Top Horse Camping near Marengo, IA

Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Marengo is the way to go. Camping with your horse in Marengo just got easier. With our help, you'll find the best Iowa equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Marengo, IA (4)


Recent Equestrian Reviews In Marengo

11 Reviews of 4 Marengo Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from brinton timbers park
    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Keokuk County Belva Deer Park
    May 31, 2024

    Keokuk County Belva Deer Park

    Clean park warm showers

    $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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
    May 2, 2024

    Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    Very well kept and quiet campground.

    This is a newer campground so is a mixture of mature and young trees. It is very clean and well cared for. Lots of opportunity to ride the numerous bike trails nearby and hike in wanatee park and nearby pinicon. The Cedar river and the wapsicon for fishing. This area has something for everyone.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wakpicada Natural Area
    July 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
    April 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Matsell Bridge Natural Area
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Matsell Bridge Natural Area
    July 25, 2017

    Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    Quiet

    The 4th of July weekend it was us, one other camper and the random one nighters. The first day my dog got off his leash and jumped into the river. An hour later he had gotten up the cliff and was in the woods and the DNR picked my up and took me back to camp. The DNR was very nice about everything. The dog came back to camp half an hour later. 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. Overall very good experience



Guide to Marengo

Camping near Marengo, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Backbone State Park. One camper mentioned, "The scenery on the hiking trail was amazing," making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Rock Creek State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities" are available, perfect for a day on the water.
  • Swimming: Visit Lake Macbride State Park Campground for a refreshing swim. One camper shared, "The beach was a plus for the kids as well," highlighting its family-friendly vibe.

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground said, "Bathrooms were very clean," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at F. W. Kent Park mentioned, "It is the perfect camping destination," thanks to the ample space to spread out.
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful surroundings. One camper at West Overlook Campground noted, "Sites are decently spaced out & there is ample natural shade," making it a great spot for relaxation.

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have markets or stores nearby. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground pointed out, "There’s no place to buy firewood nearby, so come prepared."
  • Seasonal camping: Many campgrounds are open year-round, but some have specific seasons. For example, Iowa Rock Creek State Park is open from April 1 to December 31.
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at George Wyth State Park Campground mentioned, "There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes," so bring bug spray!

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A parent at Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA said, "Kids had fun at the swimming pond," making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have fire pits and grills. A camper at Newton KOA noted, "The burgers were not the greatest but ok," so consider bringing your own food for grilling.
  • Safety first: Always keep an eye on kids near water. One reviewer at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The lake is pretty," but it’s essential to supervise children while swimming.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "The sites here are closer together," so plan accordingly.
  • Use amenities: Take advantage of available facilities. A visitor at Kellogg RV Park said, "Clean bathrooms and showers," which can make your stay more comfortable.
  • Stay connected: Many campgrounds offer Wi-Fi. A reviewer at Newton KOA noted, "Our hotspot was usable and performed very well," so you can stay connected while enjoying nature.

Camping near Marengo, Iowa, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

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 Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Marengo, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.