Best Equestrian Camping near Bernard, IA
Looking for a place to camp near Bernard with your horse? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Iowa horse camping excursion.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Bernard, IA (6)
1. Wyalusing State Park Campground
McGregor, Iowa56 Reviews•253 Photos•323 SavesLocated on a high bluff overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, a land of sculpted limestone and prehistoric Native American mounds can be found amid a swath of preserved hardwood forest. Translated “home of the warrior” in the language of the local Munsee–Delaware Indians, Wyalusing Hardwood Forest and the Wyalusing Mounds have received recognition as national natural landmarks and historic places. Adjacent to the forest, Wyalusing State Park is the perfect camping destination for a little outdoors R&R, while discovering more about the natural and cultural history at the junction of Wisconsin’s and America’s greatest waterways.
Visitors to Wyalusing State Park have two campgrounds to choose from. Wisconsin Ridge is set on a high bluff over the Wisconsin River, and Homestead is located in shady hardwood forest. Combined, they offer 109 campsites for tent and RV campers; there is also a large group campground. Both campgrounds provide flush and vault restrooms, shower facilities and drinking water. A portion of sites in each campground have electrical hookups for RVs, and there is a dump station near the Homestead site. The park also has several picnic areas, sports courts, and five reservable group picnic shelters. Firewood, camping supplies, ice and boat rentals are available at the concession stand. Seasonal campsite rates range from $15–$35/night; entrance to the park requires an additional fee.
With nearly 24 miles of land and water trails in Wyalusing State Park, you’ll find ample opportunities for exploring riverside bluffs. Whether you like to walk, hike, ride, or paddle, there’s a trail just for you. Take an easy interpretive walk to learn about the park’s flora, fauna and geology; hike to see limestone caves, waterfalls, and a great view of the river; hop on your bike for a ride around the edge of a wooded grassland; or board a canoe or kayak and paddle through the Mississippi backwaters. Many of these trails are also open during the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Other park activities include fishing, bird watching, and seasonal hunting.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$15 - $35 / night
2. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Dundee, Iowa29 Reviews•114 Photos•107 SavesLocated about an hour’s drive north of Cedar Rapids, Backbone State Park is Iowa’s oldest state park. Established in 1920, it was named for a narrow limestone ridge—the Devil’s Backbone—along the Maquoketa River. At its founding, it was one of the largest state parks in the U.S. to offer camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities. Since that time, the park has expanded to 2,100 acres—almost double its original size—and offers even more opportunities for locals and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature. Whether it’s wandering the woods, fishing on a quiet creek, lounging by the lake, or just napping in shade under a swinging hammock, there’s something for everyone here.
The two campgrounds at Backbone State Park offers 125 campsites for tent and RV campers. The large South Lake Campground has nearly 100 sites, about half with electrical hookups, with flush toilets and showers. The smaller Six Pines Campground has 27 primitive tent sites with vault toilets. Most sites are open and grassy, but there are plenty of shade trees around. Both locations have drinking water faucets and trash receptacles; a dump station is located at the South Lake Campground. The park also offers a few 1- and 2-bedroom cabins for those visiting sans tent or RV; bedding not provided. Many sites and facilities are ADA accessible. A small store in the park sells bait, firewood and some concessions. Reservations are accepted, but some sites are held open for first-come, first-served campers. Seasonal campsite rates range from $6–$16/night; cabins range from $50–$100/night.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy at Backbone State Park. The park features several playgrounds, picnic areas, an outdoor auditorium, and a museum. More than 21 miles of multiuse trails explore the woods and waterways within the park. Taking a hike or ride is the best way to see some of the park’s natural rock features, including the Stone Arch, Balance Rock, and the Devil’s Backbone. In winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Swimming, paddling and boating can be enjoyed on Backbone Lake, with kayak and canoe rentals available from the park, and angers can fish for trout on the creek out of Richmond Springs. And rock climbers will find several challenging routes on the park’s many limestone cliffs.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. Matsell Bridge Natural Area
Anamosa, Iowa3 Reviews•2 Photos•18 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
4. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
Marion, Iowa5 Reviews•34 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$23 - $33 / night
5. Wakpicada Natural Area
Central City, Iowa1 Review•11 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Trash
6. Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground
Long Grove, Iowa3 Reviews•25 PhotosAccess to the Equestrian area is one half mile east of the park entrance on 270th Street. A Scott County Recycling Station is located in the equestrian area parking lot.
