Top Horse Camping near Stuart, IA
Are you planning a trip to Stuart with your horse? We've got you covered. Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. Find Iowa equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Stuart, IA (7)
1. Jester County Park
27 Reviews•45 Photos•100 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$20 - $25 / night
2. Ledges State Park
39 Reviews•57 Photos•207 SavesMillions of years before the plains of Iowa were inhabited by the Sauk, Fox and Sioux peoples, much of the American Midwest was covered by a shallow inland sea. It was at this time that the area’s sandstone deposits began forming. Fast-forward to just 13,000 years ago, with the inland sea now long gone, Ice Age glacial meltwater raced across the dry plains, carving and scouring channels and canyons into the sandstone terrain. One of these canyons can be found in Iowa’s Ledges State Park. This 1,000-acre nature preserve and recreation area is located on a wide bend on the Des Moines River, and is just 40 miles north of the city of Des Moines. The park is subject to frequent flooding when the river breaches its banks, but is otherwise a popular year-round outdoor recreation destination. Visitors to Ledges can enjoy a variety of hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities, as well as explore a prehistoric river canyon that showcases nature’s ability to sculpt the landscape. The campground at Ledges State Park features 94 tent and RV sites situated among deciduous woods not far from the Des Moines River. Campers can choose from full-hookup, partial-hookup, or primitive tent sites. Most sites are back-in; only a few are pull-through for larger vehicles. Tent sites are located in both in the main camp area, and in a secluded walk-in area. There is also a youth group site. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills, and all have access to water faucets, flush restrooms, showers, and trash receptacles; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The campground also features a kids’ playground, outdoor amphitheater, and is within walking distance of trails and picnic areas. Some roads and/or facilities may not be open or available in the winter. Reservations are accepted, however the park saves about half of the sites for first-come, first-served campers; sites are $11–$19/night.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$12 - $18 / night
3. Dallas County Fairgrounds
1 Review•11 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4. Lake Icaria Co Park
9 Reviews•38 Photos•24 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
5. Madison County Fairground Campground
1 Review•3 Photos•8 SavesThe Madison County Fairgrounds is a great place to camp during the fair or throughout the rest of the camping season. From tents to motorhomes, it is accommodating to everyone's needs. Non-Fair Camping The Madison County Fairgrounds camp site is open April 1 to November 1, except during the fair. The pricing and rules for dates outside of the county fair week can be found on the link at the bottom of the page. Reservations are not available during this period, but if you are interested in camping please call Matt Porter at (641) 728-4750. Fair Camping Camping at the fairgrounds during the Madison County Fair allows participants to stay close to the action while having a comfortable place to rest. See the following link for more specific information about fair-time camping regulations. Contact Chance Dullard at 515-468-5034 if you would like more information. NOTE: No campers, reserved or non-reserved, can be on the fairgrounds before 6:00 pm on the Saturday before the start of the fair. A charge of $50 per day will be given to those who violate this rule.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$11 - $105 / night
6. Squirrel Hollow Co Park
2 Reviews•2 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
7. Hacklebarney Woods County Park
3 Reviews•24 Photos•5 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
Recent Equestrian Reviews In Stuart
52 Reviews of 7 Stuart Campgrounds
Danni A.
Traveler
Lake Icaria Co Park
Beautiful Views
This campground has beautiful views of the lake. The sites are very close together. Everything was very clean when we were there.
- Jeannie D.
Guide
Ledges State Park
It's okay
Great vibes. Camp's pretty far from the bones of the park, but the hike's relatively plesant. Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected.
- A
Anthony W.GuideLedges State Park
Scenic Hiking
I stayed at Ledges in June and hiked the trails again in February. The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals. With most of the surrounding areas having little to no elevation changes there are a few nice hikes along some rocky hills beside the river both in summer and winter.
Nicole B.GuideLake Icaria Co Park
Easily my favorite spot
This is a very clean, lovely camp ground. The spots are spacious, and there are tons of options. In the fall we went and had no neighbors. It’s busy in summer, but well kept. They had people cleaning the bathrooms constantly (my mom kept pointing out, in awe, that it was “practically hourly”) which was great for tent camping with a large group! It’s quiet, beautiful lake, great boating, great swim spot, fun park for kids. Beautiful trees and hiking especially in the fall.
