Loud Thunder Forest Preserve Horse Corral Campground provides the only designated equestrian camping near Ely, Iowa with specially designated sites for horse owners and their animals. The campground features electric hookups, drinking water, and sewer hookups for RV campers, while also accommodating tent campers. Fire rings and picnic tables are available at each site, and reservations are accepted to secure spots during peak riding seasons. Bathrooms with toilets are available, though the campground does not offer shower facilities. Campgrounds remain clean and well-maintained with good sites throughout the area. The fairgrounds in Jackson County also occasionally permits camping with horses during special events.
Located 83 miles east of Ely in Illinois, Loud Thunder Forest Preserve connects directly to bridle trails that wind through the forest preserve's extensive trail system. Horse owners can enjoy day-use areas adjacent to camping spots, making for convenient access to riding opportunities. A shelter is available for group gatherings after trail rides. Lake George provides additional recreation options for campers, including fishing and paddling when not riding the trails. Wood is available for purchase within the park, eliminating the need to transport firewood from outside sources. The campground's primitive facilities suit riders seeking a basic camping experience with their horses. Corral areas accommodate horses of various sizes while providing adequate space for trailer parking nearby.
$23 - $33 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Not too far off the highway. Very clean and quiet. The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake. "
"The good: The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife."
$15 - $20 / night
"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."
"12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance."
$20 - $26 / night
"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."
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.
RangerCampground 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
ScoutI stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.
GuideNot too far off the highway. Very clean and quiet. The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake. Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite. Nice little visitor area. Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.
Great place to spend one night. If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.
ScoutNice 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.
GuideThe good: The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife. We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through. The bad: very few sites have a view of the lake. To walk to the lake or near by pond you must go down hill, which could be a problem for any one with mobility issues. Once down to the water trail are easy to walk. I would say if you can try and get sites, 67-70. They have beautiful views.
GuideWe 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. The sites are very spacious with some shade, a fire ring, and picnic table provided. The nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. The bathhouse and showers were clean with lots of hot water.
ScoutA 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.
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.
Equestrian camping near Ely, Iowa allows riders to explore the region's mixed hardwood forests and prairie terrain. The area sits within the Eastern Iowa Drift Plain, characterized by gently rolling hills formed during glacial periods. Winter temperatures typically drop to 10°F while summer averages reach 85°F with moderate humidity, creating distinct seasonal riding conditions.
Trail riding at Matsell Bridge: Access over 1,200 acres of natural woodlands with trails running alongside the Wapsipinicon River. Matsell Bridge Natural Area offers primitive camping with connections to riding paths. Ryan notes, "Good campsite for a mellow weekend. When I visited we were the only campers there and it was awesome!"
Fishing breaks between rides: Take advantage of Lake George for angling opportunities when not on horseback. The lake supports bass and panfish populations accessible from shore. According to James M., Loud Thunder offers "nice corral with day use and camping sites... Lake George for fishing, paddling, boat rental."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide optimal viewing for deer, wild turkey, and various bird species. Carol M. explains, "Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site."
Clean facilities: Lake Iowa County Park maintains well-kept bathroom and shower facilities even during peak season. Claudia M. confirms, "Shower house and bathrooms were really nice! Wasn't expecting to want to take a shower but couldn't pass up the opportunity when we saw them. Very hot water."
Spacious horse sites: Campsites designed for equestrian use provide adequate space between neighbors and room for trailers. Wanatee Park offers "very spacious" sites according to Kristy E., who adds it's "very clean and well cared for. Lots of opportunity to ride the numerous bike trails nearby."
Natural surroundings: Sites often border natural areas providing shade and wildlife viewing. Leslie P. describes, "The area around the lake and nearby pond is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife. We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through."
Seasonal flooding impacts: River-adjacent equestrian sites may experience closures during high water periods. Jessica H. notes at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, "When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds."
Reservation requirements: Many equestrian sites require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. Brett S. advises, "Half of the campgrounds is first come first serve, the other half is reserve only."
Bug protection needed: Insect activity intensifies near water sources and during summer months. Carol M. warns, "Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."
Playground access: Multiple facilities offer play equipment near camping areas for children. Heather S. explains, "My family enjoyed this campground. Even though some of the campground was slightly flooded during our stay, we still had fun!"
Educational opportunities: Keokuk County Belva Deer Park provides nature learning experiences through marked trails and wildlife viewing. Keith B. confirms, "Clean park warm showers. $12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance."
Safety considerations: Bring high-visibility clothing during hunting seasons when sharing trails. Jessica H. advises, "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."
Leveling requirements: Jackson County Iowa Fairgrounds provides basic amenities for equestrian events. James M. describes it as offering "basics: water, electric, showers some shade, stores nearby."
Hookup availability: Electric sites are available at most equestrian campgrounds, though amp ratings vary. Clint G. shares, "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."
Space considerations: Horse trailers require extra parking room beyond RV requirements. Kris P. notes, "The best thing about this campground is its access to the squaw creek man bike single track. The sites are nice, and easy access to town if you forgot stuff."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ely, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ely, IA is Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ely, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Ely, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
