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Best Equestrian Camping near Eldora, IA

69 Reviews

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area offers several equestrian camping options near Eldora, Iowa. The North and South Equestrian Campgrounds provide electric hookups with both fifty-amp and thirty-amp service for RVs and tent campers. The campsites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking space and are situated near an extensive trail system. Great for fishing, horseback riding or a nice place to get away. Shower facilities are available at both equestrian campgrounds, though toilet facilities may be limited. Campers with horses can make reservations at these specialized sites, which operate seasonally from April 1 to December 31.

Horse enthusiasts appreciate the trail access at Brushy Creek, with numerous paths available for riding throughout the recreation area. The campgrounds remain quiet despite hosting riders with their horses. Trailer pull-through sites make arrival and departure convenient for those traveling with horses and camping equipment. For winter visitors, off-season camping is available at $14 per night for full hookups with pull-through RV sites. The recreation area features fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and a beach area that complement the horseback riding activities. The campground layout provides spacious sites that can accommodate both camping equipment and horse trailers in a natural setting that remains surprisingly peaceful despite its popularity with equestrians.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Eldora, Iowa (7)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Eldora, IA

69 Reviews of 7 Eldora 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.

  • 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.

  • B
    Aug. 19, 2016

    North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    Nice campground

    I stayed here at the start of the summer and had a great time. We chose to stay in the equestrian campsite (even though we didn't have horses) because it was a bit more secluded and shaded. The campsites were nice and the lake and stream were very nice as well. I was surprised to see a school of muskie while fishing, but it appeared that they were spawning at the time. If you go camping in May, make sure to bring a slightly heavier fishing pole to handle the musky. They're worth it.

  • S
    Jul. 6, 2021

    North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    North Equine Campground

    The only open site was in the North Equine Campground so we took a chance. We really did like the Campground, it was well maintained, clean and quiet. There were a few campers with horse but not many. Hitching posts behind each site which we enjoyed seeing. The roads inside the campground were all asphalt so lots of bikers enjoying rides around the grounds. There was also a nice playground for the kids surrounded by a well maintained, large, grassy area. There were many empty sites because so many had no electric. It made for lots of nice open space. Unfortunately, we had no shade in the afternoon so weren't able to eat dinner outside or enjoy a fire in the evening. We are fortunate we camped in a 5th wheel so we could escape the heat, we would have left after the first night otherwise.
    We did drive through the Beach Campground and the South Equine Campground. Beach had very little shade and was primarily families with younger children. The beach looked real nice, not too crowded for a hot, July day. North Equine was where most of the horse folks were staying it was quite crowded. A very bustling area.

  • Mary S.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    George Wyth State Park Campground

    Another bargain at an Iowa State Park

    Why Should You Camp Here?

    • Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.) There is no separate park entry fee (unlike some states).

    • You can rent kayaks, canoes or pedal boats near the campground at Wyth Lake. And there are 3 other nearby lakes.

    • There's a small beach at Wyth Lake.

    • The Cedar River is on the edge of the campground.

    • You're so close to Cedar Falls and Waterloo which means there are craft breweries!

    • We were only there for a night but I saw this on reserveamerica.com: "The Lake-to-State Park Bike Route is a 50 mile route connecting Pine Lake and George Wyth State Park. The route primarily utilizes county highways and established bike routes and paths once inside Cedar Falls/Waterloo." 

    • We didn't do everything we could do there, because we were just passing through. Check this out: https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/george-wyth-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IA&parkId=610125

    Amenities

    • The usual fire ring and picnic table

    • Dump station and potable water

    • Flush toilets and running water in bathrooms along with push button showers. Ok, push button showers are not ideal. Just keep pushing that button and hopefully you'll be okay with the temperature that you can't control!

  • Mike C.
    Sep. 26, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Small Quant and scenic

    The views around the park are some of the very best in Iowa. Hiking trails often found you coming face to face with deer who look at you inquisitively. Fun for family as the waters over the roadways are a splash for adults and children alike. It's a hidden gem, just outside Boone Iowa.

  • Andrea H.
    May. 15, 2020

    South Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    Relaxing never bored

    First time camping at south campground. Loving it so far! Restrooms/showers and playgrounds are all still closed due to covid but there is still plenty to do! Walking, hiking and exploring. People are here camping with their horses but the campground is still nice and quiet.

  • TMB
    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.

Guide to Eldora

Horse camping in Iowa offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it an ideal choice for horse enthusiasts looking to explore the state's beautiful landscapes.

Tips for equestrian camping near Eldora, Iowa

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused activities

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Eldora, IA is Ledges State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Eldora, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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