Nine Eagles State Park and Lake of Three Fires offer extensive equestrian camping options near Davis City, Iowa. Located in the rolling hills of southern Iowa, this region maintains over 20 miles of dedicated horse trails through varied terrain. Most equestrian sites remain open from April through December, with seasonal closures during winter months. Trail conditions vary with weather patterns common to this agricultural region.
What to do
Trail riding diversity: Nine Eagles State Park features multiple trail difficulty levels for riders. "Absolutely beautiful park and really nice trails," notes Tina T., who visited in spring 2024. Trails offer varying terrain around the 85-acre lake.
Fishing opportunities: Several fishing jetties provide access points for anglers at Lake of Three Fires. "There is a dock where you can fish and it also has a cleaning station available," reports Kimberly W. The lake contains bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish.
Beach recreation: Lake of Three Fires offers swimming during summer months. "The beach sandy and clean for a refreshing dip on a hot afternoon," according to Caralee D. The beach area includes volleyball courts and horseshoe pits within walking distance of the campgrounds.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Weekday visits offer particularly peaceful experiences. "We arrived on Thursday evening. Though it was definitely busier come Friday night not all the sites were full and most seemed to be retired or semi-so with grandkids. No party atmosphere," reports Uhura G. at Nine Eagles.
Abundant shade: Madison County Fairground Campground provides a convenient alternative when equestrian campgrounds fill up. "When the trees get big and fill in and COVID is over and the shower house is open it will be 4 stars," mentions Richard R., noting the developing nature of this site.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide prime deer spotting opportunities. "There are lots of deer in the area at all hours of the day, so keep an eye out for them when traveling to and from town," advises Kayla F. at Lake of Three Fires.
What you should know
Water availability: Water access varies seasonally at equestrian sites. "We opted to pay the extra money for an electric site - based solely on the fact that the water wasn't turned on in the basic site loop (we later discovered it was also off at the swimming beach)," explains Uhura G. about spring camping at Nine Eagles.
Trail conditions: Spring brings muddy sections to some pathways. "Red buds and flowers were starting to bring the forest to life. Some of the trails were muddy, but there plenty of others to choose from," shares Isaac F. about Stephens State Forest Whitebreast Unit, another equestrian option within driving distance.
Firewood limitations: Plan to bring or purchase firewood before arrival. "Firewood is not sold on the campground, so you can burn what's on the ground or head to Hyvee for some wood in town," advises Kayla F., who had to search for sticks in the dark after arriving late.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Families appreciate the diverse recreation options beyond horseback riding. "This campground remains a solid four stars. They have spent some money since I was last here building new pavilions and updating some of the equipment," reports Matt S. about Nine Eagles State Park.
Site selection: Choose campsites with access to amenities for easiest family camping. "The bathhouses are centrally located in the campground and offer clean bathroom and shower facilities for campers," notes Kimberly W., though availability varies by season.
Local supplies: Stephens State Forest Lucas Unit offers more primitive camping experiences requiring preparation. The nearby town of Bedford provides necessities. "Bedford is only a few miles away so you can run into the local Hy-Vee for Groceries or stop by Dollar General if you forgot something," explains Kimberly W.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campsites have uneven terrain requiring adjustment. "A lot of the sites are sloped, so even ground can be hard to find," reports Megan M. about Lake of Three Fires. Electric sites tend to be better maintained than non-electric options.
Hookup reliability: Check electrical service before setting up. "We had problems with the rv hookups, immediately a park worker came to help," shares Molly M. about Lake of Three Fires, noting the responsive staff assistance.
Dump station access: Plan waste management accordingly as not all equestrian campgrounds offer dump stations. Nine Eagles provides a sanitary dump station while some of the forest campgrounds lack this amenity, requiring travel to other facilities.
