Lumpie C.
Guide
GuideLedges State Park Campground
Very attractive nature area
Level sites and very quiet. Great hiking location and photo opportunities.
Equestrian Camping near Windsor Heights, IA
10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Elk Rock State Park's Equestrian Campground accommodates horses and riders with specific facilities for equine guests. The campground offers electric hookups with both fifty-amp and thirty-amp connections for RVs, while tent campers are also welcome at the sites. Trail riders have access to toilets and shower facilities after a day of riding. Fires are permitted at designated fire rings throughout the camping area. The campground maintains a reservation system for planning ahead, essential during peak riding seasons when equestrian sites fill quickly. Sites include sewer hookups and water hookups, providing convenience for longer stays with horses.
Located near Knoxville, approximately 45 miles southeast of Windsor Heights, the campground connects to riding trails through the park's diverse terrain. Stephens State Forest offers additional equestrian camping options at the Whitebreast Equestrian area, featuring electric hookups, water access, and toilet facilities. The Whitebreast unit includes established trails specifically designed for horseback riding through varied woodland habitat. Trail conditions remain suitable for riding from April 1 through December 31, matching the campground's operational season. Horse owners should bring their own feed and secure storage containers as these are not provided at the campgrounds. Most equestrian campsites accommodate standard horse trailers with adequate parking space, though primitive camping areas may have more limited access for larger rigs.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Windsor Heights (10)
1. Jester County Park
"Nice CG located on the North end of Saylorville Reservoir. Camped in the upper CG site#145. Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV."
"Campgrounds amazing views airsoft gun and archery ranges snowshoeing equestrians and cross-country skiing"
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability2. Ledges State Park Campground
"One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."
"One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."
from $12 - $25 / night
Check Availability3. Dallas County Fairgrounds
4. Madison County Fairground Campground
from $11 - $105 / night
Check Availability5. Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park
"We stayed in the Elk Rock Equestrian campground and it was so peaceful and beautiful. The facilities were clean."
"We really wnjoyed riding the trails here. Good facilities for our horses."
from $14 - $66 / night
Check Availability6. Squirrel Hollow Co Park
7. Double E LLC Camping
from $50 / night
Check Availability8. Singing Mesa Ranch
from $15 - $75 / night
Check Availability9. Lucas Primitive Campground — Stephens State Forest
from $10 / night
Check Availability10. Whitebreast Equestrian — Stephens State Forest
from $14 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 5 min from Des Moines, IA
- 32 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 48 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 54 min from Waterloo, IA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Windsor Heights, IA
1 Photos of 10 Windsor Heights Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Windsor Heights, IA
81 Reviews of 10 Windsor Heights Campgrounds
Cari E.
RangerLedges State Park Campground
Oasis in a cornfield
There’s not a lot going on in the vicinity of this state park, which is on the smaller side, and you will hear some cows, but all in all the campground exceeded my expectations for the two nights I stayed. This was partially because my site, 65, offered ample room away from the neighboring sites and backed up to a small green area with the road further back (minimal noise, aside from the random loud dirt bike). It also had a good mix of shade and sun if you’re hoping for a bit of solar charging, though no shore power or water. The site was long and mostly level with just the smallest tilt, but not enough to be a bother even without leveling blocks. The dumpster is nearby, but it’s a tiny one and was well maintained (aka not smelly). The brand new shower house was within easy walking distance as well. I had enough service (Verizon) to send texts and watch a bit of YouTube (buffering times were a smidge slow), but you likely wouldn’t have a strong enough signal for much more.
Chad S.
TravelerDallas County Fairgrounds
Swim rodeo
We booked this spot in February not knowing there was a rodeo on our camp day we were in town for a swim meet, the band was real loud Friday and perfect on Saturday, it has narrow camping spots but overall is a very good campground with full hook ups. Booked on line everything went smooth, great WiFi clean campground.
Marty C.
