8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Equestrian Campground at Elk Rock State Park accommodates both horses and riders with electric hookups, sanitary dump station, and shower facilities. Trails around the water provide riding opportunities for equestrians seeking scenic routes. The campground maintains clean facilities with picnic tables at each site. Multiple reviews note the peaceful atmosphere of this horse-friendly location, particularly mentioning the quality of the trails for riding. Firewood bundles are available for purchase at $4 from camp hosts who assist with questions. The campgrounds allow pets and feature both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical connections for RV campers bringing horses.
Whitebreast Equestrian Campground in Stephens State Forest connects riders to trails that remain accessible from April 1 to December 31. The campground features electric hookups with both 30-amp and 50-amp service, along with water hookups for horse care needs. Toilets are available, though the facilities do not include showers. Big rigs can access this horse camping area, making it suitable for larger horse trailers and RVs. Picnic tables accompany each site, providing convenient dining options after trail rides. The forest setting offers natural terrain ideal for riders seeking varied experiences. Fires are permitted in designated rings, allowing equestrians to enjoy traditional camping experiences after a day on horseback.
"We stayed in the Elk Rock Equestrian campground and it was so peaceful and beautiful. The facilities were clean."
"We really wnjoyed riding the trails here. Good facilities for our horses."
from $14 - $66 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Campgrounds amazing views airsoft gun and archery ranges snowshoeing equestrians and cross-country skiing"
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $75 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $14 / night
Check Availability"12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance."
from $11 - $105 / night
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ScoutGreat spot in the woods. Lots of trails. They have a bison and elk sanctuary. Also a nature center. A playground. They have several RV spots. Most are pre book but they have a section for first come first serve. Also lots of tent camping. A few group camping areas. Showers are ok. I believe the non shower house bathrooms are all vault toilets. Overall a great place to stay!
TravelerIowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know
GuideWe had a great stay here, check in was easy, getting firewood was easy, the bathhouses were so clean and nice, hiking and views were amazing! The only thing we had an issue with was a camp site of noisy people, which was not the parks fault!
TravelerBeautiful campground! Lots of trees and peaceful area. Our spot was pretty level and well maintained
Scout$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance. Stand-alone bathrooms throughout the park have the deep composting toilets that smell bad but whatever the ones up front are nice. Would recommend 10/10
Scoutwent out here with family and had a amtime azing
Scoutwe love it here people are great price is Right Showers are hot every time it a WOnderfull place •to be .
GuideCampgrounds amazing views airsoft gun and archery ranges snowshoeing equestrians and cross-country skiing
GuideThe campgrounds are great the facilities are amazing they have airsoft ranges or tree ranges snowshoeing cross-country skiing and all 4 each and the campgrounds are between 20 and $25 a night.
Equestrian campgrounds near Knoxville, Iowa provide access to trail systems through diverse terrain including woodland and lake views. Most horse camping facilities in the region remain open from April through December due to seasonal conditions. Trail conditions vary based on recent rainfall, with some areas becoming muddy after precipitation events.
Trail riding at Stephens State Forest: The Whitebreast Equestrian area connects to multiple trail loops through mature forest terrain. The trails remain accessible from early spring through late fall but close during winter months for conservation purposes.
Wildlife viewing near Saylorville Lake: Jester County Park offers opportunities to observe native Iowa wildlife. "We must have been there at just the right time, because lined all through the trees along the lakes edge were eagles upon eagles. I'd say we saw about 70 bald eagles perched in the trees," notes Jennifer M. about Jester County Park.
Fishing options: Multiple locations provide access to stocked lakes and waterways. "Good fishing nice open areas and trails to explore. Lots of cool kid activities. 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," writes Luke C. about their experience at Jester Park.
Peaceful atmosphere: Many equestrian campers note the tranquility of dedicated horse camping areas. "We stayed in the Elk Rock Equestrian campground and it was so peaceful and beautiful. The facilities were clean," reports Bradley N. about Equestrian Campground at Elk Rock State Park.
Water access points: Several campgrounds feature proximity to water recreation. "So quiet and peaceful down by the water. Beautiful scenery, great playground, friendly atmosphere," writes Brenda M. about her stay at Jester Park.
Modern facilities: Many horse campgrounds maintain updated amenities. "Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level," shares Jim S. about Jester County Park, adding "Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it."
Seasonal closures: Most equestrian trails and campgrounds close during winter months. Stephens State Forest horse camping areas operate from April 1 through December 31 annually.
Camp host assistance: On-site staff provide support at several locations. "There are camp hosts to help answer questions," mentions Willy W. regarding his Elk Rock State Park experience.
Shower facilities vary: Not all horse campgrounds offer shower access. While Elk Rock provides shower facilities, the Whitebreast Equestrian Campground at Stephens State Forest has toilets but no showers available.
Cost considerations: Campground fees remain moderate throughout the region. "$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance," notes Keith B. about Keokuk County Belva Deer Park.
Weather preparation: Central Iowa experiences significant seasonal temperature variations. "We went in the chillier months so the park definitely was not at its most scenic as it probably usually is," shares Jennifer M. about their Elk Rock State Park visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Knoxville, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Knoxville, IA is Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Knoxville, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Knoxville, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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