The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Equestrian Camping near Donahue, IA

29 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Scott County Park's South East Corner Campground offers primitive equestrian camping with horse tie-ups adjacent to trails. Sites feature hard surface parking for vehicles and horse trailers, picnic tables, fire rings, charcoal grills, and open space with shaded tree areas. The campground provides basic equestrian amenities without water hookups or electric service. The outhouse is the only bathroom facility available at this horse-friendly location. Sites accommodate both trailer parking and space for horses with simple tie-up areas rather than formal corrals. The primitive setting attracts riders looking for basic accommodations with direct trail access.

Loud Thunder Forest Preserve Horse Corral Campgrounds provides more developed facilities for equestrians with electric pull-in sites and an actual corral system. The campground connects to riding trails that traverse the preserve and provide access to Lake George for water views. Trailer parking accommodates standard horse rigs with adequate turning radius. The equestrian trails offer varied terrain through wooded areas with some water crossings. The campground maintains toilet facilities and trash service, with firewood available for purchase within the park. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables positioned conveniently for monitoring horses. Both campgrounds require riders to clean up after their animals and follow established trail etiquette.

Map showing campgrounds near Donahue, IowaExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Donahue, Iowa (8)

Show More
Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Donahue Contest

Enter to Win

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Donahue, IA

29 Reviews of 8 Donahue Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground

    Scott County Park’s Secret Saddle Spot

    Tucked away in the southeast corner of Scott County Park – yes, the same park that already has more campgrounds than a camping catalog – lurks a little-known equestrian primitive campground. It’s the sort of place that feels like you stumbled onto a secret level in a video game: no hookups, no frills, just you, your horse and the occasional squirrel judging your life choices. If SOC-Fox is the Brady Bunch middle child (see my review for this CG), this one is the mysterious cousin who shows up at family reunions in cowboy boots and doesn’t say much.

    The sites? Bare-bones, as expected. You’re not here for 'glamping.' You’re here for space to tie up your horse, throw up a tent and feel like you’ve traveled back to 1883 (minus the dysentery). Fire rings are your only luxury item here, and if you’re expecting bathhouses with spa vibes, forget it. You’ll find pit toilets that are … serviceable. Let’s call them ‘character-building.’ Roads in here are gravelly but manageable if you take it slow, but you don’t really want to be coming here if you’re toting a 5th wheel or driving an RV as this area is really more geared for mi tent pitchin’ bredren who want the opportunity to ‘rough it’ ... ideally with their noble steeds.

    What makes it shine, though, are the equestrian trails. Miles of riding paths crisscross through woods, open meadows and rolling hills. Even if you’re not on horseback, you can hike them and pretend you’re in a Western where the budget ran out before they gave you an actual horse. And because this campground is the least famous of the seven, you’re more likely to get actual peace & quiet. No cannonballing kids, no RV generators humming in the night, just plenty of crickets, the odd, stray coyote and your horse deciding 2 a.m. is the perfect time to shuffle around loudly.

    Insider Tips? Giddy-up, here’s a few: (1) Bring your own water as there’s no magic spigot here; (2) If you want solitude, this is the place. It’s basically the anti-aquatic center; (3) Hungry after a day on the trail? Eldridge’s Grille on the Green dishes out hearty comfort food, and you won’t even have to tie your horse out front; and (4) If you need supplies, hit the Tractor Supply in nearby Eldridge. They won’t blink when you walk in smelling like hay and campfire.

    Happy Camping!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2025

    Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground

    Open primitive County park site

    The site offers a hard service to park on, picnic table, fire, pit, charcoal, grill, outhouse, horse tie up, and equestrian trailhead. There is a recycling dump station nearby, and open space with shaded tree area. The park itself offers trails for hiking and biking, a pool, golf course, campgrounds, historical Pioneer Village, amenities, including firewood, ice, concessions. Pride Lake offers paddling and fishing.