ScoutJester County Park
Great find!
Great spot in the woods. Lots of trails. They have a bison and elk sanctuary. Also a nature center. A playground. They have several RV spots. Most are pre book but they have a section for first come first serve. Also lots of tent camping. A few group camping areas. Showers are ok. I believe the non shower house bathrooms are all vault toilets. Overall a great place to stay!
- jjim S.Traveler
Jester County Park
Nothing but exceptional
Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know
- Lindsey M.Guide
Jester County Park
Loved our stay here
We had a great stay here, check in was easy, getting firewood was easy, the bathhouses were so clean and nice, hiking and views were amazing! The only thing we had an issue with was a camp site of noisy people, which was not the parks fault!
- AAndrea H.Traveler
Jester County Park
Campground #1
Beautiful campground! Lots of trees and peaceful area. Our spot was pretty level and well maintained
Lena H.TravelerLedges State Park Campground
Long walk for tent sites
If you want to tent camp, bring a cart or something to haul everything with. The parking lot is a LONG WAY from any private tent site. Youth group camp, the ones with all the energy and strength, is next to parking lot. That's messed up.
- Amanda W.Scout
Jester County Park
outing
went out here with family and had a amtime azing
Guide to Windsor Heights
Equestrian camping near Windsor Heights, Iowa provides access to dedicated facilities for horse owners and trail riders. The region features a mix of prairie and wooded terrain with elevations ranging from 800-950 feet. Spring and fall offer ideal riding weather with average temperatures between 50-75°F, while summer months can reach 85-95°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Trail riding through diverse terrain: At Jester County Park, riders can access trails that connect to the Saylorville waterway circuit. "Lots of cool kid activities. Buffalo ranch near by which is cool as well as Pingora outdoor supply store near by where you can purchase firewood and other camp supplies," notes Luke C.
Explore sandstone formations: The unique geology at Ledges State Park Campground offers distinctive riding experiences with elevation changes. "What I enjoy most about this park compared to others in Iowa are the sandstone ledges and the slopes on the trail. There are some excellent views," shares Tom S.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple parks in the region maintain wildlife management areas where riders might spot native species. "We must have been there at just the right time, because lined all through the trees along the lakes edge were eagles upon eagles. I'd say we saw about 70 bald eagles perched in the trees," reports Jennifer M. about her experience at Elk Rock State Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The maintenance standards at equestrian campgrounds receive consistently positive feedback. "The campgrounds are very clean. There are lots of trails around the area. The bathrooms and showers are very clean," writes Willy W. about Equestrian Campground at Elk Rock State Park.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the room for horse trailers and equipment. "Beautiful campground! Lots of trees and peaceful area. Our spot was pretty level and well maintained," notes Andrea H. about Jester Park.
Quieter alternatives: For those seeking less crowded options, some county parks provide basic amenities with fewer visitors. "The park is quite with some nice camping spots. Very quite with nobody around. The park could use some improvements but parks like these are my favorite!" shares Nathan M. about Squirrel Hollow Co Park.
What you should know
Seasonal access limitations: Most equestrian trails and campgrounds operate within specific date ranges. "Trail conditions remain suitable for riding from April 1 through December 31," which aligns with most campground operational seasons in the area.
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, equestrian sites fill quickly. "We stayed at this campground from August until November 13 in my pull behind camper. Water, gas and Sewer was $15 daily, $105 weekly, and $420 monthly," explains Richard R. about Madison County Fairground Campground.
Varying amenity levels: Facilities range from primitive to full-service across the region. "If you want to tent camp, bring a cart or something to haul everything with. The parking lot is a LONG WAY from any private tent site," warns Lena H. about Ledges State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs specifically for younger visitors. "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level," shares Jim S. about Jester Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Windsor Heights, IA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Windsor Heights, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Windsor Heights, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Windsor Heights, IA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Windsor Heights, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Windsor Heights, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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