Jeannie B.
Guide
GuideBig Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Beautiful Park
Many different trails for hiking, biking or equestrian. Camp sites are mostly grass. Beautiful park
Equestrian Camping near Sumner, IA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Yellow River State Forest provides equestrian camping at the Frontier and Creekside Equestrian campgrounds near Harpers Ferry, Iowa, approximately 67 miles from Sumner. Both campgrounds offer electric hookups with 30 and 50 amp service, fire rings, picnic tables, and accommodations for tents and RVs. Equestrian facilities include designated camping areas specifically designed for visitors traveling with horses. The campgrounds maintain pet-friendly policies, allowing horses and other animals on designated trails and in camping areas. Reservations are required for both equestrian campgrounds, with sites featuring level terrain suitable for horse trailers. The bathrooms lack shower facilities and running water, requiring campers to bring their own water supplies for themselves and their horses.
The Yellow River State Forest trail system offers multiple riding options through diverse terrain, including wooded hillsides and valley views. Horse trails connect the equestrian campgrounds to wider exploration areas throughout the 8,500-acre forest. Trail riders have access to multiple water crossings where horses can drink, though visitors should confirm seasonal water availability before arrival. Both campgrounds remain quiet even during peak seasons, providing a peaceful experience for horses and riders. The forest's location in northeast Iowa places it near additional riding areas in the Driftless Region. Trailheads are accessible directly from the campgrounds, eliminating the need to trailer horses between camping and riding locations. The Yellow River area maintains these equestrian facilities year-round, though trail conditions vary seasonally with spring typically bringing muddy sections to some routes.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Sumner (10)
1. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
"There are miles of trails. Is hiking your thing? What about equestrian? Maybe mountain bike trails? You can even take the family for a nice leisurely walk on the easier trails."
"Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."
from $16 - $25 / night
Check Availability2. George Wyth State Park Campground
"** Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.)"
"On Cedar Valley bike trail (100+miles of interconnecting bike trial. major Hwy on two sides of park, sleeping in a tenet it was very noisy at night. and a train track close by (again at night)"
from $16 - $24 / night
Check Availability3. Black Hawk County Park
"Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp..."
4. Albany Campground — Volga River State Recreation Area
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability5. South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park
from $16 - $36 / night
Check Availability6. Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
"Many different trails for hiking, biking or equestrian. Camp sites are mostly grass. Beautiful park"
"There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included."
from $16 / night
Check Availability7. Camp Comfort Recreation Area
"Kids had a great time playing in the water, our site was about 20 ft from the waters edge."
8. Cedar Bridge County Park
"Dump station and dumpsters near the exit. Clean bathrooms and showers. Lots of space at each campsite. Good hiking and horse trails."
"It runs along the Cedar River and has a put in for paddlers nearby. It is situated right off the blacktopped road."
9. Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
"In Yellow River State Forest,-Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site."
from $20 / night
Check Availability10. Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
"Clean, well kept sites with tie-ups, tables, fire rings, manure station and tools, multiuser trails including stream crossings. Trout fishing is good with seasonal stockings."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 39 min from Waterloo, IA
- 1 hr 13 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 35 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr 53 min from La Crosse, WI
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Sumner, IA
66 Reviews of 10 Sumner Campgrounds
- TTim M.
TravelerCedar Bridge County Park
Terrific little RV park!
You will love this park. There are about 20 self-serve sites with electric and water. Self serve firewood. Dump station and dumpsters near the exit. Clean bathrooms and showers. Lots of space at each campsite. Good hiking and horse trails. Sitting right on the Cedar River, it’s a great location to kayak and tube. Cheap at $20 a night. We showed up at 8:00 on a Fryevening and spots were available!
- Jeannie B.Guide
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Many things to do here
Backbone is a very diverse area. There are miles of trails. Is hiking your thing? What about equestrian? Maybe mountain bike trails? You can even take the family for a nice leisurely walk on the easier trails. Exploring is fun at this park because there is so much to see. The Trout stream was busy the weekend we were there. You might even want to play a round of Gulf. We have solar on our trailer so we stayed in the Six Pines campground and it was beautiful. We listened to the night animals for hours.
Mary S.
LegendGeorge Wyth State Park Campground
Another bargain at an Iowa State Park
Why Should You Camp Here?
