Scott County Park's Southeast Corner Campground offers primitive equestrian sites featuring hard surface parking for trailers, dedicated tie-ups, and immediate trail access. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, charcoal grill, and nearby outhouse facilities. The campground provides open spaces with shaded areas for horses and riders. Recycling stations are located adjacent to the camping area. The primitive nature of these sites means no potable water is available directly at the campsites. Horse owners should plan accordingly for water needs during their stay.
Located in the southeastern corner of Scott County Park, this equestrian area connects to a network of horse-friendly trails ideal for day rides. The main park area, accessible from the equestrian campsites, features additional amenities including firewood sales, ice, concessions, and Pride Lake for fishing and paddling. Historical Pioneer Village at the north end of the park provides an interesting destination for non-riding activities. Though primitive in nature, the hard surface parking areas accommodate various trailer sizes, making the campground accessible for most equestrian setups. Sites do not require reservations and typically have good availability throughout the season.
"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."
"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."
from $15 / night
"We saw an article about "Dutch Days" in nearby Fulton on www.OnlyInYourState.com, (first weekend in May) and thought it looked like fun."
"We enjoyed the beautiful lake and cute restaurant/gift shop. We liked the different loops of campsites with pit toilets every where and a nice modern bathroom/shower house also."
from $20 / night
"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."
"We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "
"There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
from $23 - $33 / night
"Nice long trail, friendly people, and a cute little ice cream shop that was a lifesaver after a long hike."
"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."
from $15 - $20 / night
"Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren’t right next to each other."
"CG has nice corral with day use and camping sites: shelter available, elect pull in sites fire rings, wood available in park, tables, trails Lake George for fishing, paddling, boat rental."
from $20 - $26 / night
GuideI arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
TravelerDriving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35
TravelerOff the beaten path, beautiful area but when we got there the road to the campground was closed, so we ended up parking for the night in the horse staging area instead.
LegendThis campsite has a hard parking lot surface, picnic table, charcoal, grill, firing, and a pit toilet, horse tie up. Trail access starts here, recycling station is adjacent, and Scott County Park Road is just to the south.
LegendTucked 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!
LegendThe 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.
TravelerThis is our go to campground! We have stayed at this campground several times and plan to several more times! Half of the campgrounds is first come first serve, the other half is reserve only.
LegendOffers basics: water, electric, showers some shade, stores nearby
ScoutI loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.
Scott County Park offers multiple primitive equestrian camping options within a 45-minute drive of Maquoketa, Iowa. The Southeast Corner Campground sits at approximately 700 feet elevation in eastern Iowa's rolling hills region, with sites designed specifically for horse trailers and riders. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity levels, creating comfortable conditions for both horses and campers.
Trail riding access: Trails start directly from the Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground campsites, making it easy to saddle up and go. "The trail is adjacent" and the site "offers a hard service to park on, picnic table, fire, pit, charcoal, grill, outhouse, horse tie up, and equestrian trailhead."
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can access Pride Lake from the equestrian campground for some relaxed fishing between trail rides. Several campers mention that "Pride Lake offers paddling and fishing" as a popular activity when not on horseback.
Historical exploration: Visit Pioneer Village in the north section of Morrison-Rockwood State Park for a glimpse into regional history. One camper noted there's "a cute little ice cream shop that was a lifesaver after a long hike" near the historical area.
Paddling adventures: Bring kayaks or canoes to explore nearby waterways. At Matsell Bridge Natural Area, you'll find "beautiful location" with river access that's "nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River."
Privacy between sites: The equestrian sites at Scott County Park provide good separation and shade. "Primitive site offers table, fire ring, grill, tie up, outhouse, open space, hard surface parking" with sufficient room for horse trailers and camping equipment.
Clean facilities: While basic, the outhouse facilities are well-maintained. At Wanatee Park, campers appreciate that "bathrooms are stationed without so it's never a far walk and the shower house was really nice" - a feature to consider if visiting multiple parks in the area.
Natural surroundings: The combination of open spaces and wooded areas creates ideal equestrian camping conditions. One visitor to Wanatee Park enjoyed "a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
Affordability: Most equestrian camping options near Maquoketa are reasonably priced. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area offers primitive camping along the Cedar River with "gravel lanes, showers, fire rings, tables, electric, nearby lodge and shelter with Cedar River access."
Water planning essential: No potable water is available directly at the equestrian sites, so bring containers. "No water onsite. Trails available" is important to remember when preparing for your stay.
Weather considerations: Spring flooding can affect campground access at several sites. At Saulsbury Bridge, "though there was some water over the road in the main campground, it was minimal and we were able to choose an electrical site."
Insect preparation: Depending on the season, bugs can be challenging. At Matsell Bridge Natural Area, "take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this 'best kept secret' for primitive and inexpensive camping sites."
Limited amenities: Most equestrian camping in this region is primitive. "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."
Playground proximity: Some campgrounds offer sites near play areas. At Morrison-Rockwood State Park, "sites 55-64 that loop around the playground" are "nice little spot with plenty of shade" though they lack the privacy of other sites.
Alternative activities: When kids need a break from horseback riding, Wakpicada Natural Area offers "good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren't right next to each other." A camper mentioned it has "good tree cover" and is a "little hidden gem."
First-timer friendly: For families new to equestrian camping, start with more developed sites. Morrison-Rockwood is "a great place for new campers, families of young kids, or just looking for an easier trip" with "a shower house with flush toilets, warm showers, and surprisingly CLEAN!"
Surface conditions: The hard surface parking areas at the equestrian sites accommodate various trailer sizes but require leveling equipment. At Morrison-Rockwood, "the pad was uneven but we got our pup leveled out."
Electric options: If requiring hookups, consider that equestrian sites are typically primitive. Non-equestrian sites at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve offer "elect pull in sites, fire rings, wood available in park, tables, trails" with a corral available.
Dump station location: Plan ahead for waste disposal as primitive sites lack this feature. Saulsbury Bridge provides "showers, fire rings, tables, electric, nearby lodge and shelter with Cedar River access" and a dump station in the main camping area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Maquoketa, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Maquoketa, IA is Jackson County Iowa Fairgrounds with a 2-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Maquoketa, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Maquoketa, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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