Scott County Park's Southeast Corner Campground provides equestrian camping options with direct access to bridle trails. This area offers hitching posts, hard-surface parking, and basic facilities for horseback riders. While the sites sit in an open setting, some shaded areas are available through adjacent tree cover. The campground serves as an access point to the wider Scott County Park trail network.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: At Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground, riders can access dedicated equestrian trails directly from the campground. "Site has hard surface for vehicle/trailer, table, grill, non potable water, outhouse, tie-up, trails, shade trees," notes James M. The trails connect to the broader park system and accommodate various skill levels.
Fishing and paddling: Lakes near La Motte provide opportunities for water recreation. At Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground, campers enjoy water activities. "What really makes this campground is the lake. There's a nice beach for kids and adults to relax at and lots of kayaks on the water," says Ryan K. The park offers boat rentals and accessible shorelines.
Hiking through diverse terrain: The region features hiking trails through wooded areas and rolling hills. "Camped here in May 2024. Campsites were good and bathrooms were clean enough," notes Ryan K. about Yellowstone Lake State Park. Trails accommodate day hikes of various lengths and difficulty levels, with marked routes through forests and prairie sections.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Many campgrounds offer privacy between sites. At Morrison-Rockwood State Park, "Our site was huge, flat and private - no trouble finding flat ground to pitch the tent," reports Amy R. The park features wooded sites with natural barriers between camping areas.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. "The (and I cannot emphasize this enough) CLEANEST campground bathrooms I've ever seen! I'm not squeamish and have been camping for years so my expectations for campground bathroom cleanliness is well calibrated but these bathrooms (even the vault toilets!) were amazingly clean!" writes Stacie H. about Morrison-Rockwood State Park.
Lake access: Water features enhance camping experiences in the region. "Beautiful wooded campground with easy access to fishing & swimming. Lots of hiking trails and nature programs for all ages," says Jeanne M. at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground. Lakes provide spots for fishing, swimming, and boating depending on the season.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding: River-adjacent campgrounds may experience high water. At Matsell Bridge Natural Area, one camper reported: "By the 3rd morning the river had risen to the point of flooding out our campsite. The DNR let us switch sites for our last night." Check water levels before planning trips, especially in spring.
Insects can be intense: Bugs vary by season but can be challenging. "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," advises Carol M. at Matsell Bridge Natural Area.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies across horse campgrounds near La Motte, Iowa. Some campgrounds have adequate service while others have limited or no coverage. "AT&T and Verizon cell service worked fine," reports Amy W. about Morrison-Rockwood State Park, but other more remote areas may lack reliable connections.
Tips for camping with families
Playground-adjacent sites: Some campgrounds offer sites near play areas. At Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area, "We stayed on the tent loop, where the sites were very large and mostly shaded," notes Nilsa S. The park offers both playground access and space for family activities.
Beach access: Swimming areas provide summer recreation. "We had a lot of fun there playing in the water on the beach however my son who was five at the time got a really bad bacterial rash from the water," shares Meg K. about Lake Le-Aqua-Na. Check water quality reports before swimming, especially during hot weather.
Bike-friendly roads: Paved campground roads work well for younger cyclists. "Paved roads so was good for bike riding and plenty of access to the lake for fishing," mentions Ben W. at Morrison-Rockwood State Park. The flat terrain at many campgrounds allows for safe biking within campground boundaries.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Beautiful glacial area with rolling hills and wonderful views. If camping with a trailer or RV check to make sure you will get a campsite that is level enough for your vehicle. Lots of the campsites are uneven and larger vehicles may have issues getting level," advises Jeanne M. at Rockwood State Park Campground.
Dump station access: Waste disposal facilities may have wait times. "The line to clean out the tanks was long and blocks the way in and out. The roads need repair, many potholes," notes Bill L. at Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area. Plan extra time during busy checkout periods.
Electric hookup availability: Most equestrian campgrounds near La Motte, Iowa offer limited or no electric hookups. The primitive nature of these sites means RVers should prepare for dry camping. "We tent camped for $20 a night," mentions Briana B. about Rockwood State Park Campground, which also offers electric sites at different rates.
