2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Horse-friendly camping near Mount Vernon, Iowa is limited, but several options exist within driving distance. Scott County Park offers an Equestrian Campground in the South East Corner with primitive tent and RV sites that accommodate horses. Campgrounds regularly fill with horse trailers during peak season, especially on weekends. While the campground lacks horse corrals, designated areas for securing horses are available near campsites. The facilities provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to trail systems designed for horseback riding. Trail users appreciate the well-maintained paths suitable for riders of various experience levels.
Located approximately 50 miles from Mount Vernon, Loud Thunder Forest Preserve maintains the Horse Corral Campground with electrical hookups, potable water, and toilet facilities specifically designed for equestrians. The campground connects directly to riding trails that loop through forested areas and open meadows. Horse owners should bring their own containment systems as the campground does not provide permanent corrals at individual sites. Trailer parking is available adjacent to campsites, allowing convenient access to horses throughout the stay. Reservations are recommended during summer months when equestrian campsites typically reach capacity. The trails provide varying terrain suitable for both casual and experienced riders.
"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."
from $23 - $33 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
Available next weekend
from $12 - $25 / night
"Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting. There are three separate campgrounds."
from $15 - $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."
"Tucked away in the southeast corner of Scott County Park – yes, the same park that already has more campgrounds than a camping catalog – lurks a little-known equestrian primitive campground."
"Site is located in the very SE corner of the park with: charcoal grill, fire ring, outhouse, picnic table, recycle station adjacent, tie-up, hard surface for RV. No water onsite. Trails available."
from $15 / night
from $12 - $25 / night
"CG has nice corral with day use and camping sites: shelter available, elect pull in sites fire rings, wood available in park, tables, trails Lake George for fishing, paddling, boat rental."
from $20 - $26 / night
GuideI arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
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.
TravelerDriving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35
TravelerOff the beaten path, beautiful area but when we got there the road to the campground was closed, so we ended up parking for the night in the horse staging area instead.
LegendThis campsite has a hard parking lot surface, picnic table, charcoal, grill, firing, and a pit toilet, horse tie up. Trail access starts here, recycling station is adjacent, and Scott County Park Road is just to the south.
LegendTucked away in the southeast corner of Scott County Park – yes, the same park that already has more campgrounds than a camping catalog – lurks a little-known equestrian primitive campground. It’s the sort of place that feels like you stumbled onto a secret level in a video game: no hookups, no frills, just you, your horse and the occasional squirrel judging your life choices. If SOC-Fox is the Brady Bunch middle child (see my review for this CG), this one is the mysterious cousin who shows up at family reunions in cowboy boots and doesn’t say much.
The sites? Bare-bones, as expected. You’re not here for 'glamping.' You’re here for space to tie up your horse, throw up a tent and feel like you’ve traveled back to 1883 (minus the dysentery). Fire rings are your only luxury item here, and if you’re expecting bathhouses with spa vibes, forget it. You’ll find pit toilets that are … serviceable. Let’s call them ‘character-building.’ Roads in here are gravelly but manageable if you take it slow, but you don’t really want to be coming here if you’re toting a 5th wheel or driving an RV as this area is really more geared for mi tent pitchin’ bredren who want the opportunity to ‘rough it’ ... ideally with their noble steeds.
What makes it shine, though, are the equestrian trails. Miles of riding paths crisscross through woods, open meadows and rolling hills. Even if you’re not on horseback, you can hike them and pretend you’re in a Western where the budget ran out before they gave you an actual horse. And because this campground is the least famous of the seven, you’re more likely to get actual peace & quiet. No cannonballing kids, no RV generators humming in the night, just plenty of crickets, the odd, stray coyote and your horse deciding 2 a.m. is the perfect time to shuffle around loudly.
