Best Equestrian Camping near Iowa City, IA

Loud Thunder Forest Preserve Horse Corral Campgrounds, located near the Iowa border in Illinois, offers electric hookups and designated camping areas specifically designed for horse enthusiasts. The campground includes a corral area with both day use and overnight camping options. Sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to trash facilities. The campground maintains direct access to riding trails while providing sanitary dump stations and toilets for camper convenience. Tent and RV camping are both available, with the sites organized to accommodate horse trailers. The camping area remains clean and well-maintained throughout the season, making it a reliable option for equestrians seeking overnight accommodations within driving distance of Iowa City.

Trail riders can access Lake George from the campground for fishing and paddling opportunities. The park offers boat rentals for those wanting to explore the water between trail rides. Wood is available for purchase within the park, eliminating the need to transport campfire materials. The campground's location provides reasonable access to multiple riding trails that wind through the forest preserve. While not offering dedicated horse stalls or wash racks, the corral area accommodates visiting horses with adequate space for temporary containment. Reviews indicate the camping experience is positive with good sites and functional corral facilities. The park strikes a balance between primitive camping atmosphere and necessary amenities for equestrian visitors traveling with horses.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Iowa City, Iowa (7)

    1. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    4 Reviews
    West Liberty, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 264-5922

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting.

    There are three separate campgrounds."

    2. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    6 Reviews
    Marion, IA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    $23 - $33 / night

    "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."

    3. Lake Iowa County Park

    7 Reviews
    Williamsburg, IA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 655-8465

    "Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  "

    "The good: The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife."

    4. Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    3 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    "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."

    5. Keokuk County Belva Deer Park

    1 Review
    Sigourney, IA
    36 miles
    +1 (641) 622-3757

    "$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance."

    6. Wakpicada Natural Area

    1 Review
    Central City, IA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 438-6616

    "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."

    7. Loud Thunder Forest Preserve- Horse Corral Campgrounds

    1 Review
    Illinois City, IL
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 795-1294

    $20 - $26 / night

    "CG has nice corral with day use and camping sites: shelter available, elect pull in sites fire rings, wood available in park, tables, trails Lake George for fishing, paddling, boat rental."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Iowa City, IA

24 Reviews of 7 Iowa City Campgrounds


  • Jessica H.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    Ranger Review: VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens at Saulsbury Bridge

    Campground Review:

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area is 675 acres, nestled between rolling fields of corn, dairy farms, native prairie, and the Cedar River. Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting.

    There are three separate campgrounds. The main campground has electrical hookups, picnic benches, fire rings, modern restroom facilities including showers, a dump station, playground, and firewood for purchase. There are 24 sites, and they run $20 per night.

    The primitive campground area sits along Chicken Creek and offers four, tent-only sites, and is just off the main campground. The sites are well spaced and surrounded by large trees. These are walk in sites with parking in the main campground. It’s a short hike in from the parking area, and within walking distance of the restrooms and firewood. Primitive sites are $10 per night.

    Across the road from these two campgrounds is the main boat access and fishing dock for Chicken Creek. Only non-motorized boats are allowed here. If you don’t have your own, you can rent kayaks and canoes through the Muscatine County Conservation office. There is also a large shelter, which is reservable along with day use picnic areas, playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, and vault toilets. There’s large, open expanses of grassy fields and oak shade trees; perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day.

    The river campground sits right along the Cedar River and allows easy access to fishing along with a boat ramp. This campground is a short hike to the old Saulsbury Bridge and Lodge. The bridge has a small gazebo-like structure and bench which provides a nice view of the river. There are vault toilets in this campground, but the modern restrooms are within walking distance as well. There are 10 sites in this campground and run $17 per night.

    All campsites are self-registration and are on a first come, first served basis. There is a campground host on duty in the main campground and the park officer lives on site. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash in the campgrounds and on trails. However, they are allowed to run in the designated hunting areas. These areas are marked with signs. If you plan to hike during hunting season, it’s a good idea to wear bright colors/blaze orange so you are visible to hunters and not mistaken for a deer or other wildlife.

    This park also has prairie/natural habitat restoration areas that, in spring and summer, attract Monarch butterflies, and an abundance of birds including indigo bunting, red headed woodpecker, and goldfinch. In the colder months you can spot bald eagles flying along the river. There are also deer, wild turkey, and pheasants. While there, we walked around the campground areas that were open and over to the day use area along Chicken Creek to roast marshmallows. We hiked the short distance out to the Saulsbury Bridge to watch the Cedar River flow by and caught a beautiful sunset.

