Best Equestrian Camping near Central City, IA
Looking for the best horse camping near Central City? Camping with your horse in Central City just got easier. Search horse campsites and discover top-rated spots, as reviewed by other campers.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Central City, IA (5)
1. 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
2. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
Marion, Iowa5 Reviews•34 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$23 - $33 / night
3. Matsell Bridge Natural Area
Anamosa, Iowa3 Reviews•2 Photos•18 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
4. Wakpicada Natural Area
Central City, Iowa1 Review•11 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Trash
5. Albany Campground — Volga River State Recreation Area
Be the first to review!Fayette, IowaThe Albany Campground has equestrian and non-equestrian campsites. The equestrian campsites all have electrical hook-ups. The non-equestrian sites are non-modern with non-electric sites. There is a water hydrant for the non-equestrian campsites. There is water and vault toilets but no showers. A portion of the area is available for equestrian campers and those sites have hitching posts.
Volga River State Recreation Area is located in one of the most scenic parts of the state. Northeast Iowa is often referred to as "Little Switzerland" because of its rugged topography, rock outcroppings and forest cover - a sharp contrast to the rolling hills, farmland and scattered stands of timber found in the majority of the state. The heavily wooded, rugged area of Volga River is an exciting setting for a variety of outdoor recreation activities throughout the year.
- Pets
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Drinking Water
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Central City
38 Reviews of 5 Central City Campgrounds
- 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.
- 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.
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
- 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.
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
Kerry M.
RangerSix Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Two campgrounds to enjoy at Backbone State Park
Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa.
There are two campgrounds. I have camped in both:
Modern Campground: This is a large, modern campground with all of the standard amenities found in a modern campground… electric hookups, flush toilets, water. I have camped here twice, both times in my travel trailer. Overall, it is a nice campground with decent space in between campers, however, I tend to avoid it during the busier summer and fall colors seasons.
Primitive Campground: This is my favorite at Backbone for camping, especially in the autumn after the leaves have fallen off of the trees. As this campground is non-electric, there are not many people camping after it turns colder. I have spent many nights there alone in the primitive campground, watching RVs pull in and then leave after realizing that it has no hookups.
Nearby trout fishing: Backbone is home to one of the more popular trout streams in Iowa. The fishing is easy as most of the fish are stocked (April-October). Still, it is an enjoyable fishing trip as the stream itself is mostly rocks and gravel, with several deep holes. The water is cold and clear.
Other activities: Hiking is very popular in Backbone. I have also seen rock climbing and rappelling. There are some nice spots away from the trout stream for wading and a little swimming. Backbone State Park also has a small lake with a swimming area and boat rentals during the summer. Several nice cabins are available for those who do not want to camp.
Clint G.GuideWanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
A Gem in Linn County, IA
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. The sites are very spacious with some shade, a fire ring, and picnic table provided. The nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. The bathhouse and showers were clean with lots of hot water.
Tanner H.TravelerSix Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Endless trails, cool cliffs, quiet atmosphere
I have been to Backbone a few times, this spot is one of my friends and I’d favorite. There is no through traffic so it’s quiet. Tons of trails, specifically the spot we camped at was right by the trail so we had easy access. The sites are big so you can camp far back and keep the vehicles at the front. I was able to fly my drone here and it produced some amazing footage, check the descriptions you are interested!
The bathrooms weren’t the greatest, and their aren’t any showers near the site we stayed at, so be ready to be dirty for a couple of days.
- MMegan M.Guide
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Gorgeous state park!
To start off, Backbone State Park is one of the most gorgeous parks I’ve ever visited. It’s so beautiful, with plenty of challenging and scenic trails and lots of wildlife. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is the campgrounds (we stayed at Six Pines). I’ll go into more detail below.
Pros -Great trails, hikers will find much to love here -Beautiful scenery -Six Pines is all primitive campsites, which is nice for us tent campers who prefer quiet, natural environments -Six Pines sites are fairly spacious -Decent fishing -Lots of in-park attractions (the cave, old fish hatchery, etc.)
