Hacklebarney Woods County Park features a separate campground specifically designed for horseback riders with individual corrals. Located in Villisca, Iowa, approximately 75 miles southeast of Harlan, this park combines equestrian facilities with standard camping amenities. The equestrian campground area remains separate from the main camping sections, providing riders with dedicated space for their horses. The camping area includes basic amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, and thirty-amp service for RVs. Campers note the quiet, secluded atmosphere creates an ideal environment for horseback riding enthusiasts. The park maintains toilet facilities, trash collection, and offers picnic tables at campsites.
The trail system connects riders to wooded terrain through the park property, with multiple access points from the horse camping area. Water hookups allow campers to provide for their horses directly at their sites, while the shower facilities accommodate riders after trail excursions. Three separate campground areas within the park include the dedicated equestrian section with corrals designed specifically for overnight horse camping. The campground does not require reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Daily trail rides connect campers to the surrounding Loess Hills landscape. Horse owners should note that the equestrian campground entrance is located approximately 300 yards past the main park entrance, making it easy to miss without careful attention to signage.
"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
"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."
"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."
RangerThe areas for tent camping are poorly situated and not worth paying for imho. They have a pit toilet and a water spigot nearby, but that doesn’t make it worth the noise and amount of random local traffic circling my through the campground.
GuideA quiet county owned campground not too far from I-29. The area has a few tent sites with tables/fire rings along with four gravel RV pads with 50 amp hook ups. There is a single water spigot in the middle of the RV area. Also available are two large cabins that can be rented via the Mills County website. 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. Overall an enjoyable place to relax for a couple days.
ScoutDo not pay Dyrt to use this campground. They are not affiliated.
GuideNice site for a tent camper passing through, beginner adventurers, glampers, or a family staycation. The entire park is well maintained, has a large lake stocked with fish, tent sites are close together, but tolerable. Occupancy depends on the time of year. I was there in September and it was not crowded at all. Tent sites are primitive. New roads leading into the park.
Scouta great place
TravelerLove the new East lots. Full access with concrete pad. Tons of room between spots. Mini store on the property to buy ice, firewood, and food from. Fishing, paddle board rentals, and a park are a few things to do. Awesome place!
TravelerThus has been very enjoyable, the lake and grounds are beautiful.
GuideThis is one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever encountered! On a beautiful lake with many recreational possibilities - kayaking, sailing non power boating - some for rent. 10 miles of paved bike trails and ALL paved campsites level and clean! Many clean and nice bathrooms which showers and FULL hookups for almost any size RV or camper. HIGHLY recommended! Nice campsite hosts and nicely spread out campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. No wi fi but Verizon service was good.
TravelerA relative's driveway would've been free, but here we got a level pull-thru spot and the encouragement and advice of a kind camp host as we got our tanks washed through and drained. Slips are nicely spaced apart from each other. The area we booked is very new, and FHU.
Hacklebarney Woods County Park offers equestrian camping with three distinct camping areas in southwestern Iowa. The equestrian section includes individual horse corrals and trails connecting to the surrounding Loess Hills terrain. Located approximately 75 miles southeast of Harlan, this first-come, first-served campground provides drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities for riders after trail excursions.
Trail riding opportunities: The nearby Loess Hills region contains numerous bridle paths for equestrian camping enthusiasts. At Pony Creek Co Park, visitors note the surrounding landscape offers excellent wildlife viewing. "Been coming to this lake for years. It's a beautiful setting, right in the middle Loess Hills in sw Iowa. The fishing has always been good here," mentions Tony B. from Pony Creek Co Park.
Fishing access: Several parks near Harlan maintain stocked lakes and ponds for anglers. "This lake is one of the very few in Omaha that offers camping. And definitely of all types rv, and tent," notes Tony B. about Lake Cunningham Campground. The fishing opportunities extend beyond just the main lakes to smaller ponds within the park boundaries.
Non-motorized boating: Water activities complement the land-based recreation options. "The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around," says Alana R. about Lake Cunningham. Many local parks permit kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding on their lakes when conditions allow.
Shower facilities: Equestrian campers particularly appreciate clean shower facilities after long days of riding. "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," reports Ashley B. from Hacklebarney Woods County Park.
Spacious campsites: The layout of camping areas provides adequate separation between sites at several parks. "Love the new East lots. Full access with concrete pad. Tons of room between spots," comments Connor S. about Lake Cunningham Campground. This spacing allows horse owners to maintain appropriate distance between animals when needed.
Paved surfaces: Concrete pads provide stable, level foundations for RVs and camping equipment. "10 miles of paved bike trails and ALL paved campsites level and clean," states Steve D. about the camping areas at Lake Cunningham Campground. These improvements make setup and breakdown more efficient for equestrian campers with trailers.
Entrance visibility: Some campgrounds have poorly marked entrances that require extra attention. "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 and you may have to hit your brakes pretty hard," warns Matt S. The equestrian entrance requires additional navigation past the main entrance.
Limited amenities: Some smaller parks offer minimal facilities. At Pony Creek, "The spaces are really small, and not really one view of the lake. This place would probably work for a over night stay, but not a destination," advises Tony B.
Seasonal closures: Water-based facilities may close temporarily for maintenance or environmental concerns. "Due to mussel infestation the lake and campgrounds are close. When it's open there is a small semi primitive campground," reports Christy H. about seasonal conditions at Lake Cunningham Campground.
Playground access: Some parks include play equipment for children. "There is a pond in front of the park for fishing and a small playground," notes Matt S. about Pony Creek Co Park, making it suitable for families with younger children who need recreational options beyond horseback riding.
Water recreation options: Families can participate in various water activities depending on the park. "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!" shares Kwin K.
Pet-friendly facilities: Many parks accommodate family pets alongside horses. "I like the beach for letting my dog swim!" mentions Kwin K. about Lake Cunningham, highlighting options for families traveling with multiple animals.
Hookup specifications: RVers should verify the exact hookup configurations before arrival. "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in. You can pay $1 for a hot shower in the comfort station, which is very clean," advises Alana R. about Lake Cunningham.
Campsite selection: RV campers recommend choosing specific areas within larger parks. "We felt really on top of our neighbors here, though a simple drive around showed us areas that are better than others," suggests Morgan W. from Lake Cunningham Campground.
Pull-through availability: Some parks offer convenient pull-through sites for larger rigs. "Here we got a level pull-thru spot and the encouragement and advice of a kind camp host as we got our tanks washed through and drained. Slips are nicely spaced apart from each other," mentions James H. about his experience at Lake Cunningham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Harlan, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Harlan, IA is Lake Cunningham Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Harlan, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Harlan, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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