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Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.) There is no separate park entry fee (unlike some states).
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You can rent kayaks, canoes or pedal boats near the campground at Wyth Lake. And there are 3 other nearby lakes.
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There's a small beach at Wyth Lake.
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The Cedar River is on the edge of the campground.
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You're so close to Cedar Falls and Waterloo which means there are craft breweries!
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We were only there for a night but I saw this on reserveamerica.com: "The Lake-to-State Park Bike Route is a 50 mile route connecting Pine Lake and George Wyth State Park. The route primarily utilizes county highways and established bike routes and paths once inside Cedar Falls/Waterloo."
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We didn't do everything we could do there, because we were just passing through. Check this out: https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/george-wyth-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IA&parkId=610125
Amenities
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The usual fire ring and picnic table
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Dump station and potable water
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Flush toilets and running water in bathrooms along with push button showers. Ok, push button showers are not ideal. Just keep pushing that button and hopefully you'll be okay with the temperature that you can't control!
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- Mary S.Legend
Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Small campground has nearby hiking and fishing
This review is for Yellow River State Forest's Big Paint Campground which consists of sites 35 through 61. Big Paint is a couple miles from Little Paint, a larger campground with 70+ sites. There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers. A photo of an area map is included.
Why did we choose Big Paint instead of Little Paint?
It's smaller and that's just our personal preference. There were only 4 sites occupied early Friday afternoon and a few more were reserved. We liked site 35, the first site on the left as you enter. This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing. Most of the sites are completely on the grass.
Activities
Stocked trout streams are an attraction for fishermen; see photo of stocking calendar. We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground. You can also hike from Little Paint, and there are equestrian trails. This would also be a good area for X-country skiing and snowmobiling. A photo of the trail map is included. Caution: hunting is allowed in the non-campground area of the state forest.
Amenities
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Other than that, you can dispose of your trash and use a vault toilet. There's water at the information center (and a camp host site) outside the campground about 100 yards to the left.
Cost
You're not getting much (and that's not a bad thing) so the $9 fee seems fair. Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at last 2 days ahead of time (and pay a reservation fee). There are 7 non-reservable sites at Big Paint. I doubt that Big Paint fills up; just check the reservation site to see if they get crowded.
https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/yellow-river-state-forest/r/campsiteSearch.do?search=site&page=siteresult&contractCode=IA&parkId=610130
Kerry M.
RangerSix Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Two campgrounds to enjoy at Backbone State Park
Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa.
There are two campgrounds. I have camped in both:
Modern Campground: This is a large, modern campground with all of the standard amenities found in a modern campground… electric hookups, flush toilets, water. I have camped here twice, both times in my travel trailer. Overall, it is a nice campground with decent space in between campers, however, I tend to avoid it during the busier summer and fall colors seasons.
Primitive Campground: This is my favorite at Backbone for camping, especially in the autumn after the leaves have fallen off of the trees. As this campground is non-electric, there are not many people camping after it turns colder. I have spent many nights there alone in the primitive campground, watching RVs pull in and then leave after realizing that it has no hookups.
Nearby trout fishing: Backbone is home to one of the more popular trout streams in Iowa. The fishing is easy as most of the fish are stocked (April-October). Still, it is an enjoyable fishing trip as the stream itself is mostly rocks and gravel, with several deep holes. The water is cold and clear.
Other activities: Hiking is very popular in Backbone. I have also seen rock climbing and rappelling. There are some nice spots away from the trout stream for wading and a little swimming. Backbone State Park also has a small lake with a swimming area and boat rentals during the summer. Several nice cabins are available for those who do not want to camp.
Stuart O.GuideBig Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Good late season option for the self-contained camper
Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective. However, the park is situated on the valley bottom of the Yellow River Forest with beautiful tall trees, and there are fire rings. Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March.
- Max K.Traveler
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Great bathroom and hiking, awful lake
We stayed here two nights. That was plenty, although it's not really the park's fault. The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere. It was better when we kayaked, but still gross.
