Equestrian camping opportunities near Pella, Iowa cater to travelers with horses and recreational riders. Located in central Iowa, the area features wooded terrain with elevation changes that create varied riding conditions across multiple trail systems. Several state and county properties maintain dedicated equestrian campgrounds where riders can establish base camps for multi-day trail exploration.
What to do
Trail riding access: Lake Iowa County Park offers extensive trail networks through wooded areas with wildlife viewing opportunities. One visitor noted, "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."
Wildlife observation: The parks surrounding Pella provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities during different seasons. A camper at Elk Rock State Park reported, "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 trees."
Lake activities: Several Lake Iowa County Park campsites provide lake access for fishing and paddling. "The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake. Great place to spend one night. If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake," notes one visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention facility maintenance as a standout feature at Keokuk County Belva Deer Park. A recent visitor commented, "$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance."
Natural surroundings: The relatively undeveloped state of certain areas appeals to campers seeking a natural experience. One Lake Iowa visitor noted, "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."
Peaceful atmosphere: Most horse campgrounds maintain a quiet environment away from highway noise. A camper at Elk Rock State Park Equestrian Campground stated, "We stayed in the Elk Rock Equestrian campground and it was so peaceful and beautiful."
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds place sites relatively close together, which can create smoke issues. A camper at Lake Iowa noted, "Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed."
Seasonal considerations: Many equestrian campgrounds operate seasonally, typically closing during winter months. Lucas Primitive Campground and Whitebreast Equestrian Campground in Stephens State Forest operate from April 1 to December 31, making advance planning necessary for early spring or late fall visits.
Trail access challenges: Not all campsites provide direct lake or trail access. As one Lake Iowa Park visitor explained, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for views: Research specific site numbers for optimal views and experiences. A Lake Iowa camper recommended, "I would say if you can try and get sites, 67-70. They have beautiful views."
Historic town visits: Plan day trips to nearby towns for cultural experiences. One camper at Elk Rock noted, "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!"
Camp host availability: Multiple Elk Rock State Park visitors mention that camp hosts are available to answer questions and provide local information. "There are camp hosts to help answer questions. There are also firewood bundles available to purchase for $4," notes one reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Most equestrian campgrounds provide electric hookups suitable for RVs. Lucas Primitive Campground offers 30-amp and 50-amp service, though shower facilities are not available at this location.
Weather preparation: The region experiences high humidity during summer months that can affect comfort levels. One camper shared, "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."
Self-registration procedures: Many campgrounds use self-registration systems. A visitor explained, "We pulled in very late on a Weds night / Thursday morning. Self registration at the front."
