B
Brett S.
Traveler
TravelerHillview County Rec Area
Great place
Very nice place. Swimming, fishing, hiking, geocaching, campfires, and beautiful spots
Equestrian Camping near Sioux City, IA
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Danish Alps State Recreation Area Camping offers equestrian trails with a dedicated equestrian camp area approximately 30 miles from Sioux City. The park features spacious sites with water hookups and both 30 and 50 amp electrical service. Visitors note the trails are suitable for horseback riding with varied terrain overlooking the reservoir. The equestrian area provides ample parking for horse trailers and access to fishing, bird watching, and playground facilities. Basic amenities include picnic tables, fire pits, and clean restrooms with a dump station nearby.
The equestrian trail system connects riders to open field areas and scenic viewpoints throughout the park. No horse corral facilities are permanently installed at the campground, so equestrians must bring portable corrals or tie-out equipment. The park requires Nebraska state park permits for entry, available for purchase as daily or annual passes. Visitors can also access local horseback riding opportunities through providers advertised outside town. The park's newer construction means limited shade for horses, as trees have been planted but are still maturing. Horse camping enthusiasts appreciate the quiet environment, which allows for peaceful trail experiences even during summer months.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Sioux City (7)
1. Danish Alps State Recreation Area Camping
"Horse trails and camping is available at Danish Alps as are primitive and electric spots."
"Playground, boat ramp, picnic area fishing, birdwatching, equestrian camp & trails, something for everyone."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $30 / night
2. Hillview County Rec Area
"It is the most popular one of the 3, it has flat sites with access to shower house and running water and 50 amp hookups."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $20 / night
3. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground
"Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa!"
"There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when available4. Union Grove State Park Campground
"Play equipment, horse trails, hiking trails, well maintained. Beautiful area."
"Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained. Hosts are very friendly."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $15 / night
5. Onawa-Blue Lake KOA
"Conveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet."
6. Southwood Conservation Area
7. Woodbury County Park Southwood Conservation Area
"Nice campground clean bathrooms the trails are really good quiet and peaceful"
Drive Time
- 1 hr 11 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 1 hr 19 min from Omaha, NE
- 2 hrs 5 min from Lincoln, NE
- 2 hrs 38 min from Ames, IA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Sioux City, IA
53 Reviews of 7 Sioux City Campgrounds
- LLouise D.Traveler
Lewis and Clark State Park Campground
Easy parking but no shade.
This park is only 1.8 miles west of the highway and is right on the river. Unfortunately, all the large cottonwood trees have been cut down so there is no shade. There is no map posted at the campground, but the lowest numbered spaces are nearest to the bath house which was clean and had hot water that stopped to let you lather up, then press the knob to make it start again. I appreciated the electric service given the hot temps!
- JJennifer K.Traveler
Union Grove State Park Campground
Not worth the money
We just wanted a place to stop and sleep with electricity so we could use the AC. Arrived @6:30pm and left by 6:00 am. Per the sign in board we had to pay $15 day use fee for 2 days based on the hours shown. Camping was $30 plus a $10 fee to pay for the site. It was however, less than the cost of a hotel, but still not worth it for what we were doing. We didn’t even take the camper off the hitch. A plus was the bathroom! Shower and toilet in one room. Was one of the nicest bedrooms we’ve ever used camping. Water temperature was great and the the room was clean. Complete with a fan to help with drying of the floor.
- sseth B.
GuideUnion Grove State Park Campground
union grove
all the tent sites are nicely in the woods but the main road goes pretty close to them. has some pretty decent trails too. shower house is very nice
Sue S.TravelerUnion Grove State Park Campground
Very clean and quiet camping
The campsites are in a bunch of pine trees and so that cuts down a lot on the weather if there's an issue it's got nice breezes but it gets cold cold at night like down in the 50s. I'm camping in a tent with my cat and dog and my cat likes to roam free a little bit and there's only I think about 20 campsites here and they're both from tent sides to a full-on RVs. There's a nice shower and bathroom and close proximity there's four and inside each one is a modern toilet sink and shower and lockable. The only complaint that I have is that a lot of the campsite spots are at an angle not only to get down to it from the road but an angle for the tent and the pine needles cover the ground which make great starting for fires they burn so fast and so quick that you feel like you're in a tinder box a little bit which is kind of spooky if there's a spark that goes flying it could actually set the whole campfire on a blaze. There is a nice camping pit this is a steak Campground and so able to get campsites for $16 a night. The people that are on staff here are so sweet give you lots of good advice for what's close by there is it's right between Beresford and vermilion so that's like 10 miles each way but there's no ice here so you would have to drive to one of those facilities to get the ice and by the time you got back would probably be melted to be honest with you so that's the only drawback so I would suggest dry ice for sure. There's a children's playground here for kids it would be something I guess you know very fun to go and be explorers in the woods I don't think there's much chance of them getting too lost really. But all in all this is a really good place to stay I've been here six nights now and I've only got a couple more to go and then I'll be moving on.
Scott C.GuideUnion Grove State Park Campground
Pretty but expensive
Very pretty campground very quiet and peaceful. Only down side is the cost ! For an out of state traveler you have to pay $15 entry fee then an additional $67.71 to camp that seems a lot for a site that has electricity only. The overall campground is spotless and from what I read the bathrooms are very nice and clean.
