Top Equestrian Camping Near Des Moines, IA

Are you looking for a place to stay in Des Moines with your horse? Finding a place to stay in Iowa while traveling with your horse is easy. Search nearby equestrian campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Des Moines, IA (8)

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

    1. Ledges State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    57 Photos
    207 Saves
    Boone, Iowa

    Millions of years before the plains of Iowa were inhabited by the Sauk, Fox and Sioux peoples, much of the American Midwest was covered by a shallow inland sea. It was at this time that the area’s sandstone deposits began forming. Fast-forward to just 13,000 years ago, with the inland sea now long gone, Ice Age glacial meltwater raced across the dry plains, carving and scouring channels and canyons into the sandstone terrain. One of these canyons can be found in Iowa’s Ledges State Park. This 1,000-acre nature preserve and recreation area is located on a wide bend on the Des Moines River, and is just 40 miles north of the city of Des Moines. The park is subject to frequent flooding when the river breaches its banks, but is otherwise a popular year-round outdoor recreation destination. Visitors to Ledges can enjoy a variety of hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities, as well as explore a prehistoric river canyon that showcases nature’s ability to sculpt the landscape.

    The campground at Ledges State Park features 94 tent and RV sites situated among deciduous woods not far from the Des Moines River. Campers can choose from full-hookup, partial-hookup, or primitive tent sites. Most sites are back-in; only a few are pull-through for larger vehicles. Tent sites are located in both in the main camp area, and in a secluded walk-in area. There is also a youth group site. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills, and all have access to water faucets, flush restrooms, showers, and trash receptacles; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The campground also features a kids’ playground, outdoor amphitheater, and is within walking distance of trails and picnic areas. Some roads and/or facilities may not be open or available in the winter. Reservations are accepted, however the park saves about half of the sites for first-come, first-served campers; sites are $11–$19/night.

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

    $12 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park

    2. Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park

    5 Reviews
    41 Photos
    Lake Red Rock, Iowa

    The equestrian campground features both electric and non-electric sites also. A modern shower building, horse stalls, hitching rails and a 100 foot by 200 foot riding arena are available.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • No image available

      3. Dallas County Fairgrounds

      1 Review
      11 Saves
      Dallas Center, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Madison County Fairground Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Madison County Fairground Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Madison County Fairground Campground

      4. Madison County Fairground Campground

      1 Review
      3 Photos
      8 Saves
      Winterset, Iowa

      The Madison County Fairgrounds is a great place to camp during the fair or throughout the rest of the camping season. From tents to motorhomes, it is accommodating to everyone's needs. Non-Fair Camping The Madison County Fairgrounds camp site is open April 1 to November 1, except during the fair. The pricing and rules for dates outside of the county fair week can be found on the link at the bottom of the page. Reservations are not available during this period, but if you are interested in camping please call Matt Porter at (641) 728-4750. Fair Camping Camping at the fairgrounds during the Madison County Fair allows participants to stay close to the action while having a comfortable place to rest. See the following link for more specific information about fair-time camping regulations. Contact Chance Dullard at 515-468-5034 if you would like more information. NOTE: No campers, reserved or non-reserved, can be on the fairgrounds before 6:00 pm on the Saturday before the start of the fair. A charge of $50 per day will be given to those who violate this rule.

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

      $11 - $105 / night

      • No image available

        5. Squirrel Hollow Co Park

        2 Reviews
        2 Saves
        Jefferson, Iowa
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • ADA Access
        Camper-submitted photo from Double E LLC Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Double E LLC Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Double E LLC Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Double E LLC Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Double E LLC Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Double E LLC Camping

        6. Double E LLC Camping

        Be the first to review!
        8 Photos
        Knoxville, Iowa

        Located one mile North of Knoxville on a quite dead-end road. It is 2 miles from the Knoxville Iowa Racetrack, 4 miles from Elk Rock Equestrian Park, 4 miles from Red Rock public boat launch. Site has 50/30 amp. receptacles, and water hook. Traveling with your horses there is a fenced in accommodation for them next to the camp site. There is a shared firepit, and additional outside sitting.

        We do have a bunk house for additional sleeping with 2 separate rooms with air and queens size beds, you can rent separately or together. There is additional seating area in front. These units have no water or plumbing.

