9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Gavins Horse Camp at Lewis And Clark Recreation Area offers designated horse camping sites with equestrian trails accessible directly from the campground. The facilities are operational year-round and feature 50-amp electrical hookups, water access, and sanitary dump stations for extended stays. Campers consistently rate the experience highly, with the campground maintaining a perfect 5-star rating. Each site provides adequate space for both horse trailers and camping vehicles, with shaded areas available for horses during hot weather. The campground accommodates tent camping, RV parking, and cabin rentals, making it suitable for various camping preferences while traveling with horses.
Union Grove State Park Campground features maintained horse trails that wind through scenic woodland terrain approximately 15 miles from Westfield. The campground includes both upper and lower sections, with the lower area specifically designated for horse camping. Sites include picnic tables, electrical hookups, and access to clean shower facilities that are exceptionally well-maintained. Horse trails provide varied terrain for riders of all experience levels with multiple loop options. Bathroom facilities are modern and immaculate, with convenient locations throughout the campground. Reservations can be made online in advance, though day passes must be purchased on-site with cash. Trail riders should note that the campground layout keeps horse camping separate from regular camping areas to minimize conflicts between different user groups.
"Play equipment, horse trails, hiking trails, well maintained. Beautiful area."
"Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained. Hosts are very friendly."
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability"The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city."
"Love this place very close to the major city of anything is needed. Nature and trails all around, lake for fishing and swimming, love to come out during the summer with the dogs!"
"Playground, boat ramp, picnic area fishing, birdwatching, equestrian camp & trails, something for everyone."
"Horse trails and camping is available at Danish Alps as are primitive and electric spots."
from $30 - $35 / night
Check Availability"We had a wonderfull Campside with view of the Lake .The campground is very big and Quiet. Very clean Bathhouses .Lot of Beaches and Playgrounds for Kids. We come back ."
"This campground is very spacious with nice trails to walk/bike. The lots are electric only, but are nicely spaced. There are fishing docks, and a swim beach."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Hwy 81 in Yankton, South Dakota, drive four miles west on South Dakota Highway 52, then south on Dam Toe Road and follow signs Check-In Time is 4:00 P.M./ Check-Out Time is 2:00 P.M."
"There were bison and wild horses in the campground. It had nice views."
from $20 - $22 / night
Check Availability"Great biking and walking paths for families - beautiful path along the waterfront!"
"There’s no water or sewer at the sites, but there is when you first drive into the campground."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Nice campground clean bathrooms the trails are really good quiet and peaceful"
TravelerI pulled in and found a wide open campground. I picked a site high on the bluff overlooking the reservoir. It had quite the view. It’s a newer area so trees are planted for the future. Sites are spacious with water and both 30 & 50 amp hookup. Clean dump station that also has a fish cleaning station. Playground, boat ramp, picnic area fishing, birdwatching, equestrian camp & trails, something for everyone.
GuidePlay equipment, horse trails, hiking trails, well maintained. Beautiful area.
RangerTwo campgrounds within the park. Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained. Hosts are very friendly. Bathrooms on include showers and we're extremely well maintained. Trails in the area give you a chance to stretch your legs. Convenient to the interstate, but that also means some highway noise if you are not in a hard sided camper.
TravelerThe overall rec area is lovely. During the regular season, roughly May to mid October, there is running water and showers at some spots with vault toilets available year round. Horse trails and camping is available at Danish Alps as are primitive and electric spots. The electric is all designed for RV's, vans, or trucks, but there is sufficient space at each site that you can have a tent. The electric area is up on a hill overlooking the lake and there is absolutely no mature tree cover in the area. Trees have been planted, but it will be a long while before they provide much shade. Like most of Nebraska most of the time it does get windy and being on the hill the electric camp gets to feel it for good and ill. The town of Hubbard is right next to the rec area, but because of the way things are laid out you do not get as many people casually driving around at night like you do at some other places. Being in the vicinity of Sioux City and Dakota City there is some glow on the horizon at night.
Verizon cell coverage was sufficient for streaming without buffering when camped there in September 2025.
LegendDates: April 15, 2021- October 17, 2021 October 17 2021– April 21, 2022
Fees:$16.00$18.00
The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center: Contains exhibits on the Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Powerhouse Tours are available on weekends. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.• The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium• Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota- the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.• Located both upstream and downstream of Lewis and Clark Lake, visit the Missouri National Recreational River.
