2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Shimek State Forest's Lick Creek Unit houses equestrian campgrounds with electric hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, and plenty of space for trailers. Both Upper and Lower equestrian campgrounds feature 50-amp and 30-amp electrical hookups with water and sewer connections, allowing horse owners to camp comfortably while keeping their animals nearby. The camping areas provide good, level sites with ample room for setting up horse containment. Sites are reservable and accommodate both tents and RVs. The campgrounds maintain an excellent reputation among regular visitors for cleanliness and accessibility. Good sights complement the great horse trails throughout the forest, making this a favorite destination for riders seeking multi-day trail experiences.
The extensive trail system throughout Shimek State Forest connects directly to the equestrian campgrounds, providing immediate access for riders. River Valley Horsecamp, situated along the Des Moines River, offers another quality option with open sites and excellent barns and accommodations for horses. The well-kept grounds and animals reflect the care put into maintaining this family-oriented equestrian camping area. Local residents are known to be welcoming to visiting riders. Trails throughout the region accommodate various skill levels and provide scenic views of native Iowa landscapes. Most equestrian campsites in the area remain open year-round, though spring conditions occasionally affect trail access after heavy rainfall. Riders frequently report positive experiences with the trail maintenance and horse-friendly facilities throughout the West Burlington region.
"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
"I stayed at the RV section right next to the rodeo arena. Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box. I forgot to count but looked like maybe 20 spots max."
from $20 / night
"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
"Good sights, great horse trails, awesome camping"
"We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails."
from $14 / 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."
"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."
"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 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."
"There are usually a lot of horse back riders on the hiking trails. Overall a great place to spend a weekend"
from $18 / night
ScoutNice staff members can't complain. It has everything needed to get away and still not stress about comfort well kept and maintained alcohol and campfire is a must to experience the full camping trip no hangover no fun just drink responsibly and be kind and respectful to other fellow campers
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.
ScoutI stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.
GuideBeautiful 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. There is a blacksmith, a Indian artifact museum and gift shops. 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.
GuideI stayed at the RV section right next to the rodeo arena. Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box. I forgot to count but looked like maybe 20 spots max. I was here mid-November in town for work and there was no more than four other campers at any point. Pretty basic surroundings though. There's barrel trash cans, didn't see a dumpster. Didn't see any toilet or shower buildings. Hardly any trees near the sites. Decent playground close by though, and a heavily wooded park with trails beyond that.
LegendCamped here for a family reunion. 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. Excellent time spent with family and horses, will return again.
LegendDown the road from the sleepy little town of Bentonsport, IA is this small riverfront campground. On a Sunday afternoon in October, there were several RVs but almost all of the riverfront sites (which I would consider prime) were empty. But there were also chickens (apparently belonging to one of the campers) and two horse and buggies (I thought they might have been statues and then one of the horses whinnied!). There was no camp host or anyone else to speak with about the campground.
The view of the Des Moines River and the Bentonsport Bridge was beautiful, and it is an easy and short walk into town, although the town does not offer much in the way of amenities (unless you like fudge, and then you have to pick some up at Addie Mays in the Greef General Store). As far as restrooms go, there appeared to be only a small outhouse. I did not check it out since it looked like I would have had to walk through someone’s site to access it. If you have a fully contained RV, the river sites would be nice but otherwise, this campground does not have much to offer.
LegendMain CG has gravel lanes, showers, fire rings, tables, electric, nearby lodge and shelter with Cedar River access.
Shimek State Forest provides equestrian camping opportunities within the rolling hills of southeast Iowa. With multiple campgrounds spread across 9,000 acres of forest land, the area offers varied terrain for trail riding and overnight stays. Average summer temperatures range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons typically see 45-70°F with occasional rainfall that can affect trail conditions.
Trail riding for all skill levels: The Lick Creek Unit - Upper Equestrian Campground features miles of horse trails that connect directly with camping areas. "We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails," writes Dorothy H., who gave the campground five stars.
Fishing and water recreation: Big Hollow Recreation Area offers a no-wake lake where campers can fish for multiple species. "If you are into fishing, this place has large mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish," notes Sarah J. The lake also includes a boat ramp and beach area for swimming during summer months.
Historical exploration: Located near the Des Moines River, Bentonsport provides access to a historic craftsman village. "There is a blacksmith, a Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing," reports Greg K. The village retains its mid-1800s character and makes for an interesting day trip from nearby horse campgrounds.
Full hookup availability: Many equestrian campgrounds near West Burlington provide complete services for extended stays. At Big Hollow Recreation Area, Jeremy notes, "This is a great campground. Sites are pretty level and easy to get parked. Full hookup!!!" The campground continues to make improvements each year.
Reasonable pricing: Indian Lake Park offers affordable camping with various hookup options. Dave N. explains, "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 equestrian campgrounds in the region maintain competitive rates between $10-20 per night.
Natural settings: The forest environment creates secluded camping experiences. Joyce M. recommends the equestrian area at Waubonsie Trail Park, saying "I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup... I love the quiet." Many sites offer picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite.
Seasonal weather impacts: Spring rainfall can affect trail conditions in the West Burlington area. Lisa M. notes at Big Hollow Recreation Area, "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!" Check with local conservation offices before planning water activities, especially after heavy rains.
Limited amenities at some locations: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer full facilities. Joyce M. mentions Waubonsie Trail Park's equestrian area has "Outhouse type toilets" available. Horse campers should verify shower availability when booking.
Reservation requirements: Weinberg-King State Fish and Wildlife Area across the Mississippi in Illinois requires reservations for their equestrian loop. "The equestrian loop was popular and we saw many there. It has plenty of shade and even what looked to be a horse water trough," writes Art S. Most public campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but private horse camps typically require advance booking.
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds near horse trails include family-friendly facilities. Travis R. reports Big Hollow Recreation Area has "a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots." This makes it easier to keep children entertained between trail rides.
Consider cabins for mixed groups: For families with non-riders, Indian Lake Park offers alternatives to camping. Mary F. explains, "it has full hookups, tent site swim beach, fishing, canoes, playgrounds also cabins a stone lodge for family get togethers." These options allow for different activity preferences within the same group.
Check trail difficulty ratings: Some horse trails near West Burlington accommodate younger riders while others present challenges. The trails at Indian Lake Park provide options for various experience levels, with Dave N. noting there are "a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."
Select level sites for larger rigs: RVers should confirm site dimensions before booking at horse campgrounds. Sam H. stayed at Rodeo Park and reported, "Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box. I forgot to count but looked like maybe 20 spots max." The area offers good value but limited capacity.
Verify hookup types: Electric service varies between campgrounds. Thomas B. notes Bentonsport has "30 and 50 amp elect there is no water or sewer on you're site but water is available in camp." RVers should check specific hookup capabilities when choosing horse camping destinations.
Consider primitive options for smaller setups: Fred S. recommends the primitive section at Big Hollow Recreation Area: "Site C was level for our camper van. Large, spacious site. Wooded. Fire ring." Smaller RVs and vans can often access more secluded spots near horse trails compared to larger motorhomes or fifth wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near West Burlington, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near West Burlington, IA is Big Hollow Recreation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near West Burlington, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near West Burlington, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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