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Best Equestrian Camping near Elkader, IA

46 Reviews

Frontier Equestrian Campground and Creekside Equestrian Campground in Yellow River State Forest provide specialized facilities for campers traveling with horses. Located near Harpers Ferry, Iowa, approximately 30 miles northeast of Elkader, both campgrounds feature equestrian-specific sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Campers can access 50-amp and 30-amp electrical service at both locations. The campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping with horses, though neither offers shower facilities or flush toilets on site. Fires are permitted in designated areas, and pets are allowed to accompany campers. These equestrian campgrounds maintain a perfect 5-star rating from visitors who appreciate the well-maintained trails and spacious sites for horse trailers.

Yellow River State Forest offers extensive bridle trails connecting directly to both equestrian campgrounds, providing riders with scenic routes through the forested landscape. The trail system accommodates various skill levels and riding durations, with connections to the broader Yellow River trail network. Horse owners should note that water hookups are available at both campgrounds, though drinking water for horses must be transported or filtered. The campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak riding seasons from spring through fall. Horse enthusiasts appreciate the separation from standard camping areas, allowing for specialized equestrian use without disturbing other campers. Trail conditions remain well-maintained throughout the riding season, with natural stream crossings available along several routes for watering horses during longer rides.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Elkader, Iowa (7)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Elkader, IA

46 Reviews of 7 Elkader Campgrounds

  • Jeannie B.
    May. 23, 2021

    Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    Many things to do here

    Backbone is a very diverse area. There are miles of trails. Is hiking your thing? What about equestrian? Maybe mountain bike trails? You can even take the family for a nice leisurely walk on the easier trails. Exploring is fun at this park because there is so much to see. The Trout stream was busy the weekend we were there. You might even want to play a round of Gulf. We have solar on our trailer so we stayed in the Six Pines campground and it was beautiful. We listened to the night animals for hours.

  • Mary S.
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    Small campground has nearby hiking and fishing

    This review is for Yellow River State Forest's Big Paint Campground which consists of sites 35 through 61. Big Paint is a couple miles from Little Paint, a larger campground with 70+ sites. There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included.

    Why did we choose Big Paint instead of Little Paint?

    It's smaller and that's just our personal preference. There were only 4 sites occupied early Friday afternoon and a few more were reserved. We liked site 35, the first site on the left as you enter. This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing. Most of the sites are completely on the grass.

    Activities

    Stocked trout streams are an attraction for fishermen; see photo of stocking calendar. We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground. You can also hike from Little Paint, and there are equestrian trails. This would also be a good area for X-country skiing and snowmobiling. A photo of the trail map is included. Caution: hunting is allowed in the non-campground area of the state forest.

    Amenities

    Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Other than that, you can dispose of your trash and use a vault toilet. There's water at the information center (and a camp host site) outside the campground about 100 yards to the left.

    Cost

    You're not getting much (and that's not a bad thing) so the $9 fee seems fair. Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at last 2 days ahead of time (and pay a reservation fee). There are 7 non-reservable sites at Big Paint. I doubt that Big Paint fills up; just check the reservation site to see if they get crowded.

    https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/yellow-river-state-forest/r/campsiteSearch.do?search=site&page=siteresult&contractCode=IA&parkId=610130

  • Kerry M.
    Aug. 21, 2021

    Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    Two campgrounds to enjoy at Backbone State Park

    Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa.

    There are two campgrounds. I have camped in both:

    Modern Campground: This is a large, modern campground with all of the standard amenities found in a modern campground… electric hookups, flush toilets, water. I have camped here twice, both times in my travel trailer. Overall, it is a nice campground with decent space in between campers, however, I tend to avoid it during the busier summer and fall colors seasons.

    Primitive Campground: This is my favorite at Backbone for camping, especially in the autumn after the leaves have fallen off of the trees. As this campground is non-electric, there are not many people camping after it turns colder. I have spent many nights there alone in the primitive campground, watching RVs pull in and then leave after realizing that it has no hookups.

    Nearby trout fishing: Backbone is home to one of the more popular trout streams in Iowa. The fishing is easy as most of the fish are stocked (April-October). Still, it is an enjoyable fishing trip as the stream itself is mostly rocks and gravel, with several deep holes. The water is cold and clear.

    Other activities: Hiking is very popular in Backbone. I have also seen rock climbing and rappelling. There are some nice spots away from the trout stream for wading and a little swimming. Backbone State Park also has a small lake with a swimming area and boat rentals during the summer. Several nice cabins are available for those who do not want to camp.

  • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 13, 2024

    Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    Good late season option for the self-contained camper

    Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective. However, the park is situated on the valley bottom of the Yellow River Forest with beautiful tall trees, and there are fire rings. Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March.

  • Max K.
    Aug. 3, 2020

    Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    Great bathroom and hiking, awful lake

    We stayed here two nights. That was plenty, although it's not really the park's fault. The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere. It was better when we kayaked, but still gross.