Cons -Six Pines is a big, flat loop, which means not much privacy and the sounds bounce all around. -With the playground in the middle Six Pines can get quite noisy -The sound reverberations at Six Pines means you can hear everything going on in your neighbors’ tents at night -Not much for modern bathrooms around the park -The trails are not well marked, the maps are largely inaccurate. Expect to find random, well-worn forks in trails without seeing them on the map -The trails could use some maintenance. There were plenty of downed trees blocking paths, a few that seem to have been there for quite some time. -Sites at the South Lake campground seem small, the place looked packed in like sardines with not much space between tents or campers
Jeannie B.GuideSix Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Many things to do here
Backbone is a very diverse area. There are miles of trails. Is hiking your thing? What about equestrian? Maybe mountain bike trails? You can even take the family for a nice leisurely walk on the easier trails. Exploring is fun at this park because there is so much to see. The Trout stream was busy the weekend we were there. You might even want to play a round of Gulf. We have solar on our trailer so we stayed in the Six Pines campground and it was beautiful. We listened to the night animals for hours.
Melanie Jo L.TravelerSix Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Great, amazing, fun, family oriented!
Great scenery and views! Fun trails, great beach, lighthouse, boat docks, cabins, caves, and much more. Absolutely loved this place! Had a blast got lots of great pics and memories! Loved the trails but most of all the amazing views/scenery! Fun family oriented park!
- RRyanScout
Matsell Bridge Natural Area
Great place
Good campsite for a mellow weekend. When i visited we were the only campers there an it was awesome!
Lee D.
LegendSix Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Many different camping options
There are two campgrounds at this park (the first state park in Iowa): a primitive one and a “modern” one. The primitive one (Six Pine) only has a pit toilet and each site has a fire grate and a picnic table. The modern campground (South Lake) has 30 amp, 50 amp, and tent sites. The electric sites are very close together (too close for our liking) so we opted for a tent site. We were in a loop with about six sites, and while the site size was generous and spaced a decent distance apart, there was no delineation between sites and no specific place to park your vehicle (and you cannot park on the road). These sites were also decidedly bumpy and not level; it took us about 15 minutes of maneuvering our van around to find a reasonably level spot.
The restrooms were six separate rooms, each complete with toilet, sink, and shower; they were clean.
We drove around the park and saw the balanced rock (meh) and I walked the short distance to the mouth of the cave. There was good signage to find the cave but once there, no information about the cave and its safety (or not) was available so I opted not to explore its dark and wet interior! There are seven trails in the park; the East Lake trail was a treat to hike. It hugs the lake for about two miles and while you can veer off onto the Bluebird Trail, I enjoyed hiking out and back for a different view. You can also hike from the South Lake campground to the beach– about a mile but the trail does start and stop, and you have to walk on the road for a bit. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats but we did not take advantage of this. We also did not swim so I cannot speak to the quality of the lake (other reviewers took issue with this). There is also a CCC museum, but it was not open while we were there.
We stayed one night which was sufficient for us. It might have been nice to stay longer if we decided to rent kayaks or hike different trails.
Katie J.GuideSix Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Favorite Iowa Park
This park is perfect for families or anyone looking for plenty of activities. They have boat rentals, amazing trails, a camp store onsite, a swimming beach and super clean bathrooms. Stayed at tent site #24 in the Southlake Campground, and it was fairly quiet even on a busy holiday weekend.
- AAmanda C.Guide
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Great park!
I tent camped at Six Pines Campground for 3 nights in August. The park has two campgrounds and this one is non electric with pit toilets and water. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring with a really nice grill. The sites are large and flat and the ones on the outside of the loop are well shaded. Two trails can be accessed from the tent campground - Six Pines trail and West Lake trail. There are two shower houses that you can use at the RV campground but it takes about 15-20 minutes to drive across the park to that campground. The park is very large with about 20 miles of trails. There is a spring fed creek and, if you stay away from the trout fishing area, you can play and wade in the creek. It has a sandy/rocky bottom and sandy banks. It felt wonderful on a hot day. There is a swim beach on the lake but it was closed due to E. coli in the water. There’s a small camp store too. At night in this campground there are no lights except in the registration kiosk so it’s perfect for star gazing. The Field of Dreams movie site is just 45 minutes away and makes for a fun side trip. There is a town about 10 minutes away with a couple restaurants and coffee shops. The Six Pines trail can be taken from the campground to the Backbone trail. The Backbone trail is along a rocky ridge. There are side trails down to the base of the cliffs and lots of rock climbing to do. Very fun to explore the side paths and climb up the rock walls.
