Equestrian camping near Tracy, Iowa offers outdoor recreation opportunities in the rolling landscape of central Iowa. Lake Iowa County Park sits about 40 miles northeast of Tracy, while Stephens State Forest lies approximately 30 miles south. The region experiences seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows often below freezing, affecting camping accessibility and trail conditions.
What to do
Trail riding explorations: Equestrian campers at Lake Iowa County Park can access several miles of wooded trails with varied terrain. "This place is huge. We pulled in very late on a Weds night / Thursday morning. Self registration at the front. Looked like a decent amount of folks here but we didn't drive very far into the park," notes Claudia M. about Lake Iowa County Park.
Wildlife viewing: The areas surrounding horseback riding trails provide opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. "The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife. We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through," shares Leslie P. about Lake Iowa County Park.
Seasonal eagle watching: Winter visitors to Elk Rock State Park might witness bald eagle gatherings. "The best part about the trip was the eagles. We must have been there at just the right time, because lined all through the trees along the lakes edge were eagles upon eagles. I'd say we saw about 70 bald eagles perched in the tress," reports Jennifer M.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Horse campers appreciate well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities after trail riding. "Shower house and bathrooms were really nice! Wasn't expecting to want to take a shower but couldn't pass up the opportunity when we saw them. Very hot water," explains Claudia M. about Keokuk County Belva Deer Park, where amenities include "$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms."
Peaceful settings: Many equestrian campsites offer quiet environments away from crowds. "We stayed in the Elk Rock Equestrian campground and it was so peaceful and beautiful. The facilities were clean," reports Bradley N.
Lake access: Several equestrian campgrounds provide water proximity for scenic riding routes. "This is a really busy boat ramp but the campground is pretty big and open. The boat ramp is the closest one to mile long bridge. It also has a cleaning station and restroom available," states Willy W.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most equestrian campgrounds in the Tracy area have limited seasonal operations. The Lucas Primitive Campground and Whitebreast Equestrian areas at Stephens State Forest operate from "April 1 to December 31," according to campground information.
Smoke considerations: Campfire smoke can affect nearby sites in some campgrounds. "Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open," warns Randall K. about Lake Iowa County Park.
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature steep terrain between camping areas and water features. "To walk to the lake or near by pond you must go down hill, which could be a problem for any one with mobility issues. Once down to the water trail are easy to walk," cautions Leslie P.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for views: Certain campsites offer better scenic vistas than others. "I would say if you can try and get sites, 67-70. They have beautiful views," recommends Leslie P. about Lake Iowa County Park.
Wildlife education opportunities: Children can learn about local fauna in natural settings. "We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through," shares Leslie P.
Cultural excursions: Double E LLC Camping provides convenient access to nearby attractions. "Wife and I met friends here in August 2025. The campground was very well maintained. We really enjoyed the long weekend here. Wife and I will likely return and see more of the Amana communities in the fall," shares Clifton B.
Tips from RVers
Weather considerations: RV campers should prepare for midwestern humidity during summer months. "Be advised tho, we were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August. Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didnt expect the humidity to affect us as it did. Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees," advises Clifton B.
Accessibility: Most equestrian campsites accommodate larger rigs and trailers. "Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?" notes Randall K. about Lake Iowa County Park.
Registration procedures: Self-registration is common at many campgrounds in the area. "Self registration at the front. Looked like a decent amount of folks here but we didn't drive very far into the park," explains Claudia M.
