean facilities: Many county parks maintain their restroom facilities well. "Clean, economical, and friendly staff," notes James W. about Dallas County Fairgrounds, while another reviewer mentioned Hacklebarney's "surprisingly nice shower room for the size of the park."
Natural setting: Less developed parks offer a rustic camping experience. "The park is quite with some nice camping spots. Very quite with nobody around. The park could use some improvements but parks like these are my favorite!" shares Nathan M. about Squirrel Hollow Park.
What you should know
Signage challenges: Finding park entrances can sometimes be difficult. "Be careful not to drive by Hucklebarney Woods, if you're not careful you will pass it by. There is a sign but it is not very visible and you may have to hit your brakes pretty hard, so be careful," warns Matt S.
Facility variations: Amenities differ significantly between parks in the area. At Squirrel Hollow Co Park, expect more primitive conditions with electric hookups but no showers or toilets, making it suitable for self-contained camping.
Seasonal availability: Most county parks operate from April through October. Dallas County Fairgrounds specifically notes a season from "Apr 1 to Oct 31," while other locations may have similar restrictions.
Limited recreation: Some parks have minimal on-site activities. Nodaway Valley Park has "a little pond but there are no fish in it and it could use some work - lots of moss and such," according to a reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Check the condition of play equipment before promising children. "The playground is outdated but there is a large area where kids can play soccer or tag and while the equipment is old it is not in bad shape," notes Kimberly W. about Nodaway Valley County Park.
Swimming options: Lake Icaria offers dedicated swimming areas for children. "Great swim spot, fun park for kids," writes Nicole B., making it more suitable for families than parks with non-swimmable ponds.
Bring entertainment: Pack games and activities for less-developed parks. "Camping here does require some yard games and activities for entertainment - but you are just a couple minutes from the store if you forget something!" advises a Nodaway Valley camper.
Food options: Some locations offer unexpected food service. Mike S. notes that Lake Icaria even has "food trucks that serve over by the beach!"
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete utility connections. At Madison County Fairground Campground, "Water, gas and Sewer was $15 daily, $105 weekly, and $420 monthly," notes Richard R., adding that "prices go up to $120 weekly when it gets cold."
Dump station access: Check for dump stations if staying at sites without sewer hookups. Lake Icaria receives praise for being "very clean, lovely camp ground" with all necessary facilities for RVers.
Entry challenges: Some parks have narrow access roads. One Hacklebarney visitor notes the entrance can be easy to miss, while larger rigs might have difficulty navigating in smaller county parks not designated as "big-rig friendly."
Extended stay options: For longer visits, fairgrounds often accommodate monthly campers. Madison County Fairground allows extended stays, with one camper noting they stayed "from August until November 13 in my pull behind camper."
