6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Union Grove State Park Campground features equestrian trails and dedicated horse camping areas, offering a complete horse-friendly camping experience near Le Mars. The lower campground specifically accommodates equestrians while the upper area serves general campers. The well-maintained facilities include restrooms with showers, electric hookups, and a dump station. Horse trails wind through the wooded terrain, providing riders with scenic routes through Ponderosa pines. Campground hosts maintain the grounds meticulously, creating an environment where both horses and riders can enjoy the natural surroundings. The horse trails are frequently praised for their accessibility and quality.
Located approximately one hour from Le Mars, this state park provides direct access to several miles of riding paths that connect to the broader trail system. The terrain features rolling hills and wooded areas that create varied riding experiences for equestrians of all skill levels. Riders appreciate the well-marked paths and diverse scenery throughout the park. Horseback riders must follow established trails and properly dispose of manure in designated areas. Newton Hills State Park, another option in the region, offers additional equestrian-friendly camping with similar amenities plus cabin accommodations. The parks maintain seasonal availability, though most equestrian facilities remain accessible year-round. Trail conditions can vary seasonally, with some areas having turkey sightings along the paths.
"Play equipment, horse trails, hiking trails, well maintained. Beautiful area."
"Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained. Hosts are very friendly."
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability"The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city."
"Love this place very close to the major city of anything is needed. Nature and trails all around, lake for fishing and swimming, love to come out during the summer with the dogs!"
"Playground, boat ramp, picnic area fishing, birdwatching, equestrian camp & trails, something for everyone."
"Horse trails and camping is available at Danish Alps as are primitive and electric spots."
from $30 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Nice campground clean bathrooms the trails are really good quiet and peaceful"
TravelerI pulled in and found a wide open campground. I picked a site high on the bluff overlooking the reservoir. It had quite the view. It’s a newer area so trees are planted for the future. Sites are spacious with water and both 30 & 50 amp hookup. Clean dump station that also has a fish cleaning station. Playground, boat ramp, picnic area fishing, birdwatching, equestrian camp & trails, something for everyone.
GuidePlay equipment, horse trails, hiking trails, well maintained. Beautiful area.
RangerTwo campgrounds within the park. Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained. Hosts are very friendly. Bathrooms on include showers and we're extremely well maintained. Trails in the area give you a chance to stretch your legs. Convenient to the interstate, but that also means some highway noise if you are not in a hard sided camper.
TravelerThe overall rec area is lovely. During the regular season, roughly May to mid October, there is running water and showers at some spots with vault toilets available year round. Horse trails and camping is available at Danish Alps as are primitive and electric spots. The electric is all designed for RV's, vans, or trucks, but there is sufficient space at each site that you can have a tent. The electric area is up on a hill overlooking the lake and there is absolutely no mature tree cover in the area. Trees have been planted, but it will be a long while before they provide much shade. Like most of Nebraska most of the time it does get windy and being on the hill the electric camp gets to feel it for good and ill. The town of Hubbard is right next to the rec area, but because of the way things are laid out you do not get as many people casually driving around at night like you do at some other places. Being in the vicinity of Sioux City and Dakota City there is some glow on the horizon at night.
Verizon cell coverage was sufficient for streaming without buffering when camped there in September 2025.
GuideI had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children. The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city. The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings and participating in the family-friendly activities. This campground is a true gem for those seeking a wholesome outdoor experience.
TravelerLove this place very close to the major city of anything is needed. Nature and trails all around, lake for fishing and swimming, love to come out during the summer with the dogs!
GuideThis beautiful park set just 9 miles south of Canton, SD has something for everyone. If you enjoy water activities, spend some time at Lake Lakota swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing! If land is more your style, enjoy the multiple hiking trails, search for geocaches, bike around the paved roads or dirt paths, or camp overnight on one of the beautiful spots! Do not miss this great park!
