Brushy Creek State Recreation Area offers multiple equestrian camping options within 45 miles of Clarion, Iowa. The north, south, and beach campgrounds sit at approximately 1,150 feet elevation in Webster County's rolling landscape. Horse campsites remain available even during peak summer periods, with electrical and full hookup options that stay operational from April through December.
What to do
Trail riding access: North and South Equestrian Campgrounds at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area connect directly to extensive multi-use trails. "Walking, hiking and exploring. People are here camping with their horses but the campground is still nice and quiet," notes Andrea H. about the South Equestrian Campground.
Fishing spots: Multiple ponds and a 690-acre lake provide fishing opportunities near the horse camping areas. "I was surprised to see a school of muskie while fishing, but it appeared that they were spawning at the time. If you go camping in May, make sure to bring a slightly heavier fishing pole to handle the musky," advises Brandon C.
Beach access: The beach area connects to the equestrian trails via daily rides from both North and South Campgrounds. At Clear Lake State Park, "there is easy access to the lake, and the town has so much to do during the summer months," according to Vanessa H.
Horseback rentals: While personal horses require hitching posts at campsites, local stables offer day-rate rentals for visitors without horses. Kennedy Park provides seasonal rentals with direct access to separate trail systems not connected to Brushy Creek.
What campers like
Off-season value: Horse camping areas offer significant value during spring and fall. "Open for off season camping. 14$/night for full hookups with pull thru RV sites," reports Anna C. about North Equestrian Campground at Brushy Creek.
Spacious sites: The equestrian campgrounds feature larger than standard sites to accommodate horse trailers. "Great for tent camping, very spacious and grassy sites, clean, grill/fire pit was really very nice," shares Randi about the North Equestrian Campground.
Shower facilities: The modern shower buildings receive consistent positive feedback. At Pilot Knob State Park, "bathhouse was clean and showers were individual room with timed lights, motion sensors kept the shower interesting," reports Lisa P.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution makes for excellent stargazing from horse camping areas. "Very little light pollution" at Brushy Creek means "the stars were so bright," according to Staci I.
What you should know
Non-horse campers welcome: You don't need horses to use the equestrian campgrounds. "We chose to stay in the equestrian campsite (even though we didn't have horses) because it was a bit more secluded and shaded," explains Brandon C. about Brushy Creek's North Equestrian area.
Site availability patterns: Non-electric sites remain less utilized even on summer weekends. "There were many empty sites because so many had no electric. It made for lots of nice open space," notes Stephanie B. about North Equestrian Campground.
Seasonal closures: While camping is available April through December, shower buildings close earlier. Water systems winterize by mid-October depending on temperature forecasts.
Traveler