  • Jessica H.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    Ranger Review: VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens at Saulsbury Bridge

    Campground Review:

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area is 675 acres, nestled between rolling fields of corn, dairy farms, native prairie, and the Cedar River. Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting.

    There are three separate campgrounds. The main campground has electrical hookups, picnic benches, fire rings, modern restroom facilities including showers, a dump station, playground, and firewood for purchase. There are 24 sites, and they run $20 per night.

    The primitive campground area sits along Chicken Creek and offers four, tent-only sites, and is just off the main campground. The sites are well spaced and surrounded by large trees. These are walk in sites with parking in the main campground. It’s a short hike in from the parking area, and within walking distance of the restrooms and firewood. Primitive sites are $10 per night.

    Across the road from these two campgrounds is the main boat access and fishing dock for Chicken Creek. Only non-motorized boats are allowed here. If you don’t have your own, you can rent kayaks and canoes through the Muscatine County Conservation office. There is also a large shelter, which is reservable along with day use picnic areas, playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, and vault toilets. There’s large, open expanses of grassy fields and oak shade trees; perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day.

    The river campground sits right along the Cedar River and allows easy access to fishing along with a boat ramp. This campground is a short hike to the old Saulsbury Bridge and Lodge. The bridge has a small gazebo-like structure and bench which provides a nice view of the river. There are vault toilets in this campground, but the modern restrooms are within walking distance as well. There are 10 sites in this campground and run $17 per night.

    All campsites are self-registration and are on a first come, first served basis. There is a campground host on duty in the main campground and the park officer lives on site. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash in the campgrounds and on trails. However, they are allowed to run in the designated hunting areas. These areas are marked with signs. If you plan to hike during hunting season, it’s a good idea to wear bright colors/blaze orange so you are visible to hunters and not mistaken for a deer or other wildlife.

    This park also has prairie/natural habitat restoration areas that, in spring and summer, attract Monarch butterflies, and an abundance of birds including indigo bunting, red headed woodpecker, and goldfinch. In the colder months you can spot bald eagles flying along the river. There are also deer, wild turkey, and pheasants. While there, we walked around the campground areas that were open and over to the day use area along Chicken Creek to roast marshmallows. We hiked the short distance out to the Saulsbury Bridge to watch the Cedar River flow by and caught a beautiful sunset.

    The one downfall to this park is the possibility for flooding. When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds.

    A call ahead to the conservation office to check on closures is a good idea. We had hoped to camp at a primitive site, but learned the trail leading into the campground was under water, which also meant the river campground was closed as well. Though there was some water over the road in the main campground, it was minimal and we were able to choose an electrical site. We opted to car camp as we were only staying one night. Only about a third of the campground was filled and we had no one on either side of us which meant for a more quiet camping experience.

    This is one of my favorite local areas to hike and camp that’s close to home. It offers a full picture of Iowa’s varied landscapes and outdoor activity opportunities.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. On this camping trip, I tried out VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens sneakers. VivoBarefoot’s goal is to provide an environment that allows the feet to remain in their natural state while providing a protective shoe. https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/womens/off-road/primus-trail-sg-womens?colour=Olive

    1. Anytime I purchase a new pair of shoes, whether for daily use or outdoor recreation, I make sure to break them in as much as possible as I’m prone to blisters. I did wear the Primus around the house a few times and on my daily walks before taking them camping. Though they have a snug fit, they’re not uncomfortable. They also include a pair of removable inserts and extra laces. The laces are adjustable which allowed me to either loosen or tighten the shoe. Bonus; no socks needed. As someone who would opt to wear sandals year round if possible, I liked the fact I didn’t have to put an extra layer on my feet.
    2. The timing couldn’t have been better for testing out these sneakers; Saulsbury was experiencing minor flooding while we were there. Not only do they have rugged soles for gripping in wet and rocky terrain, the mesh material allows for quick drying if they do get wet, and provided easy clean up of mud and other debris.
    3. Honestly, I was really pleased with the fact that many of the women’s shoes came in neutral and earth tone colors (I absolutely checked out other shoe options on their website). While I don’t mind the brighter colors that seem to be the trend for women’s trail runners, I really prefer something a little more low key.
    4. One of the best things about these shoes was the ease of slipping them on and off, say in the middle of the night when nature called.
    5. All in all, I feel this shoe is a good match for the outdoor activities I enjoy; camping, hiking, bicycling, and kayaking. I’m looking forward to seeing how they hold up while hiking in the mountains out West this summer.
  • C
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    Nice little inexpensive primitive site... spaces almost always available

    Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this "best kept secret" for primitive and inexpensive camping sites. Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Good for RV, trailer or tent camping… level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2023

    Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground

    Open CG with minimal amenties

    Site is located in the very SE corner of the park with: charcoal grill, fire ring, outhouse, picnic table, recycle station adjacent, tie-up, hard surface for RV. No water onsite. Trails available.

  • John S.
    Apr. 18, 2018

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    Close to town camping

    A little pricy for tent camping. Ten dollars per tent per night and you’re restricted to the primitive area. It’s not bad if you’re just wanting to get away for a little bit but stay close to town. Otherwise if you’re looking for a better get away from it all I’d recommend some place else.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground

    Low frills camping right on the canal

    The first time I came through this area was on my bicycle as I rode from Chicago to the Mississippi and beyond. This time we drove here for a weekend getaway. We found ourselves alone - well except for the early morning fishermen. This canal corridor experience is a wonderful gift of history that you can explore under your own power.

    There is a large open area for tent camping but no real space for rv's. We set up in the parking lot and nobody asked us to move. There is a camping area next to the parking and a smaller area across the canal. A pit toilet and water pump can be found. There were just a few picnic tables and campfire rings. It seems more suitable to a group or communal camping. However we found nobody else there. Having the entire space to ourselves was relaxing. The farm across the canal did get some visitors through the day and evening. Some walked away with bags of goods. The highway can be heard in the distance but the sound of water through the lock washes it away.

    We hiked both directions along the canal. Imagine a flat trail with the canal on one side and farmland on the other. It would be hot in the middle of summer with a big sun but it was perfect on this cool day. We encountered nobody on the trail except for that farm dog we heard warning us to continue on our way.

    I would highly recommend this if you are traveling through on your bike or need a quick, inexpensive stay for the night. There are some other campgrounds in the area that are more inviting if you are looking for a camping experience with more options.

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2023

    Morrison-Rockwood State Park

    A nice state park that makes a nice base

    We saw an article about "Dutch Days" in nearby Fulton on www.OnlyInYourState.com, (first weekend in May) and thought it looked like fun. The nearest campground at Thomson causeway recreational area was closed both for repairs and for flooding so this was our best choice.
    It was not crowded this early in the season, though most of the sites are pretty private and that wasn't an issue. We stayed in the 60's loop which is more open than most since it has the playground. There's only one shower building, which is clean and well-kept, and it is on the 80's loop, though there are paths to it from the others.
    There are a few pull-through sites, but I'm not sure they're indicated. The ADA sites are large and well paved, though the tables do not have wheelchair overhangs.
    Fire rings are hit and miss, our site had a low square pit with a non-adjustable flip-over grill, other sites had taller, circular rings, check site photos.
    There are two trails downhill to the lake from the 60's loop, no lakeside campsites.
    The lake is small but pleasant and stocked with fish. There are boat rentals available and a small restaurant and general store.
    We went on day trips to Fulton and Clinton, IA. Eagle point park has a good view of the Mississippi, but  more spectacular views are at Mississippi Palisades State Park, a 50 min drive.
    If you don't feel like cooking, a great choice is the Candlelight Inn(s), half an hour to the east or west in Clinton, Sterling or Rock Falls. A great family restaurant/ steakhouse famous for it's "Chicken George" (they'll give you a free sample to get you hooked)

Guide to Donahue

Equestrian camping near Donahue, Iowa offers direct access to trail systems within a rural agricultural setting where annual rainfall averages 36 inches and elevations remain relatively flat. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching into the 80s and winters that can drop below freezing. Horse-friendly campgrounds typically remain open from April through October with some closures possible during periods of flooding.

