Top Horse Camping near Decorah, IA

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Decorah, IA (12)

    Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground

    1.

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    251 Photos
    316 Saves
    McGregor, Iowa

    Located on a high bluff overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, a land of sculpted limestone and prehistoric Native American mounds can be found amid a swath of preserved hardwood forest. Translated “home of the warrior” in the language of the local Munsee–Delaware Indians, Wyalusing Hardwood Forest and the Wyalusing Mounds have received recognition as national natural landmarks and historic places. Adjacent to the forest, Wyalusing State Park is the perfect camping destination for a little outdoors R&R, while discovering more about the natural and cultural history at the junction of Wisconsin’s and America’s greatest waterways.

    Visitors to Wyalusing State Park have two campgrounds to choose from. Wisconsin Ridge is set on a high bluff over the Wisconsin River, and Homestead is located in shady hardwood forest. Combined, they offer 109 campsites for tent and RV campers; there is also a large group campground. Both campgrounds provide flush and vault restrooms, shower facilities and drinking water. A portion of sites in each campground have electrical hookups for RVs, and there is a dump station near the Homestead site. The park also has several picnic areas, sports courts, and five reservable group picnic shelters. Firewood, camping supplies, ice and boat rentals are available at the concession stand. Seasonal campsite rates range from $15–$35/night; entrance to the park requires an additional fee.

    With nearly 24 miles of land and water trails in Wyalusing State Park, you’ll find ample opportunities for exploring riverside bluffs. Whether you like to walk, hike, ride, or paddle, there’s a trail just for you. Take an easy interpretive walk to learn about the park’s flora, fauna and geology; hike to see limestone caves, waterfalls, and a great view of the river; hop on your bike for a ride around the edge of a wooded grassland; or board a canoe or kayak and paddle through the Mississippi backwaters. Many of these trails are also open during the winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Other park activities include fishing, bird watching, and seasonal hunting.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    3.

    Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    10 Reviews
    28 Photos
    7 Saves
    Waterville, Iowa

    Yellow River State Forest in northeast Iowa is home to stunning views, beautiful woodlands, and meandering trout streams. Nestled in Iowa’s driftless area in Allamakee County, Yellow River offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, equestrian riding, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and more. Yellow River State Forest was first established in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corp and is home to Iowa’s only fire tower, built in 1963. Today, the forest is managed for numerous natural resource benefits and recreational opportunities.

    Big Paint campgrounds are non-modern with vault toilets. Drinking water is available near the office complex. Advance campsite reservations are recommended and can be made through the park reservation system, and one-quarter of the campsites are available for self-registration on a first-come first-served basis.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $12 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground

    4.

    Maple Springs Campground

    10 Reviews
    8 Photos
    20 Saves
    Preston, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    5.

    Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    29 Reviews
    114 Photos
    106 Saves
    Dundee, Iowa

    Located 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    6.

    Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    1 Save
    Waterville, Iowa

    Yellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units.

    The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist, with well-kept camping areas, equestrian accommodations, fishing, hunting, and over 45 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

    Frontier equestrian campgrounds are non-modern and have non-electric sites with hitching rails and vault toilets

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Equestrian

    $16 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louise State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louise State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louise State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louise State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louise State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louise State Park Campground

    7.

    Lake Louise State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    8 Photos
    14 Saves
    Le Roy, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    8.

    Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    Waterville, Iowa

    The Creekside and Frontier equestrian campgrounds are non-modern and have non-electric sites with hitching rails and vault toilets. There is no drinking water located in the campgrounds at Yellow River State Forest but it is available at the A-frame information center located on State Forest Road near Big Paint Campground approximately four miles off Highway 76.

    Yellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units. The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist, with well-kept camping areas, equestrian accommodations, fishing, hunting, and over 45 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian

    $12 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

Recent Equestrian Reviews In Decorah

133 Reviews of 12 Decorah Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    May 26, 2024

    Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    Dream stay.

    Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    August 20, 2023

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Best views, great hiking, kayaking

    Awesome campground with lots of hiking trails, and access to backwaters of Mississippi. Outside camp sites off gorgeous views of valley below.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground
    May 29, 2023

    Maple Springs Campground

    Great Campground close to State Park

    Really nice campground. Well maintained and level sites. Had a river to walk along and playground and animals for kids to enjoy. Staff were really nice and helpful. They had (free) loaner electric cords and water hoses for the sites that had a longer distance to go to the box/spigot. The state park was just down the road with great hiking.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
    May 25, 2023

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    May 20, 2023

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Amazing.

    Fantastic site… what a view. Good firewood… but the place right at the entrance is fantastic…. Offering both hardwood and pine. The only drawback is a lack of staffing… not really surprising. Bathrooms not cleaned as often as other places, but, not a dealbreaker.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    October 5, 2022

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    A touch above average

    Site layouts a little less private. Great hiking. Duck hunting season must have started at sunrise Oct 1 - sounded like the Civil War started. City lights of PDC visible all night from the site. Trains ran quite a bit but didn't bother us. Oak trees dropped acorns enough to have us reposition the rig for uninterrupted sleep. TMobile strong 5G signal

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    September 26, 2022

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground on the bluffs

    Campground sits high up on the bluffs so the views are beautiful. We stayed there in early spring so there wasn't much vegetation growing yet between sites but sites are well-spaced. Great hiking paths up and down the bluffs.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    September 17, 2022

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Beautiful views of the driftless and river valley below

    Stayed here back in 2017, will be going back hopefully soon. Beautiful area! Campground is very nice, with showers and restrooms. Camp sites are far enough away from neighbors that there is some privacy. Need a state park sticker to access. Illinois Minnesota and Iowa are all short drives away. We have also snow shoes here to the ice caves in the winter. Which was fun.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    September 8, 2022

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Overall a really nice park!

