1 campground with availability this weekend
Loud Thunder Forest Preserve near Monmouth, Iowa offers a dedicated equestrian campground with well-maintained corrals, electrical pull-in sites, and picnic tables for overnight visitors traveling with horses. The campsites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with horse corrals adjacent to the campsites providing convenient overnight housing for equines. The campground features fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets, though no shower facilities are available. The horse corral campground sites remain quiet and open, providing enough space for horse trailers with adequate room between sites. Firewood is available for purchase within the park, eliminating the need to transport wood from outside areas.
The equestrian campground connects directly to the preserve's trail system, providing riders immediate access to scenic routes without needing to trailer horses to a separate trailhead. Trails wind through the forested areas of the 1,300-acre preserve, offering varied terrain for all riding skill levels. Lake George, located within the preserve, offers additional recreational opportunities including fishing and paddling when not riding the trails. The campground's layout allows for easy navigation with horse trailers, with sites designed to accommodate rigs of various sizes. Scott County Park's Southeast Corner Campground provides another horse-friendly option in the region, featuring hard-surface parking for vehicles and trailers, tie-ups for horses, and primitive amenities including outhouses and non-potable water. Trail access is adjacent to the camping area for convenient morning departures.
"Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."
"We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "
"There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
from $23 - $33 / night
"Tucked away in the southeast corner of Scott County Park – yes, the same park that already has more campgrounds than a camping catalog – lurks a little-known equestrian primitive campground."
"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."
from $15 / night
"Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren’t right next to each other."
"We saw an article about "Dutch Days" in nearby Fulton on www.OnlyInYourState.com, (first weekend in May) and thought it looked like fun."
"We enjoyed the beautiful lake and cute restaurant/gift shop. We liked the different loops of campsites with pit toilets every where and a nice modern bathroom/shower house also."
from $20 / night
"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
from $12 - $25 / night
"CG has nice corral with day use and camping sites: shelter available, elect pull in sites fire rings, wood available in park, tables, trails Lake George for fishing, paddling, boat rental."
from $20 - $26 / night
GuideI arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
TravelerDriving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35
TravelerOff the beaten path, beautiful area but when we got there the road to the campground was closed, so we ended up parking for the night in the horse staging area instead.
LegendThis campsite has a hard parking lot surface, picnic table, charcoal, grill, firing, and a pit toilet, horse tie up. Trail access starts here, recycling station is adjacent, and Scott County Park Road is just to the south.
LegendTucked away in the southeast corner of Scott County Park – yes, the same park that already has more campgrounds than a camping catalog – lurks a little-known equestrian primitive campground. It’s the sort of place that feels like you stumbled onto a secret level in a video game: no hookups, no frills, just you, your horse and the occasional squirrel judging your life choices. If SOC-Fox is the Brady Bunch middle child (see my review for this CG), this one is the mysterious cousin who shows up at family reunions in cowboy boots and doesn’t say much.
The sites? Bare-bones, as expected. You’re not here for 'glamping.' You’re here for space to tie up your horse, throw up a tent and feel like you’ve traveled back to 1883 (minus the dysentery). Fire rings are your only luxury item here, and if you’re expecting bathhouses with spa vibes, forget it. You’ll find pit toilets that are … serviceable. Let’s call them ‘character-building.’ Roads in here are gravelly but manageable if you take it slow, but you don’t really want to be coming here if you’re toting a 5th wheel or driving an RV as this area is really more geared for mi tent pitchin’ bredren who want the opportunity to ‘rough it’ ... ideally with their noble steeds.
What makes it shine, though, are the equestrian trails. Miles of riding paths crisscross through woods, open meadows and rolling hills. Even if you’re not on horseback, you can hike them and pretend you’re in a Western where the budget ran out before they gave you an actual horse. And because this campground is the least famous of the seven, you’re more likely to get actual peace & quiet. No cannonballing kids, no RV generators humming in the night, just plenty of crickets, the odd, stray coyote and your horse deciding 2 a.m. is the perfect time to shuffle around loudly.
Insider Tips? Giddy-up, here’s a few: (1) Bring your own water as there’s no magic spigot here; (2) If you want solitude, this is the place. It’s basically the anti-aquatic center; (3) Hungry after a day on the trail? Eldridge’s Grille on the Green dishes out hearty comfort food, and you won’t even have to tie your horse out front; and (4) If you need supplies, hit the Tractor Supply in nearby Eldridge. They won’t blink when you walk in smelling like hay and campfire.
Happy Camping!
