Jeannie B.
Guide
GuideBig Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Beautiful Park
Many different trails for hiking, biking or equestrian. Camp sites are mostly grass. Beautiful park
Equestrian Camping near Greeley, IA
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Yellow River State Forest offers two dedicated equestrian campgrounds near Greeley, Iowa. Frontier Equestrian Campground and Creekside Equestrian Campground both provide electric hookups with 50-amp and 30-amp service for horse owners camping with trailers. The campgrounds accommodate tent and RV camping with horses, featuring picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Sites are reservable through Iowa's state park reservation system. Trail riders find ample space for horse trailer parking with pull-through access at both locations. The campgrounds maintain level sites suitable for horse trailers of all sizes, with room for portable corrals or high-line setups.
Located within Yellow River State Forest's extensive trail system, these equestrian campgrounds connect directly to miles of bridle trails through diverse terrain. Riders access woodland paths, open meadows, and scenic overlooks without leaving forest property. The trails accommodate both novice and experienced riders with varying difficulty levels and terrain types. Water access for horses is available at stream crossings throughout the trail network. Campers should bring their own feed and portable containment systems, as permanent corrals are not provided. The surrounding forest offers peaceful camping with minimal light pollution for stargazing after evening trail rides. Campsite spacing provides adequate room for horse handling and tacking up directly at campsites.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Greeley (9)
1. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
"There are miles of trails. Is hiking your thing? What about equestrian? Maybe mountain bike trails? You can even take the family for a nice leisurely walk on the easier trails."
"Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."
from $16 - $25 / night
Check Availability2. South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park
from $16 - $36 / night
Check Availability3. Matsell Bridge Natural Area
"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."
4. Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
"Many different trails for hiking, biking or equestrian. Camp sites are mostly grass. Beautiful park"
"There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included."
from $16 / night
Check Availability5. Wakpicada Natural Area
"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."
6. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
"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."
from $23 - $33 / night
Check Availability7. Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
"In Yellow River State Forest,-Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site."
from $20 / night
Check Availability8. Albany Campground — Volga River State Recreation Area
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability9. Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
"Clean, well kept sites with tie-ups, tables, fire rings, manure station and tools, multiuser trails including stream crossings. Trout fishing is good with seasonal stockings."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 39 min from Dubuque, IA
- 57 min from Waterloo, IA
- 1 hr 3 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 21 min from Iowa City, IA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Greeley, IA
56 Reviews of 9 Greeley Campgrounds
- Jeannie B.Guide
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Many things to do here
Backbone is a very diverse area. There are miles of trails. Is hiking your thing? What about equestrian? Maybe mountain bike trails? You can even take the family for a nice leisurely walk on the easier trails. Exploring is fun at this park because there is so much to see. The Trout stream was busy the weekend we were there. You might even want to play a round of Gulf. We have solar on our trailer so we stayed in the Six Pines campground and it was beautiful. We listened to the night animals for hours.
Mary S.
LegendBig Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Small campground has nearby hiking and fishing
This review is for Yellow River State Forest's Big Paint Campground which consists of sites 35 through 61. Big Paint is a couple miles from Little Paint, a larger campground with 70+ sites. There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included.
Why did we choose Big Paint instead of Little Paint?
It's smaller and that's just our personal preference. There were only 4 sites occupied early Friday afternoon and a few more were reserved. We liked site 35, the first site on the left as you enter. This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing. Most of the sites are completely on the grass.
Activities
Stocked trout streams are an attraction for fishermen; see photo of stocking calendar. We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground. You can also hike from Little Paint, and there are equestrian trails. This would also be a good area for X-country skiing and snowmobiling. A photo of the trail map is included. Caution: hunting is allowed in the non-campground area of the state forest.
Amenities
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Other than that, you can dispose of your trash and use a vault toilet. There's water at the information center (and a camp host site) outside the campground about 100 yards to the left.
Cost
You're not getting much (and that's not a bad thing) so the $9 fee seems fair. Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at last 2 days ahead of time (and pay a reservation fee). There are 7 non-reservable sites at Big Paint. I doubt that Big Paint fills up; just check the reservation site to see if they get crowded.
https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/yellow-river-state-forest/r/campsiteSearch.do?search=site&page=siteresult&contractCode=IA&parkId=610130
- C
Carol M.
TravelerMatsell Bridge Natural Area
Beautiful and secluded, campground road closed
Off 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.
Kerry M.
RangerSix Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Two campgrounds to enjoy at Backbone State Park
Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa.
There are two campgrounds. I have camped in both:
Modern Campground: This is a large, modern campground with all of the standard amenities found in a modern campground… electric hookups, flush toilets, water. I have camped here twice, both times in my travel trailer. Overall, it is a nice campground with decent space in between campers, however, I tend to avoid it during the busier summer and fall colors seasons.
