Top Horse Camping near Minburn, IA

Looking for a place to camp near Minburn with your horse? Finding a place to stay in Iowa while traveling with your horse has never been easier. With our help, you'll find the best Iowa equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Minburn, IA (8)

    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park

    1. Ledges State Park

    39 Reviews
    57 Photos
    207 Saves

    Millions of years before the plains of Iowa were inhabited by the Sauk, Fox and Sioux peoples, much of the American Midwest was covered by a shallow inland sea. It was at this time that the area’s sandstone deposits began forming. Fast-forward to just 13,000 years ago, with the inland sea now long gone, Ice Age glacial meltwater raced across the dry plains, carving and scouring channels and canyons into the sandstone terrain. One of these canyons can be found in Iowa’s Ledges State Park. This 1,000-acre nature preserve and recreation area is located on a wide bend on the Des Moines River, and is just 40 miles north of the city of Des Moines. The park is subject to frequent flooding when the river breaches its banks, but is otherwise a popular year-round outdoor recreation destination. Visitors to Ledges can enjoy a variety of hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities, as well as explore a prehistoric river canyon that showcases nature’s ability to sculpt the landscape. The campground at Ledges State Park features 94 tent and RV sites situated among deciduous woods not far from the Des Moines River. Campers can choose from full-hookup, partial-hookup, or primitive tent sites. Most sites are back-in; only a few are pull-through for larger vehicles. Tent sites are located in both in the main camp area, and in a secluded walk-in area. There is also a youth group site. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills, and all have access to water faucets, flush restrooms, showers, and trash receptacles; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The campground also features a kids’ playground, outdoor amphitheater, and is within walking distance of trails and picnic areas. Some roads and/or facilities may not be open or available in the winter. Reservations are accepted, however the park saves about half of the sites for first-come, first-served campers; sites are $11–$19/night.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park

    2. Jester County Park

    27 Reviews
    45 Photos
    100 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $25 / night

    • No image available

      3. Dallas County Fairgrounds

      1 Review
      11 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • No image available

        4. Squirrel Hollow Co Park

        2 Reviews
        2 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • ADA Access
        Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Creek State Recreation Area North Equestrian Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Creek State Recreation Area North Equestrian Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Madison County Fairground Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Madison County Fairground Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Madison County Fairground Campground

        6. Madison County Fairground Campground

        1 Review
        3 Photos
        8 Saves

        The Madison County Fairgrounds is a great place to camp during the fair or throughout the rest of the camping season. From tents to motorhomes, it is accommodating to everyone's needs. Non-Fair Camping The Madison County Fairgrounds camp site is open April 1 to November 1, except during the fair. The pricing and rules for dates outside of the county fair week can be found on the link at the bottom of the page. Reservations are not available during this period, but if you are interested in camping please call Matt Porter at (641) 728-4750. Fair Camping Camping at the fairgrounds during the Madison County Fair allows participants to stay close to the action while having a comfortable place to rest. See the following link for more specific information about fair-time camping regulations. Contact Chance Dullard at 515-468-5034 if you would like more information. NOTE: No campers, reserved or non-reserved, can be on the fairgrounds before 6:00 pm on the Saturday before the start of the fair. A charge of $50 per day will be given to those who violate this rule.

        • Pets
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • RVs
        • Tents

        $11 - $105 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Creek SRA - South Equestrian
        Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Creek SRA - South Equestrian
        Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Creek SRA - South Equestrian
        Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Creek SRA - South Equestrian
        Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Creek SRA - South Equestrian
        Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Creek SRA - South Equestrian

        7. Brushy Creek SRA - South Equestrian

        2 Reviews
        8 Photos
        6 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • ADA Access
        • No image available

          8. Brushy Creek SRA - Beach

          1 Review
          6 Saves
          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Electric Hookups
          • Phone Service
          • Reservable
          • ADA Access

        Recent Equestrian Reviews In Minburn

        52 Reviews of 8 Minburn Campgrounds


        • Jeannie D.
          Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
          May. 25, 2023

          Ledges State Park

          It's okay

          Great vibes. Camp's pretty far from the bones of the park, but the hike's relatively plesant. Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected.

        • AThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
          Apr. 3, 2022

          Ledges State Park

          Scenic Hiking

          I stayed at Ledges in June and hiked the trails again in February. The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals. With most of the surrounding areas having little to no elevation changes there are a few nice hikes along some rocky hills beside the river both in summer and winter.

        • b
          Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
          Oct. 1, 2021

          Ledges State Park

          Big campground

          We have hiked here and it was really busy when we did. We decided to come back and camp a few months later. The campground was large but the DNR was helpful when finding our spot along with nice signs everywhere. We didn’t have any problems, people seemed friendly. Didn’t use the bathrooms but the outsides looked nice. We traveled to Des Moines when we stayed but there is lots to do near by. I would suggest the “high tressel trail” for bike riders, lots of cute bars to stop in along the way. Madrid has a bakery and some other cute places. Boone has a scenic train ride if that’s your thing. And the town of Luther, about 4 miles from the campground has a BBQ place that a lot of people travel to.

        • NThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Co Park
          Aug. 1, 2021

          Squirrel Hollow Co Park

          Quiet and not crowded

          The park is quite with some nice camping spots. Very quite with nobody around. The park could use some improvements but parks like these are my favorite!

        • Carolyn C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
          Aug. 1, 2021

          Ledges State Park

          Gorgeous State Park Campground

          Great selection of campsites for a wide variety of needs. Wonderful views from most sites. Access to multiple walking trails. Beautiful, wooded setting. Clean bathrooms/showers.

        • Michael C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
          Jul. 20, 2021

          Ledges State Park

          Pretty Park

          Bottom line. My bad but the site said electric. In all the other parks I’ve been to “electric” includes water. Which this park does not. Many trees, very pretty. Cell reception is weak.

        • Stephen P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
          Jul. 11, 2021

          Ledges State Park

          Quiet and welcoming

          Our camping experience was very nice. Pulling up to this park was surreal, considering the surrounding farmland that suddenly shows a lone forest. Some of the sites are pretty close, luckily we were next to a friendly couple with a cute dog. We were able to buy a good $5 bundle of firewood from the camp host. It was extremely quiet, until a camper pulled up with its generator. Still, a calming environment. A devious pack of raccoons stole our marshmallows (from a CLOSED bag) when we went in the tent for five minutes. So beware of that I guess 😂

        • Matthew H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
          Jul. 10, 2021

          Ledges State Park

          Popular site with great dispersion.

          Picturesque location south of Boone Ia. Close to town with stores with plenty of camping supplies. Arrive early sites fill-up fast. Online site for reservations and to check site availability.

        • S
          Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Creek State Recreation Area North Equestrian Campground
          Jul. 6, 2021

          Brushy Creek State Recreation Area North Equestrian Campground

          North Equine Campground

          The only open site was in the North Equine Campground so we took a chance. We really did like the Campground, it was well maintained, clean and quiet. There were a few campers with horse but not many. Hitching posts behind each site which we enjoyed seeing. The roads inside the campground were all asphalt so lots of bikers enjoying rides around the grounds. There was also a nice playground for the kids surrounded by a well maintained, large, grassy area. There were many empty sites because so many had no electric. It made for lots of nice open space. Unfortunately, we had no shade in the afternoon so weren't able to eat dinner outside or enjoy a fire in the evening. We are fortunate we camped in a 5th wheel so we could escape the heat, we would have left after the first night otherwise.
          We did drive through the Beach Campground and the South Equine Campground. Beach had very little shade and was primarily families with younger children. The beach looked real nice, not too crowded for a hot, July day. North Equine was where most of the horse folks were staying it was quite crowded. A very bustling area.

        • Christina P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
          Jun. 1, 2021

          Ledges State Park

          Beautiful - lush

          Coming here on a Hot Day in the summer is the best. Lush trees and water to wade in. Recommend the hikes and walking the water river beds.

        • N K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
          May. 29, 2021

          Ledges State Park

          Go Faster!

          Campsites have the right amount of privacy while being close to the clean bathroom & playground. Outside the campground is Canyon Road, with multiple trails great for hiking up and along the scenic ledges. The road crosses the river several times, and on the weekend these crossings are lined with children & adults demanding you “go faster” so they get splashed!

        • SThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Creek State Recreation Area North Equestrian Campground
          Mar. 15, 2021

          Brushy Creek State Recreation Area North Equestrian Campground

          The Stars Were So Bright!

          Camped here in order to be close to Fort Dodge first thing in the morning.  I stayed in the Beach Campground.  It's not on the beach, but close to it.  There are 3 total campgrounds in the park.  My choice was a very well manicured campground.  The shower house was not open yet due to the time of year, but the drop latrine was open, very clean and well lit.

          This little nugget is laid out on a vast prairie.  Most sites have younger trees that provide some shade.  This is not the big wooded type park.  There are trails to get you out and away from the "park" and closer to the rustic woody nature.

          Fire rings are all adjustable, sites are well kept and they offer "buddy sites" that are 2 sites really close together for those times when you bring friends, but have too many tents/vehicles to fall into the rules.

          Verizon 4G fluctuated between 0-2 bars.  Was able to send pictures and only dropped a call once.

          Very little light pollution

        • RThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Madison County Fairground Campground
          Nov. 27, 2020

          Madison County Fairground Campground

          Cost Effective, all hook ups,great long term

          I stayed at this campground from August until November 13 in my pull behind camper.

          Water,gas and Sewer was $15 daily,$105 weekly, and$420 monthly. Prices go up to $120 weekly when it gets cold. Shower house was shut down for COVID and shuts down in winter. 

          Tenting is cheaper$11

          No ground fires allowed.

          Friendly,helpful hosts on site.

          Close to the Bridges,John Wayne sites,lauandromat,and grocery stores.