A registration and information office is located at the south entrance off of 270th St. Open late April through mid-October. Select campgrounds/campsites are designated as "Reservable". All other sites are rented on a first-come-first-serve only basis. Please have your site number and identification with you when you register. Campground Hosts are located at each campground to assist you. Senior citizen (62 and over) and County resident discounts available. Concessions and firewood for sale. Gift Cards for sale - they make great presents and can be used anywhere in the Scott County park system. NOTE: All park gates are locked and no visitors allowed after closing time.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
$15 / night
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Bernard
98 Reviews of 6 Bernard Campgrounds
James M.
Legend
Jackson County Iowa Fairgrounds
Small County fairground cg
Offers basics: water, electric, showers some shade, stores nearby
- JJohn B.
Traveler
Wyalusing State Park Campground
Nice Park
Nice sites, trails and facilities. Stayed during the week in mid September. Beautiful sites overlooking the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. Great hiking with clean bathrooms and toilets. Private with plenty of room from neighbors for our teardrop.
- CColleen L.
ScoutWanatee 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.
- James M.Legend
Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground
Primitive Equestrian site
Primitive site offers table, fire ring, grill, tie up, outhouse, open space, hard surface parking. Trail is adjacent.
- Kristy E.Scout
Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
Very well kept and quiet campground.
This is a newer campground so is a mixture of mature and young trees. It is very clean and well cared for. Lots of opportunity to ride the numerous bike trails nearby and hike in wanatee park and nearby pinicon. The Cedar river and the wapsicon for fishing. This area has something for everyone.
Brent B.
GuideWyalusing State Park Campground
Views
Lovely morning sunrise and amazing sunsets. Great hiking trails,overall a great play to stay.
loren S.GuideWyalusing State Park Campground
Best views, great hiking, kayaking
Awesome campground with lots of hiking trails, and access to backwaters of Mississippi. Outside camp sites off gorgeous views of valley below.
Pat F.Guide
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Hidden treasure
Stayed in march it was cold but very nice park , restrooms were nice shower house was closed and locked but the scenery on the hiking trail was amazing
- James M.Legend
Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground
Open CG with minimal amenties
Site is located in the very SE corner of the park with: charcoal grill, fire ring, outhouse, picnic table, recycle station adjacent, tie-up, hard surface for RV. No water onsite. Trails available.
- Jeannie D.Guide
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Just stunning
This campground was large. The lake reminded me of a puzzle I did with my grandma as a kid. It was fall, and it was just gorgeous. There was a wedding the weekend we were there, but we were lucky to explore the tower the day prior. The nearby communities offer ameneties, which were needed as I sprained a knee hiking the backbone trail my third go. Absolutely adored the weekend we spent here. Wonderful neighbors, great spacious, level sites. I want to say we had electric only, and service was definitely spotty in most areas of camp. We used Verizon, and could not hulu.
Stacey N.
RangerWyalusing State Park Campground
Amazing.
Fantastic site… what a view. Good firewood… but the place right at the entrance is fantastic…. Offering both hardwood and pine. The only drawback is a lack of staffing… not really surprising. Bathrooms not cleaned as often as other places, but, not a dealbreaker.
Dana K.GuideWyalusing State Park Campground
Serene
Loved the camping and hiking. Beautiful in the fall
- HHpM R.Guide
Wyalusing State Park Campground
A touch above average
Site layouts a little less private. Great hiking. Duck hunting season must have started at sunrise Oct 1 - sounded like the Civil War started. City lights of PDC visible all night from the site. Trains ran quite a bit but didn't bother us. Oak trees dropped acorns enough to have us reposition the rig for uninterrupted sleep. TMobile strong 5G signal
- Patty M.Guide
Wyalusing State Park Campground
Beautiful campground on the bluffs
Campground sits high up on the bluffs so the views are beautiful. We stayed there in early spring so there wasn't much vegetation growing yet between sites but sites are well-spaced. Great hiking paths up and down the bluffs.
Michael V.RangerWyalusing State Park Campground
Beautiful views of the driftless and river valley below
Stayed here back in 2017, will be going back hopefully soon. Beautiful area! Campground is very nice, with showers and restrooms. Camp sites are far enough away from neighbors that there is some privacy. Need a state park sticker to access. Illinois Minnesota and Iowa are all short drives away. We have also snow shoes here to the ice caves in the winter. Which was fun.
- NNicole K.Guide
Wyalusing State Park Campground
Overall a really nice park!
