Danish Alps State Recreation Area near South Sioux City provides equestrian campers with dedicated horse trails through hilly terrain. The park sits on bluffs at approximately 1,100 feet elevation with trails varying in difficulty for both novice and experienced riders. Union Grove State Park Campground, located 55 miles from South Sioux City, offers a second equestrian option with separate camping areas for horses in the lower campground section.
What to do
Trail riding: Both Danish Alps and Union Grove maintain horse-specific trails that showcase prairie and woodland landscapes. At Union Grove, "Play equipment, horse trails, hiking trails, well maintained. Beautiful area," notes one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Lewis and Clark State Park offers productive fishing areas around Blue Lake. "This place has great fishing and is very well maintained not to mention that they have a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago. They will also occasionally take it out and give rides," shares one Lewis and Clark State Park Campground visitor.
Hiking options: Trail systems range from easy to moderate difficulty with varying terrain. Southwood Conservation Area provides memorable hiking experiences: "It's been a few years since I've stayed here but I have a million memories of this place... Campground has recently been upgraded and heading back soon," reports a Southwood Conservation Area camper.
Equestrian-focused recreation: Riders can access multiple trail loops at Danish Alps that connect to the equestrian camping area. Trails remain open year-round, weather permitting, with spring and fall typically offering the best riding conditions.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Union Grove State Park receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "Definitely one of the cleanest most well kept campgrounds I've seen in a while. Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice," reports a visitor to Union Grove State Park Campground.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the room to spread out at some locations. At Woodbury County Park, "Nice campground clean bathrooms the trails are really good quiet and peaceful," notes a Woodbury County Park Southwood Conservation Area visitor.
Historical features: The Lewis and Clark connection enhances camping experiences. "They also have a history museum to accompany the boat. Bathrooms are clean. Camp ground is clean. Lots of things to see and do in the camp ground itself," shares a Lewis and Clark State Park visitor.
Family-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. Lewis and Clark State Park offers "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."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Early spring and late fall camping may have limited services. A visitor to Union Grove noted, "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!"
Site spacing concerns: Some campgrounds have sites positioned very close together. Onawa-Blue Lake KOA receives mixed reviews on this aspect: "Nicely maintained, beautiful lake, clean restrooms and nice pool and playground. Great helpful people! But virtually no space between sites."
Reservation requirements: Equestrian camping areas often require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends. Day passes for some locations must be purchased in person rather than online.
Weather impacts: Sites can become muddy after heavy rainfall. Some reviewers have noted drainage issues at certain campgrounds in the region after storms.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with children. At Lewis and Clark State Park, "We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water."
Bathroom proximity: Sites near restroom facilities ease camping with young children. "Short walk to the very clean restrooms with flush toilets & showers," reports a Lewis and Clark State Park Campground camper.
Seasonal events: Some parks offer special programming during peak season. As one visitor notes, "They have a great visitor center with amazing displays and exhibits that mark the history of Lewis and Clark and their travels around the area."
Site selection for tents: For tent campers with children, look for grassy, level spots. One Union Grove camper advises, "We had the best tent site on the grounds, corner spot with decent trees and distance, most other spots are right on top of each other."
Tips from RVers
Site width considerations: Many horse campgrounds accommodate RVs but site width varies. At Union Grove, "Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained. Hosts are very friendly."
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between 30-amp and 50-amp. A Lewis and Clark State Park visitor shares, "Oh my the rate was 19.00 for full 50 amp hookup. Beautiful state park in the water nice level sites paved. Fire rings and tables. Would definitely recommend this place it is a must stop!"
Dump station access: Some facilities have tight approaches. A Lewis and Clark visitor cautions, "The dump station is a tight squeeze for anything other than a small bumper pull camper."
Seasonal rates: Off-season camping often comes with reduced rates and fewer neighbors. "We chose a site high on the bluff overlooking the reservoir. It had quite the view," reports a Danish Alps camper.
Traveler