•• Latitude• 42° 51' 31.0000" N • Longitude• 97° 28' 57.0000" W••
From U.S. Hwy 81 in Yankton, South Dakota, drive four miles west on South Dakota Highway 52, then south on Dam Toe Road and follow signs
.• Check-In Time is 4:00 P.M./ Check-Out Time is 2:00 P.M.
All-Terrain Vehicles(ATVs/UTVs) and golf carts are not permitted.
Quiet hours are 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.
Fireworks are prohibited.
All pets must be on a leash of 6 feet in length or less. Pet waste must be picked up and properly disposed of promptly.
Firewood Alert: Don't Move Firewood!• Due to the spread of invasive insects(such as Emerald Ash Borer(EAB)) firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect your forests by purchasing near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Firewood is not available for sale on-site, however several local businesses sell firewood a short distance away, see the campground host or attendant for more information.• Visit DontMoveFirewood.org for more information.
For questions or to contact park staff, please call: 402-667-2546 or email: gavinspoint.nwo@usace.army.mil. U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS GAVINS POINT PROJECT OFFICE P.O. BOX 710 YANKTON, SD 57078
Physical Address U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND 198 TOE RD YANKTON, SD 57078 Phone Number
For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546
Trails: There are at least 9 hiking trails on AllTrails that you will find around Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. Lewis and Clark has the best of both worlds since the lake borders South Dakota and Nebraska. That makes it easy to stay in your preferred state and location. In Yankton SD a great trail is the Chalk Bluffs Multi-Use Trail which is a 3.7 mile loop where you will find a lake and it is rated as moderate. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. This trail is used for hiking, horses, mountain biking and birding and is accessible through out the year. There is a 3.8 mile lightly used round trip or one way out and back called Yankton South Shore Trail. Great for wildlife viewing and it is great for walking, hiking and just enjoying nature.
Fishing: Lewis & Clark offers many types of fish for all anglers out there, walleye, sauger, large and small mouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill. It depends on the season and temperature of the water as to what is biting.
Boating: Boating goes hand in hand with fishing and as with all things there are rules and regulations. You will find all types of boats, speedboats, pontoon, kayaks and personal watercraft. Make sure and wear your life jacket anytime you are on the water– Stay Safe and Alive. Make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations for boating around a dam area.
Another issue that has become an increasing problem is Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) which is spreading in the United States. There are different types of AIS and they are being spread by several methods. Boaters, of all types, help spread or help stop the spread by taking care of their watercraft. Before leaving a boat launch practice the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY technique. Many states require an AIS permit before you place watercraft in the water.
Birding: Birding at Lewis & Clark is great for watching bald eagles. You can get a list from Niobrara State Park for birds found around the lake.
Hunting: In season, of course, begins the Tuesday after Labor Day. White tailed deer, mourning dove, waterfowl and wild turkey, cottontail rabbits and squirrel. Make sure you follow all the regulations in the recreation area.
Winter sports: Adds a completely new option for recreation. When ice is thick enough the lake is open for ice fishing, skating and snowmobiles. Cross country skiing is also very popular.
Lewis & Clark Lake is formed from the Missouri and Niabrara Rivers. The lake travels for about 35 miles at a maximum pool 90 miles of shoreline. Maximum depth is 45 feet. It was named after the Lewis& Clark Expedition that camped nearby.
LNT
Better than when you found it
Stay safe– Happy Travels
GuideWe stayed in a pull off the road spot. Next time I would choose a more secluded spot. There were bison and wild horses in the campground. It had nice views.
GuideWe had a wonderfull Campside with view of the Lake .The campground is very big and Quiet. Very clean Bathhouses .Lot of Beaches and Playgrounds for Kids. We come back .
GuideGreat place for RV camping. My Uncle and I went through here back in 2011. All sites were reservable on-line. Every site had electric hookups. There is access to water and restrooms in each loop. Some of the sites are right near Lake Yankton. There was decent fishing but nothing too special. The park itself is very close to South Dakota, and you can visit the old time capitol of the Dakota Territory. I love the little history pieces like this so it was worth the side trip for me. It is also right near Lewis and Clark Lake which has really good fishing in the early morning. People we met were using the spot as they were passing through the area or for taking kids out for the weekend. Pets were allowed here too.
