Equestrian

Two people ride horses through na equestrian trail in Iowa

Campground amenities and campsite features vary from park to park. Currently, 75% of the equestrian campsites are available for advanced reservations. The remaining 25% of these campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

The state park reservation system provides information on campsites and campground amenities available.

Non-equestrian campers (campers without horses/mules) may camp in equestrian campgrounds, but they must pay the equestrian fee of $4.

Parks for Equestrian Camping

Trail Closures

Please be aware that equestrian trails may be temporarily closed at any time when trail use or any natural event (such as rain, flooding, snow, thaws) creates conditions that will cause the trail(s) to degrade if further use is allowed. 

When flooding and consistent rainfall occur, trails could remain closed for an extended period of time until trail conditions improve. Equestrian trails are normally closed during the winter months.

Park staff will update their answering machines when equestrian trails are closed. It is the customer's responsibility to check the status of a park's equestrian trails either by calling the park or checking the alerts and closures page for information.

NOTE: Brushy Creek State Recreation Area has 12 miles of rocked all-weather trails which rarely close.

Equestrian Camping Reservations

Make a reservation using the online reservation system. Because the campground does not close when equestrian trails are closed, the standard reservation cancellation and change policies apply. 

Exceptions

If your reservation arrival date is the same date as the trail closing date or the following day, you may change your reservation by calling the call center (877-427-2757) or online.

Changing Reservations

The last day to change a reservation is 4 days prior to arrival. 

  • Exception: If your reservation arrival date is the same date as the trail closing date or the following day, you may change your reservation by calling the call center ONLY (877-427-2757). 
  • A change fee ($5 for online and $6.50 through the call center) applies for each campsite reservation which is changed.

Cancelling Reservations

All cancellations must be cancelled by calling the call center (877-427-2757) or online.

Call Center Hours

Call center hours are:

  • 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (CST) Monday through Friday
  • 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday/Sunday.  

The call center is closed on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. All reservation transaction fees are nonrefundable.

Equestrian Regulations

State regulations require horses, mules and donkeys being transported interstate (from one state to another) must have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and negative Coggin's test (EIA). This paperwork must accompany the animal into the State of Iowa. Please refer to Iowa Department of Agriculture Admissions Regulations for more information.

For example, a person from Missouri who wishes to bring their horses, mules or donkeys into Iowa must provide a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health paper) which lists the description of the animals, date of a negative Coggin's test (tested within the last twelve months), date of the test, the lab that performed the test and the accession number of the Coggin's test.

Persons transporting horses, mules or donkeys intrastate (within the same state) do not need to carry this paperwork.

This applies to equestrian camping, day-use and trail riding in any Iowa State Park, State Recreation Area or State Forest.

State Parks

Make Your Reservation

Whether you're camping with the family, looking for an outdoor getaway, or planning an event, you can do it all with Iowa state parks! Reserve your space now!

Make a reservation