Fort Defiance State Park Campground in Ruthven, Iowa sits at an elevation of approximately 1,300 feet within the Des Moines Lobe landform region. The park's terrain features a mix of hardwood forest and prairie remnants with a small creek cutting through valleys that horse riders can cross multiple times. Campgrounds in this area offer varying levels of equestrian access, with most providing dirt sites suitable for both tent and RV camping during the April through October season.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Fort Defiance State Park offers forested trails where riders can cross the creek multiple times. According to a visitor, "Depending on the time of day, generally in the morning you can cruise through at day break and find deer on the roads to watch out!" Fort Defiance State Park Campground provides access to these trails directly from the camping area.
Water activities: Creeks throughout the parks provide water access for horses and play areas for children. One camper at Fort Defiance noted, "The big creek that runs through the kiddos can play in. It is not deep but it's water. There are some other small little creeks too."
Biking around camp: Several campsites offer flat areas suitable for family biking. A Fort Defiance visitor mentioned, "Around the camping area, the kids rode their bikes. We did ride around the roads as a family."
What campers like
Uncrowded experience: Even during peak seasons, many horse campgrounds near Ruthven maintain a peaceful atmosphere. One camper at Martin Area County Park reported, "Primitive camping was awesome," appreciating the open space available for equestrian activities.
Wildlife viewing: The forested areas provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. A Fort Defiance camper shared, "Fort Defiance is a forresty natural state park in Iowa... you can find deer on the roads to watch out!"
Scenic water features: Most equestrian camping areas include creek access. At Bright Lake Co Park, a visitor enjoyed, "Really nice spot almost overlooking the lake (Through the trees), had fire ring, picnic tables and room for quite a lot of tents!"
What you should know
Limited water access: Water sources are restricted at most sites. A Fort Defiance camper noted, "There is only one water spot in the campground. We drank the water and didn't die."
Rustic facilities: Bathrooms at these equestrian campgrounds are typically basic. According to one camper at Fort Defiance, "The bathrooms are the old hole going down into a pit. They are very rustic."
Firewood availability: Plan ahead for campfires as supply varies. A Fort Defiance camper mentioned, "Only place to get firewood was at Hy-Vee," referring to the nearby grocery store chain located approximately 5 miles from the campground.
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Children can enjoy wading in the shallow creek areas. A visitor to Brown County Park appreciated that "Besides the beautiful grounds and reasonably price, it was nice because it wasn't very crowded."
Bring bikes: Most equestrian campgrounds have roads suitable for family biking. A Fort Defiance camper reported, "Around the camping area, the kids rode their bikes. We did ride around the roads as a family."
Site selection: Choose sites based on terrain and proximity to water sources. One Fort Defiance visitor observed, "The camp site are dirt. There are permanent fire rings and grills at each site."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups: Most equestrian campsites offer electrical connections of varying capacities. A Fort Defiance camper noted, "Our site had electricity with 50, 30, & 20 amps."
Site spacing: RV sites generally provide adequate room between neighbors. Brown County Park offers "ample space" as one camper observed, "Sites had ample space. Because it is all on the ridges of the park, there is a significant decline after the campsite 'flat area.'"
Size restrictions: While some parks accommodate larger rigs, others have limitations. At Brown County Park, a visitor noted it is "HUGE. We were shocked at the size of the state park and how many many campsites there were."