ScoutThis campground sits about 100 yards from the Gavins Point Dam and right next to Lake Yankton. Campers are close to gas stations, mini golf, rental facilities, and restaurants. The campground contains a disc golf course, playground and restrooms. The campground is named for the large amount of cottonwood trees, so be prepared to get cotton all over.
Union Grove State Park Campground near Westfield, Iowa offers separate camping areas for equestrians and non-horse campers. The campground sits at an elevation of 1,200 feet and experiences seasonal temperature fluctuations typical of the Midwest, with summer highs reaching 90°F. Winter camping remains available but with reduced amenities during the off-season months.
Trail riding opportunities: At Gavins Horse Camp, equestrian trails connect directly to campground facilities. "Its a beautiful site even to those of us that see it everyday," notes Lexii R., highlighting the scenic value for riders.
Disc golf course: Cottonwood Campground provides a course within walking distance of camping sites. "Located both upstream and downstream of Lewis and Clark Lake, visit the Missouri National Recreational River," mentions N I., describing the water features surrounding the course.
Seasonal winter activities: When temperatures drop, Newton Hills Campground transforms for cold-weather recreation. "Quiet spot weekdays. Site is beautiful. Many campsites are almost full sun—so have your shade structure ready. Evenings very peaceful," advises Sally C., suggesting preparation for variable exposure.
Private shower facilities: Union Grove State Park Campground offers individual shower rooms highly rated by visitors. "Be prepared to higher your campground expectations after this one! Definitely one of the cleanest most well kept campgrounds I've seen in a while. Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice," writes Austin and Natasha S.
Spacious equestrian sites: Equestrian camping areas near Westfield provide ample room for horse trailers and camping gear. "We stayed one night on our way home from pheasant hunting. Park was immaculately clean and very pretty. Restrooms were just as clean and nice. Nearly had the park to ourselves (end of October) and it was wonderful!" shares liz at Cottonwood Campground.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area receives praise for its kid-friendly layout. "This beautiful campground has a bike trail that connects all the beaches. It has hiking trails, parks, and a georgous lake for swimming or boating," explains Courtney G., highlighting recreational connectivity.
Reservation requirements: Some equestrian campgrounds require advance booking while others allow same-day reservations. "Reservations can be made ahead of time online. However day passes have to be purchased in person, cash, on site day of," notes Leni K. about Union Grove State Park Campground.
Seasonal availability: Cottonwood Campground operates with limited season. "Dates: April 15, 2021- October 17, 2021 October 17 2021– April 21, 2022," specifies N I., detailing the operating calendar.
Campground layout considerations: Equestrian camping areas typically separate horse camping from standard sites. "Two campgrounds within the park. Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained," explains Leslie B. about the designated areas at Union Grove.
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience with children. "Great campground with park for children with good water accessible," recommends Isaac E. about Cottonwood Campground.
Kid-friendly trails: Danish Alps State Recreation Area Camping offers accessible hiking options for various ages. "I pulled in and found a wide open campground. I picked a site high on the bluff overlooking the reservoir. It had quite the view. It's a newer area so trees are planted for the future. Sites are spacious with water and both 30 & 50 amp hookup. Clean dump station that also has a fish cleaning station. Playground, boat ramp, picnic area fishing, birdwatching, equestrian camp & trails, something for everyone," details Ellyce T.
Beach access points: Families appreciate the swimming options during summer months. "This park is great for the boating and fishing enthusiast! Amazing boating for all types of boats and incredible fishing available! Great biking and walking paths for families - beautiful path along the waterfront!" notes Lisa H. about Gavins Horse Camp.
Electric hookup specifics: Most equestrian campgrounds offer electrical options but with varying amperage availability. "I liked this campground so much, I stayed 5 nights instead of 2. Small, cozy, shady campground, awesome camp hosts, private restrooms/showers, nice playground for kids. 30& 50 amp service, dump station," shares Riding with S. about Union Grove State Park.
Site selection for shade: Woodbury County Park Southwood Conservation Area offers varying levels of tree cover. "Nice campground clean bathrooms the trails are really good quiet and peaceful," comments Josh G., highlighting the tranquil environment.
RV site accessibility: Many equestrian campgrounds accommodate larger rigs with appropriate parking. "Good cell service with T-Mobile and ATT. Spacious park with lots of shade and some sites have waterfront views," reports Warren W. about camping at Cottonwood, noting connectivity and space advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Westfield, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Westfield, IA is Union Grove State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Westfield, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Westfield, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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