Equestrian camping near Riverside, Iowa offers riders access to forested trails and dedicated camping facilities within a 50-mile radius. The eastern Iowa landscape features rolling hills and river valleys with elevations ranging from 600-900 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons provide milder conditions.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Matsell Bridge Natural Area provides access to the Wapsipinicon River with wooded riding trails. As one camper noted, "Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site."
Fishing excursions: Multiple water access points at Big Hollow Recreation Area make it ideal for anglers. According to a visitor, "Nearby lake has a beach and a boat ramp for launching boats (whole lake is no wake zone) or kayaks. If you are into fishing, this place has large mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish."
Wildlife observation: The natural areas surrounding Lake Iowa County Park contain abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper reported, "We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through." Early mornings and evenings provide the best wildlife spotting conditions.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) receives consistent praise for maintenance. A recent visitor mentioned, "The bathhouse and showers were clean with lots of hot water." The park maintains separate shower and toilet facilities throughout the grounds.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the site layout at various locations. At Wanatee Park, one reviewer noted, "The sites are very spacious with some shade, a fire ring, and picnic table provided." Site spacing reduces noise between camping areas.
Natural surroundings: Lake Iowa County Park offers nature immersion close to Riverside. A camper described, "Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen." The park maintains natural vegetation between sites.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: While some campgrounds operate first-come-first-served, others require planning. At Wanatee Park, "Half of the campgrounds is first come first serve, the other half is reserve only."
Weather and seasonal challenges: Spring camping may encounter flooding. At Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, "When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds." Always contact parks directly during spring camping season.
Campfire regulations: Most campgrounds permit fires in designated rings only. At Lake Iowa County Park, smoke management becomes important as "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."
Horse facilities: Equestrian camping facilities vary significantly. Some provide corrals while others offer designated areas for horses near campsites. Most require riders stay on marked horse trails only.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include family-friendly features. At Big Hollow Recreation Area, "There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots."
Educational opportunities: Look for parks with nature programs. At Wanatee Park, visitors can explore "a beautiful wildflower field to walk through" which provides learning opportunities for children interested in native plants and pollinators.
Budget-friendly options: Keokuk County Belva Deer Park offers affordable primitive camping with amenities. As one visitor reported, "$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between parks. Big Hollow Recreation Area provides full-service options: "This is a great campground. Sites are pretty level and easy to get parked. Full hookup!!!"
Site levelness: Some campgrounds require extra work for RV setup. As one RVer at Wanatee Park noted, "Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers." Bringing leveling equipment is recommended for most area campgrounds.
Dump station locations: Not all equestrian camping areas include sanitary dumps. Call ahead to confirm availability or locate nearby facilities, especially for extended stays with horses and RVs.
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