Primitive Campground: This is my favorite at Backbone for camping, especially in the autumn after the leaves have fallen off of the trees. As this campground is non-electric, there are not many people camping after it turns colder. I have spent many nights there alone in the primitive campground, watching RVs pull in and then leave after realizing that it has no hookups.
Nearby trout fishing: Backbone is home to one of the more popular trout streams in Iowa. The fishing is easy as most of the fish are stocked (April-October). Still, it is an enjoyable fishing trip as the stream itself is mostly rocks and gravel, with several deep holes. The water is cold and clear.
Other activities: Hiking is very popular in Backbone. I have also seen rock climbing and rappelling. There are some nice spots away from the trout stream for wading and a little swimming. Backbone State Park also has a small lake with a swimming area and boat rentals during the summer. Several nice cabins are available for those who do not want to camp.
Stuart O.GuideBig Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Good late season option for the self-contained camper
Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective. However, the park is situated on the valley bottom of the Yellow River Forest with beautiful tall trees, and there are fire rings. Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March.
- Max K.Traveler
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Great bathroom and hiking, awful lake
We stayed here two nights. That was plenty, although it's not really the park's fault. The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere. It was better when we kayaked, but still gross.
So why the five stars? 1. The bathrooms were fantastic. 2. The camp site was really nice and plenty of room. 3. The hiking was superb. Felt like we were not in Iowa. 4. The driving through the park was also really great and I will go back this fall to look at leaves. 5. There is a cave you can explore on your own. We did. It's awesome. It's muddy. It's super cool. 6. There are some decent bouldering spots. 7. Cheap, huge bundles of firewood at park entrance. 8. Really friendly at the camp store. 9. Close to Strawberry Point. Go to town to Clayton's Pharmacy and get an old fashioned soda. Fantastic. 10. Close to Edgewood and the Edgewood Locker. Go visit and stock up on meat on the way home.
- Ashley D.Traveler
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Fun for the whole family
This campground has many things to do. This place has tent, rv and cabin camping, you can choose modern or non modern camping. Fun activities include fishing, swimming in a lake and also ground fed springs, boat rentals on the lake, hiking also horse trails, rock climbing, caves, playgrounds shelters for events and parties. I am sure there are even more things to do that I didnt have the time for.
James M.LegendFrontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Very nice equestrian CG near trout streams
In Yellow River State Forest,-Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site. Self registration, trails from/ camp including stream crossings in trout streams. Manure station with tools. Some trails are multiuser.
Guide to Greeley
Yellow River State Forest offers equestrian camping options 19 miles northeast of Greeley, Iowa. The forest spans over 8,500 acres of steep, heavily wooded terrain with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,100 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below zero, while summer highs typically reach the mid-80s with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing in trout streams: The forest features several cold-water streams stocked with trout throughout the season. At Big Paint Campground, visitors can access these waters directly. "Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball... Easy access to water," reports Tori L., who also noted the campground's well-maintained sites with picnic tables and fire rings.
Hiking on marked trails: Yellow River State Forest offers extensive hiking options through diverse terrain. "We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground," writes Mary S. from Big Paint Campground, who recommends bringing bug spray during summer visits.
Visit scenic lookouts: The forest features several viewpoints including Iowa's only fire tower. "Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush," mentions Tori L., who appreciated the quiet nights and relaxing atmosphere at Big Paint Campground.
What campers like
Spacious equestrian campsites: Frontier Equestrian Campground provides ample room for horses and riders. James M. notes, "Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site. Self registration, trails from camp including stream crossings in trout streams. Manure station with tools."
Stream access from camp: Many campers appreciate the proximity to water at Creekside Equestrian Campground. "Clean, well kept sites with tie-ups, tables, fire rings, manure station and tools, multiuser trails including stream crossings. Trout fishing is good with seasonal stockings," according to James M.
Quiet, uncrowded environment: During off-peak times, campers often have the area largely to themselves. At Matsell Bridge Natural Area near Greeley, Ryan found solitude: "Good campsite for a mellow weekend. When I visited we were the only campers there and it was awesome!"
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most forest campgrounds offer basic facilities. Stuart O. notes about Big Paint Campground: "No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective. However, the park is situated on the valley bottom of the Yellow River Forest with beautiful tall trees, and there are fire rings."
Weather considerations: The area can experience significant seasonal changes. "It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing. Most of the sites are completely on the grass," observes Mary S. regarding Big Paint Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Greeley, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Greeley, IA is Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
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What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Greeley, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Greeley, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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