Top Horse Camping near Harlan, IA
Looking for the best horse camping near Harlan? Finding a place to stay in Iowa while traveling with your horse is easy. Search horse campsites and discover top-rated spots, as reviewed by other campers.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Harlan, IA (3)
1. Lake Cunningham Campground
10 Reviews•16 Photos•51 SavesWhether you are visiting Omaha for the first time or looking for an affordable, family-friendly staycation, we’ve got what you’re looking for at Lake Cunningham. Discover the abundance of activities we have to offer, catered to those looking to explore the beauty of our park from land or water…or both! For those of you who plan to stay with us, we have 42 new campground stalls equipped with water, power and sanitary to each pad as well as a new well and shower house for campers to enjoy. We also have 41 upgraded campground stalls with access to a renovated shower house and electrical amplification. All campground stalls have new grills and firepits for you to enjoy.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$15 - $40 / night
2. Pony Creek Co Park
4 Reviews•24 Photos•18 Saves- Electric Hookups
- RVs
- Tents
3. Hacklebarney Woods County Park
3 Reviews•24 Photos•5 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
Recent Equestrian Reviews In Harlan
17 Reviews of 3 Harlan Campgrounds
- MMills C.
Scout
Pony Creek Co Park
NOT affiliated with DYRT
Do not pay Dyrt to use this campground. They are not affiliated.
- D
Dana T.
Guide
Lake Cunningham Campground
Nice for Glamping
Nice 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.
Kevin P.ScoutPony Creek Co Park
Camp by tent
a great place
- CConnor S.
TravelerLake Cunningham Campground
Clean and comfortable!
Love 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!
- BBethTraveler
Lake Cunningham Campground
Peaceful
Thus has been very enjoyable, the lake and grounds are beautiful.
- Steve D.Guide
Lake Cunningham Campground
Outstanding Campground!
This 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.
- JJames H.Traveler
Lake Cunningham Campground
New, nice.. good experience
A 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.
Alana R.GuideLake Cunningham Campground
Nice new spot
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. The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around.
- Tony B.
LegendLake Cunningham Campground
Higher rating but closed for now
This lake is one of the very few in Omaha that offers camping. And definitely of all types rv, and tent. But let me give you a disclaimer of why this is a 3 star. First the park is closed due to them draining it because of zebra mussels. Also I still feel weird about camping in a city, but that's my hang up. This place has always been well maintained, and offered a lot of amenities. They also offered rental boats for the lake, a really nice walking trail, and fishing. But for now we will have to wait to see what the improvements are going to be and how the lake turns out. More information to come later.
- Tony B.Legend
Pony Creek Co Park
Like the lake, but not much camping
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. But this camp area is not much at all. The spaces are really small, and not really one view of the lake. There is a new visitor center right by the entrance of the camping area. There also a really small pond by the entrance as well. This place would probably work for a over night stay, but not a destination. But I still love the areas wildlife, and the lake. Or maybe it's just the nostalgia for me.
Deb W.Guide
Hacklebarney Woods County Park
Quiet and Secluded
Three separate campgrounds one even for horseback with corrals. Very secluded but nice.
- Ashley B.Traveler
Hacklebarney Woods County Park
Close to home
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.
- Christy H.Traveler
Lake Cunningham Campground
Currently close
Due to mussel infestation the lake and campgrounds are close. When it’s open there is a small semi primitive campground. Lake is pretty and does have boat docks.
- Morgan W.Traveler
Lake Cunningham Campground
Quaint property
This is one of my favorites as well!
This is situated in a very incredible neighborhood of Omaha! Close to the interstate for easy access! Very mature trees and landscape.
Hiking trails, no wake boating, paddle boards (available for rent).
Pros: Great Lake
cons: we felt really on top of our neighbors here, though a simple drive around showed us areas that are better than others.
Kwin K.GuideLake Cunningham Campground
Close to the City but Feels Off the Path
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! People do swim near the beach area but it is technically not allowed. I like the beach for letting my dog swim! If you want to adventure but don’t have your own gear there is a cute little paddle board shop that rents boards and kayaks by the hour. They also offer classes!
Matt S.LegendHacklebarney Woods County Park
You might accidentally drive by Hucklebarney Woods
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, 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.
- Matt S.Legend
Pony Creek Co Park
Pony Creek is too small
Pony Creek is an old campground operated in Southwest Iowa. It only has about 6 sites. There is a pond in front of the park for fishing and a small playground. It also has some sort of conference center that looks like it was built recently. Honestly it looks a little out of place.
I would bring my family here for a picnic but it is not where I would camp.
Guide to Harlan
Camping near Harlan, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
What to do:
- Fishing and swimming: Many campgrounds, like Viking Lake State Park Campground, have lakes perfect for fishing and swimming. One camper mentioned, "The lake is great for fishing, kayaking or swimming."
- Hiking: Trails are available at places like Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, where visitors can enjoy scenic walks. A reviewer noted, "The campground is set in an Aspen glade. Very nice."
- Playgrounds: Families will appreciate the playgrounds at campgrounds such as Hitchcock County Nature Center. One parent shared, "Camping here also gives you access to the playground and nature trails into some beautiful countryside."
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers often rave about the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Anita State Park Campground said, "Great location, good facilities (shower, spigot with drinking water, restroom with flush toilets)."
- Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. A camper at Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area mentioned, "The host was so kind and helpful to us new timers."
- Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at places like Glenn Cunningham Lake Campground. One reviewer noted, "Slips are nicely spaced apart from each other."
What you should know:
- Mosquitoes can be a nuisance: Be prepared with bug spray, especially at Hitchcock County Nature Center. One camper warned, "The only downside is bring several bottles of bug spray, the mosquitoes are terrible!"
- Limited amenities at some sites: Campgrounds like Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area may not have showers or trash services. A visitor mentioned, "Sites have cement pads with electric service only."
- First-come, first-served: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, like Arrowhead Park Campground. A camper reminded others, "Friendly reminder to bring CASH."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Look for spots like Hitchcock County Nature Center that have facilities for kids. A parent shared, "Looked like a lot to do for the kids."
- Plan for activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One camper at Lake Anita State Park Campground noted, "Not much to do in small town but fun for an overnight."
- Pack snacks and meals: Having food on hand can save time and keep everyone happy. A visitor at Viking Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Great sites right on the water."
Tips from RVers:
- Check for electric hookups: Many campgrounds, like Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, offer electric sites. A reviewer said, "Hot showers were a plus."
- Be mindful of space: Some RV sites can be close together. A camper at Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area mentioned, "The park is a giant loop with many potable water fountains around."
- Explore nearby attractions: Campers often enjoy visiting local sites. One visitor at Glenn Cunningham Lake Campground said, "This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever encountered!"
Camping near Harlan, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With clean facilities, friendly staff, and plenty of activities, it's a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.
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.