14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse camping options near Glenwood, Iowa are limited, with none of the local campgrounds offering dedicated horse corrals or equestrian facilities based on the available data. Pony Creek Park in Pacific Junction provides camping accommodations including tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, and cabins, but lacks horse-specific amenities such as corrals or designated equestrian campsites. The park features a small pond for fishing and a playground area, though the spaces are relatively small without views of the main lake. Camping areas throughout the region are typically compact with basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables.
Equestrians seeking trail riding opportunities will need to travel further from the immediate Glenwood area to find suitable facilities. Louisville State Recreation Area in Nebraska, approximately 20 miles north, offers camping with varied accommodation types but also lacks dedicated horse facilities according to the data. Visitors frequently note the frequent train noise disrupting sleep at many area campgrounds, particularly at Louisville where tracks run along the park boundary. Water access for horses may be available at parks with lake or river frontage, though specific equestrian accommodations are not mentioned in the provided information. Campers should contact parks directly before arrival to confirm current policies regarding horses.
"A few vault toilets are scattered around the park, but there are no shower facilities. Nearby is a small lake along with a nature center. Park is within a valley with lots of shade trees."
"A HUGE campground with around 250 total sites, with options ranging from walk-in camping tent-only sites to RV areas. There is a 3 decent-size lakes spread evenly across the grounds."
"This campground is situated along the Platte River and there is plenty of family fun."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"It’s a bit off the beaten path but we got to enjoy the beautiful horses. Bonus!"
"Good hiking, horse rides, great hills for trail running."
from $35 - $340 / night
Check Availability"As full-time campers we stay at Mahoney quite often as it is close to the Omaha-metro and there are so many things to do within the park: swimming, golf, zip lines, arts & crafts, trails, nature, horses"
"Walking trails. Camping spots galore. Arts and crafts. Horse riding. Water park. Lodge. Viewing tower. And they just added a ropes course. cabins for rent as well."
from $25 - $485 / night
Check Availability"It appears not many people camp in Iowa in February. We had the campground to ourselves. We missed the crazy cold and snow by a day but it was 20 degree with the wind when I hiked the prairie."
"This also gave us time to really explore those trails I was drooling over. We took one of the more scenic trails and took us over the top of some of those beautiful Loess Hills."
from $15 - $110 / night
Check Availability"The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."
"Lake Cunningham is a fun destination for getting outside if you only have an afternoon to escape! The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing!"
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability"The fishing is easy in all the lakes and they have a pay fishing trout lake that nearly guarantees success. Our kid and her friends love the swimming beach."
"Whether I was riding a bike around the paved roads. Fishing in one of the sandpit lakes they have to offer, or the river. Walk around the nature trails, or lakes."
from $100 / night
Check Availability"It is right next to lake 4 with some beach access. There are both reservable and walk up sites here. The walk up process is a little strange."
"Very nice camp sites and playgrounds for children nice clean fishing lakes and river access."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"This is a small campground a little ways before you get to lakeside campground. These spots are electric with fire pits and picnic tables. It is near the road and the dump station is in view."
"Take your pick, river or lakeside. Some areas are more modern than others but all are nice. A few have water hookups"
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Pleasant quiet environment other then nearby train. Location has 2 other RV campgrounds around the corner . It's a city park next to the expo center nice and clean . Pull in next to any hook up."
"The entrance was a little bit confusing. There is a pay box at the edge of the parking box. The bathrooms were locked, but being self contained, we wouldn't have used them."
from $10 / night
Check Availability
LegendIt appears not many people camp in Iowa in February. We had the campground to ourselves. We missed the crazy cold and snow by a day but it was 20 degree with the wind when I hiked the prairie. Lovely little state park, clean and the trail system was pretty neat. Wasn't perfectly flat and had some overlooks. Very much enjoyed!
GuideTo be perfectly honest we camp at Nodaway often- but that because of its location - close to work and such. However there are limited activities at Nodaway.