- bblaycee
ScoutLedges State Park
Big campground
We have hiked here and it was really busy when we did. We decided to come back and camp a few months later. The campground was large but the DNR was helpful when finding our spot along with nice signs everywhere. We didn’t have any problems, people seemed friendly. Didn’t use the bathrooms but the outsides looked nice. We traveled to Des Moines when we stayed but there is lots to do near by. I would suggest the “high tressel trail” for bike riders, lots of cute bars to stop in along the way. Madrid has a bakery and some other cute places. Boone has a scenic train ride if that’s your thing. And the town of Luther, about 4 miles from the campground has a BBQ place that a lot of people travel to.
- AArt L.Traveler
Ledges State Park
Nice campground
Excellent amenities well run Very clean. Surroundings very pretty
- NNathan M.Traveler
Squirrel Hollow Co Park
Quiet and not crowded
The park is quite with some nice camping spots. Very quite with nobody around. The park could use some improvements but parks like these are my favorite!
Carolyn C.GuideLedges State Park
Gorgeous State Park Campground
Great selection of campsites for a wide variety of needs. Wonderful views from most sites. Access to multiple walking trails. Beautiful, wooded setting. Clean bathrooms/showers.
Michael C.
LegendLedges State Park
Pretty Park
Bottom line. My bad but the site said electric. In all the other parks I’ve been to “electric” includes water. Which this park does not. Many trees, very pretty. Cell reception is weak.
Stephen P.ScoutLedges State Park
Quiet and welcoming
Our camping experience was very nice. Pulling up to this park was surreal, considering the surrounding farmland that suddenly shows a lone forest. Some of the sites are pretty close, luckily we were next to a friendly couple with a cute dog. We were able to buy a good $5 bundle of firewood from the camp host. It was extremely quiet, until a camper pulled up with its generator. Still, a calming environment. A devious pack of raccoons stole our marshmallows (from a CLOSED bag) when we went in the tent for five minutes. So beware of that I guess 😂
- Matthew H.Traveler
Ledges State Park
Popular site with great dispersion.
Picturesque location south of Boone Ia. Close to town with stores with plenty of camping supplies. Arrive early sites fill-up fast. Online site for reservations and to check site availability.
Christina P.GuideLedges State Park
Beautiful - lush
Coming here on a Hot Day in the summer is the best. Lush trees and water to wade in. Recommend the hikes and walking the water river beds.
N K.TravelerLedges State Park
Go Faster!
Campsites have the right amount of privacy while being close to the clean bathroom & playground. Outside the campground is Canyon Road, with multiple trails great for hiking up and along the scenic ledges. The road crosses the river several times, and on the weekend these crossings are lined with children & adults demanding you “go faster” so they get splashed!
- RRichard R.Guide
Madison County Fairground Campground
Cost Effective, all hook ups,great long term
I stayed at this campground from August until November 13 in my pull behind camper.
Water,gas and Sewer was $15 daily,$105 weekly, and$420 monthly. Prices go up to $120 weekly when it gets cold. Shower house was shut down for COVID and shuts down in winter.
Tenting is cheaper$11
No ground fires allowed.
Friendly,helpful hosts on site.
Close to the Bridges,John Wayne sites,lauandromat,and grocery stores.
You might get a view of bridesmaids and grooms at the fairgrounds on the weekend heading to a wedding in the fairground building, nice to see during my work COVID isolation.
When the trees get big and fill in and COVID is over and the shower house is open it will be 4 stars.
TMBGuideLedges State Park
Surprise River Gorge in Iowa
Comfortable and scenic park in Iowa with forested trails, gorge, and natural water features amidst the farm fields and rolling hills. Campground sites are well spaced and mostly level, many with shade and decent privacy. Mix of hookups for different needs; access to water and trash was easy. The bathrooms were a bit dated and unclean when we visited, but not terrible. Good cell coverage in the area and we could do work and school with our Verizon Hotspot. Beware of the raccoons! They were not aggressive from the standpoint of approaching us, but they were brash in approaching camper and supplies after dark, and they were a constant presence at the dumpster. Do not leave food out! Deer and other small game/wildlife seem abundant. Trails were poorly signed, but the park is relatively small and getting lost or wandering does not have bad consequences; you'll find where you wanted to go without too much trouble.
