Lake Iowa County Park offers 122 campsites set near a serene lake about 45 miles northeast of Oskaloosa. The terrain features wooded areas with elevation changes, creating natural wildlife habitats where campers regularly spot deer, rabbits, and various bird species. Horse enthusiasts seeking equestrian camping near Oskaloosa will find several dedicated facilities within driving distance that cater specifically to riders and their mounts.
What to do
Trail riding: Equestrian campers can access dedicated horse trails at Elk Rock State Park, where Dorothy H. noted, "We really enjoyed riding the trails here. Good facilities for our horses." The trails near the water provide scenic routes through varied terrain.
Wildlife viewing: Lake Iowa County Park provides excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Leslie P. shared, "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."
Fishing: Lake Iowa County Park offers shoreline access for anglers. Ken G. mentioned, "If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake," highlighting the accessible water recreation options.
Hiking: Multiple trail systems connect throughout the area. Jennifer M. remarked about Elk Rock, "The hikes throughout the woods were quite nice and eventually loop around. The best part about the trip was the eagles... We must have seen about 70 bald eagles perched in the trees."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Keokuk County Belva Deer Park receives praise for its maintenance. Keith B. noted, "You get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance... Would recommend 10/10."
Peaceful atmosphere: Bradley N. described the Elk Rock Equestrian campground as "peaceful and beautiful," adding that "the facilities were clean."
Affordable rates: Several campgrounds offer budget-friendly options. Keith B. mentioned that Keokuk County Belva Deer Park charges "$12 a night for primitive camping" with shower access included.
Spacious sites: While some campgrounds have closely spaced sites, others offer more room. Leslie P. recommended specific sites at Lake Iowa: "I would say if you can try and get sites 67-70. They have beautiful views."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Whitebreast Equestrian in Stephens State Forest operates from April 1 to December 31, making it unavailable during winter months.
Site proximity: At some locations, campfire smoke can be an issue due to site spacing. Randall K. cautioned about Lake Iowa County Park: "The spots are pretty close together... At 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick... I would not stay here on a busy holiday weekend."
Terrain challenges: Some lakeside areas have steep access points. Leslie P. noted about Lake Iowa County Park: "To walk to the lake or nearby pond you must go down hill, which could be a problem for anyone with mobility issues."
Weather preparation: Humidity can be intense during summer months. Clifton B. shared his experience at Lake Iowa: "Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes we didn't expect the humidity to affect us as it did... We saw 90% with 90 degrees."
Tips for camping with families
Look for wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural areas provide educational experiences for children. At Elk Rock State Park, Willy W. noted, "It's also a great place if you like to go horseback riding with lots of trails that go near the water."
Consider shower access: For longer stays with children, shower facilities become important. Claudia M. said of Lake Iowa County Park: "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."
Seek quiet sections: For families needing rest, location within campgrounds matters. Willy W. observed, "This is a really busy boat ramp but the campground is pretty big and open... the campgrounds are very clean."
Tips from RVers
Ample space: Lucas Primitive Campground in Stephens State Forest provides both electrical hookups and sewer connections for RV campers, with sites accommodating larger rigs.
Utility options: RV campers should note the electrical hookup types available. Lake Iowa County Park offers thirty-amp hookups suitable for most recreational vehicles according to visitor reports.
Self-registration process: Many area campgrounds use self-registration systems. Claudia M. explained the process at Lake Iowa County Park: "We pulled in very late on a Weds night/Thursday morning. Self registration at the front. Looked like a decent amount of folks here."