- Max K.Traveler
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Great bathroom and hiking, awful lake
We stayed here two nights. That was plenty, although it's not really the park's fault. The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere. It was better when we kayaked, but still gross.
So why the five stars? 1. The bathrooms were fantastic. 2. The camp site was really nice and plenty of room. 3. The hiking was superb. Felt like we were not in Iowa. 4. The driving through the park was also really great and I will go back this fall to look at leaves. 5. There is a cave you can explore on your own. We did. It's awesome. It's muddy. It's super cool. 6. There are some decent bouldering spots. 7. Cheap, huge bundles of firewood at park entrance. 8. Really friendly at the camp store. 9. Close to Strawberry Point. Go to town to Clayton's Pharmacy and get an old fashioned soda. Fantastic. 10. Close to Edgewood and the Edgewood Locker. Go visit and stock up on meat on the way home.
Macel C.RangerSix Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Backbone
Lots a hiking trails... nice trout fishing. Kids love the river crossing. Be aware of night life, the raccoons like to come and join you at the camp fire.
All been said., nice little gem in Iowa.- PParker H.Scout
Wakpicada Natural Area
Well kept with good fishing
Went when it was 110 degrees with humidity. 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. I consider it a little hidden gem
- MMolly L.Guide
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Great place to stay
Nice sites. Bathrooms clean!
- Cheryl V.Scout
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Contaminated water
Lakewater often unsafe for swimming. To the extent the beach had weeds growing on it. Campsites are close together w no privacy.
- EEmma N.Traveler
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Hiking, swimming, fishing, and resting!
Have camped here twice with large groups (12-25 people) of college age friends. Was a great time with plenty to keep everyone interested.
My favorite memory was definitely swimming in the river. Also enjoyed hiking along the backbone trail, and climbing around some wooded areas.
- Kris P.Scout
Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
Just on the edge of town country comfort
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.
- Ashley D.Traveler
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Fun for the whole family
This campground has many things to do. This place has tent, rv and cabin camping, you can choose modern or non modern camping. Fun activities include fishing, swimming in a lake and also ground fed springs, boat rentals on the lake, hiking also horse trails, rock climbing, caves, playgrounds shelters for events and parties. I am sure there are even more things to do that I didnt have the time for.
- Sara P.Scout
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Love this place
Absolutely love Backbone! Beautiful hiking trails and a great place to camp with good bathroom accommodations!
- RRachel H.Scout
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Fantastic location cation for individual or group tent camping!
I went with a group of entering sixth grade Girl Scouts on a weekend tent camping trip to this park. The campsites were simple to access and the grounds were easy to navigate. We hiked on the famous Backbone trail - a really fun hike that isn’t too incredibly long. The grounds were well kept and we had a phenomenal time. The girls gathered our firewood in the neighboring tree line, and our evenings were filled with fun and friendly camping neighbors. I highly recommend this park.
- Terry M.Scout
Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
Well maintained
Great facilitity
- Julie W.Guide
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
plenty to do
lots of things to do and great hikeing park, also swimming and boat rentals
Guide to Central City
Horse camping in Iowa offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it an ideal choice for horse lovers looking to explore the great outdoors.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- At Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek), equestrian campers can enjoy spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for relaxing after a day of riding.
- Matsell Bridge Natural Area provides a rustic experience with primitive camping options, allowing horses to stay close by while enjoying the natural surroundings.
- Wakpicada Natural Area features well-kept sites near a pond, offering a peaceful retreat for both campers and their horses.
Equestrian campers like these nearby activities
- Riders at Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) can take advantage of nearby bike trails and hiking paths, making it easy to explore the area on horseback.
- Matsell Bridge Natural Area is located next to the Wapsipinicon River, providing opportunities for fishing and leisurely rides along the water.
- At Wakpicada Natural Area, campers can enjoy fishing and hiking, with trails that are accessible for horseback riding.
Equestrian campgrounds include essential features
- Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park offers electric hookups and clean facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both horses and their owners.
- Albany Campground — Volga River State Recreation Area provides drinking water and reservable sites, making it a convenient choice for equestrian campers.
- Matsell Bridge Natural Area includes fire pits and picnic tables at every site, enhancing the camping experience for those traveling with horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Central City, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Central City, IA is Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Central City, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Central City, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.