Best Equestrian Camping in Iowa

Best known for its rich farming history, Iowa is also rich and diverse in nature, with a multitude of destinations to camp and hike. If you’re planning on camping in Iowa, you’re in luck.

Effigy Mounds National Monument is situated on the bank of the Mississippi River at the eastern border of Iowa. Part of the “driftless” region of Iowa that was left untouched by the passing glaciers thousands of years ago, the area’s bluffs, forests, and other habitats host diverse ecosystems to explore and admire.

More than that, Effigy Mounds is notable for its historic settlement by the Native American Effigy Moundbuilders, who build massive sets of mounds that, from a bird’s eye view, form the shape of animals such as bears, cats, and birds. These nature-inspired monuments blend well with the natural scenery, making it an ideal site for camping.

Another excellent site for camping in Iowa is Maquoketa Caves State Park. Located next to the eastern Iowa town of Maquoketa, the 370-acre park contains amazing caves weaving throughout the limestone bedrock of the bluffs. Spelunkers and nature-enthusiasts alike will enjoy exploring the caverns, such as the 800-foot long Dancehall Cave.

Even if you’re not up for venturing into the caverns, there are plenty of other things to do at Maquoketa Caves. Hikers can walk along six miles of trails throughout the park, passing by habitats ranging from bluffs to woodlands to prairies. Unfortunately, the campgrounds are closed until October 2018 for renovations to the camping facilities, but when it is open again you should definitely consider a visit.

Camping in Iowa is diverse and plentiful, there are countless campsites and trails that you may wish to consider. Once you start exploring Iowa’s natural ecosystems, you’ll begin to see the true beauty of the vibrant state.

Best Equestrian Sites in Iowa (53)

    1. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $12 - $25 / night

    "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."

    2. Jester County Park

    29 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"

    "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."

    3. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    29 Reviews
    Dundee, IA
    Website
    +1 (563) 924-2527

    $12 - $200 / night

    "There are miles of trails. Is hiking your thing? What about equestrian? Maybe mountain bike trails? You can even take the family for a nice leisurely walk on the easier trails."

    "Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa.

    There are two campgrounds."

    4. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Onawa, IA
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-2829

    $15 - $40 / night

    "Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa!"

    "There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers."

    5. Clear Lake State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Clear Lake, IA
    Website
    +1 (641) 357-4212

    $12 - $20 / night

    "We love coming to Clear Lake! The campgrounds are always very well kept, bathrooms very clean! Easy access to the lake, and the town has so much to do during the summer months!"

    "Clear lake state park is a nice campground. It does get very busy during peak season and traffic is continuous. It is clean and close to the beach. Down town and other shopping is a short drive away."

    6. Pilot Knob State Park — Pilot Knob State Preserve

    12 Reviews
    Forest City, IA
    Website
    +1 (641) 581-4835

    $10 - $18 / night

    "Located by New Ulm, MN this campground has plenty of activities in the park or very near the park."

    "When driving to my site two fawns were laying near the playground."

    7. Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    11 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $12 / night

    "Many different trails for hiking, biking or equestrian. Camp sites are mostly grass. Beautiful park"

    "Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective."

    8. Lake of Three Fires State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Bedford, IA
    Website
    +1 (712) 523-2700

    $10 - $36 / night

    "Now on the spot where the fires burned, is said to be the Iowa State Park “Lake of 3 Fires”

    Located in Southwest Iowa just north of the county seat of Bedford Iowa, is a little hidden treasure for outdoor"

    "Frisbee golf course, playground, horse shoe pits and samdy heach area groomed daily. No wake lake perfect for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Clean well-kept shower and bath buidling as well."

    9. Waubonsie State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Hamburg, IA
    Website
    +1 (712) 382-2786

    $14 / night

    "It appears not many people camp in Iowa in February. We had the campground to ourselves. We missed the crazy cold and snow by a day but it was 20 degree with the wind when I hiked the prairie."

    "This also gave us time to really explore those trails I was drooling over. We took one of the more scenic trails and took us over the top of some of those beautiful Loess Hills."

    10. Lake Icaria Co Park

    9 Reviews
    Corning, IA
    Website
    +1 (641) 322-4793

    "This lake has multiple campgrounds spread throughout. It one of the only lakes in Iowa where you can drive your boats fast. Great fireworks show on the 4th of July."

    "One of the best campgrounds in the SW Iowa, the lake is great, nice beach and boating!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 53 campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews in Iowa

280 Reviews of 53 Iowa Campgrounds



Guide to Iowa

Horse camping in Iowa offers a unique experience for equestrian enthusiasts, combining beautiful landscapes with well-equipped facilities for both horses and riders.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Equestrian campgrounds include essential facilities

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities