North Equestrian Campground at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area sits at approximately 1,000 feet above sea level in the rolling terrain of central Iowa, about 50 miles from Britt. The park encompasses over 6,000 acres with a 690-acre lake, offering a mix of prairie and woodland ecosystems. Equestrian camping near Britt, Iowa provides dedicated facilities for horse owners with numerous trails spanning various difficulty levels throughout the recreation area.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: The extensive trail network at North Equestrian Campground accommodates riders of all skill levels with varied terrain. "North Equine was where most of the horse folks were staying it was quite crowded. A very bustling area," notes Stephanie B.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line in the waters at Pilot Knob State Park Campground for a variety of fish species. "Family loved the fishing," reports Lisa P., who also mentioned seeing "turtles laying eggs and deer were all around."
Kayaking and tubing: Explore the Cedar River at Cedar Bridge County Park for water recreation options. According to Tim M., "Sitting right on the Cedar River, it's a great location to kayak and tube."
Hiking access: Multiple parks offer hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties. At Pilot Knob, visitor Michael W. noted there are "Plenty of hiking trails, playground for the kids, and an amazing sand bottom swimming pond surrounded by sand beach."
What campers like
Clean facilities: North Equestrian Campground maintains high standards for their amenities. "Great for an overnight on my road trip back the Denver. Clean bathrooms and showers," reports Stella S., highlighting the park's well-kept facilities.
Affordable pricing: Off-season camping at North Equestrian offers exceptional value. Anna C. noted, "Open for off season camping. 14$/night for full hookups with pull thru RV sites," making this an economical choice for horse owners and other campers alike.
Stargazing conditions: The open prairie landscape at Shellrock River Co Preserve creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. Camper Brandon P. appreciated that "It's quiet, clean, and has some pretty views of the Iowa nite sky."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers can take advantage of no-cost sites at Shellrock River Preserve. "Big grassy field surrounded by huge (walnut) trees. There a gravel track that goes along a large river... Free, 3 day max stay," notes Ax H.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most equestrian campgrounds near Britt have specific operating seasons. Clear Lake State Park Campground runs from "April 1 to December 31," while Webster County Kennedy Park Campground operates from "April 15 to October 15."
Reservation recommendations: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. Jennifer D. observed at Clear Lake: "Sad that there were so many back up sites over the holiday weekend, would have liked to have been able to camp here. It being full more than a week before the holiday, shows how great it is."
Site spacing considerations: Site proximity varies between campgrounds. At Clear Lake State Park, Janet K. found: "Nice campground with grassy pull thru sites. But very close together. If full, you would have no privacy."
Limited shade at some locations: Beach Campground at Brushy Creek offers fewer shade trees. Stephanie B., who stayed at North Equestrian, noted: "We did drive through the Beach Campground... Beach had very little shade and was primarily families with younger children."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Children can enjoy dedicated play areas at Beach Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. North Equestrian also has "a nice playground for the kids surrounded by a well maintained, large, grassy area," according to Stephanie B.
Beach access: Several parks offer swimming opportunities during summer months. At Pilot Knob State Park, Michael W. appreciated the "amazing sand bottom swimming pond surrounded by sand beach," providing a safe place for children to cool off.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids can observe local fauna at various parks. Lisa P. at Pilot Knob State Park mentioned, "Got to see turtles laying eggs and deer were all around," offering educational nature experiences.
Check shower temperatures: Clear Lake State Park's facilities may need adjustment for younger users. Becky M. cautions, "It's hard to control the temperature in the showers, too hot for little kids to stand directly in the water."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: North Equestrian Campground offers full hookups but has power limitations. Jeannie D. advises, "Wish the boxes accommodated my rig. It's easy in spring or fall, we can get by with 30 amps. If you need 50 amps, you're going to want to head to the Beach Camp."
Dump station location: Most parks provide sanitary dump stations near exits for convenience. At Cedar Bridge County Park, Tim M. notes, "Dump station and dumpsters near the exit," making departure procedures more efficient.
Site leveling preparations: Be prepared to make adjustments at some campgrounds. Lee D. observed at Clear Lake State Park: "The camper pads were a mix of dirt and gravel and mostly level."
Road navigation awareness: Some parks have confusing road systems. Lee D. also mentioned at Clear Lake: "The paved roads leading to the sites are very narrow and would appear to be one-way but are not designated as such, resulting in some confusion."
Traveler