We stayed in the Homestead Campground. You’re not competing for the views up on the ridge so the camp sites are spaced out more and have a little more privacy. Our site was nicely sized and the facilities were kept quite clean. Wyalusing has fantastic trails and incredible views. I would give it five stars, but our specific campsite was quite close to sites in the next loop and there was a lot of noise from those sites. I agree with other to come prepared for the bugs.
- rrita H.Traveler
Wyalusing State Park Campground
Awesome view
Great site. Great view. Lots of mosquitoes so come prepared. This is a really nice campground.
Josh G.TravelerSix Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Great park
Very nice great hiking couldn’t swim on our stay but nice beach canoe rentals small store bathrooms were very clean
Lyla W.GuideWyalusing State Park Campground
Absolutely stunning
Third time here camping at this campground, almost any spot on the bluff over look is good, but if you want a good view, anything really in the 120s or 140s is nice. Stayed at 125 this time, it’s all gravel with little grass, we had a raccoon come within a foot of where we were sitting, he got scared when we turned on the light haha. I get LTE/5G service at the camp ground, I have us cellular. Overall, would definitely come here again.
- James M.Legend
Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground
Small County primitive equestrian cg
Site has hard surface for vehicle/trailer, table, grill, non potable water, outhouse, tie-up, trails, shade trees. Located in SE corner of Scott County Park. Firewood, ice, concessions can be found in main park along with pool, golf, Pride Lake for fishing and paddling. Historical Pioneer Village is located at north end of main park.
Branden A.ScoutWyalusing State Park Campground
Camping ll
Danger
- Daphne D.Guide
Wyalusing State Park Campground
Very well maintained, quiet
We stayed here for one night only, but we will be back! Many of the camp sites (including ours) were secluded in trees and felt very private, but there were some sites that are very close together, so check the map! Beautiful park, great trails, probably the nicest and cleanest shower and bathrooms we've ever seen. The only downsides are that some of the sites are very small, and there were a LOT of bugs (none seemed to bite, but they swarmed our faces). Overall, though, we will definitely return!
Mallory S.GuideWyalusing State Park Campground
Great view
We stayed on the ridge and enjoyed the tremendous views. This park also has nice hiking trails, good birding, clean bathrooms, recycling drop off, great cell and tv signals and is close to Prairie du Chien. Our site on the ridge was nice. Many of the sites have something that makes set up interesting-slope, angle, tree, retaining was for example, take time to find one that’s good for you.
marty L.TravelerWyalusing State Park Campground
Very Pretty
We stayed 1 night on our way south from Minnesota. Beautiful view off cliff from our site. Chilly windy spring day. Park was really clean . A few early season campers getting out.
- Dana K.Guide
Wyalusing State Park Campground
Great place
The facilities were clean and accessible. The campsite offered privacy and solitude. Can’t wait to go back.
Brooke C.RangerWyalusing State Park Campground
Amazing Views & Awesome Trails
The views from the Wisconsin Ridge Campground are amazing! Grab a site on the north side of the loop and look out of the bluffs and river. The hiking trails are amazing as well! Great getaway for anyone in the Midwest!
Devon C.GuideWyalusing State Park Campground
Great views and amenities
The views over the hilly terrain and the river valley are grand. Had raccoon visitors overnight, and coyotes could be heard vocalizing fairly nearby. Awesome concession stand but it's only open on weekends after early September. Cellular signal is adequate.
Guide to Bernard
Horse camping in Iowa offers a unique experience for equestrian enthusiasts, combining beautiful landscapes with well-equipped facilities for both riders and their horses.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- At Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground, you'll find a primitive site with a tie-up area and a picnic table, perfect for a rustic getaway.
- Matsell Bridge Natural Area provides ample space for horse camping, along with fire pits and picnic tables at each site.
- Wakpicada Natural Area features a serene environment with access to trails, making it a great spot for equestrian camping.
Equestrian campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy fishing and hiking at Backbone State Park, where the scenic trails are perfect for both riders and hikers.
- The trails adjacent to Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground offer a great opportunity for horseback riding and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
- Matsell Bridge Natural Area is located near the Wapsipinicon River, providing a peaceful setting for fishing and relaxing after a day of riding.
Equestrian campgrounds include essential features
- Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) boasts electric hookups and clean facilities, making it a comfortable choice for horse campers.
- Backbone State Park offers modern amenities like showers and flush toilets, ensuring a pleasant stay for both you and your horse.
- At Wakpicada Natural Area, the well-maintained sites and tree cover provide a cozy atmosphere for equestrian camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bernard, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bernard, IA is Wyalusing State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bernard, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Bernard, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.