Equestrian camping near Springville, Iowa offers several options within a 40-mile radius. The area sits in the Eastern Iowa Drift Plain, characterized by gently rolling hills and dissected by the Wapsipinicon River watershed with elevations ranging from 800-950 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with higher humidity levels near water sources, while spring and fall camping seasons experience cooler temperatures between 50-70°F.
What to do
Fishing access points: Wakpicada Natural Area provides pond fishing within walking distance of campsites. "Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren't right next to each other. I consider it a little hidden gem," notes Parker H., who visited during extreme heat but found the pond and tree cover made for a pleasant experience.
Trail hiking: Backbone State Park offers diverse hiking experiences on their established trail system. "We loved waking up in the morning and going for a walk along the many trails, seeing deer on the trail, and the lake," shares Larissa C., who camped during October when fall foliage was at its peak.
Wildlife viewing: Lake Iowa County Park features abundant natural areas for wildlife observation. "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," reports Leslie P., though she notes few sites have direct lake views.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Wanatee Park offers well-maintained shower houses and restrooms. "The bathhouse and showers were clean with lots of hot water," mentions Clint G., who stayed for 9 nights with water and electric hookups. He also appreciated the spacious sites, shade availability, and convenient dump station.
Quiet atmosphere: Matsell Bridge Natural Area provides a secluded camping experience. "Good campsite for a mellow weekend. When i visited we were the only campers there an it was awesome!" reports Ryan, highlighting the less crowded nature of this location compared to larger campgrounds.
Water recreation: Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area connects campers to the Cedar River with boat access options. "Main CG has gravel lanes, showers, fire rings, tables, electric, nearby lodge and shelter with Cedar River access," James M. notes, mentioning the primitive campground location along the river.
What you should know
Seasonal insects: Late spring brings significant insect activity to riverside locations. "The gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up," Carol M. reports about Matsell Bridge Natural Area in late May, though she emphasizes taking bug spray allows campers to enjoy the "rustic peacefulness of this 'best kept secret' for primitive and inexpensive camping."
Space considerations for horse trailers: While dedicated equestrian facilities are limited around Springville, South Lake Campground at Backbone State Park provides "great shady spots" according to Edward B., who notes their clean facilities and 30/50 amp power availability.
Campfire smoke issues: Proximity between sites at some campgrounds can cause smoke concerns. "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," reports Randall K. about Lake Iowa County Park, despite praising its well-kept grounds and reasonable pricing.
Tips for camping with families
River safety awareness: Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area requires monitoring water levels when camping with children. "My family enjoyed this campground. Even though some of the campground was slightly flooded during our stay, we still had fun!" shares Heather S., indicating the Cedar River can sometimes overflow but doesn't necessarily ruin a camping trip.
Horse-friendly trail etiquette: When bringing horses near Springville, riders should verify trail permissions and practice proper trail sharing. "Fun trails, great beach, lighthouse, boat docks, cabins, caves, and much more," reports Melanie Jo L. about Backbone State Park, mentioning their family-oriented facilities.
Cost considerations: Budget-conscious families should compare tent camping rates. "A little pricy for tent camping. Ten dollars per tent per night and you're restricted to the primitive area," notes John S. about Saulsbury Bridge, suggesting it works for short trips near town but may not be ideal for extended stays.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Lake Iowa County Park RV sites may require equipment for proper setup. "Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers," shares Clint G. about Wanatee Park, which offers water and electric hookups with a dump station at the entrance/exit.
Water tank preparation: South Lake Campground requires RVers to plan ahead for water needs. "No full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available," advises Edward B., providing important logistics information for campers bringing horses and needing larger rigs.
Small fairground option: Jackson County Iowa Fairgrounds provides basic RV amenities for temporary stays. "Offers basics: water, electric, showers some shade, stores nearby," according to James M., rating it 2 stars but noting its convenience for quick overnight stops.
