Yellow River State Forest offers multiple equestrian campsites within a 30-minute drive of West Union, Iowa. Situated in northeast Iowa's Driftless Region, the area features steep limestone bluffs, trout streams, and forested ridges not flattened by glaciers. The forest spans 8,500 acres with multiple camping options at elevations ranging from 700-1,200 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for camping and recreational activities.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: Yellow River State Forest provides "very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site." Trails lead directly from camp and include "stream crossings in trout streams" with a "manure station with tools" available for cleanup.
Fishing in trout streams: Creekside Equestrian Campground offers access to excellent fishing opportunities. "Trout fishing is good with seasonal stockings" according to visitors who appreciate the proximity to stocked streams from their campsites.
Hiking diverse terrain: Explore multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels. At Backbone State Park, campers report "great hiking trails" and enjoy "walking along the backbone trail, and climbing around some wooded areas." The park offers both challenging and family-friendly trails.
What campers like
Peaceful riverside settings: Big Paint Campground provides a serene camping experience where "the campground was pretty busy, but we felt comfortable with the seclusion of our sites." Another camper noted it was "hilly, much hillier than you'd expect in the midwest, with beautiful river views."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The varied terrain around West Union supports diverse wildlife. Visitors mention "seeing deer on the trail" and bird watching opportunities throughout the region's forests. One visitor to Big Paint noted "bird life is colorful" with "lots of places to hike" through areas supporting various wildlife habitats.
Scenic overlooks: The region's unique topography creates exceptional viewpoints. Visitors at Wyalusing State Park (about 45 minutes from West Union) describe "majestic views of both rivers and the quaint river town of Prairie du Chien" and note that "even if you have an inside or non cliff side site, there are plenty of places to sit and watch the sunsets."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Fall provides optimal riding and camping weather with fewer insects. One visitor noted October camping was "gorgeous! We loved waking up in the morning and going for a walk along the many trails, seeing deer on the trail, and the lake."
Campsite selection: When booking equestrian sites, consider trailer requirements. The sites at Yellow River State Forest accommodate "horses/riders including tie-ups" at each site, but space varies between campgrounds. Sites at Big Paint are "primitive with tables, fire rings/grates, pit toilets, self registration."
Water and facilities: Water availability varies by season and campground. At Big Paint Campground, a camper noted "no water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective" in mid-November. Water access points are available during summer months at designated locations.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with amenities: For families with young children, George Wyth State Park offers more developed facilities. "For little ones, there is a large sand playground area with slides and swings. There is a sand beach to swim, where they also rent kayaks & canoes."
Consider noise levels: Equestrian campgrounds can have activity throughout the day. One family noted that while staying at Yellow River State Forest, "the campground was busy, but we felt comfortable with the seclusion of our sites."
Pack for varied terrain: The hilly topography means weather can change quickly between valleys and ridges. Prepare for temperature differences when moving between elevations on trails with children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: The terrain around horse campgrounds near West Union presents leveling challenges. Select sites carefully, as one RVer noted the "gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing" due to rain conditions, since "most of the sites are completely on the grass."
Access road considerations: Many equestrian campgrounds have roads designed for horse trailers rather than large RVs. Check turn radius requirements before booking sites with larger rigs.
Hookup limitations: Most equestrian sites offer only basic electrical hookups. One camper noted sites are "primitive with tables, fire rings/grates, pit toilets" requiring self-containment for water needs. Be prepared with full tanks when visiting less developed campgrounds.
