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Best Equestrian Camping near Lake Red Rock

42 Reviews

Equestrian Campground at Elk Rock State Park accommodates horse owners with dedicated riding trails near Lake Red Rock. The campground features electric hookups with both 30 and 50-amp service, modern shower facilities, and clean restrooms maintained by on-site camp hosts. The campground serves as an access point to multiple horse trails that wind through wooded areas and along water views. Firewood bundles are available for purchase at $4 per bundle. The boat ramp area nearby provides additional amenities including a cleaning station and restrooms. The facilities remain very clean despite being a popular destination for riders.

The horse trails at Elk Rock offer riders varied terrain with paths that connect to scenic overlooks and loop back to the main campground. Whitebreast Equestrian Campground in Stephens State Forest provides an alternative horse camping option approximately 30 miles south of Lake Red Rock. This campground also features electric hookups with both 30 and 50-amp service and toilet facilities, though it does not have shower amenities. The primitive camping season runs from April 1 to December 31, making it accessible for most of the year. Riders frequently encounter wildlife including deer and eagles along the trails. During certain times of year, particularly winter months when water levels are lower, visitors may spot numerous bald eagles perched in trees along the lake edges.

Map showing campgrounds near Lake Red Rock, IowaExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Lake Red Rock (8)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Lake Red Rock

42 Reviews of 8 Lake Red Rock Campgrounds

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Willy W.
    May. 30, 2020

    Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park

    Busy

    This is a really busy boat ramp but the campground is pretty big and open. The boat ramp is the closest one to mile long bridge. It also has a cleaning station and restroom available.

    The campgrounds are very clean. There are lots of trails around the area.

    It’s also a great place if you like to go horse back riding with lots of trails that go near the water.

    There are camp hosts to help answer questions. There are also firewood bundles available to purchase for $4. The bathrooms and showers are very clean.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Jester County Park

    Nothing but exceptional

    Iowa 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

  • 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.

Guide to Lake Red Rock

Horse camping near Lake Red Rock in Iowa offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. With several campgrounds catering specifically to horse camping, adventurers can enjoy the great outdoors alongside their equine companions.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park features dedicated facilities for horses, ensuring a comfortable stay for both riders and their mounts.
  • Double E LLC Camping is big rig friendly and offers electric hookups, making it convenient for those traveling with larger horse trailers.
  • Singing Mesa Ranch provides essential amenities like drinking water and electric hookups, catering to the needs of horse campers.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lake Red Rock?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lake Red Rock 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 Lake Red Rock?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Lake Red Rock, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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