    We stayed in the Homestead Campground. You’re not competing for the views up on the ridge so the camp sites are spaced out more and have a little more privacy. Our site was nicely sized and the facilities were kept quite clean. Wyalusing has fantastic trails and incredible views. I would give it five stars, but our specific campsite was quite close to sites in the next loop and there was a lot of noise from those sites. I agree with other to come prepared for the bugs.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    August 3, 2022

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Absolutely stunning

    Third time here camping at this campground, almost any spot on the bluff over look is good, but if you want a good view, anything really in the 120s or 140s is nice. Stayed at 125 this time, it’s all gravel with little grass, we had a raccoon come within a foot of where we were sitting, he got scared when we turned on the light haha. I get LTE/5G service at the camp ground, I have us cellular. Overall, would definitely come here again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    July 26, 2022

    Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    Very nice equestrian CG near trout streams

    In Yellow River State Forest,-Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site. Self registration, trails from/ camp including stream crossings in trout streams. Manure station with tools. Some trails are multiuser.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    June 17, 2022

    Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    Busy but beautiful

    We stayed at the Big Paint Campground and had a nice time. The sites there are pretty spacious and level, but they don't feel very private because this campground is essentially just an open field with line of sight to all other campsites. Still, it was a lovely place with nice trails and great river access. There are also some breathtaking lookout points to see the countryside.

    We drove through Little Paint Campground and many of those sites were pretty small and crowded, but again, the river access and the views made it a pleasant stay. Nearby Harper's Ferry is a neat little town, so be sure to visit there!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    May 27, 2022

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Very well maintained, quiet

    We stayed here for one night only, but we will be back! Many of the camp sites (including ours) were secluded in trees and felt very private, but there were some sites that are very close together, so check the map! Beautiful park, great trails, probably the nicest and cleanest shower and bathrooms we've ever seen. The only downsides are that some of the sites are very small, and there were a LOT of bugs (none seemed to bite, but they swarmed our faces). Overall, though, we will definitely return!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
    May 24, 2022

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Great view

    We stayed on the ridge and enjoyed the tremendous views. This park also has nice hiking trails, good birding, clean bathrooms, recycling drop off, great cell and tv signals and is close to Prairie du Chien. Our site on the ridge was nice. Many of the sites have something that makes set up interesting-slope, angle, tree, retaining was for example, take time to find one that’s good for you.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground
    May 9, 2022

    Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground

    1st tent camp of the season

    Stayed here one night in early may and hiked the big spring trail. Site #42 was private with partial shade and a very nice and level gravel tent pad. The site was plenty big with plenty of room for activities. The shower facilities were very clean, same story for the latrines.



Guide to Decorah

Camping near Decorah, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Pikes Peak State Park Campground. “Beautiful overlooks above the great Mississippi River! Very nice trails!” said one happy camper.
  • Fishing: Head to Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground for some great trout fishing. A visitor mentioned, “Good trout fishing here, some sites are primitive, some have electric and water.”
  • Cave Tours: Don’t miss the cave tours at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground. One reviewer raved, “Love the cave tours! Some trails in the park are horse trails also, so you may encounter the occasional horseback rider.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground love the stunning views. One camper shared, “Campsite D's views were unbeatable. A storm rolled in over the Mississippi as we were heading to bed; it was a magical experience.”
  • Privacy: Many appreciate the spacious sites at Perrot State Park Campground. A visitor noted, “The sites are well spaced and well separated by trees.”
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Minnesota Whitewater State Park Campground said, “Restroom with showers also available in campground. Site was large and easy to back into.”

What you should know:

  • Train Noise: If you camp at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, be prepared for train noise. One camper warned, “When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries. When they go past the site, it's incredibly loud!”
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Great River Bluffs State Park Campground, have spotty cell service. A visitor mentioned, “There is little to no cell coverage.”
  • Mosquitoes: Be ready for bugs, especially in summer. A camper at Perrot State Park Campground noted, “Lots of vegetation around the camp site that made it feel a bit more private but that also brought lots of bugs and mosquitoes.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby swimming areas, like Minnesota Whitewater State Park Campground. A reviewer said, “Swimming beach about half a mile from campground.”
  • Playgrounds: Check out campgrounds that have playgrounds for kids. One camper at Pulpit Rock Campground mentioned, “Large playground, internet at the front building in case you need to work.”
  • Group Sites: Consider campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A visitor at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground noted, “Campsites are flat and grassy. They back up to each other so good for groups camping together.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park, offer electric hookups. A reviewer said, “Restrooms were nice, shower house was closed and locked but the scenery on the hiking trail was amazing.”
  • Space Between Sites: Look for campgrounds with spacious layouts. A camper at Wyalusing State Park Campground mentioned, “Site layouts a little less private. Great hiking.”
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station for convenience. A visitor at Pikes Peak State Park Campground noted, “Very Easy to use dump station.”

Camping near Decorah, Iowa, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the occasional train noise and bring some bug spray!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Decorah, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Decorah, IA is Wyalusing State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 55 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Decorah, IA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Decorah, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.