    The one downfall to this park is the possibility for flooding. When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds.

    A call ahead to the conservation office to check on closures is a good idea. We had hoped to camp at a primitive site, but learned the trail leading into the campground was under water, which also meant the river campground was closed as well. Though there was some water over the road in the main campground, it was minimal and we were able to choose an electrical site. We opted to car camp as we were only staying one night. Only about a third of the campground was filled and we had no one on either side of us which meant for a more quiet camping experience.

    This is one of my favorite local areas to hike and camp that’s close to home. It offers a full picture of Iowa’s varied landscapes and outdoor activity opportunities.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. On this camping trip, I tried out VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens sneakers. VivoBarefoot’s goal is to provide an environment that allows the feet to remain in their natural state while providing a protective shoe. https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/womens/off-road/primus-trail-sg-womens?colour=Olive

    1. Anytime I purchase a new pair of shoes, whether for daily use or outdoor recreation, I make sure to break them in as much as possible as I’m prone to blisters. I did wear the Primus around the house a few times and on my daily walks before taking them camping. Though they have a snug fit, they’re not uncomfortable. They also include a pair of removable inserts and extra laces. The laces are adjustable which allowed me to either loosen or tighten the shoe. Bonus; no socks needed. As someone who would opt to wear sandals year round if possible, I liked the fact I didn’t have to put an extra layer on my feet.
    2. The timing couldn’t have been better for testing out these sneakers; Saulsbury was experiencing minor flooding while we were there. Not only do they have rugged soles for gripping in wet and rocky terrain, the mesh material allows for quick drying if they do get wet, and provided easy clean up of mud and other debris.
    3. Honestly, I was really pleased with the fact that many of the women’s shoes came in neutral and earth tone colors (I absolutely checked out other shoe options on their website). While I don’t mind the brighter colors that seem to be the trend for women’s trail runners, I really prefer something a little more low key.
    4. One of the best things about these shoes was the ease of slipping them on and off, say in the middle of the night when nature called.
    5. All in all, I feel this shoe is a good match for the outdoor activities I enjoy; camping, hiking, bicycling, and kayaking. I’m looking forward to seeing how they hold up while hiking in the mountains out West this summer.
  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2024

    brinton timbers park

    Great park no showers though

    I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.

  • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

    Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

    Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

  • L
    Jul. 10, 2022

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Good, but.

    The good: The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife. We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through. The bad: very few sites have a view of the lake. To walk to the lake or near by pond you must go down hill, which could be a problem for any one with mobility issues. Once down to the water trail are easy to walk. I would say if you can try and get sites, 67-70. They have beautiful views.

  • C
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    Nice little inexpensive primitive site... spaces almost always available

    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. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this "best kept secret" for primitive and inexpensive camping sites. Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Good for RV, trailer or tent camping… level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water.

  • Clint  G.
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    A Gem in Linn County, IA

    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.  The sites are very spacious with some shade, a fire ring, and picnic table provided.  The nearest grocery store was within 5 miles.  The bathhouse and showers were clean with lots of hot water.

  • John S.
    Apr. 18, 2018

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    Close to town camping

    A little pricy for tent camping. Ten dollars per tent per night and you’re restricted to the primitive area. It’s not bad if you’re just wanting to get away for a little bit but stay close to town. Otherwise if you’re looking for a better get away from it all I’d recommend some place else.

  • C
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    Great location and amenities

    I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.

  • Kris P.
    Apr. 11, 2019

    Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    Just on the edge of town country comfort

    The best thing about this campground is it’s access to the squaw creek man bike single track. The sites are nice, and easy access to town if you forgot stuff.


Guide to Iowa City

Horse camping in Iowa offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it an ideal choice for horse lovers looking to explore the state's beautiful landscapes.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites

  • Lake Iowa County Park provides well-spaced sites with electric hookups, making it convenient for horse campers who need to recharge after a day of riding.
  • At Keokuk County Belva Deer Park, campers can enjoy clean facilities and easy access to trails, ensuring a comfortable stay for both horses and riders.
  • Wakpicada Natural Area features shaded campsites and picnic tables, creating a welcoming atmosphere for equestrian groups.

Equestrian campgrounds include scenic views and natural beauty

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Iowa City, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Iowa City, IA is Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping with a 3.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Iowa City, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.