        • Pets
        • Electric Hookups
        • Reservable
        • RVs
        • Equestrian
        • Cabins

        $50 / night

        • No image available

          7. Singing Mesa Ranch

          Be the first to review!
          1 Save
          Lucas, Iowa

          At Singing Mesa Ranch, our goal is to be your favorite spot for horse boarding, camping and hitting the trails. Our focus is to create an inviting but small and quiet destination where family is welcome, folks respect each other and you can unwind. You don't have to have a horse to stay with us! Established in 2015, we have slowly built a small campground, opened our indoor stall barn, outdoor pens and uncovered paddocks to our campers and as a horse motel. We have a 60x90 insulated indoor arena, a heated stall barn with up to 8 stalls and a wash rack. We have 16 miles of maintained trails and acres of space to blaze your own path. In 2022, we added the outdoor arena which is 100x220 with cattle roping chutes and return. Looking for a travel stop while traveling through Iowa, we are 20 minutes East from I-35 at Osceola, 20 minutes South of Indianola and right on Hwy 65. Stop by with your camper or LQ and horses and stay the night with us. Our facilities are open year round.

          • Electric Hookups
          • Reservable
          • RVs
          • Tents
          • Equestrian
          • Cabins

          $15 - $75 / night

          • No image available

          Recent Equestrian Reviews in Des Moines

          48 Reviews of 8 Des Moines Campgrounds


          • Jeannie D.
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            May. 25, 2023

            Ledges State Park Campground

            It's okay

            Great vibes. Camp's pretty far from the bones of the park, but the hike's relatively plesant. Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected.

          • D
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            Oct. 9, 2022

            Ledges State Park Campground

            Nice Campground

            Canyon road and limestone cliffs are awesome. Secluded spots in the trees. If you have Verizon and rely on data this may not be the campground for you.

          • AThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            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.

          • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            Oct. 5, 2021

            Ledges State Park Campground

            Loved this state park

            Large campground, accommodates RVs & tents. Wooded & open sites. Appear level. Clean restrooms & shower stalls. Water. Playground. Friendly & helpful campground host. 3 bars T-Mobile. Great hiking trails in park.

          • b
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            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.

          • NThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Co Park
            Aug. 1, 2021

            Squirrel Hollow Co Park

            Quiet and not crowded

            The park is quite with some nice camping spots. Very quite with nobody around. The park could use some improvements but parks like these are my favorite!

          • Carolyn C.
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            Aug. 1, 2021

            Ledges State Park Campground

            Gorgeous State Park Campground

            Great selection of campsites for a wide variety of needs. Wonderful views from most sites. Access to multiple walking trails. Beautiful, wooded setting. Clean bathrooms/showers.

          • Michael C.
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            Jul. 20, 2021

            Ledges State Park Campground

            Pretty Park

            Bottom line. My bad but the site said electric. In all the other parks I’ve been to “electric” includes water. Which this park does not. Many trees, very pretty. Cell reception is weak.

          • Stephen P.
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            Jul. 11, 2021

            Ledges State Park Campground

            Quiet and welcoming

            Our camping experience was very nice. Pulling up to this park was surreal, considering the surrounding farmland that suddenly shows a lone forest. Some of the sites are pretty close, luckily we were next to a friendly couple with a cute dog. We were able to buy a good $5 bundle of firewood from the camp host. It was extremely quiet, until a camper pulled up with its generator. Still, a calming environment. A devious pack of raccoons stole our marshmallows (from a CLOSED bag) when we went in the tent for five minutes. So beware of that I guess 😂

          • Matthew H.
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            Jul. 10, 2021

            Ledges State Park Campground

            Popular site with great dispersion.

            Picturesque location south of Boone Ia. Close to town with stores with plenty of camping supplies. Arrive early sites fill-up fast. Online site for reservations and to check site availability.

          • N K.
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            May. 29, 2021

            Ledges State Park Campground

            Go Faster!

            Campsites have the right amount of privacy while being close to the clean bathroom & playground. Outside the campground is Canyon Road, with multiple trails great for hiking up and along the scenic ledges. The road crosses the river several times, and on the weekend these crossings are lined with children & adults demanding you “go faster” so they get splashed!

          • RThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Madison County Fairground Campground
            Nov. 27, 2020

            Madison County Fairground Campground

            Cost Effective, all hook ups,great long term

            I stayed at this campground from August until November 13 in my pull behind camper.

            Water,gas and Sewer was $15 daily,$105 weekly, and$420 monthly. Prices go up to $120 weekly when it gets cold. Shower house was shut down for COVID and shuts down in winter. 

            Tenting is cheaper$11

            No ground fires allowed.

            Friendly,helpful hosts on site.

            Close to the Bridges,John Wayne sites,lauandromat,and grocery stores.

            You might get a view of bridesmaids and grooms at the fairgrounds on the weekend heading to a wedding in the fairground building, nice to see during my work COVID isolation.

            When the trees get big and fill in and COVID is over and the shower house is open it will be 4 stars.

          • TMB
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            Oct. 16, 2020

            Ledges State Park Campground

            Surprise River Gorge in Iowa

            Comfortable and scenic park in Iowa with forested trails, gorge, and natural water features amidst the farm fields and rolling hills.  Campground sites are well spaced and mostly level, many with shade and decent privacy.  Mix of hookups for different needs; access to water and trash was easy.  The bathrooms were a bit dated and unclean when we visited, but not terrible.  Good cell coverage in the area and we could do work and school with our Verizon Hotspot.  Beware of the raccoons!   They were not aggressive from the standpoint of approaching us, but they were brash in approaching camper and supplies after dark, and they were a constant presence at the dumpster.  Do not leave food out!  Deer and other small game/wildlife seem abundant.  Trails were poorly signed, but the park is relatively small and getting lost or wandering does not have bad consequences; you'll find where you wanted to go without too much trouble.

          • L
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            Jul. 17, 2020

            Ledges State Park Campground

            Hidden away

            My favorite part about this camp is the variety of sites offered. We went with a hike in site to throw some adventure into our lives. For only $11 a tent sit this place is amazing. Trees everywhere with privacy if wanted or also a great social scene. Honestly this camp is for anyone. The trails around the park are also amazing. Just don’t leave a Cheeto bag out on accident when you fall asleep because raccoons can smell everything, and when they do, they own the place.

          • Willy W.
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            Jun. 1, 2020

            Ledges State Park Campground

            Ledges

            Ledges State Park

            Ledges is an amazing place. It has so much to do. There are long trails to hike, creeks to play in.

            You can bring your tent or RV and camp. The RV camps have water/sewer hookups. The primitive tent sites are usually pretty clean and can get pretty busy on the weekends.

            There are lots of bridges that get flooded out and are fun to drive over. Most of the kids like to hang out near them and get splashed.

            Its a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors and especially in the fall. Also if you go to Ames stop at Great Plains pizza company.

          • Willy W.
            Camper-submitted photo from Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park
            May. 30, 2020

            Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park

            Busy

            This is a really busy boat ramp but the campground is pretty big and open. The boat ramp is the closest one to mile long bridge. It also has a cleaning station and restroom available.

            The campgrounds are very clean. There are lots of trails around the area.

            It’s also a great place if you like to go horse back riding with lots of trails that go near the water.

            There are camp hosts to help answer questions. There are also firewood bundles available to purchase for $4. The bathrooms and showers are very clean.

          • Paula S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            Aug. 21, 2019

            Ledges State Park Campground

            Beautiful Park

            The park is well maintained, clean bathrooms and showers in camping area. 

            Very nice trails.  The campsite, we have a RV, was very clean, and like many other parks, we were not right on top of each other.  They have water and sewer hook up at the site.

            The views are beautiful of the sand ledges.  Definetly plan on returning.

          • M
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            Aug. 16, 2019

            Ledges State Park Campground

            Hidden Slice of Heaven

            Growing up in Iowa maybe 50 miles from the Ledges was one the the best things for me. Campground is clean and well kept with both electric and primitive with a few hike in spots. It is a beautiful park with some good trails and a creek running through the bottoms of the "canyon". Loved going all the time when I was a kid and now 30 years later I have taken my family there several times making the drive from Kentucky just for some relaxation time.

          • E
            Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
            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.



          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 Ledges State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 39 reviews.

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

            TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Des Moines, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.