Brushy Creek State Recreation Area offers specialized equestrian camping with distinct seasonal advantages. The facility operates from April through December with off-season camping available for $14 per night. Campsites at the equestrian campgrounds feature hitching posts behind each site, electric hookups (30/50 amp options), and access to multi-use trail systems throughout the 6,500-acre recreation area.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Kennedy Park Campground provides access to multiple fishing spots, with one camper noting, "Good fishing nice open areas and trails to explore. Lots of cool kid activities."
Observe wildlife: At Jester County Park, visitors can experience unique wildlife viewing areas. "Buffalo ranch near by which is cool as well as Pingora outdoor supply store near by where you can purchase firewood and other camp supplies," mentions one reviewer.
Trail riding: The trail system directly connects to both equestrian campgrounds with varying terrain through prairie and wooded areas. A camper at Ledges State Park Campground shared, "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."
What campers like
Stargazing: Night skies offer excellent viewing conditions away from city lights. One camper at Jester County Park described their site: "For $15/night/camping spot, you can enjoy the best view of stars and amazing sunsets."
Seasonal fishing: Spring brings unique fishing opportunities with seasonal patterns. A visitor to North Equestrian Campground observed: "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."
Solitude options: Less crowded camping alternatives exist for those seeking quieter experiences. A visitor to Squirrel Hollow Co Park noted: "The park is quite with some nice camping spots. Very quite with nobody around. The park could use some improvements but parks like these are my favorite!"
What you should know
Shade variations: North Equestrian Campground offers more tree coverage than Beach Campground. A visitor to the North Equestrian area observed: "Unfortunately, we had no shade in the afternoon so weren't able to eat dinner outside or enjoy a fire in the evening."
Campground differences: Each of the three campgrounds at Brushy Creek has distinct characteristics. A camper reported: "We did drive through the Beach Campground and the South Equestrian 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."
Site selection matters: When planning horse camping near Duncombe, Iowa, consider which equestrian campground best suits your needs. A visitor at South Equestrian Campground shared: "People are here camping with their horses but the campground is still nice and quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds provide play areas for children. A reviewer noted about North Equestrian Campground: "There was also a nice playground for the kids surrounded by a well maintained, large, grassy area."
Beach activities: The recreation area features swimming opportunities during summer months. One camper mentioned: "The beach looked real nice, not too crowded for a hot, July day."
Tent camping considerations: Families tent camping should plan for site logistics. At Beach Campground, a visitor appreciated: "Great place to camp if you like fishing, horseback riding or a nice place to get away."
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: North Equestrian Campground offers various electrical options with seasonal considerations. A camper advised: "I like beach camp, but I LOVE north equestrian camp. Wish the boxes accomodated my rig. It's easy in spring or fall, we can get by with 30 amps. If you need 50 amps, you're going to want to head to the Beach Camp."
Road conditions: Equestrian campgrounds feature asphalt roads throughout the camping areas. One visitor observed: "The roads inside the campground were all asphalt so lots of bikers enjoying rides around the grounds."
Off-season value: Significant savings available during shoulder seasons for RV camping near Duncombe, Iowa. A camper at North Equestrian Campground shared: "Open for off season camping. 14$/night for full hookups with pull thru RV sites."
