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Best Equestrian Camping near Johnston, IA

80 Reviews

South Equestrian Campground in Brushy Creek State Recreation Area provides 50-amp electrical hookups for RV campers with horses. The campground features water hookups, sewer connections, and a sanitary dump station for longer stays. Sites accommodate tents and RVs with ample space for horse trailers. The well-maintained grounds include picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Campers can reserve sites online for stays between April 1 and December 31. The campground lacks dedicated horse corrals but allows pets throughout the area.

Equestrian Campground at Elk Rock State Park connects riders to nearby trail systems with electrical, water, and sewer hookups at each site. The campground includes thirty-amp and fifty-amp options for RV campers with horses. Showers and toilet facilities remain clean and accessible for overnight guests. Both campgrounds maintain reservation systems for securing sites during peak riding seasons. Elk Rock State Park provides access to riding trails with varied terrain suitable for different experience levels. The campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends when trail conditions are optimal. Riders should pack appropriate feed and water containers as natural water sources may be limited during dry periods.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Johnston, Iowa (11)

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Johnston, IA

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Johnston, IA

80 Reviews of 11 Johnston 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Andrea H.
    May. 15, 2020

    South Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    Relaxing never bored

    First time camping at south campground. Loving it so far! Restrooms/showers and playgrounds are all still closed due to covid but there is still plenty to do! Walking, hiking and exploring. People are here camping with their horses but the campground is still nice and quiet.

Guide to Johnston

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 scenic landscapes.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

Tips for equestrian camping near Johnston, Iowa

  • When visiting the Squirrel Hollow Co Park, be prepared for a quiet atmosphere with some nice camping spots, ideal for relaxing after a day of riding.
  • The Ledges State Park Campground is popular among locals and offers scenic trails that are great for both hiking and horseback riding.
  • For those looking for a friendly environment, the Dallas County Fairgrounds provides a clean and economical option with helpful staff.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • The Madison County Fairground Campground is close to the famous Bridges of Madison County, perfect for a scenic ride or leisurely exploration.
  • Horseback riders at the Double E LLC Camping can enjoy the surrounding countryside, making it a great spot for both camping and riding.
  • The Singing Mesa Ranch offers a peaceful setting for equestrian activities, with access to trails that showcase Iowa's natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Johnston, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Johnston, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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