2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Two equestrian campgrounds near Brighton, Iowa provide access to horse trails and specialized facilities. River Valley Horsecamp in Farmington features spacious camping areas near the Des Moines River with excellent barns and well-maintained grounds for horses. The campground provides full hookups for RVs, drinking water, and accommodates tent camping. Lick Creek Unit - Upper Equestrian Campground in Shimek State Forest offers electric sites with 30-amp and 50-amp connections along with water hookups for campers with horses. Both locations maintain clean facilities specifically designed for equestrians traveling with their animals. The campgrounds are particularly suited for family gatherings with horses, as the open sites and proper equine accommodations create an ideal environment for group activities.
Nearby trail systems connect riders to scenic routes throughout the region, with multiple access points from both equestrian campgrounds. The trails wind through wooded areas and along riverbanks, providing diverse terrain for riding experiences. Horse owners should note that reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends when these horse camping facilities become busy with riders. Local roads provide easy access for horse trailers, with ample parking available at both locations. Neither campground lists specific horse corrals in their amenities, so riders should prepare appropriate containment systems for their animals. Campers report friendly hosts and welcoming local residents who enhance the experience for visiting equestrians. Primitive tent camping and RV options with electric and water hookups accommodate various preferences while maintaining proximity to trail access points.
"12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance."
"close to the river with lots of fun history and shops to keep you busy."
"Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon."
"Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out."
"The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you’re wanting to fish or swim, this isn’t the place for you!"
from $15 - $20 / night
"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. "
"The good: The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife."
"There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."
"Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean."
from $8 - $50 / night
"We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day. I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup. Outhouse type toilets are available there."
"Waubonsie trail behind park is a short hike to the covered bridge and Dutchman's Store. Perfect Way to stretch your legs after a long day on the road. Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean."
"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."
from $15 - $20 / night
"Good sights, great horse trails, awesome camping"
"We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails."
from $14 / night
"Open sites near the Des Moines river and local road meant spots were just for sleeping. Excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals. Nearby locals kind and welcoming."
"I stayed at the RV section right next to the rodeo arena. Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box. I forgot to count but looked like maybe 20 spots max."
from $20 / night
TravelerNice quiet campground. The front looks like more long timers and it was a little noisier up there but I drove to the back loop and it's nice and quiet back here. PLENTY of 50/30/20 amp hookups and the shower house in the back was nice. Water was just lukewarm but it was hot out so no problem. Might be less pleasant in colder weather though. Pull through spots available. I would stay here again for sure.
ScoutWife 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.
GuideThis site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.
GuideLots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range.
ScoutIt was beautiful, full of wildlife, easy to find,not too far from highway but far away enough to not hear
GuideNot 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.
RangerVery well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?
Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. 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. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.
The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.
But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.
I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.
Other than that it was a great spot.
ScoutI 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.
Scout$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance. Stand-alone bathrooms throughout the park have the deep composting toilets that smell bad but whatever the ones up front are nice. Would recommend 10/10
Equestrian camping options near Brighton, Iowa provide access to forest lands and river valleys across southeastern Iowa. Located amid rolling farmland approximately 30 miles from the Mississippi River, this region features a mix of hardwood forests, prairie remnants, and river corridors. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making spring through fall the primary camping seasons for horse enthusiasts and their families.
Trail riding through forests: Lick Creek Unit - Upper Equestrian Campground in Shimek State Forest offers access to extensive trail systems for horse enthusiasts. One camper noted, "We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails," while another called it a "great place" with "great horse trails, awesome camping."
Wildlife viewing: Watch for local fauna throughout the region's parks. At Lake Iowa County Park, one visitor mentioned, "We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through." Another camper reported seeing "lots of deer and rabbits right outside our door."
Water recreation: Many parks feature lakes and river access points. Indian Lake Park offers "a lake with a nice sandy beach" according to reviewers. One visitor highlighted the diversity of activities: "Hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, bird watching. There are many things to keep you busy here."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at regional parks. One visitor to Big Hollow Recreation Area called it a "Really excellent campground" with "Lots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house." Another noted the park has "a large playground and shower house."
Reasonable pricing: The campgrounds offer good value for equestrians and general campers alike. At Keokuk County Belva Deer Park, a camper reported, "$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance." Another visitor appreciated that Lake Iowa County Park offered "electric sites for $16" while tent sites were even more affordable.
Family-friendly amenities: Most parks cater to multiple age groups. At River Valley Horsecamp, a visitor described "Excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals" and called it ideal for "Family Equine Fun." Indian Lake Park reviewers noted it "has something for everyone" with "primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu."
Seasonal considerations: Flooding can impact camping areas. At Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, a ranger reported, "When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds." Another visitor noted they still enjoyed the area "Even though some of the campground was slightly flooded during our stay."
Reservation systems: Many parks use first-come, first-served systems with self-registration. Rodeo Park offers "Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box," while other parks recommend reservations, especially for equestrian camping.
Site selection tips: Choose sites based on your specific needs. At Lake Iowa County Park, a camper advised, "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 problem for any one with mobility issues...if you can try and get sites, 67-70. They have beautiful views."
Playground access: Most campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. Big Hollow Recreation Area has "a large playground" near the camping area, while Indian Lake Park offers "playgrounds" throughout the park.
Educational opportunities: Waubonsie Trail Park connects to local historic sites. One camper mentioned, "Waubonsie trail behind park is a short hike to the covered bridge and Dutchman's Store. Perfect Way to stretch your legs after a long day on the road."
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming areas for children. Big Hollow Recreation Area includes a "beach" area, while Indian Lake Park features "a lake with a nice sandy beach" for families.
Hookup availability: RV sites vary widely across the region's horse campgrounds and general camping areas. At Bentonsport Riverside Park, a camper noted there are "30 and 50 amp elect there is no water or sewer on you're site but water is available in camp." At Big Hollow, campers appreciate that it's a "Full Hookup!!!" campground where "Sites are pretty level and easy to get parked."
Size considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. While River Valley Horsecamp is described as "big-rig friendly," campers should check site specifications before arrival, as some parks have limited turning radius or smaller sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Brighton, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Brighton, IA is Keokuk County Belva Deer Park with a 5.0-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Brighton, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Brighton, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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