So why the five stars? 1. The bathrooms were fantastic. 2. The camp site was really nice and plenty of room. 3. The hiking was superb. Felt like we were not in Iowa. 4. The driving through the park was also really great and I will go back this fall to look at leaves. 5. There is a cave you can explore on your own. We did. It's awesome. It's muddy. It's super cool. 6. There are some decent bouldering spots. 7. Cheap, huge bundles of firewood at park entrance. 8. Really friendly at the camp store. 9. Close to Strawberry Point. Go to town to Clayton's Pharmacy and get an old fashioned soda. Fantastic. 10. Close to Edgewood and the Edgewood Locker. Go visit and stock up on meat on the way home.
James M.LegendFrontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Very nice equestrian CG near trout streams
In Yellow River State Forest,-Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site. Self registration, trails from/ camp including stream crossings in trout streams. Manure station with tools. Some trails are multiuser.
Guide to Sumner
Yellow River State Forest offers two equestrian campgrounds near Sumner, Iowa at a distance of approximately 67 miles. The Driftless Region of northeastern Iowa features unique topography with steep limestone bluffs and river valleys not impacted by glacial flattening. Temperatures in this area range from summer highs in the 80s to winter lows well below freezing, with primitive camping options available year-round.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Yellow River State Forest provides stocked trout streams where horses can drink at water crossings. "Trout fishing is good with seasonal stockings," notes a camper at Creekside Equestrian Campground. The forest maintains a stocking calendar for fishing enthusiasts.
Lookout points exploration: Visit scenic viewpoints throughout the forest. "Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush," shares a camper at Big Paint Campground.
Hiking with varied difficulty: Backbone State Park offers trails for various skill levels. "We hiked on the famous Backbone trail - a really fun hike that isn't too incredibly long," reports a Girl Scout leader who visited Backbone State Park. The park features woodland trails with limestone formations and river views.
What campers like
Spacious equestrian sites: Frontier Equestrian Campground provides ample room for horses and riders. "Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site. Self registration, trails from camp including stream crossings in trout streams. Manure station with tools," writes a visitor to Frontier Equestrian Campground.
Multiuser trail system: The trail network accommodates different types of outdoor activities. "Some trails are multiuser," mentions a camper at Frontier Equestrian Campground, allowing both equestrians and hikers to enjoy the same natural areas with proper etiquette.
River accessibility: Big Paint Campground offers convenient water access. "Easy access to water," notes a visitor who adds, "Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets." The riverside location creates opportunities for wading and fishing directly from camp.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Equestrian campgrounds have basic amenities. "Clean, well kept sites with tie-ups, tables, fire rings, manure station and tools," explains a visitor to Creekside Campground, but facilities lack showers and running water.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts trail conditions significantly. "It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing. Most of the sites are completely on the grass," shares a Big Paint Campground visitor, highlighting the advantage of sites with improved surfaces during wet periods.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is unreliable in this rural area. "I had no phone service," reports a camper at Big Paint Campground, recommending visitors download maps or bring printed directions before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly options: Backbone State Park accommodates larger family gatherings. "I went with a group of entering sixth grade Girl Scouts on a weekend tent camping trip to this park. The campsites were simple to access and the grounds were easy to navigate," shares a visitor to Backbone State Park.
Water activities: Several parks offer swimming and water play. "My favorite memory was definitely swimming in the river. Also enjoyed hiking along the backbone trail, and climbing around some wooded areas," recalls a camper who visited Backbone State Park with a large group.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. "There is a large sand playground area with slides and swings. There is a sand beach to swim, where they also rent kayaks & canoes," notes a visitor to George Wyth State Park.
Tips from RVers
Water planning: RVers should arrive with filled tanks at Yellow River. "No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective," explains a November visitor to Big Paint Campground who adds, "Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March."
Electric hookups availability: Cedar Bridge County Park offers affordable powered sites. "There are about 20 self-serve sites with electric and water. Self serve firewood. Dump station and dumpsters near the exit," shares a visitor to Cedar Bridge Park who adds, "Cheap at $20 a night."
Site selection for comfort: Choose wisely based on terrain. "Sites are pretty spacious and level, but they don't feel very private because this campground is essentially just an open field with line of sight to all other campsites," advises a Big Paint Campground visitor, suggesting campers select boundary sites for more privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Sumner, IA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sumner, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sumner, IA is Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Sumner, IA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sumner, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Sumner, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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