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Best Equestrian Camping near Oskaloosa, IA

13 Reviews

Equestrian Campground in Elk Rock State Park offers riders access to trail networks with facilities designed for horses and their owners. The campground maintains clean facilities according to visitors who have stayed there. Electric hookups include thirty-amp and fifty-amp options for RVs, while tent campers are also accommodated. Riders report enjoying the trails near the water, with the peaceful setting providing a good environment for horse camping. The boat ramp area nearby can be busy, but the campground itself remains relatively quiet. Firewood is available for purchase from camp hosts for $4 per bundle, and fires are permitted in designated areas.

Whitebreast Equestrian in Stephens State Forest provides another option for horse owners approximately 45 miles southwest of Oskaloosa. The campground operates seasonally from April 1 to December 31, allowing for multi-season riding opportunities. Electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables are available at the sites, which can accommodate big rigs and horse trailers. Toilet facilities are on-site, though showers are not provided. The trails connect to the larger Stephens State Forest system, offering extended riding routes through varied terrain. The forest setting creates natural shelter and scenery for trail riders exploring the area. Water hookups and sewer connections are available, though drinking water is not provided at the campground.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Oskaloosa, Iowa (7)

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Oskaloosa, IA

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Oskaloosa, IA

13 Reviews of 7 Oskaloosa Campgrounds

  • Willy W.
    May. 30, 2020

    Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park

    Busy

    This is a really busy boat ramp but the campground is pretty big and open. The boat ramp is the closest one to mile long bridge. It also has a cleaning station and restroom available.

    The campgrounds are very clean. There are lots of trails around the area.

    It’s also a great place if you like to go horse back riding with lots of trails that go near the water.

    There are camp hosts to help answer questions. There are also firewood bundles available to purchase for $4. The bathrooms and showers are very clean.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

    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.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

    Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

  • L
    Jul. 10, 2022

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Good, but.

    The good: The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife. We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through. The bad: very few sites have a view of the lake. To walk to the lake or near by pond you must go down hill, which could be a problem for any one with mobility issues. Once down to the water trail are easy to walk. I would say if you can try and get sites, 67-70. They have beautiful views.

  • jennifer M.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park

    Nice hikes

    We went in the chillier months so the park definitely was not at its most scenic as it probably usually is. The hikes throughout the woods were quite nice and eventually loop around at least the one we were on did). They have a ginormous and steep boat landing with a large parking lot. The water looked pretty nice, although is was quite low at the time. The best part about the trip was the eagles. We must have been there at just the right time, because lined all through the trees along the lakes edge were eagles upon eagles. I'd say we saw about 70 bald eagles perched in the tress. It was really a beautiful sight. Aside from the park, it's pretty close to pella, which is a nice historic Dutch town. Good food and bars there to check out! Would visit again, but when it's warmer!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • W
    Aug. 5, 2018

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Great place

    Nice, quiet and affordable. Saw lots of deer and rabbits right outside our door. Shower rooms are very nice.

Guide to Oskaloosa

Horse camping in Iowa offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it an ideal choice for horse lovers looking to explore the state's beautiful landscapes.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

Tips for equestrian camping near Oskaloosa, Iowa

Most campgrounds have horse-focused features like trails and facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Oskaloosa, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Oskaloosa, IA is Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Oskaloosa, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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