The camp sites are nice and large- easy to get into and each one had its own water and electric. There are 11 on what we call the upper circle and 4 on the lower circle. The bath house is located at the far end so if you are on the lower circle or at the end it can be a walk. It isn't fancy by any means- a single sink, toilet, and shower in the same room- one for each sex. It gets the job done- but it is no frills. There is a dump station centrally located that you can easily pull up to on your way out.
The park is big- lots of trails for hiking and horses. They are usually very well maintained- they keep them mowed in nice wide paths and the trails range from nice and flat to a bit more steep.
There is a little pond but there are no fish in it and it could use some work- lots of moss and such.
There are several different picnic areas and a second bathroom away from the campgrounds. The playground is outdated but there is a large area where kids can play soccer or tag and while the equipment is old it is not in bad shape.
There is a beautiful look out area (away from the camprounds) that looks over Clarinda and is very nice to watch the annual 4th of July fireworks from the Clarinda A's baseball team.
We love Nodaway not because of the amenities but because we can all get together and be close to work/school/home. Camping here does require some yard games and activities for entertainment- but you are just a couple minutes from the store if you forget something!
RangerAs full-time campers we stay at Mahoney quite often as it is close to the Omaha-metro and there are so many things to do within the park: swimming, golf, zip lines, arts & crafts, trails, nature, horses, etc. Huge amount of walk up sites all year long. Little Creek campground is the best place to stay for amenities: laundry, hot showers but avoid any campsite located at the bottom of the hill so you are not washed away by rain water or have a site full of mud.
LegendBe 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 and you may have to hit your brakes pretty hard, so be careful.
The first entrance to the park is an equestrian campground that was closed when I arrived. Don't stop there, keep driving another 300 yards and you will find the main entrance to the park.
For a county park with limited resources it meets expectations. The biggest detractor is all of the goose poop but I suppose you can live with that, especially if you are pulling a camper. You can't swim in the pond but the views are nice. I would honestly say that this is not where I would choose to camp but it is a great place to stop and have a picnic.
LegendStayed one night on Sept 4. Camped at site 35 in the non-equestrian campground; non-electric fee $15. Parked van on the grass at this site. Like nearly all of the sites in this campground, this site was close to the campground road. Overall, I felt that the campsites were all bunched together - offering no privacy and spacing between sites. The shower house was closed during our visit. Water was also turned off at the wayer pumps in the campground. There was one single vault toilet available for all of the campers; it was reasonably clean. Wayne, the campground host, was nice & helpful. There is a self-serve firewood station in the campground; cost is either $5 or $10, depending on the amount of wood you purchase. The campsites have a picnic table & metal fire ring. I wasn't too pleased with this campground, but I was very happy with the nearby hiking trails within the park. It's a pretty state park with hills & lush forest. The day use areas looked great. I recommend those traveling along I-29 to stop at this park - not necessarily for the camping, but for the hiking. Had some T-Mobile 4G service.
LegendThis is a great weekend spot not much to do around the park. The campsites are nice but close with not much space in between. There are 2 campgrounds, the one north of the highway is a horse campground but required. There are nice trails in this area. The campground on the south is more of a tent site. There are vault toliets, no showers. A lot of great trails o this side. All campsites include a picnic table and fire ring.
GuideThis is a great state park and possibly the busiest since it’s between Omaha and Lincoln. Walking trails. Camping spots galore. Arts and crafts. Horse riding. Water park. Lodge. Viewing tower. And they just added a ropes course. cabins for rent as well.
The only minus besides it’s always busy is the road noise from Interstate 80.
ScoutIf you don’t mind lugging your stuff to your tent spot, it’s primitive, no frills camping at its finest! We chose the closest spot to the vault toilets. There are only 4. It’s a bit off the beaten path but we got to enjoy the beautiful horses. Bonus!
TravelerGood hiking, horse rides, great hills for trail running.
Campgrounds near Glenwood, Iowa sit within the unique Loess Hills, a landform of wind-deposited silt found in only one other location worldwide - China. The area experiences hot summers with highs near 90°F and cool winters with lows in the teens. Camping options include lakeside sites, wooded areas, and river access points where campers can experience the region's distinct prairie-woodland transition zone.
Hiking trails: Waubonsie State Park offers varied hiking experiences through the distinctive Loess Hills landforms. "The hiking trails are not for bikes, and they have several different levels or skills levels. The look out was pretty cool as well," notes reviewer Tony B. The park features multiple trail options ranging from easy walks to more challenging ridge routes.
Fishing opportunities: Two Rivers State Recreation Area provides numerous fishing lakes and river access. "Fishing is easy in all the lakes and they have a pay fishing trout lake that nearly guarantees success," says Rick J. The park contains multiple sandpit lakes and Platte River access, providing diverse fishing environments.
Water activities: Lake Cunningham Campground offers paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing options for water enthusiasts. "The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing! People do swim near the beach area but it is technically not allowed," shares reviewer Kwin K. Equipment rentals are available for those without their own gear.
Scenic overlooks: Waubonsie State Park features memorable viewpoints overlooking the Missouri River valley. "If you go make sure you hike over to the sunset viewpoint that looks out to the West," recommends Wayne H. These elevated positions in the Loess Hills provide expansive views across the state border.
Family amenities: Platte River State Park offers numerous family-friendly activities beyond basic camping. "This park offers a lot of nature activities. You can hike the many hiking trails to the mini waterfall, or Platte river. They have paddle boat and Kayak rentals. There is a splash park, shooting, archer ranges, horseback riding," explains Tony B.
Diverse accommodation options: The Two Rivers State Recreation Area features converted train cabooses as unique lodging options. "We usually tent camp but have also stayed in the cabooses a couple times, the kids really enjoy that," mentions Rick J. These renovated Union Pacific cabooses provide an alternative to traditional tent or RV camping experiences.
Train noise: Louisville State Recreation Area experiences significant train disruptions. "We liked everything about this area but the train tracks! Be selective on where you pitch the tent. It can get loud," advises Chrisne E. The tracks border the southern edge of the campground, with trains frequently using their horns when passing.
Campsite spacing: Several campgrounds in the region have closely positioned sites. At Waubonsie State Park, one reviewer noted, "The sites just are to close for me as a tent camper. The could almost use some of the day use picnic area as primitive sites." Taking two adjacent sites can create more comfortable spacing for groups requiring additional room.
Seasonal closures: Some facilities experience temporary closures. Lake Cunningham reviewer Christy H. explains, "Due to mussel infestation the lake and campgrounds are close. When it's open there is a small semi primitive campground." Always check current status before planning trips, as environmental management may affect access.
Water recreation options: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers extensive water facilities for children. "There are many activities for kids including paddleboating, a wave pool, horse riding, ziplining, and playgrounds," shares Jennifer M. The wave pool costs approximately $10 for adults and $8 for children, with additional tube rental fees.
Budget-friendly options: Two Rivers State Recreation Area provides economical family entertainment. One reviewer explains, "This is a great campground for camping and fishing with kids. The fishing is easy in all the lakes and they nearly guarantee success." The swimming beach and bicycle-friendly paved roads offer additional no-cost activities for children.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment for younger campers. At Syracuse City Campground, a reviewer noted it's located "in a treed area with a nice playground." Position your campsite near these facilities for easier supervision while still maintaining camp responsibilities.
Level parking: Syracuse City Campground offers particularly flat terrain for easy RV setup. "The whole area is very flat. Leveling was a breeze," notes Lynn J. This municipal campground provides a low-cost ($10 donation) alternative with both 30 and 50 amp electrical connections.
Spacing considerations: Glenn Cunningham Lake Campground provides more generous site spacing in certain areas. "Love the new East lots. Full access with concrete pad. Tons of room between spots," reports Connor S. The concrete pads provide stable positioning regardless of weather conditions.
Utility access: Availability of full hookups varies significantly between parks. At Glenn Cunningham, "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in." Always verify specific utility needs when booking, as amenities differ even within the same park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Glenwood, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Glenwood, IA is Pony Creek Co Park with a 3.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Glenwood, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Glenwood, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
