Hacklebarney Woods County Park features dedicated equestrian camping areas with individual corrals for horses, separated from the main campground. The park maintains three distinct camping sections, with one specifically designed for horseback riders. Electric hookups and thirty-amp service are available at campsites, which can accommodate both tents and RVs. Bathroom facilities include showers and toilets, with a surprisingly nice shower room for the size of the park. The campground provides water access, picnic tables, and allows pets, creating a comprehensive setup for campers traveling with both horses and dogs. The park's secluded nature creates a quiet environment for equestrian camping.
Located in Montgomery County near Villisca, Iowa, Hacklebarney Woods offers trail riding opportunities through wooded areas. The equestrian campground sits approximately 300 yards past the main entrance, with clear signage directing horse owners to the appropriate facilities. The park accommodates extended stays for trail riders exploring the area, with spacious sites allowing room for both living quarters and horse trailers. While the park does not feature extensive amenities, its basic services and quiet setting make it suitable for riders seeking a straightforward camping experience. The park's shower facilities remain operational during normal camping seasons but close during winter months. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with some areas becoming muddy after rainfall.
"This lake has multiple campgrounds spread throughout. It one of the only lakes in Iowa where you can drive your boats fast. Great fireworks show on the 4th of July."
"One of the best campgrounds in the SW Iowa, the lake is great, nice beach and boating!"
"Hacklebarney is very close to home so it makes for a great quick camping trip destination. Has surprisingly nice shower room for the size of the park."
from $11 - $105 / night
TravelerWe booked this spot in February not knowing there was a rodeo on our camp day we were in town for a swim meet, the band was real loud Friday and perfect on Saturday, it has narrow camping spots but overall is a very good campground with full hook ups. Booked on line everything went smooth, great WiFi clean campground.
TravelerThis campground has beautiful views of the lake. The sites are very close together. Everything was very clean when we were there.
GuideThis is a very clean, lovely camp ground. The spots are spacious, and there are tons of options. In the fall we went and had no neighbors. It’s busy in summer, but well kept. They had people cleaning the bathrooms constantly (my mom kept pointing out, in awe, that it was “practically hourly”) which was great for tent camping with a large group! It’s quiet, beautiful lake, great boating, great swim spot, fun park for kids. Beautiful trees and hiking especially in the fall.
TravelerThe park is quite with some nice camping spots. Very quite with nobody around. The park could use some improvements but parks like these are my favorite!
GuideI stayed at this campground from August until November 13 in my pull behind camper.
Water,gas and Sewer was $15 daily,$105 weekly, and$420 monthly. Prices go up to $120 weekly when it gets cold. Shower house was shut down for COVID and shuts down in winter.
Tenting is cheaper$11
No ground fires allowed.
Friendly,helpful hosts on site.
Close to the Bridges,John Wayne sites,lauandromat,and grocery stores.
You might get a view of bridesmaids and grooms at the fairgrounds on the weekend heading to a wedding in the fairground building, nice to see during my work COVID isolation.
When the trees get big and fill in and COVID is over and the shower house is open it will be 4 stars.
LegendI will first off stay I have not been to a lot of Iowa parks. But I will say the ones I have been to, that this is the nicest or one of them. They have concessions, boat rentals, boating of all types, fishing, and trails. There are very nice picnic areas, and the bathrooms or restroom facilities are clean. This place is fantastic and offers a lot to anyone. So give it a try.
GuideThree separate campgrounds one even for horseback with corrals. Very secluded but nice.
GuideOne of the best campgrounds in the SW Iowa, the lake is great, nice beach and boating!
GuideOriginal Park in Greene County
Equestrian enthusiasts seeking horse campgrounds near Exira, Iowa can find accommodations within a short drive of town. Montgomery County provides several options for riders, with dedicated facilities that cater specifically to travelers with horses. Most equestrian camping areas in this region operate seasonally from April through October, with weather conditions determining exact opening dates.
Trail riding opportunities: Lake Icaria County Park offers multiple trails for riders of varying experience levels. "Love the trails," notes Jenny A. in her review of Lake Icaria Co Park. The park maintains several miles of marked paths through wooded areas and around the lake.
Fishing access: The region's county parks feature ponds and small lakes stocked with game fish. "You can't swim in the pond but the views are nice," explains Matt S. about his visit to Hacklebarney Woods County Park. Most fishing areas require Iowa fishing licenses, available online or at local retailers.
Holiday events: Summer holidays bring special activities to several parks. At Lake Icaria, Laura B. mentions, "Great fireworks show on the 4th of July." These seasonal events typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day and draw larger crowds to the campgrounds.
Quiet atmosphere: The secluded nature of Montgomery County campgrounds appeals to those seeking peaceful surroundings. "Very secluded but nice," reports Deb W. about her stay at Hacklebarney Woods. The remote location minimizes traffic noise and creates a calm environment.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention the cleanliness of facilities as a standout feature. "This is a very clean, lovely camp ground. The spots are spacious, and there are tons of options," writes Nicole B. about her experience at Lake Icaria Co Park. "They had people cleaning the bathrooms constantly which was great for tent camping with a large group."
Availability during weekdays: Several parks in the region maintain good availability outside peak weekend periods. Nathan M. notes about Squirrel Hollow Co Park: "Very quite with nobody around. The park could use some improvements but parks like these are my favorite!" Weekday arrivals typically encounter more open campsites, especially during shoulder seasons.
Limited visibility of park entrances: Access points to some parks can be challenging to spot from main roads. "Be careful not to drive by Hucklebarney Woods, if you're not careful you will pass it by. There is a sign but it is not very visible," cautions Matt S. Most campgrounds recommend reducing speed when approaching the turnoff points.
Seasonal bathroom closures: Shower and restroom facilities typically close during winter months. "Shower house was shut down for COVID and shuts down in winter," explains Richard R. about the Madison County Fairground Campground. Travelers camping in colder months should prepare for more limited amenities.
Wildlife impacts: Local wildlife populations affect campground conditions. At Hacklebarney Woods, one reviewer mentions "goose poop" as a consideration for tent campers. Most parks recommend footwear appropriate for various ground conditions.
Playground access: Parks with play equipment provide additional recreation options for children. Lake Icaria receives praise for its family-friendly amenities, with Nicole B. noting it has a "fun park for kids." Most playground areas remain open from dawn until dusk.
Beach conditions: Lakes with swimming areas vary in water quality throughout the season. One Lake Icaria visitor mentions, "Beach needs some work and algae in the water but otherwise I'd go again." Water conditions typically improve in early summer before August algae blooms.
Food options: Some parks provide convenient access to food vendors. "Even have food trucks that serve over by the beach!" reports Mike S. about Lake Icaria. Food service typically operates during summer weekends and holiday periods.
Hookup availability: Campgrounds offer varying levels of services for recreational vehicles. "Very nice place. Full hook up spots were very nice. Easy to get into, plenty of space," notes Mike S. about his RV experience at Dallas County Fairgrounds. Most parks require reservations for full-hookup sites during peak season.
Long-term options: Some facilities accommodate extended stays for travelers. Richard R. shares his experience at Madison County Fairground: "I stayed at this campground from August until November 13 in my pull behind camper. Water, gas and Sewer was $15 daily, $105 weekly, and $420 monthly." Monthly rates typically require advance arrangements with park management.
Electric service levels: Amperage options vary between parks. At Hacklebarney Woods, thirty-amp service is available, while other campgrounds may offer additional options. RVers with higher power requirements should confirm availability before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Exira, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Exira, IA is Lake Icaria Co Park with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Exira, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Exira, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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