- Tony B.Legend
Lake Icaria Co Park
One of the best sw Iowa Lakes
I will first off stay I have not been to a lot of Iowa parks. But I will say the ones I have been to, that this is the nicest or one of them. They have concessions, boat rentals, boating of all types, fishing, and trails. There are very nice picnic areas, and the bathrooms or restroom facilities are clean. This place is fantastic and offers a lot to anyone. So give it a try.
Deb W.Guide
Hacklebarney Woods County Park
Quiet and Secluded
Three separate campgrounds one even for horseback with corrals. Very secluded but nice.
- LLexi E.Scout
Ledges State Park
Hidden away
My favorite part about this camp is the variety of sites offered. We went with a hike in site to throw some adventure into our lives. For only $11 a tent sit this place is amazing. Trees everywhere with privacy if wanted or also a great social scene. Honestly this camp is for anyone. The trails around the park are also amazing. Just don’t leave a Cheeto bag out on accident when you fall asleep because raccoons can smell everything, and when they do, they own the place.
Willy W.
RangerLedges State Park
Ledges
Ledges State Park
Ledges is an amazing place. It has so much to do. There are long trails to hike, creeks to play in.
You can bring your tent or RV and camp. The RV camps have water/sewer hookups. The primitive tent sites are usually pretty clean and can get pretty busy on the weekends.
There are lots of bridges that get flooded out and are fun to drive over. Most of the kids like to hang out near them and get splashed.
Its a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors and especially in the fall. Also if you go to Ames stop at Great Plains pizza company.
- Deb W.Guide
Lake Icaria Co Park
Beautiful
One of the best campgrounds in the SW Iowa, the lake is great, nice beach and boating!
- Brian G.Guide
Ledges State Park
Awesome place!
One of the best in the state!
- JJames W.Scout
Dallas County Fairgrounds
Adel Iowa
Clean, economical, and friendly staff
- Paula S.Scout
Ledges State Park
Beautiful Park
The park is well maintained, clean bathrooms and showers in camping area.
Very nice trails. The campsite, we have a RV, was very clean, and like many other parks, we were not right on top of each other. They have water and sewer hook up at the site.
The views are beautiful of the sand ledges. Definetly plan on returning.
- MMatt A.Traveler
Ledges State Park
Hidden Slice of Heaven
Growing up in Iowa maybe 50 miles from the Ledges was one the the best things for me. Campground is clean and well kept with both electric and primitive with a few hike in spots. It is a beautiful park with some good trails and a creek running through the bottoms of the "canyon". Loved going all the time when I was a kid and now 30 years later I have taken my family there several times making the drive from Kentucky just for some relaxation time.
- EElisha P.Guide
Ledges State Park
Great place to hike!
We had a great time camping here with several family members. The trails were very nice and scenic for the little amount of work to hike them. The Des Moines river passes right through here and I’d love to make a float trip out of it some day.
- Ashley B.Traveler
Hacklebarney Woods County Park
Close to home
Hacklebarney is very close to home so it makes for a great quick camping trip destination. Has surprisingly nice shower room for the size of the park.
Josiah P.GuideLedges State Park
Amazing park
Excellent hiking trails!
Guide to Stuart
Camping near Stuart, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking and Scenic Views: Explore the trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
- Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Anita State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A camper shared, "Great location, good facilities... Plenty of space in tent area - shade and soft grass."
- Family-Friendly Activities: Jester County Park has playgrounds and trails for kids. One family said, "We love it here; people are great, and the price is right!"
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms and showers were nice and clean."
- Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer large sites. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area remarked, "The sites are very large, all with concrete pads, with a decent amount of spacing between them."
- Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, one guest said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."
What you should know:
- Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A camper at Ledges State Park Campground mentioned, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
- Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded in the summer. One reviewer at Jester County Park noted, "The campground was large but busy."
- Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Prairie Rose State Park Campground advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for places like Jester County Park that have playgrounds. A visitor said, "Kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course, and nature center."
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand makes it easier for families. One camper at Lake Anita State Park Campground mentioned, "A bit noisy when I stayed (people playing loud music into the evening)."
- Plan for Activities: Check out local attractions. A reviewer at Bob Shelter Recreation Area said, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing."
Tips from RVers:
- Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, "Large modern KOA with sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs."
- Check for Full Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites feature 20/30/50 electric, a fire ring, and a picnic table."
- Be Prepared for Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park Campground shared, "The road around the campground is paved, but very narrow."
Camping near Stuart, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Stuart, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Stuart, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.4-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Stuart, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Stuart, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.