2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several horse-friendly campgrounds serve riders near Washington, Iowa, with Shimek State Forest's Lick Creek Unit offering dedicated equestrian camping facilities. The Upper Equestrian Campground provides electric sites with 50-amp hookups, fire rings, picnic tables and space for horse trailers. River Valley Horsecamp in Farmington features water hookups, electric sites, showers, toilets, and sanitary dump facilities specifically designed for horseback riders. Both locations accommodate tent and RV camping, with River Valley providing firewood on site and access to market amenities. The primitive nature of Lick Creek's facilities, lacking showers and trash service, appeals to riders seeking a more rustic experience.
Trail access connects these equestrian campgrounds to extensive riding opportunities throughout southeast Iowa. Located approximately 60 miles from Washington, these facilities position riders near established bridle trails through varied terrain. River Valley's campsites maintain clean facilities with hot showers that accommodate riders after trail excursions. Brinton Timbers Park also allows horseback riding on its trail system, though it offers more basic amenities with composting toilets and no shower facilities. Most horse camping areas in the region require self-registration with fees ranging from $10-20 per night depending on hookup requirements. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with some areas experiencing occasional flooding along river routes that may temporarily restrict access to certain trails and camping areas.
"12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance."
"Not too far off the highway. Very clean and quiet. The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake. "
"The good: The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife."
"Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out."
"The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you’re wanting to fish or swim, this isn’t the place for you!"
from $15 - $20 / night
"Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting. There are three separate campgrounds."
from $15 - $20 / night
"We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "
"There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
from $23 - $33 / night
"close to the river with lots of fun history and shops to keep you busy."
"Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon."
"There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."
"Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean."
from $8 - $50 / night
"We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day. I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup. Outhouse type toilets are available there."
"Waubonsie trail behind park is a short hike to the covered bridge and Dutchman's Store. Perfect Way to stretch your legs after a long day on the road. Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean."
"Good sights, great horse trails, awesome camping"
"We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails."
from $14 / night
"Open sites near the Des Moines river and local road meant spots were just for sleeping. Excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals. Nearby locals kind and welcoming."
GuideI arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
TravelerNice quiet campground. The front looks like more long timers and it was a little noisier up there but I drove to the back loop and it's nice and quiet back here. PLENTY of 50/30/20 amp hookups and the shower house in the back was nice. Water was just lukewarm but it was hot out so no problem. Might be less pleasant in colder weather though. Pull through spots available. I would stay here again for sure.
TravelerDriving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35
ScoutWife and I met friends here in August 2025. This was the middle between us & them as we live in CO and they live in NY. The campground was very well maintained. Shower rooms & restrooms were very clean and all were functional. We really enjoyed the long weekend here. 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. Wife and I will likely return and see more of the Amana communities in the fall.
TravelerThis is our go to campground! We have stayed at this campground several times and plan to several more times! Half of the campgrounds is first come first serve, the other half is reserve only.
GuideThis site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.
GuideLots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range.
ScoutIt was beautiful, full of wildlife, easy to find,not too far from highway but far away enough to not hear
GuideNot too far off the highway. Very clean and quiet. The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake. Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite. Nice little visitor area. Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.
Great place to spend one night. If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.
Camping options near Washington, Iowa extend beyond the equestrian-focused facilities mentioned previously. Located in the rolling hills of southeast Iowa, the area sits within the Central Lowland physiographic region with an elevation around 738 feet above sea level. The region's continental climate brings seasonal variations that affect camping conditions, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and moderate humidity levels that peak in July and August.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Iowa County Park features both a lake and a nearby pond for anglers. "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.
Hiking trail access: Big Hollow Recreation Area offers multi-use trails for hikers. "This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch," notes Travis R.
Kayaking and water sports: Bentonsport provides river access for boaters. "Beautiful river views. Amazing camp hosts. Showers,toilets,30/50/110 power water on sites to share water and dump on property. Mid 1800's town right there and businesses open," reports Greg K.
Clean facilities: Keokuk County Belva Deer Park maintains well-kept restrooms. "$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance. Stand-alone bathrooms throughout the park have the deep composting toilets that smell bad but whatever the ones up front are nice," according to Keith B.
Wildlife viewing: Lake Iowa County Park offers chances to spot local fauna. "Wife and I met friends here in August 2025. The campground was very well maintained. Shower rooms & restrooms were very clean and all were functional. We really enjoyed the long weekend here," says Clifton B.
Historical attractions: Bentonsport features historical points of interest. "There is a blacksmith, a Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing," shares Greg K., adding to the recreational options near equestrian camping areas around Washington, Iowa.
Campsite spacing concerns: Some campgrounds have sites positioned closely together. "Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. 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," warns Randall K. about Lake Iowa County Park.
Seasonal flooding: River proximity means potential closures. "The one downfall to this park is the possibility for flooding. When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds," explains Jessica H. about Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area.
Limited cell service: Some rural campgrounds have connectivity challenges. "No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse. I have total by Verizon," notes Greg K. about Bentonsport.
Playground access: Wanatee Park offers recreational facilities for children. "I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it's never a far walk and the shower house was really nice," reports Colleen L.
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming areas for summer visits. "Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean," notes Charles A. about Indian Lake Park.
Budget-friendly options: Primitive camping can save money for family outings. "Primitive sites are $10 per night," mentions Jessica H. about camping alternatives near horse camping facilities in Washington County and surrounding areas.
Full hookup availability: Indian Lake Park provides comprehensive RV services. "This park has something for everyone. They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent. All very reasonably priced. Most of the sites are nice and shady and level," shares Dave N.
Site levelness: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. The sites are very spacious with some shade, a fire ring, and picnic table provided," explains Clint G. about Wanatee Park.
Electric options: Multiple amperage options exist for RVs of different sizes. "it has full hookups, tent site swim beach, fishing, canoes,and f, playgrounds also cabins a stone lodge for family get togethers some sites just have electric and water on site and there are some full hookups," describes Mary F. about Indian Lake Park near equestrian camping destinations in southeast Iowa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Washington, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Washington, IA is Keokuk County Belva Deer Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Washington, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Washington, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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