    So why the five stars? 1. The bathrooms were fantastic. 2. The camp site was really nice and plenty of room. 3. The hiking was superb. Felt like we were not in Iowa. 4. The driving through the park was also really great and I will go back this fall to look at leaves. 5. There is a cave you can explore on your own. We did. It's awesome. It's muddy. It's super cool. 6. There are some decent bouldering spots. 7. Cheap, huge bundles of firewood at park entrance. 8. Really friendly at the camp store. 9. Close to Strawberry Point. Go to town to Clayton's Pharmacy and get an old fashioned soda. Fantastic. 10. Close to Edgewood and the Edgewood Locker. Go visit and stock up on meat on the way home.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2022

    Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    Very nice equestrian CG near trout streams

    In Yellow River State Forest,-Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site. Self registration, trails from/ camp including stream crossings in trout streams. Manure station with tools. Some trails are multiuser.

  • Tori L.
    May. 26, 2024

    Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    Dream stay.

    Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.

  • Ashley D.
    Aug. 23, 2018

    Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    Fun for the whole family

    This campground has many things to do. This place has tent, rv and cabin camping, you can choose modern or non modern camping. Fun activities include fishing, swimming in a lake and also ground fed springs, boat rentals on the lake, hiking also horse trails, rock climbing, caves, playgrounds shelters for events and parties. I am sure there are even more things to do that I didnt have the time for.

Guide to Elkader

Yellow River State Forest offers specialized equestrian camping facilities 30 miles northeast of Elkader, Iowa. The forest spans nearly 9,000 acres in the Driftless Area, characterized by steep terrain with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,100 feet. Camping options include both standard and horse-specific sites, with seasonal availability and varied amenities depending on campground location.

What to do

Trout fishing in stocked streams: Yellow River State Forest features several streams stocked with trout throughout the season. "Trout fishing is good with seasonal stockings," notes a visitor to Creekside Equestrian Campground. The forest maintains a stocking calendar for anglers planning their trips.

Hiking multi-use trails: The forest offers extensive hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging terrain. A visitor at Big Paint Campground mentions, "We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground." Trail maps are available at the information center.

Visit scenic lookouts: The state forest includes several notable viewpoints. "Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa's only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush," shares a camper from Big Paint Campground, highlighting additional attractions beyond the trails.

What campers like

Spacious equestrian sites: The horse campgrounds near Elkader, Iowa provide ample room for trailers and horses. A camper at Frontier Equestrian Campground appreciates the "very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site." These designated equestrian areas cater specifically to the needs of horse owners.

Water access: Many sites offer convenient access to streams and rivers. One camper at Big Paint notes, "Easy access to water," while another mentions the campground has "beautiful river access and great views." This access is particularly valuable during summer camping when temperatures can reach into the high 80s.

Quiet atmosphere: The relative seclusion of Yellow River campgrounds appeals to many visitors. A camper staying at Big Paint Campground during the off-season notes it was "very relaxing" and "nights were quiet." Another mentions the campground has "seclusion of our sites" despite being busy.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most Yellow River equestrian campgrounds offer basic amenities. "Clean, well kept sites with tie-ups, tables, fire rings, manure station and tools," reports a visitor to Creekside Equestrian Campground. However, shower facilities and flush toilets are not available at all locations.

Water availability: Portable water access varies by campground. A visitor to Big Paint Campground notes, "There's water at the information center (and a camp host site) outside the campground about 100 yards to the left." Campers should plan to bring drinking water or know where to fill containers.

Reservation system: Most sites can be reserved online. "Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at least 2 days ahead of time (and pay a reservation fee)," advises a camper at Big Paint Campground. Some campgrounds maintain non-reservable sites for last-minute visitors.

Tips for camping with families

Visit nearby attractions: The area surrounding Yellow River State Forest offers additional destinations for families. A visitor to Wyalusing State Park across the Mississippi River suggests: "Close to Effigy Mounds & Pikes Peak! It has great trails & campsites & lots of geocaching!"

Choose appropriate campsites: Some sites are more suitable for families with children. A visitor to Big Paint notes, "We stumbled across this campground when looking for a weekend getaway from Chicago, and wow, what a great find. Hilly, much hillier than you'd expect in the midwest, with beautiful river views. The campground was nice with private sites."

Consider seasonal factors: Weather conditions affect camping experiences throughout the year. A camper at Backbone State Park shares: "We went camping at Backbone for a friend's wedding that was taking place at the park's lodge. While most of the wedding guests stayed in town, we opted to camp, during October. It was gorgeous!"

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: RV campers should research specific site characteristics before booking. A visitor to South Lake Campground advises, "Great shady spots - register on line - clean bathrooms and showers - no full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available."

Off-season camping options: Late-season RV camping offers unique opportunities. A visitor to Big Paint Campground shares, "Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective."

Site surface types: Surface conditions vary among campgrounds. "Most of the sites are completely on the grass," notes a Big Paint visitor, while highlighting that some sites offer "the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing" during rainy conditions. This factor is important for RVs concerned about getting stuck in wet weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Elkader, IA is Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.

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

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

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