- RRod A.
RangerUnion Grove State Park Campground
Great hidden gem
Only 20-25 electric sites, no water or sewer at sites. Minor inconvenience, water and dump station at entrance. Bathhouse was clean, had plenty of hot water Site 08E pull thru, easy in and out. Campground on hill top hidden in the trees.
William S.TravelerDanish Alps State Recreation Area Camping
Perfectly Adequate
The overall rec area is lovely. During the regular season, roughly May to mid October, there is running water and showers at some spots with vault toilets available year round. Horse trails and camping is available at Danish Alps as are primitive and electric spots. The electric is all designed for RV's, vans, or trucks, but there is sufficient space at each site that you can have a tent. The electric area is up on a hill overlooking the lake and there is absolutely no mature tree cover in the area. Trees have been planted, but it will be a long while before they provide much shade. Like most of Nebraska most of the time it does get windy and being on the hill the electric camp gets to feel it for good and ill. The town of Hubbard is right next to the rec area, but because of the way things are laid out you do not get as many people casually driving around at night like you do at some other places. Being in the vicinity of Sioux City and Dakota City there is some glow on the horizon at night.
Verizon cell coverage was sufficient for streaming without buffering when camped there in September 2025.
- EEdward B.
ScoutOnawa-Blue Lake KOA
Convenient and quiet
Conveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet.
Guide to Sioux City
Danish Alps State Recreation Area offers equestrian camping options about 30 miles from Sioux City, Iowa. Located in Hubbard, Nebraska, this park provides dedicated areas for riders with horses. The facility sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation, with terrain varying between open prairie and wooded areas surrounding the reservoir.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The Danish Alps trail system connects to open field areas throughout the park, making it accessible for riders of all experience levels. "Plenty of trails and open field areas. I believe you have to pay a fee to the DNR for a day pass or purchase an annual Nebraska park pass/license in order to even go through the park," notes Tiffany at Danish Alps State Recreation Area Camping.
Fishing access: Many equestrian campgrounds near Sioux City provide direct fishing opportunities from campsites. "I pulled in and found a wide open campground. I picked a site high on the bluff overlooking the reservoir. It had quite the view," reports Ellyce T. about her experience at Danish Alps.
Historical exploration: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground offers unique historical attractions alongside camping. "They have a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago. They will occasionally take it out and give rides. They also have a history museum to accompany the boat," shares Katie S.
What campers like
Modern facilities: Equestrian campers appreciate access to updated amenities at horse-friendly parks. "Washrooms basic but clean. Large site under trees with mix of sun & shade. Grassy area for tent. Access to water close by," reports Sharon T. from Lewis and Clark State Park.
Reasonable rates: Many campgrounds offer affordable rates for overnight stays with horses. "Oh my the rate was 19.00 for full 50 amp hookup. Beautiful state park in the water nice level sites paved. Fire rings and tables," notes Kathy F. about her Lewis and Clark State Park experience.
Privacy options: For those seeking quieter camping experiences with horses, Union Grove State Park Campground provides more secluded options. "It's a very small campground with a variety of different types of sites. Easy to access. Lots of great hiking trails," comments Laura S.
What you should know
Bring portable corrals: Horse campgrounds near Sioux City require riders to bring portable containment systems as permanent corrals aren't typically available. "We had the best tent site on the grounds, corner spot with decent trees and distance, most other spots are right on top of each other," notes Leni K. about Union Grove State Park.
Permit requirements: Most state parks require entrance permits, available as either daily or annual passes. "Reservations can be made ahead of time online. However day passes have to be purchased in person, cash, on site day of," adds Leni K.
Limited shade: Many equestrian camping areas are newer and have young trees that don't yet provide significant shade coverage for horses during summer months. "Two campgrounds within the park. Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained," reports Leslie B.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several horse campgrounds offer playground facilities for children. At Woodbury County Park Southwood Conservation Area, families appreciate the combination of trails and camping amenities. "Nice campground clean bathrooms the trails are really good quiet and peaceful," shares Josh G.
Water activities: Many parks provide multiple recreation options beyond horseback riding. "We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water. Short walk to the very clean restrooms with flush toilets & showers," says N K. about their family experience.
Seasonal programming: Some parks offer special events for families during peak seasons. "When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers," shares Morgan K.
Tips from RVers
Site width considerations: Most equestrian campgrounds accommodate RVs, but site widths vary significantly. "Sites are very cramped. Staff less than friendly. Lake is nice, but shore needs maintenance and to have trees and brush cut back. Shower house is nice and clean. Does have full hookup," advises Sandra W. about Onawa-Blue Lake KOA.
Hookup availability: Electric service is commonly available, but full hookups may be limited. "Conveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet," notes Edward B.
Dump station access: RVers with horses should note dump station locations relative to equestrian areas. "Clean dump station that also has a fish cleaning station. Playground, boat ramp, picnic area fishing, birdwatching, equestrian camp & trails, something for everyone," reports Ellyce T.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Sioux City, IA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sioux City, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sioux City, IA is Danish Alps State Recreation Area Camping with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Sioux City, IA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sioux City, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Sioux City, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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