Danish Alps State Recreation Area offers equestrian camping with designated riding trails situated on high bluffs overlooking the reservoir. Located approximately 50 miles northeast of Salix, Iowa, this recreation area provides both primitive and electric camping options for horse owners. The campground's position on elevated terrain creates cooling breezes during summer months, making it comfortable for riders and their animals despite limited mature shade trees.
What to do
Trail riding with views: Danish Alps State Recreation Area provides extensive equestrian trails with scenic overlooks. One visitor noted, "There's quite a large space to the park with lots of trails and open field areas," making it ideal for horseback riding adventures.
Fishing opportunities: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground offers excellent fishing access. A camper reported, "This place has great fishing and is very well maintained not to mention that they have a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago."
Historical education: Visit the Lewis and Clark exhibits where park staff occasionally operate a replica boat. According to one visitor, "They will also occasionally take it out and give rides. They also have a history museum to accompany the boat."
Birdwatching: Danish Alps State Recreation Area provides opportunities for wildlife observation. A visitor mentioned the area includes "Playground, boat ramp, picnic area fishing, birdwatching, equestrian camp & trails, something for everyone."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathroom facilities at the equestrian campgrounds near Salix. A visitor at Union Grove State Park noted, "Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice."
Spacious campsites: Union Grove State Park Campground receives praise for site layout. One camper shared, "Site was perfect for both an RV or a tent. They offer tent, back in, or pull through."
Lake access: Blue Lake at Lewis and Clark State Park provides water recreation directly from campgrounds. A camper stated, "We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground."
Equestrian accommodations: Horse owners appreciate the dedicated facilities at Danish Alps, where trails connect directly to camping areas for convenient riding access throughout your stay.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable riding conditions, while summer can be hot due to limited mature trees in newer camping areas.
Reservation system: Most equestrian sites can be reserved online, but some remain available for walk-ins. A camper at Southwood Conservation Area shared personal experience: "Campground has recently been upgraded and heading back soon."
Water quality: Some campgrounds have reported occasional water issues. At Onawa-Blue Lake KOA, one camper noted, "Town was under a boil advisory, and a pretty bad one at that. We never found that out from our hosts."
Quiet atmosphere: Less crowded than other regional campgrounds, especially midweek. A visitor to Danish Alps observed, "I pulled in and found a wide open campground. I picked a site high on the bluff overlooking the reservoir."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Woodbury County Park Southwood Conservation Area offers family-friendly amenities. A visitor described it as a "Nice campground clean bathrooms the trails are really good quiet and peaceful."
Educational opportunities: Lewis and Clark State Park provides historical learning experiences for children. A camper mentioned, "They have a great visitor center with amazing displays and exhibits that mark the history of Lewis and Clark and their travels around the area."
Water recreation: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming and fishing opportunities. At Lewis and Clark State Park, one camper noted, "They also have a beach and boat dock."
Plan for insects: During warm months, mosquitoes can be prevalent near water. One candid review warned about Blue Lake, describing it as "Buggy and muggy" with "Many water spots on basically what is a mosquito breeding ground."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Onawa-Blue Lake KOA provides full hookup options but receives mixed reviews. One RVer mentioned, "Nicely maintained, beautiful lake, clean restrooms and nice pool and playground. Great helpful people! But virtually no space between sites."
Site selection: At Lewis and Clark State Park, RVers should note campsite spacing concerns. One visitor observed, "Nice facilities well maintained. I guess most people are looking for this kind of camping, but it's a bunch of campers all piled on top of each other with no real views."
Dump station access: Most campgrounds in the area provide sanitary dump stations, but accessibility varies. One RVer at Lewis and Clark State Park cautioned, "The dump station is a tight squeeze for anything other than a small bumper pull camper."
Electrical service: Danish Alps provides both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups at equestrian sites. A visitor confirmed, "Sites are spacious with water and both 30 & 50 amp hookup."