What to do

Boating on Lake George: Access the 167-acre lake at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve- Horse Corral Campgrounds for fishing and paddling opportunities. "Lake George for fishing, paddling, boat rental," notes camper James M.

Hiking without horses: Explore the network of trails at Morrison-Rockwood State Park for non-equestrian outdoor time. "Lovely scenery! The hiking trails were well maintained and there were lots of beautiful flowers, bird, and butterflies. We even saw a raccoon!" reports Stacie H.

Visiting Pioneer Village: Take a break from trail riding to explore the historical site at Scott County Park. "The park itself offers trails for hiking and biking, a pool, golf course, campgrounds, historical Pioneer Village, amenities, including firewood, ice, concessions," writes James M. in his review of the equestrian camping area.

What campers like

Private, spacious sites: Matsell Bridge Natural Area provides ample room between campsites for those seeking quiet. "The 4th of July weekend it was us, one other camper and the random one nighters," notes Randi C. about the peaceful environment.

Clean bathroom facilities: Morrison-Rockwood State Park maintains exceptional facilities. "The (and I cannot emphasize this enough) CLEANEST campground bathrooms I've ever seen! I'm not squeamish and have been camping for years so my expectations for campground bathroom cleanliness is well calibrated but these bathrooms (even the vault toilets!) were amazingly clean!" raves Stacie H.

Affordable primitive options: Equestrian sites typically cost $10-20 per night with minimal amenities. "Primitive site offers table, fire ring, grill, tie up, outhouse, open space, hard surface parking. Trail is adjacent," explains James M. about Scott County Park's equestrian area.

What you should know

Seasonal flooding concerns: River-adjacent campgrounds may close during high water periods. At Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping, "When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds," warns Jessica H.

Limited water sources: Most equestrian sites offer minimal amenities. "Bring your own water as there's no magic spigot here," advises Stuart K. about the South East Corner Campground at Scott County Park.

Insect preparation: Pack appropriate repellents during warmer months. "Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness," suggests Carol M. from her Matsell Bridge experience.

Tips for camping with families

Playground-adjacent sites: Rockwood State Park Campground offers family-friendly camping near play areas. "There's a shower house with flush toilets, warm showers, and surprisingly CLEAN! Check your site before booking! One section of sites is like an open field? No trees and full view of others. But these surround a playground- also very nice," recommends Amy W.

Swimming options: After trail riding, cool off at nearby water facilities. "The park itself offers trails for hiking and biking, a pool, golf course, campgrounds," notes James M. about Scott County Park amenities.

Pack extra activities: Limited scheduled programming means families should bring their own entertainment. "If you want to spend a lot of your time just relaxing at camp, this is a great spot. Our site was huge, flat and private - no trouble finding flat ground to pitch the tent," suggests Amy R. from Morrison-Rockwood.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many equestrian sites have uneven pads. "The pad was uneven but we got our pup leveled out," notes Pam O. from her stay at Hennepin Canal Lock 22 Campground.

Electric options vary: While some equestrian campgrounds offer basic hookups, others remain primitive. "The site was nice little spot with plenty of shade but I was a bit jealous of those with more secluded spots, especially since we are tent campers and all of the others on the loop were big RVs," observes Stacie H. at Morrison-Rockwood.

Dump station locations: Plan waste management around available facilities. "We used the Loves T/S at Atkinson. The place needed mowed badly. We stayed during the week (it's free then to IL residents over 65, otherwise it's $8)," advises Jeff F. about Hennepin Canal camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Donahue, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Donahue, IA is Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground with a 3.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

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

Keep Exploring