Equestrian camping near Stanton, Iowa offers access to the unique Loess Hills terrain, characterized by wind-deposited silt formations dating back to the last ice age. The region features approximately 220 square miles of ridges and valleys with elevations up to 200 feet above the surrounding plains. Campgrounds in this area typically remain open from April through October, with peak season occurring between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
What to do
Frisbee golf at Lake of Three Fires: A full course available for disc enthusiasts with equipment available at the visitor center. "The park has a great frisbee golf course that my boys loved playing," notes Caralee D. about Lake of Three Fires State Park Campground.
Fishing at Lake Icaria: Catch bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish at this popular fishing destination with multiple access points and a well-maintained cleaning station. According to Mike S., Lake Icaria offers "lots of activities (hiking, boating, boat rentals, beach, bait shop, close to a race track in Corning, etc)," making Lake Icaria Co Park ideal for anglers.
Hiking in Waubonsie State Park: Trek through the Loess Hills on trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty with trail maps available at the ranger station. "The hiking trails are not for bikes, and they have several different levels or skills levels. The look out was pretty cool as well," reports Tony B.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Many parks in the region offer peaceful midweek experiences with fewer visitors. One visitor to Nodaway Valley County Park noted, "We love Nodaway not because of the amenities but because we can all get together and be close to work/school/home."
Well-maintained shower facilities: Clean restrooms and showers rank highly among camper priorities in this region. Ashley B. mentions Hacklebarney Woods County Park has a "surprisingly nice shower room for the size of the park," making it convenient for weekend getaways.
Multiple camping loops: Larger parks offer separate camping sections to accommodate different needs. "There are 11 on what we call the upper circle and 4 on the lower circle," explains Kimberly W. about the layout at Nodaway Valley Park, which provides options for campers seeking either more privacy or community.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends, especially holiday periods. At Waubonsie State Park Campground, Amy H. advises, "If you are wanting a site here it would be best to reserve one. There were not a lot to choose from when we got there. Just about every spot was reserved."
Firewood availability: Some parks don't sell firewood on-site, requiring campers to purchase it in nearby towns. Kayla F. notes, "Firewood is not sold on the campground, so you can burn what's on the ground or head to Hyvee for some wood in town."
Seasonal water access: Water systems may be shut down during shoulder seasons. A recent visitor reported, "Water was also turned off at the water pumps in the campground," during a September visit, highlighting the importance of bringing your own water during non-peak times.
Tips for camping with families
Scout-friendly facilities: Many parks accommodate group camping for organizations. At Waubonsie State Park Campground, one camper noted, "We had a raccoon at our campsite trying to steal our food while we were there, like the raccoon was less than 10 feet from humans during mid-day," a wildlife encounter kids might enjoy—with proper supervision.
Kid-friendly beach areas: Sandy beaches provide safe swimming areas with gradual depth changes. At Lake of Three Fires, Tara K. mentions the park has a "sandy beach area groomed daily," perfect for families with children of varying swimming abilities.
Playground equipment: Several parks offer play structures, though quality varies by location. According to Nicole B., Lake Icaria Co Park has a "fun park for kids," making it "great for tent camping with a large group."
Tips from RVers
Electric site availability: Most campgrounds offer a limited number of electrical sites that should be reserved well in advance. At Mozingo Lake County RV Park, Dave M. mentions "nice sites close to the lake with electricity, water and wifi," making it a good alternative when Iowa parks are full.
Dump station locations: Not all parks with RV sites have on-site dump stations, requiring planning for waste disposal. Rick K. notes at Mozingo Lake, there are "Concrete Pads with Power and Water at the Site but no Sewer dump, that's Centralized in the Camp."
Site leveling considerations: Some campgrounds have unlevel sites requiring blocks or leveling systems. Megan M. observed, "A lot of the sites are sloped, so even ground can be hard to find," highlighting the importance of bringing leveling equipment for your horse trailers when equestrian camping near Stanton, Iowa.
