Jeannie B.
Guide
GuideBig Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Beautiful Park
Many different trails for hiking, biking or equestrian. Camp sites are mostly grass. Beautiful park
Equestrian Camping near Marquette, IA
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Yellow River State Forest offers dedicated equestrian camping at two campgrounds near Marquette. Frontier Equestrian Campground provides electric hookups with both fifty-amp and thirty-amp service, suitable for RVs and tent camping. Creekside Equestrian Campground also features electric hookups and accommodates both tents and RVs. Both campgrounds are equipped with picnic tables, allow pets, and are reservable. The equestrian campgrounds maintain trails that connect directly to the broader forest trail system. Sites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking areas designed for rigs of various sizes.
Trails throughout Yellow River State Forest provide varied terrain for riders, connecting to scenic overlooks and forest pathways. Horse owners can access miles of maintained bridle paths directly from both Frontier and Creekside campgrounds. The forest's trail system offers routes suitable for riders of all experience levels, from novice to advanced. Most trails remain open year-round, though spring conditions can occasionally limit access during periods of heavy rainfall. Nearby, Reno Horse Campground in R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest in Minnesota provides an additional option for equestrians exploring the region. Both Iowa equestrian campgrounds require reservations to secure sites, particularly during peak riding seasons from late spring through early fall when demand is highest.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Marquette (7)
1. Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
"Many different trails for hiking, biking or equestrian. Camp sites are mostly grass. Beautiful park"
"There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included."
from $16 / night
Check Availability2. Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
"In Yellow River State Forest,-Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site."
from $20 / night
Check Availability3. Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
"Clean, well kept sites with tie-ups, tables, fire rings, manure station and tools, multiuser trails including stream crossings. Trout fishing is good with seasonal stockings."
from $20 / night
Check Availability4. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
"There are miles of trails. Is hiking your thing? What about equestrian? Maybe mountain bike trails? You can even take the family for a nice leisurely walk on the easier trails."
"Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."
from $16 - $25 / night
Check Availability5. South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park
from $16 - $36 / night
Check Availability6. Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
"There are many hiking trails, including a trail that goes on top of the bluff with views of the forest and of Wisconsin and the Mississippi River."
7. Albany Campground — Volga River State Recreation Area
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 13 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr 13 min from La Crosse, WI
- 1 hr 34 min from Waterloo, IA
- 1 hr 45 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Marquette, IA
46 Reviews of 7 Marquette Campgrounds
- Jeannie B.Guide
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Many things to do here
Backbone is a very diverse area. There are miles of trails. Is hiking your thing? What about equestrian? Maybe mountain bike trails? You can even take the family for a nice leisurely walk on the easier trails. Exploring is fun at this park because there is so much to see. The Trout stream was busy the weekend we were there. You might even want to play a round of Gulf. We have solar on our trailer so we stayed in the Six Pines campground and it was beautiful. We listened to the night animals for hours.
Mary S.
LegendBig Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Small campground has nearby hiking and fishing
This review is for Yellow River State Forest's Big Paint Campground which consists of sites 35 through 61. Big Paint is a couple miles from Little Paint, a larger campground with 70+ sites. There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included.
Why did we choose Big Paint instead of Little Paint?
It's smaller and that's just our personal preference. There were only 4 sites occupied early Friday afternoon and a few more were reserved. We liked site 35, the first site on the left as you enter. This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing. Most of the sites are completely on the grass.
Activities
Stocked trout streams are an attraction for fishermen; see photo of stocking calendar. We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground. You can also hike from Little Paint, and there are equestrian trails. This would also be a good area for X-country skiing and snowmobiling. A photo of the trail map is included. Caution: hunting is allowed in the non-campground area of the state forest.
Amenities
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Other than that, you can dispose of your trash and use a vault toilet. There's water at the information center (and a camp host site) outside the campground about 100 yards to the left.
Cost
You're not getting much (and that's not a bad thing) so the $9 fee seems fair. Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at last 2 days ahead of time (and pay a reservation fee). There are 7 non-reservable sites at Big Paint. I doubt that Big Paint fills up; just check the reservation site to see if they get crowded.
https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/yellow-river-state-forest/r/campsiteSearch.do?search=site&page=siteresult&contractCode=IA&parkId=610130
Kerry M.
RangerSix Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Two campgrounds to enjoy at Backbone State Park
Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa.
There are two campgrounds. I have camped in both:
Modern Campground: This is a large, modern campground with all of the standard amenities found in a modern campground… electric hookups, flush toilets, water. I have camped here twice, both times in my travel trailer. Overall, it is a nice campground with decent space in between campers, however, I tend to avoid it during the busier summer and fall colors seasons.
Primitive Campground: This is my favorite at Backbone for camping, especially in the autumn after the leaves have fallen off of the trees. As this campground is non-electric, there are not many people camping after it turns colder. I have spent many nights there alone in the primitive campground, watching RVs pull in and then leave after realizing that it has no hookups.
Nearby trout fishing: Backbone is home to one of the more popular trout streams in Iowa. The fishing is easy as most of the fish are stocked (April-October). Still, it is an enjoyable fishing trip as the stream itself is mostly rocks and gravel, with several deep holes. The water is cold and clear.
