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Best Equestrian Camping near Des Moines, IA

78 Reviews

Elk Rock State Park's Equestrian Campground offers camping specifically for those traveling with horses. Located in Knoxville, approximately 35 miles southeast of Des Moines, this campground provides electric hookups with both 30-amp and 50-amp service for RV and tent campers. The equestrian area features access to dedicated horse trails that wind through the park's terrain. Campsites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking space, though the campground lacks dedicated horse corrals. Stephens State Forest's Whitebreast Equestrian Campground provides another option for horse enthusiasts. This campground includes electric hookups with 30-amp and 50-amp options, and water hookups for horse care. The facilities are cleaned regularly and maintained for both riders and their horses.

Trail riders at Whitebreast Equestrian Campground have direct access to miles of bridle trails through Stephens State Forest, creating opportunities for extended rides through varied terrain. The trails connect to wider networks throughout Lucas County. Horse owners should note that while both campgrounds welcome pets, they require riders to manage their own horse waste appropriately. The primitive nature of these facilities means riders should bring sufficient feed and water containers for their animals. Seasonal access runs primarily from April 1 to December 31, with some weather-related closures during wet periods when trails may become damaged. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer weekends when equestrian campsites fill quickly with riders from across central Iowa seeking accessible trail experiences.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Des Moines, Iowa (10)

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Des Moines, IA

1 Photos of 10 Des Moines Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Des Moines, IA

78 Reviews of 10 Des Moines Campgrounds

  • Tom S.
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Don't fall off the ledge!

    One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there. It's close to how I remember it.

    The campground has a good picnic area, restrooms, and an excellent trail. It's also inexpensive.

    What I enjoy most about this park compared to others in Iowa are the sandstone ledges and the slopes on the trail. There are some excellent views, so make sure your phone has enough battery to take photos (unlike me). I also spent a lot of time off the trail. It isn't too hard to get around. I'm not one who enjoys staying at a park that is mostly flat, so this is definitely a good place in Iowa for me to camp.

    If you are looking for a cool place to camp within an hour of Des Moines, you should seriously consider this park.

  • A
    Apr. 3, 2022

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Scenic Hiking

    I stayed at Ledges in June and hiked the trails again in February. The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals. With most of the surrounding areas having little to no elevation changes there are a few nice hikes along some rocky hills beside the river both in summer and winter.

  • A
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Jester County Park

    Solid campground

    Stayed at this campground for 3 nights while visiting Des Moines.  We stayed in Loop 1- site 138 because we wanted electrical.  The electrical box has 2 standard household plugs which is nice.  This loop was mostly RVs due to the electrical hook ups.  There aren't really trees between the sites, but it is in a wooded area which is nice and there is some space between the sites so you don't feel like you are right on top of the other people.  Generally, people were pretty quiet, especially once it got dark.  Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate.  Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up.  There is a grassy area all around the gravel with plenty of room for multiple tents.  2 bath/shower houses within a short walk from the site- they were both clean and solid to use.  There are some short trails within the park which are generally well marked, but just 1 trail is longer than about 1/2 a mile.  Didn't check it out, but there is also a large lake.  Lots of picnic areas throughout the park.  There's also a volleyball court and free lending library near one of the bathhouses.  Overall, I'd recommend this campground as long as you don't mind seeing your neighbors.  Quick drive into Des Moines too.

  • E
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Great place to hike!

    We had a great time camping here with several family members. The trails were very nice and scenic for the little amount of work to hike them. The Des Moines river passes right through here and I’d love to make a float trip out of it some day.

  • April B.
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Quiet, low-key hike in camping

    Though it’s closed this summer :( - the Ledges State Park campground is a long time favorite of ours. Lots of electrical and non electrical spots and also an entire section of hike-in tent camping that is just a short hike down to a secluded section of the Des Moines River. Secure your food at night or the racoons will dine lavishly on your supplies. :)

  • b
    Oct. 1, 2021

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Big campground

    We have hiked here and it was really busy when we did. We decided to come back and camp a few months later. The campground was large but the DNR was helpful when finding our spot along with nice signs everywhere. We didn’t have any problems, people seemed friendly. Didn’t use the bathrooms but the outsides looked nice. We traveled to Des Moines when we stayed but there is lots to do near by. I would suggest the “high tressel trail” for bike riders, lots of cute bars to stop in along the way. Madrid has a bakery and some other cute places. Boone has a scenic train ride if that’s your thing. And the town of Luther, about 4 miles from the campground has a BBQ place that a lot of people travel to.

  • James D.
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Ledges State Park Campground

    More of a nice park for locals than a destination for out of towners

    We stayed here while passing through on a road trip. It was easy to get a camp site. We opted for a hike-in site to try for a bit of seclusion. The site was nice. We didn't have other campers near by. The hiking trails are very short but there is a bike path that evidently connects several parks in the region. It is a family friendly park with bathrooms, spot for trash, and even shower station. There is a kayak launch point off Lower Ledges Road. The water was calm. This is more of a park for locals to picnic, fish and kayak than a destination for out of towners. It is a quiet park that had a lot of local dog walkers and would be a peaceful place to stay with the kids if stopping through the area. There is a playground on site and you can fish out of the Des Moines River.

  • Wendy P.
    Jul. 19, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Beautiful hikes. Prepare for coons.

    One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.

    Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.

  • J
    Dec. 14, 2021

    Jester County Park

    Nice, Quiet CG

    Nice CG located on the North end of Saylorville Reservoir. Camped in the upper CG site#145. Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV. CG has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course and nature center. Plenty to do with the city of Ankeny just 15 minutes away. CG was fairly empty until around Thursday and filled on the weekend. Seniors can get$5 off per day of their reservation. Dump station is at the entrance of the CG. We camped at Jester Park in a Travel Trailer.

Guide to Des Moines

Horse camping in Iowa offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse lovers, you can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring your equine companions are well taken care of.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like electric hookups

  • The Dallas County Fairgrounds provides electric hookups and drinking water, ensuring that both campers and their horses have what they need for a comfortable stay.
  • At Double E LLC Camping, you’ll find electric hookups and reservable sites, making it easy to plan your horse camping trip.
  • Lucas Primitive Campground — Stephens State Forest offers a more rustic experience with picnic tables and access to trails, perfect for those looking to connect with nature while camping with horses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Des Moines, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Des Moines, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Des Moines, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Des Moines, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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