TravelerWe didn't actually Camp there and truthfully I'm not so sure I ever even saw the campgrounds. But the lake in the area is beautiful and there's quite a large space to the park with lots of trails and open field areas. I believe you have to pay a fee to the DNR for a day pass or purchase an annual Nebraska park pass/license in order to even go through the park. There's a few places outside of town that advertise horseback riding and I always thought that would be a sweet place to do so. We mainly went to fish!
TravelerThere isn’t a lot to choose from around the Sioux Falls area. There are plenty of trails and clean restrooms to use. Overall we really like this location. Some of the sites are pretty close together though.
Union Grove State Park Campground offers horse-friendly camping about 60 miles from Le Mars, Iowa. The park features distinct upper and lower campground areas with the lower section specifically designed for equestrians. Visitors can access several miles of riding trails through Ponderosa pines and rolling terrain. The campground maintains seasonal availability with most facilities open year-round, though trail conditions vary with weather and seasons.
Explore hiking trails: At Newton Hills Campground, visitors can enjoy multiple hiking paths through wooded terrain. "Good clean campground with some trails to hike," notes Gene S. The park offers various difficulty levels suitable for most ability ranges.
Fishing opportunities: Danish Alps State Recreation Area provides shoreline fishing access at the reservoir. "The lake in the area is beautiful and there's quite a large space to the park with lots of trails and open field areas," reports Tiffany Yenter H., who mentions fishing as a primary activity.
Bird watching: Southwood Conservation Area offers wildlife observation opportunities along its trail system. "Spent easily 100 nights here. Campground has recently been upgraded," shares Matthew M., who has extensive experience with the area's natural features.
Clean facilities: Union Grove State Park Campground maintains exceptional cleanliness standards. "Definitely one of the cleanest most well kept campgrounds I've seen in a while. Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice," reports Austin and Natasha S.
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the quiet environment at Union Grove. "It's a very small campground with a variety of different types of sites. Easy to access. Lots of great hiking trails," explains Laura S.
Spacious sites: Newton Hills Campground offers well-designed camping spaces. "Beautiful, quiet, shaded, level sites with plenty of space between. Great trails and a short scenic road, plus some nice open spaces," notes Victor E., highlighting the campground layout.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campsites require advance booking through online reservation systems. At Union Grove State Park Campground, "Reservations can be made ahead of time online. However day passes have to be purchased in person, cash, on site day of," advises Leni K.
Seasonal considerations: Fall camping offers unique experiences. "We stayed one night on our way home from pheasant hunting. Park was immaculately clean and very pretty. Nearly had the park to ourselves (end of October) and it was wonderful!" shares liz at Union Grove.
Trail conditions: Trail quality can vary throughout the season. "Horse trails, hiking trails, well maintained. Beautiful area," notes S U. about Union Grove State Park, indicating consistent trail upkeep.
Playground access: Martin Area County Park offers play areas for children adjacent to camping areas. "Primitive camping was awesome," reports Gary E., suggesting opportunities for unstructured outdoor play.
Nature exploration: Newton Hills provides family-friendly educational opportunities. "The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings and participating in the family-friendly activities. This campground is a true gem for those seeking a wholesome outdoor experience," shares Nicholas S.
Water activities: During warmer months, several parks offer water recreation. "If you enjoy water activities, spend some time at Lake Lakota swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing!" suggests Lisa H. about Newton Hills State Park.
Hookup options: Danish Alps State Recreation Area provides multiple electrical connection types. "Sites are spacious with water and both 30 & 50 amp hookup. Clean dump station that also has a fish cleaning station," explains Ellyce T.
Site selection: When choosing equestrian camping sites, consider access to trails. "Two campgrounds within the park. Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained," advises Leslie B. about Union Grove.
Road access: Woodbury County Park Southwood Conservation Area offers suitable RV access points. "Nice campground clean bathrooms the trails are really good quiet and peaceful," shares Josh G., indicating straightforward navigation to campsites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Le Mars, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Le Mars, IA is Union Grove State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Le Mars, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Le Mars, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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