TravelerGreat shady spots - register on line - clean bathrooms and showers - no full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available
LegendThe site offers a hard service to park on, picnic table, fire, pit, charcoal, grill, outhouse, horse tie up, and equestrian trailhead. There is a recycling dump station nearby, and open space with shaded tree area. The park itself offers trails for hiking and biking, a pool, golf course, campgrounds, historical Pioneer Village, amenities, including firewood, ice, concessions. Pride Lake offers paddling and fishing.
TravelerThis is our go to campground! We have stayed at this campground several times and plan to several more times! Half of the campgrounds is first come first serve, the other half is reserve only.
TravelerAll reservable spots...clean bathrooms, showers and spots. Beautiful park!
Equestrian camping near Monmouth, Iowa offers riders several options within a 50-mile radius. The eastern Iowa region features rolling hills and river valleys with elevation changes between 600-850 feet, creating varied terrain for trail riding throughout spring and fall seasons when temperatures typically range from 50-75°F. Trail systems connect directly to camping areas, allowing riders to access routes without trailering horses between rides.
Fishing at Lake George: At Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, the 1,300-acre property includes Lake George for fishing when not on horseback. "Lake George offers paddling and fishing," notes James M., who visited the equestrian area.
Kayaking on local waterways: Matsell Bridge Natural Area provides access to the Wapsipinicon River for paddlers who bring their own equipment. "The 4th of July weekend it was us, one other camper and the random one nighters. The first day my dog got off his leash and jumped into the river," shares Randi C., highlighting the proximity to water activities.
Explore historical sites: Within 30 minutes of most equestrian campgrounds, the Scott County Park area includes a Pioneer Village. "Historical Pioneer Village is located at north end of main park," mentions James M. in his review of the Southeast Corner equestrian camping area.
Quiet camping environments: Horse-friendly sites at Scott County Park provide peaceful camping. "The site offers a hard service to park on, picnic table, fire, pit, charcoal, grill, outhouse, horse tie up, and equestrian trailhead," writes James M., emphasizing the basic but functional setup for equestrian camping.
Well-maintained facilities: The campgrounds prioritize clean bathrooms even at more primitive locations. "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," notes another reviewer about Scott County Park's equestrian area.
Nearby amenities: Most equestrian camping areas maintain reasonable access to supplies. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area provides essential amenities close to equestrian camping. "Main CG has gravel lanes, showers, fire rings, tables, electric, nearby lodge and shelter with Cedar River access," states James M.
Seasonal flooding concerns: River proximity means possible closures. "When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds," warns Jessica H. at Saulsbury Bridge, suggesting calls ahead to check conditions.
Primitive camping limitations: Some equestrian sites have minimal facilities. "A little pricy for tent camping. Ten dollars per tent per night and you're restricted to the primitive area," notes John S. about camping at Saulsbury Bridge.
Trail access variations: Not all trail systems connect equally to campsites. Wanatee Park offers excellent trail connectivity according to reviewers: "The best thing about this campground is it's access to the squaw creek man bike single track. The sites are nice, and easy access to town if you forgot stuff," mentions Kris P.
Playground access: When riding with children, choose camping loops with play areas. "One section of sites is like an open field? No trees and full view of others. But these surround a playground- also very nice. Glamping with young kids? These sites would be a perfect," suggests Amy W. about Morrison-Rockwood State Park.
Multi-activity options: Plan for non-riding activities for family members. "The park itself offers trails for hiking and biking, a pool, golf course, campgrounds, historical Pioneer Village, amenities, including firewood, ice, concessions," notes James M. about facilities near horse camping areas.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy the natural surroundings at most equestrian sites. "This park also has prairie/natural habitat restoration areas that, in spring and summer, attract Monarch butterflies, and an abundance of birds including indigo bunting, red headed woodpecker, and goldfinch," observes Jessica H.
Site leveling challenges: Prepare leveling equipment for horse camping sites. "We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers," shares Clint G. about camping at Wanatee Park.
Electric hookup variations: Verify amp capacity before arrival at horse-friendly campgrounds. "Check your site before booking! One section of sites is like an open field? No trees and full view of others," cautions Amy W. about Wakpicada Natural Area, highlighting site variations.
Water access considerations: Many equestrian sites require filling tanks before parking. "No full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available," notes Edward B. about regional camping, indicating the need to plan water usage carefully when bringing horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Monmouth, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Monmouth, IA is Jackson County Iowa Fairgrounds with a 2-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Monmouth, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Monmouth, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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