Best Equestrian Camping near Estherville, IA

Estherville is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Estherville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Estherville, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Estherville, Iowa (5)

    1. Fort Defiance State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Estherville, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $10 - $16 / night

    "A hidden gem in Northwest Iowa. It is Memerial Day Weekend and on Friday night we had one other tent camper on Friday. None on Saturday. 

    The bathrooms are the old hole going down into a pit."

    "Fort Defiance is a forresty natural state park in Iowa. There is Electrical Hook ups a picnic Table and a charcoal Grill already at the camp site."

    2. Brown County Park

    2 Reviews
    Spirit Lake, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 847-2525

    "We were back on Taylor Ridge so we had a noticeable drive in/out anytime we went anywhere. Bathrooms were clean and maintained. Sites had ample space."

    3. Bright Lake Co Park

    1 Review
    Dolliver, MN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 236-4693

    "Really nice spot almost overlooking the lake (Through the trees), had fire ring, picnic tables and room for quite a lot of tents! For me and my family it was perfect!"

    4. Eagle Nest Park

    1 Review
    Mountain Lake, MN
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 375-3393

    5. Martin Area County Park

    1 Review
    Sutherland, IA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 225-6709
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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Estherville, IA

7 Reviews of 5 Estherville Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2021

    Fort Defiance State Park Campground

    A Hidden Gem in Iowa

    A hidden gem in Northwest Iowa. It is Memerial Day Weekend and on Friday night we had one other tent camper on Friday. None on Saturday. 

    The bathrooms are the old hole going down into a pit. They are very rustic. 

    There are plenty of trails in the park. The big creek that runs through the kiddos can play in. It is not deep but it’s water. There are some other small little creeks too.

    Around the camping area, the kids rode their bikes. We did ride around the roads as a family. 

    The camp site are dirt. 

    There are permanent fire rings and grills at each site. Only place to get firewood was at Hy-Vee. Our site had electricity with 50, 30,& 20 amps. 

    There is only one water spot in the campground. We drank the water and didn’t die. 

    There is a golf course next to the park that is fun. 

    My only real complaint would be there is a lot of people just driving through.

  • Adrian D.
    Apr. 5, 2020

    Fort Defiance State Park Campground

    Great Hikes

    Fort Defiance is a forresty natural state park in Iowa. There is Electrical Hook ups a picnic Table and a charcoal Grill already at the camp site. The valley has a small river or a big creek, idk you tell me the difference, what you can cross over a few times on the trails. Depending on the time of day, generally in the morning you can cruise through at day break and find deer on the roads to watch out!

  • Dean G.
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Brown County Park

    Brown County

    This place is HUGE. We were shocked at the size of the state park and how many many campsites there were. We were back on Taylor Ridge so we had a noticeable drive in/out anytime we went anywhere. Bathrooms were clean and maintained. Sites had ample space. Because it is all on the ridges of the park, there is a significant decline after the campsite “flat area”

  • Wally B.
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Bright Lake Co Park

    Awesome Sunset!

    Really nice spot almost overlooking the lake (Through the trees), had fire ring, picnic tables and room for quite a lot of tents! For me and my family it was perfect!

  • S
    Sep. 25, 2021

    Brown County Park

    Beautiful grounds on a river.

    Besides the beautiful grounds and reasonably price, it was nice because it wasn’t very crowded. But was only first come first served and not all the sites have electric.

  • J
    May. 17, 2021

    Eagle Nest Park

    Small and tucked back

    Was a little difficult to find the first time but when we found it I loved it. Back in kinda private. Friendly people group came to celebrate July 4th but respectfully all left early and the nights were quiet. Lots of adventure hiking and wonderfully clean.


Guide to Estherville

Horse camping in Iowa offers a unique experience for equestrian enthusiasts, combining beautiful landscapes with well-equipped facilities for both riders and their horses.

Tips for equestrian camping near Estherville, Iowa

  • Fort Defiance State Park Campground provides electrical hookups and permanent fire rings, making it a convenient spot for horse camping while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Fort Defiance State Park, families can explore numerous trails and enjoy the nearby creek, perfect for a refreshing break after a day of riding.

Equestrian campgrounds include great amenities

  • Bright Lake Co Park features ample space for tents and picnic tables, allowing for a comfortable stay while enjoying the scenic views and campfire evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Estherville, IA is Fort Defiance State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Estherville, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.