2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Equestrian Campground at Elk Rock State Park provides facilities for horse owners camping near Marshalltown, Iowa. The campground features electrical hookups with both 30-amp and 50-amp service for RVs and tent sites suitable for equestrian campers. The facilities include clean showers and toilets, with a sanitary dump station available for RV users. While no dedicated horse corrals are listed in the campground data, the area is designed specifically for equestrian use. The campground allows pets alongside horses, making it convenient for riders traveling with both horses and family pets. Campsite reservation is available and recommended, especially during peak riding seasons.
Located approximately 60 miles southwest of Marshalltown, Elk Rock State Park offers numerous trails suitable for horseback riding. The park provides access to riding areas around Lake Red Rock, with trails that accommodate various skill levels. Water hookups at the campsites ensure horses can be properly cared for during overnight stays. The bathrooms and shower facilities are maintained in clean condition, making the camping experience comfortable after a day of riding. The peaceful and beautiful setting creates an ideal environment for horse camping. Trails near the water provide scenic riding opportunities, with numerous paths that go close to the lake. Firewood bundles are available for purchase at $4 each from the camp hosts, who are also available to answer questions about trail conditions and riding areas.
"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."
"Campgrounds amazing views airsoft gun and archery ranges snowshoeing equestrians and cross-country skiing"
from $20 - $25 / night
"** Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.)"
"On Cedar Valley bike trail (100+miles of interconnecting bike trial. major Hwy on two sides of park, sleeping in a tenet it was very noisy at night. and a train track close by (again at night)"
Available this weekend
from $12 - $20 / night
"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."
"Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp..."
"We stayed in the Elk Rock Equestrian campground and it was so peaceful and beautiful. The facilities were clean."
"We really wnjoyed riding the trails here. Good facilities for our horses."
from $14 - $66 / night
from $50 / night
TravelerNice quiet campground. The front looks like more long timers and it was a little noisier up there but I drove to the back loop and it's nice and quiet back here. PLENTY of 50/30/20 amp hookups and the shower house in the back was nice. Water was just lukewarm but it was hot out so no problem. Might be less pleasant in colder weather though. Pull through spots available. I would stay here again for sure.
LegendWe came here for a visit and we’re going to stay but the online reservation system was difficult for us with Canadian coverage in cell phones.
We carried on to black hawk instead as they had easier first come first serve but this place was much nicer.
The sites were large and mostly private. It did seem a bit “wet”
We even saw a deer
LegendI edit my review - the gun range next door is obnoxious. Why would they have that next to a park with walking trails ?
Big enough for big rvs, big sites Showers Water Hydro Quiet $18 for unserved $30 for serviced
ScoutGreat spot in the woods. Lots of trails. They have a bison and elk sanctuary. Also a nature center. A playground. They have several RV spots. Most are pre book but they have a section for first come first serve. Also lots of tent camping. A few group camping areas. Showers are ok. I believe the non shower house bathrooms are all vault toilets. Overall a great place to stay!
ScoutGreat place to camp and go swimming
TravelerRight on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp...
ScoutWife and I met friends here in August 2025. This was the middle between us & them as we live in CO and they live in NY. The campground was very well maintained. Shower rooms & restrooms were very clean and all were functional. We really enjoyed the long weekend here. Be advised tho, we were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August. Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didnt expect the humidity to affect us as it did. Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees. Wife and I will likely return and see more of the Amana communities in the fall.
TravelerIowa 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
GuideThis is a clean and well kept campground. There are great paved trails, and it is close to the free John Deere Museum, and the Cedar Valley Arboretum. I’m not giving it a 5 star rating for two reasons: one there are a lot of mosquitoes (I get that it is their home), and two the showers are the type that don’t allow you to mix your own water temperature, and they only stay on for a few seconds every time you press the button. The water was a comfortable temperature for me though. Also, the park does occasionally close for flooding.
Horse camping in Iowa offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. With various campgrounds catering to horse lovers, you can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring your horse has a comfortable stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Marshalltown, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Marshalltown, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Marshalltown, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Marshalltown, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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