5 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Equestrian camping options near Dunlap, Iowa are limited, with no campgrounds in the immediate area featuring dedicated horse corrals or stabling facilities. Nearby campgrounds like Lewis and Clark State Park Campground and Southwood Conservation Area accommodate tent, RV, and cabin camping but lack specific equestrian amenities according to their feature lists. Campsites at Lewis and Clark State Park offer water and electric hookups with some sites positioned along Blue Lake, providing access to picnic tables and fire rings. Bathroom facilities with showers are well-maintained throughout the camping season. The campground maintains clean facilities with spacious sites under trees offering a mix of sun and shade.
Trail access for horses is restricted at most campgrounds in the region. While Lewis and Clark State Park offers hiking trails, these are primarily mowed paths through tall grass rather than designated bridle trails. Southwood Conservation Area provides multiple access types including drive-in and walk-in options but does not specifically designate horse-friendly trails. Horse owners traveling through this area should contact campgrounds directly before arrival to confirm current policies regarding horses, as temporary paddock setups or overnight arrangements may be possible with advance notice. Most campgrounds in the region remain operational from spring through fall, with Lewis and Clark State Park open year-round and Southwood Conservation Area offering seasonal access from May through October.
"Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa!"
"There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Conveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet."
"The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."
"Lake Cunningham is a fun destination for getting outside if you only have an afternoon to escape! The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing!"
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Nice campground clean bathrooms the trails are really good quiet and peaceful"
TravelerWell kept & family friendly camping in Iowa! We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water. Short walk to the very clean restrooms with flush toilets & showers. Will come back!
ScoutThere’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers. Very nice for Iowa state parks.
TravelerThis is one of my favorites as well!
This is situated in a very incredible neighborhood of Omaha! Close to the interstate for easy access! Very mature trees and landscape.
Hiking trails, no wake boating, paddle boards (available for rent).
Pros: Great Lake
cons: we felt really on top of our neighbors here, though a simple drive around showed us areas that are better than others.
TravelerNice campground. Very few tent only - mostly RVs/trailers. Washrooms basic but clean. Large site under trees with mix of sun & shade. Grassy area for tent. Access to water close by. Large playground for kids. Campground host had firewood. Picnic table & firepit with grill rack in good condition. Nearby boat ramp to load kayak onto Blue Lake. Many water lilies but sheltered at one end so good for kayak. Everyone seemed friendly though some folk stayed up pretty late on Friday!
LegendThis place was pleasantly clean to me. Blue lake which is the lake this state park sits on. When you drive in from the road you see on your right the lake and to your left are houses. You go farther down and you see picnic accesses off the lake. And there is a swimming area and beach further down with a fully accessible restroom. There is also a keelboat on display and visitor center with a musuem. The center was closed when we were here, (thanks covid). Behind that is a dock and a little look out tower next to it. This is where we saw people kayak mainly. You go farther down and this was where the campsites were. This appeared to be more of a park set up for rv and campers than any tents. You go farther down pass this and you find more accesses to trails, and taller grass. This is a great park especially for a rv, and how clean it is.
LegendVibe: Relaxed summer lake fun.
Cleanliness: Average
Facilities: Slightly dated but adequate
General spots: Good size, good spacing, not private. Large cottonwood trees offer good shade on lake side spots.
Our site: 10. Close to the swimming area. Not far from bathrooms.
Noise: Friendly chatter. Mostly quiet. Some music from the summer camp across the lake(see below).
Cell signal: Good (Verizon)
Other: The lake isn’t huge, but the water was not murky and you could wade out pretty far and still be shallow enough to stand. A summer camp is across the lake and they played some evening music and morning music starts at 7:30.
RangerWe chose this park after some family raved about their visits. We were excited, but let down. The lake was ok, we were unable to purchase a temporary state fishing license onsite. The hiking trails could be so much more than the mowed paths through tall grass. The water at the water for filling smells horrendous. The dump station is a tight squeeze for anything other than a small bumper pull camper. Our kids had fun at the park, but we were just not impressed with the location.
ScoutConveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet.
GuideThe sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in. You can pay $1 for a hot shower in the comfort station, which is very clean. The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around.
Limited equestrian facilities exist for horseback riders seeking camping near Dunlap, Iowa. The region offers camping opportunities in the surrounding counties, with most established sites prioritizing standard tent, RV, and cabin accommodations rather than dedicated horse facilities. Campers with horses typically need to make advance arrangements or explore conservation areas with sufficient space for temporary paddock setups.
Fishing opportunities: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground provides lake access for anglers. "This place has great fishing and is very well maintained not to mention that they have a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago," notes Katie S., who highlights the historical attractions alongside fishing.
Paddling access: Lake Cunningham Campground offers multiple non-motorized boating options. A camper explains, "On a beautiful lake with many recreational possibilities - kayaking, sailing non power boating - some for rent. 10 miles of paved bike trails and ALL paved campsites level and clean!"
Hiking trails: While established horse trails are limited, conservation areas have walking paths. At Woodbury County Park Southwood Conservation Area, Josh G. reports "the trails are really good quiet and peaceful," making it suitable for day hikes without horses.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, a reviewer noted, "Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers. Very nice for Iowa state parks."
Family-friendly amenities: Parks with playgrounds appeal to families with children. One camper at Lewis and Clark State Park shared, "We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water."
Historical exhibits: Educational displays enhance camping experiences. "They have a great visitor center with amazing displays and exhibits that mark the history of Lewis and Clark and their travels around the area," reports Timothy S. about the interpretive center at Lewis and Clark State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from spring through fall with limited winter access. Onawa-Blue Lake KOA specifically runs "April 15 to October 15," making advance planning essential for off-season horse camping trips.
Site spacing varies: Campgrounds differ significantly in spaciousness between sites. One camper at Onawa-Blue Lake KOA observed, "Nicely maintained, beautiful lake, clean restrooms and nice pool and playground. Great helpful people! But virtually no space between sites."
Weather impacts: The region experiences seasonal flooding and mosquito activity. A camper at Lewis and Clark State Park noted conditions can be "Buggy and muggy" with "Many water spots on basically what is a mosquito breeding ground."
Playground access: Position your campsite near recreation areas for convenience. Morgan K. recommends Lewis and Clark State Park: "There's a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too!"
Swimming options: Lake Cunningham Campground offers water recreation though with restrictions. Kwin K. explains, "People do swim near the beach area but it is technically not allowed. I like the beach for letting my dog swim!"
Spacious sites: Families need room to spread out. Connor S. recommends newer sections at Lake Cunningham: "Love the new East lots. Full access with concrete pad. Tons of room between spots. Mini store on the property to buy ice, firewood, and food from."
Utility access: Southwood Conservation Area provides electric hookups and water, though sewer connections are limited. The facilities have been upgraded recently according to Matthew M., who noted, "Campground has recently been upgraded and heading back soon."
Dump station availability: Not all parks offer full hookups. Alana R. reports about Lake Cunningham Campground: "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in. You can pay $1 for a hot shower in the comfort station, which is very clean."
Site levelness: Look for recently improved camping areas. James H. shares about Lake Cunningham: "A relative's driveway would've been free, but here we got a level pull-thru spot and the encouragement and advice of a kind camp host as we got our tanks washed through and drained. Slips are nicely spaced apart from each other."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dunlap, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dunlap, IA is Lewis and Clark State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dunlap, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Dunlap, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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