Best Equestrian Camping near Spirit Lake, IA

The horse camping options near Spirit Lake, Iowa remain limited, with none of the established campgrounds in the area offering dedicated equestrian facilities like corrals or designated horse sites. Campers traveling with horses should contact individual campgrounds directly to inquire about accommodating horses, as policies may vary. Brown County Park and Fort Defiance State Park Campground, both within driving distance of Spirit Lake, provide camping facilities but do not specifically advertise horse amenities in their listed features. The terrain in these parks includes forested areas and some water features that might appeal to trail riders, but official horse trails are not prominently documented in the available data.

Riders seeking horse-friendly options may need to explore private facilities or ranches in the region that cater to equestrians. Martin Area County Park offers multiple camping styles including tent, RV, cabin and glamping options with water hookups and sewer connections, potentially making it more adaptable for visitors with horses, though horse-specific amenities are not listed. The campground data indicates that many sites in the area provide basic camping necessities such as fire rings, picnic tables and restroom facilities, but equestrians should prepare to bring portable corrals or high-line equipment. The surrounding countryside features scenic landscapes typical of the Iowa-Minnesota border region, with some parks offering hiking trails that could potentially permit horses with proper permission.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Spirit Lake, Iowa (5)

    1. Brown County Park

    2 Reviews
    Spirit Lake, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 847-2525

    "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."

    2. Fort Defiance State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Estherville, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $10 - $16 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Bright Lake Co Park

    1 Review
    Dolliver, MN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 236-4693

    "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!"

    4. Martin Area County Park

    1 Review
    Sutherland, IA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 225-6709

    5. Eagle Nest Park

    1 Review
    Mountain Lake, MN
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 375-3393
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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Spirit Lake, IA

7 Reviews of 5 Spirit Lake Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Adrian D.
    Apr. 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!

  • Dean G.
    Sep. 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”

  • Wally B.
    Aug. 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!

  • S
    Sep. 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.

  • J
    May. 17, 2021

    Eagle Nest Park

    Small and tucked back

    Was a little difficult to find the first time but when we found it I loved it. Back in kinda private. Friendly people group came to celebrate July 4th but respectfully all left early and the nights were quiet. Lots of adventure hiking and wonderfully clean.


Guide to Spirit Lake

Horse camping in Iowa offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it an ideal choice for horse enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like electric hookups

  • Martin Area County Park provides electric hookups, making it convenient for equestrian campers who need to recharge their gear while enjoying the outdoors.

Tips for equestrian camping near Spirit Lake, Iowa

  • When visiting Brown County Park, be prepared for a spacious environment with ample room for your horses and gear, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Spirit Lake, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Spirit Lake, IA is Brown County Park with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Spirit Lake, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Spirit Lake, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.