Other activities: Hiking is very popular in Backbone. I have also seen rock climbing and rappelling. There are some nice spots away from the trout stream for wading and a little swimming. Backbone State Park also has a small lake with a swimming area and boat rentals during the summer. Several nice cabins are available for those who do not want to camp.
Stuart O.GuideBig Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Good late season option for the self-contained camper
Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective. However, the park is situated on the valley bottom of the Yellow River Forest with beautiful tall trees, and there are fire rings. Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March.
James M.LegendFrontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Very nice equestrian CG near trout streams
In Yellow River State Forest,-Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site. Self registration, trails from/ camp including stream crossings in trout streams. Manure station with tools. Some trails are multiuser.
- Tori L.
ScoutBig Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Dream stay.
Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.
- Max K.
TravelerSix Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Great bathroom and hiking, awful lake
We stayed here two nights. That was plenty, although it's not really the park's fault. The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere. It was better when we kayaked, but still gross.
So why the five stars? 1. The bathrooms were fantastic. 2. The camp site was really nice and plenty of room. 3. The hiking was superb. Felt like we were not in Iowa. 4. The driving through the park was also really great and I will go back this fall to look at leaves. 5. There is a cave you can explore on your own. We did. It's awesome. It's muddy. It's super cool. 6. There are some decent bouldering spots. 7. Cheap, huge bundles of firewood at park entrance. 8. Really friendly at the camp store. 9. Close to Strawberry Point. Go to town to Clayton's Pharmacy and get an old fashioned soda. Fantastic. 10. Close to Edgewood and the Edgewood Locker. Go visit and stock up on meat on the way home.
- Ashley D.Traveler
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Fun for the whole family
This campground has many things to do. This place has tent, rv and cabin camping, you can choose modern or non modern camping. Fun activities include fishing, swimming in a lake and also ground fed springs, boat rentals on the lake, hiking also horse trails, rock climbing, caves, playgrounds shelters for events and parties. I am sure there are even more things to do that I didnt have the time for.
Guide to Marquette
Yellow River State Forest offers diverse terrain for equestrian camping with elevations ranging from 660 to 1,310 feet. The forest spans 8,503 acres with steep slopes and narrow valleys along the Yellow River and its tributaries. Trail systems traverse hardwood forests that experience cold winters with average January temperatures around 14°F and warm summers typically reaching 81°F in July.
What to do
Trout fishing in stocked streams: Big Paint Campground offers direct access to quality trout waters. "Trout fishing is good with seasonal stockings," notes James M. about the nearby Creekside Equestrian Campground.
Hike to scenic overlooks: The forest features multiple lookout points including Iowa's only fire tower. "Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush," shares Tori L. about her experience at Big Paint Campground.
Cross-country stream riding: Horse trails cross through trout streams, adding diversity to riding experiences. "Trails from camp including stream crossings in trout streams," mentions James M. regarding the equestrian facilities at Frontier Equestrian Campground.
What campers like
Trail accessibility: Horse campers appreciate direct trail connections. "Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site. Self registration, trails from camp including stream crossings in trout streams," notes James M.
Multi-use trail options: Trails accommodate various users beyond horseback riding. "Many different trails for hiking, biking or equestrian. Camp sites are mostly grass. Beautiful park," says Jeannie B. about Big Paint Campground.
Peaceful atmosphere: The quiet setting appeals to many visitors. "Nights were quiet. Very relaxing," reports Tori L., who stayed at Big Paint Campground. She continues, "Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping offers unique advantages and limitations. "Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station," explains Stuart O. about Big Paint Campground during late-season camping.
Self-registration system: Most campgrounds use a self-service registration process. "Self registration, trails from camp including stream crossings in trout streams," mentions James M. about the equestrian campgrounds.
Horse facilities maintenance: Equestrian campgrounds include specialized facilities. "Manure station with tools," notes James M. about the Reno Horse Campground in nearby R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest, which provides "dispersed camping" options for horse riders across the Minnesota border.
Tips for camping with families
Check site characteristics: Campgrounds vary in layout and privacy. "The sites there are pretty spacious and level, but they don't feel very private because this campground is essentially just an open field with line of sight to all other campsites," explains Daphne D. about Big Paint Campground.
Visit Harper's Ferry: Include local towns in your itinerary. Daphne D. adds, "Nearby Harper's Ferry is a neat little town, so be sure to visit there!"
Consider walk-in sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options. "There were walk-in campsites available too which we decided we would try if/when we come back again since they are a bit more secluded and private," suggests Sara S. from Wyalusing State Park Campground across the Mississippi in Wisconsin.
Tips from RVers
Self-contained camping preparation: Winter camping requires planning. "No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective," Stuart O. mentions regarding off-season camping at Big Paint Campground.
Campsite selection for larger rigs: Consider site features for RV camping. "Going in knowing that there were pit toilets and no potable water, I did not have high expectations for this campsite. I was pleasantly surprised to find it very well maintained with spacious sites," shares Tamsyn K. about Big Paint Campground.
Expect basic amenities: Facilities are limited in some campgrounds. "It is a primitive campground," Sara S. notes about Big Paint Campground, making it important for RVers to come prepared with necessary supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Marquette, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Marquette, IA is Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.
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What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Marquette, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Marquette, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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