Insider Tips? Giddy-up, here’s a few: (1) Bring your own water as there’s no magic spigot here; (2) If you want solitude, this is the place. It’s basically the anti-aquatic center; (3) Hungry after a day on the trail? Eldridge’s Grille on the Green dishes out hearty comfort food, and you won’t even have to tie your horse out front; and (4) If you need supplies, hit the Tractor Supply in nearby Eldridge. They won’t blink when you walk in smelling like hay and campfire.
Happy Camping!
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.
TravelerGreat shady spots - register on line - clean bathrooms and showers - no full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available
LegendThe site offers a hard service to park on, picnic table, fire, pit, charcoal, grill, outhouse, horse tie up, and equestrian trailhead. There is a recycling dump station nearby, and open space with shaded tree area. The park itself offers trails for hiking and biking, a pool, golf course, campgrounds, historical Pioneer Village, amenities, including firewood, ice, concessions. Pride Lake offers paddling and fishing.
Equestrian camping near Mount Vernon, Iowa offers horseback riding access in a region marked by rolling hills, wooded areas, and river valleys typical of eastern Iowa's topography. The area's relatively mild summers with average temperatures in the 80s provide comfortable riding conditions during peak season. Trails in this region typically range from beginner-friendly flat routes to more challenging terrain with moderate elevation changes suitable for intermediate riders.
Explore single-track trails: Near Marion, the trail system connected to Wanatee Park provides excellent riding options. "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," notes Kris P.
Fish in nearby waters: Matsell Bridge Natural Area offers riverside camping with good fishing opportunities. "Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River," explains Carol M. who adds that despite seasonal bugs, it's a "beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge."
Visit historical attractions: The Amana Colonies are within driving distance of several campgrounds. At Lake Iowa County Park, one camper mentioned meeting friends here because "this was the middle between us & them as we live in CO and they live in NY. We really enjoyed the long weekend here."
Spacious campsites: At Wanatee Park, campers appreciate the room between sites. "The sites are very spacious with some shade, a fire ring, and picnic table provided. The nearest grocery store was within 5 miles," shares Clint G., who spent nine nights at this park.
Wildlife viewing: Wakpicada Natural Area offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "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," reports Parker H.
Clean facilities: South Lake Campground at Backbone State Park maintains high standards of cleanliness. "Clean bathrooms, showers and spots. Beautiful park!" writes Edward B., who appreciates that all spots are reservable, making trip planning easier.
Seasonal flooding: Several campgrounds in the area experience periodic flooding. At Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, a reviewer noted that "when the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds."
Variable pricing: Tent camping costs vary across the region. Some campers find certain areas overpriced: "A little pricy for tent camping. Ten dollars per tent per night and you're restricted to the primitive area," notes John S. about Saulsbury Bridge.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have spotty cell reception, especially in valleys and densely wooded areas. Always download maps and reservation details before arrival.
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Wanatee Park offers play areas for children that complement the natural surroundings. "I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through," shares Colleen L.
Choose sites near bathroom facilities: For families with young children, proximity to restrooms matters. "Bathrooms are stationed without so it's never a far walk and the shower house was really nice," mentions Colleen L. about her experience at Wanatee Park.
Consider cabin options: Backbone State Park offers cabins for rent if tent camping seems too challenging with children. "We went camping at Backbone for a friend's wedding that was taking place at the park's lodge. While most of the wedding guests stayed in town, we opted to camp, during October. It was gorgeous!" shares Larissa C.
Check site levelness: Some campgrounds require additional equipment to level RVs. At Wanatee Park, Clint G. mentioned, "Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers."
Note electric hookup availability: For dedicated horse camping, the Horse Corral Campground at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve offers electrical pull-in sites along with corral facilities. James M. notes it has "nice corral with day use and camping sites: shelter available, elect pull in sites, fire rings, wood available in park."
Consider water access limitations: At South Lake Campground, Edward B. advises, "No full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available." Planning ahead for water needs is essential at many equestrian-friendly campgrounds in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mount Vernon, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mount Vernon, IA is Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mount Vernon, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Mount Vernon, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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