Brushy Creek State Recreation Area offers three distinct campgrounds for equestrians near Rockwell City, Iowa. The recreation area spans 6,500 acres with over 45 miles of multi-use trails traversing rolling prairie and woodland terrain. Elevation changes throughout the park range from 1,050 to 1,150 feet above sea level, creating varied riding experiences across the landscape. The campgrounds operate seasonally from April 1 through December 31, with off-season rates available for visitors seeking quieter camping experiences.
What to do
Trail exploration: Brushy Creek offers extensive hiking opportunities beyond horseback riding. "This little nugget is laid out on a vast prairie. There are trails to get you out and away from the 'park' and closer to the rustic woody nature," notes a visitor to North Equestrian Campground.
Fishing and water activities: The lake provides excellent opportunities for anglers. "I was surprised to see a school of muskie while fishing, but it appeared that they were spawning at the time. If you go camping in May, make sure to bring a slightly heavier fishing pole to handle the musky," advises one camper at North Equestrian Campground.
Beach recreation: The swimming beach offers family-friendly water activities during summer months. "The beach looked real nice, not too crowded for a hot July day," reports a visitor who toured the recreation area's campgrounds.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: The North Equestrian Campground receives praise for its tranquility. "We really did like the Campground, it was well maintained, clean and quiet. There were a few campers with horse but not many," explains one visitor to South Equestrian Campground.
Spacious campsites: The grassy, open layout provides ample room for camping equipment. "Great for tent camping, very spacious and grassy sites, clean, grill/fire pit was really very nice," shares a camper at North Equestrian Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The open prairie setting creates minimal light pollution. "The Stars Were So Bright! Very little light pollution," reports a camper who appreciated the night sky views from the Beach Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal facilities: Some amenities have limited availability depending on when you visit. "The shower house was not open yet due to the time of year, but the drop latrine was open, very clean and well lit," reports a spring visitor to Beach Campground.
Limited shade coverage: The prairie landscape means some sites receive full sun exposure. "Unfortunately, we had no shade in the afternoon so weren't able to eat dinner outside or enjoy a fire in the evening," notes one RVer at North Equestrian Campground.
Mobile connectivity: Cell service can be unreliable in certain areas of the park. "Verizon 4G fluctuated between 0-2 bars. Was able to send pictures and only dropped a call once," reports a camper describing their connection experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Children can enjoy designated play areas within the campgrounds. "There was also a nice playground for the kids surrounded by a well maintained, large, grassy area," shares a visitor to Ledges State Park Campground, located about 45 minutes from Rockwell City.
Beach Campground selection: Families with children may prefer the Beach Campground area. "Beach had very little shade and was primarily families with younger children," notes one visitor comparing the different camping areas at Brushy Creek.
Biking opportunities: The paved roads throughout the campgrounds provide safe cycling areas for children. "The roads inside the campground were all asphalt so lots of bikers enjoying rides around the grounds," reports a visitor to North Equestrian Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electrical service considerations: RVers should select campgrounds based on their power needs. "If you need 50 amps, you're going to want to head to the Beach Camp," advises a regular visitor to Squirrel Hollow Co Park, another option for horse campgrounds near Rockwell City, Iowa.
Off-season value: Consider visiting during shoulder seasons for better rates and availability. "Open for off season camping. $14/night for full hookups with pull thru RV sites," shares a camper who visited North Equestrian Campground in November.
Site selection for equestrians: Horse owners should consider their specific needs when choosing between the equestrian campgrounds. "I like beach camp, but I LOVE north equestrian camp. Wish the boxes accommodated my rig," explains a repeat visitor comparing the various horse camping options at Brushy Creek.
