Top Horse Camping near Ruthven, IA

Are you planning a trip to Ruthven with your horse? We've got you covered. Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. Search horse campsites and discover top-rated spots, as reviewed by other campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Ruthven, IA (4)


Recent Equestrian Reviews In Ruthven

6 Reviews of 4 Ruthven Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Brown County Park
    September 18, 2023

    Brown County Park

    Brown County

    This place is HUGE. We were shocked at the size of the state park and how many many campsites there were. We were back on Taylor Ridge so we had a noticeable drive in/out anytime we went anywhere. Bathrooms were clean and maintained. Sites had ample space. Because it is all on the ridges of the park, there is a significant decline after the campsite “flat area”

  • Camper-submitted photo from Brown County Park
    September 25, 2021

    Brown County Park

    Beautiful grounds on a river.

    Besides the beautiful grounds and reasonably price, it was nice because it wasn’t very crowded. But was only first come first served and not all the sites have electric.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fort Defiance State Park Campground
    May 30, 2021

    Fort Defiance State Park Campground

    A Hidden Gem in Iowa

    A hidden gem in Northwest Iowa. It is Memerial Day Weekend and on Friday night we had one other tent camper on Friday. None on Saturday. 

    The bathrooms are the old hole going down into a pit. They are very rustic. 

    There are plenty of trails in the park. 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.

    Around the camping area, the kids rode their bikes. We did ride around the roads as a family. 

    The camp site are dirt. 

    There are permanent fire rings and grills at each site. Only place to get firewood was at Hy-Vee. Our site had electricity with 50, 30,& 20 amps. 

    There is only one water spot in the campground. We drank the water and didn’t die. 

    There is a golf course next to the park that is fun. 

    My only real complaint would be there is a lot of people just driving through.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bright Lake Co Park
    August 16, 2020

    Bright Lake Co Park

    Awesome Sunset!

    Really nice spot almost overlooking the lake (Through the trees), had fire ring, picnic tables and room for quite a lot of tents! For me and my family it was perfect!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fort Defiance State Park Campground
    April 5, 2020

    Fort Defiance State Park Campground

    Great Hikes

    Fort Defiance is a forresty natural state park in Iowa. There is Electrical Hook ups a picnic Table and a charcoal Grill already at the camp site. The valley has a small river or a big creek, idk you tell me the difference, what you can cross over a few times on the trails. 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!



Guide to Ruthven

Camping near Ruthven, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or looking for a cabin, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Explore local attractions: Check out the nearby Jackson KOA for some fun activities. One visitor mentioned, "I met the previous owner of the park and his wife, and they told me about some cool things to do in the area including the Jeffers Petroglyphs."
  • Bike trails: Many campgrounds, like Blue Earth City Campground, are close to bike trails. A reviewer shared, "We unloaded our bikes and enjoyed the bike trails that encircle and go through Jackson."
  • Fishing and swimming: At Marble Beach State Rec Area, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. One camper noted, "Great location right off I-90! Camp host was very friendly and the facilities are clean!"

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Everett Park said, "The shower had plenty of hot water with great water pressure. Dated but clean."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming hosts. A reviewer at Flying Goose Campground & Resort mentioned, "Gary was very helpful. This campground is just beautiful."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful settings. One visitor at Kilen Woods State Park Campground said, "The park is quiet, clean and very easy to hike."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes can be a problem: Some campgrounds, like Gull Point State Park, are near swampy areas, which can attract bugs. A camper noted, "The camp is near a swampy area so bugs kinda rough."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Marble Beach State Rec Area mentioned, "Camp sites for tents are super tiny and irregular shaped."
  • Reservations recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area advised, "This is a good place to stay for a few days if you want to explore all that Okoboji has to offer."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and swimming areas. A reviewer at Flying Goose Campground & Resort mentioned, "There is a lake you can fish, swim, rent kayaks and canoe."
  • Choose spacious sites: Families might prefer campgrounds with larger sites. A visitor at Welcome Campground said, "The sites are huge and offer water and electric."
  • Plan for evening activities: Bring games or outdoor activities for the family. A camper at Kilen Woods State Park Campground suggested, "Great hiking with beautiful sights."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV. A visitor at Gull Point State Park noted, "We had reserved a spot that was supposed to be long enough for our trailer, but was not."
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Blue Earth City Campground mentioned, "For an incredibly low price, we were able to connect to water, dump, and electricity."
  • Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds may have tight quarters. A visitor at Marble Beach State Rec Area said, "Generally tight quarters to other campers and plenty of road noise until about 10 PM."

Camping near Ruthven, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ruthven, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ruthven, IA is Fort Defiance State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Ruthven, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.