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Best Equestrian Camping near Gilbert, IA

85 Reviews

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area features two equestrian campgrounds near Gilbert, Iowa. The North and South Equestrian Campgrounds both offer electric hookups with 30- and 50-amp service, water hookups, sewer connections, and sanitary dump stations for RVs. Both campgrounds accommodate tents and recreational vehicles with drive-in and walk-in access. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at each site. While neither campground lists specific horse corrals in the data, they are designated specifically for equestrian use. Camping season runs from April 1 through December 31, giving riders ample time to enjoy the facilities throughout most of the year. The campground maintains showers for campers though toilet facilities may be limited. Reservations are required for camping spots.

Trail riders can access extensive riding paths directly from both equestrian campgrounds at Brushy Creek. The recreation area encompasses numerous miles of multiuse trails suitable for horseback riding through varied terrain. The South Equestrian Campground, which received a perfect 5-star rating from visitors, accommodates larger rigs for those traveling with horse trailers. Both campgrounds provide electric and water hookups essential for maintaining horse care during overnight stays. The recreation area's layout allows for convenient access between camping areas and trail systems. The beach area of Brushy Creek offers another camping option within the same recreation area, though it is not specifically designated for equestrian use. For riders seeking additional options, Ledges State Park Campground is located approximately 30 miles away and allows pets, though it does not have dedicated equestrian facilities.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Gilbert, Iowa (8)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Gilbert, IA

85 Reviews of 8 Gilbert Campgrounds

  • Tom S.
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Don't fall off the ledge!

    One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there. It's close to how I remember it.

    The campground has a good picnic area, restrooms, and an excellent trail. It's also inexpensive.

    What I enjoy most about this park compared to others in Iowa are the sandstone ledges and the slopes on the trail. There are some excellent views, so make sure your phone has enough battery to take photos (unlike me). I also spent a lot of time off the trail. It isn't too hard to get around. I'm not one who enjoys staying at a park that is mostly flat, so this is definitely a good place in Iowa for me to camp.

    If you are looking for a cool place to camp within an hour of Des Moines, you should seriously consider this park.

  • Wendy P.
    Jul. 19, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Beautiful hikes. Prepare for coons.

    One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.

    Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.

  • B
    Aug. 19, 2016

    North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    Nice campground

    I stayed here at the start of the summer and had a great time. We chose to stay in the equestrian campsite (even though we didn't have horses) because it was a bit more secluded and shaded. The campsites were nice and the lake and stream were very nice as well. I was surprised to see a school of muskie while fishing, but it appeared that they were spawning at the time. If you go camping in May, make sure to bring a slightly heavier fishing pole to handle the musky. They're worth it.

  • J
    Dec. 14, 2021

    Jester County Park

    Nice, Quiet CG

    Nice CG located on the North end of Saylorville Reservoir. Camped in the upper CG site#145. Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV. CG has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course and nature center. Plenty to do with the city of Ankeny just 15 minutes away. CG was fairly empty until around Thursday and filled on the weekend. Seniors can get$5 off per day of their reservation. Dump station is at the entrance of the CG. We camped at Jester Park in a Travel Trailer.

  • Whitney S.
    Apr. 9, 2022

    Jester County Park

    Little bit of everything

    Campgrounds amazing views airsoft gun and archery ranges snowshoeing equestrians and cross-country skiing

  • S
    Jul. 6, 2021

    North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    North Equine Campground

    The only open site was in the North Equine Campground so we took a chance. We really did like the Campground, it was well maintained, clean and quiet. There were a few campers with horse but not many. Hitching posts behind each site which we enjoyed seeing. The roads inside the campground were all asphalt so lots of bikers enjoying rides around the grounds. There was also a nice playground for the kids surrounded by a well maintained, large, grassy area. There were many empty sites because so many had no electric. It made for lots of nice open space. Unfortunately, we had no shade in the afternoon so weren't able to eat dinner outside or enjoy a fire in the evening. We are fortunate we camped in a 5th wheel so we could escape the heat, we would have left after the first night otherwise.
    We did drive through the Beach Campground and the South Equine Campground. Beach had very little shade and was primarily families with younger children. The beach looked real nice, not too crowded for a hot, July day. North Equine was where most of the horse folks were staying it was quite crowded. A very bustling area.

  • Mike C.
    Sep. 26, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Small Quant and scenic

    The views around the park are some of the very best in Iowa. Hiking trails often found you coming face to face with deer who look at you inquisitively. Fun for family as the waters over the roadways are a splash for adults and children alike. It's a hidden gem, just outside Boone Iowa.

  • Tanner H.
    Jun. 24, 2021

    Jester County Park

    Jester park is great for a weekend with friends and testing new camping gear

    This site was great, it has a reserve site to its right, (the people never showed up) and a FCFS site to the left. No one showed up there either and it was Father’s Day weekend! Super quiet and relaxing. Each site towards the front of the 400’s is BIG. You have plenty of room for 2 vehicles and two sizable tents. There was four of us and a dog.

    A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through the twisty roads. The nice bathroom in the #300s camping area is a bit of a walk BUT has showers and really clean toilets. Some of the cleanest I’ve seen at a campground in Iowa. DO NOT USE THE “TOILETS” in the #400s area, they are dirty and basically a hole in the ground.

    Another downside is that things are pretty spread out, and with it being pretty hot out we weren’t able to walk miles to get to the different trails at the park. The short trails we did walk on were nice and up kept though.

Guide to Gilbert

Horse camping in Iowa offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. With several campgrounds catering specifically to horse campers, you can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring your equine companions are well taken care of.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like water and electric hookups

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gilbert, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gilbert, IA is Ledges State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gilbert, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Gilbert, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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