          You might get a view of bridesmaids and grooms at the fairgrounds on the weekend heading to a wedding in the fairground building, nice to see during my work COVID isolation.

          When the trees get big and fill in and COVID is over and the shower house is open it will be 4 stars.

        • TMB
          Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
          Oct. 16, 2020

          Ledges State Park

          Surprise River Gorge in Iowa

          Comfortable and scenic park in Iowa with forested trails, gorge, and natural water features amidst the farm fields and rolling hills.  Campground sites are well spaced and mostly level, many with shade and decent privacy.  Mix of hookups for different needs; access to water and trash was easy.  The bathrooms were a bit dated and unclean when we visited, but not terrible.  Good cell coverage in the area and we could do work and school with our Verizon Hotspot.  Beware of the raccoons!   They were not aggressive from the standpoint of approaching us, but they were brash in approaching camper and supplies after dark, and they were a constant presence at the dumpster.  Do not leave food out!  Deer and other small game/wildlife seem abundant.  Trails were poorly signed, but the park is relatively small and getting lost or wandering does not have bad consequences; you'll find where you wanted to go without too much trouble.

        • L
          Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
          Jul. 17, 2020

          Ledges State Park

          Hidden away

          My favorite part about this camp is the variety of sites offered. We went with a hike in site to throw some adventure into our lives. For only $11 a tent sit this place is amazing. Trees everywhere with privacy if wanted or also a great social scene. Honestly this camp is for anyone. The trails around the park are also amazing. Just don’t leave a Cheeto bag out on accident when you fall asleep because raccoons can smell everything, and when they do, they own the place.

        • Willy W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
          Jun. 1, 2020

          Ledges State Park

          Ledges

          Ledges State Park

          Ledges is an amazing place. It has so much to do. There are long trails to hike, creeks to play in.

          You can bring your tent or RV and camp. The RV camps have water/sewer hookups. The primitive tent sites are usually pretty clean and can get pretty busy on the weekends.

          There are lots of bridges that get flooded out and are fun to drive over. Most of the kids like to hang out near them and get splashed.

          Its a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors and especially in the fall. Also if you go to Ames stop at Great Plains pizza company.

        • Andrea H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Creek SRA - South Equestrian
          May. 15, 2020

          Brushy Creek SRA - South Equestrian

          Relaxing never bored

          First time camping at south campground. Loving it so far! Restrooms/showers and playgrounds are all still closed due to covid but there is still plenty to do! Walking, hiking and exploring. People are here camping with their horses but the campground is still nice and quiet.

        • Paula S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
          Aug. 21, 2019

          Ledges State Park

          Beautiful Park

          The park is well maintained, clean bathrooms and showers in camping area. 

          Very nice trails.  The campsite, we have a RV, was very clean, and like many other parks, we were not right on top of each other.  They have water and sewer hook up at the site.

          The views are beautiful of the sand ledges.  Definetly plan on returning.



        Guide to Minburn

        Camping near Minburn, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic trails to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

        What to do:

        • Hiking: Explore the trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals.”
        • Fishing: Head to Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground for some fishing fun. A camper shared, “Clean, level sites, close to fishing, it was fun watching the water come through the dam.”
        • Biking: The High Trestle Trail is nearby, perfect for biking enthusiasts. One reviewer noted, “Great place to stay. Just a few minutes drive to High Trestle Bridge and right off the river.”

        What campers like:

        • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Prairie Flower Recreation Area. A visitor said, “Fantastically clean & well maintained facilities.”
        • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, such as Cherry Glen Campground, offer large sites. One camper remarked, “This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet.”
        • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, a reviewer stated, “Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered.”

        What you should know:

        • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A camper at Ledges State Park Campground noted, “Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected.”
        • Busy Seasons: Popular campgrounds can get crowded, especially in summer. One visitor at Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, “The campground was nice and well maintained with walking trails. It is wooded so there is a lot of shade.”
        • No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. A camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground pointed out, “We didn’t use the bathroom/shower house, but I walked into one to check it out and it was outdated, old and dark.”

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Jester County Park has a playground, and one parent said, “Showers are hot every time; it’s a wonderful place to be.”
        • Secluded Spots: Choose campgrounds with wooded areas for privacy. A camper at Ledges State Park Campground mentioned, “Secluded spots in the trees.”
        • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One visitor at Yellow Banks County Park said, “The sites are pretty well spaced with lots of grass and some trees in between.”

        Tips from RVers:

        • Level Sites: Check for level sites to avoid issues with your RV. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, “Gravel sites require some leveling.”
        • Electric Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, “Most sites feature 20/30/50 electric, a fire ring and a picnic table.”
        • Quiet Locations: Look for campgrounds that are away from busy roads. One camper at Swede Point Park said, “It’s very quiet here and the few guests that are here are friendly.”

        Camping near Minburn, Iowa, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Minburn, IA?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Minburn, IA is Ledges State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 39 reviews.

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

          TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Minburn, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.