Best Equestrian Camping near Marengo, IA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Marengo, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Marengo, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Marengo, Iowa (5)

    1. Lake Iowa County Park

    7 Reviews
    Williamsburg, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 655-8465

    "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.  "

    "The good: The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife."

    2. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    6 Reviews
    Marion, IA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    $23 - $33 / night

    "We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance.  Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "

    "There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."

    3. Keokuk County Belva Deer Park

    1 Review
    Sigourney, IA
    29 miles
    +1 (641) 622-3757

    "$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance."

    4. Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    3 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    "Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."

    5. Wakpicada Natural Area

    1 Review
    Central City, IA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 438-6616

    "Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren’t right next to each other."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Marengo, IA

19 Reviews of 5 Marengo Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2024

    brinton timbers park

    Great park no showers though

    I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.

  • 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.

  • C
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    Nice little inexpensive primitive site... spaces almost always available

    Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. 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 of this "best kept secret" for primitive and inexpensive camping sites. Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Good for RV, trailer or tent camping… level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water.

  • Clint  G.
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    A Gem in Linn County, IA

    We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance.  Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers.  The sites are very spacious with some shade, a fire ring, and picnic table provided.  The nearest grocery store was within 5 miles.  The bathhouse and showers were clean with lots of hot water.

  • C
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    Great location and amenities

    I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.

  • Kris P.
    Apr. 11, 2019

    Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    Just on the edge of town country comfort

    The best thing about this campground is it’s access to the squaw creek man bike single track. The sites are nice, and easy access to town if you forgot stuff.

  • P
    Jul. 28, 2019

    Wakpicada Natural Area

    Well kept with good fishing

    Went when it was 110 degrees with humidity. Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren’t right next to each other. I consider it a little hidden gem

  • W
    Aug. 5, 2018

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Great place

    Nice, quiet and affordable. Saw lots of deer and rabbits right outside our door. Shower rooms are very nice.


Guide to Marengo

Horse camping in Iowa offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several well-reviewed campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities for horses

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • At Keokuk County Belva Deer Park, visitors enjoy well-maintained facilities, including warm showers and clean restrooms, enhancing the camping experience.
  • Wakpicada Natural Area is known for its quiet atmosphere and good fishing, making it a great spot for horse campers who enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
  • Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) also features a sanitary dump and water hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay for both horses and their owners.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and access

  • Lake Iowa County Park is surrounded by scenic trails, allowing for enjoyable rides through beautiful landscapes.
  • Matsell Bridge Natural Area provides easy access to the Wapsipinicon River, perfect for those looking to combine riding with fishing or relaxing by the water.
  • Wakpicada Natural Area is praised for its tree cover and proximity to a pond, offering a serene environment for horse camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Marengo, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Marengo, IA is Lake Iowa County Park with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Marengo, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Marengo, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.