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Individual state park, recreation area and forest brochures are available at the respective parks. These brochures contain more information specific to the area including an area map and trail layout. Brochures may also be obtained by calling the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) at (515) 281-5918. All brochures and maps are available as downloadable pdf files at www.exploreiowaparks.com
Equestrian Trails are available at Backbone State Forest, Brushy Creek, Elk Rock, Matsell Bridge Natural Area, Squaw Creek Park, Stephens, Shimek State Forest, Wakpicada Natural Area and Yellow River. Please make sure to contact the State Parks to verify that horse riding is still allowed.
(5 Miles)
MORE INFO
Backbone State Forest is adjacent to the northeast corner of Backbone State Park, 4 miles south of Strawberry Point. Access to these 186 acres of pine plantations and upland hardwood forest is from a parking lot located just east of the north entrance to Backbone State Park. This parking lot is a convenient place to unload horses.
Users should be aware that horseback riding is legal on Backbone State Forest but not on Backbone State Park. We have
made every effort to plainly mark boundaries between the two areas.
(50 Miles) MORE INFO
Equestrian users enjoy one of the most modern camp facilities in the Midwest. The northern equestrian campground has a modern shower and restroom, 125 campsites (50 electrical), horse wash area, ample shade, a substantial hitch rail at every site (users are required to tie animals to rails) and a 100' by 200' arena. Water hydrants with potable water are available, as are picnic tables and grills. In the future a playground and another shower/toilet building will be constructed.
The southern equestrian campground is now open. The south campground has a modern shower and restroom with 105 sites (70 electrical) and the same amenities as the northern campground. Camping Fees can be paid at the site.
Horses are not to be hitched or tied to trees, shrubs or park facilities in a manner that will cause injury or damage to the plant or facility. Animals may hitched to trailers for short periods of time for grooming and saddling. Animals must be stabled inside a trailer, at a hitch rail or in stalls or corrals if provided. Portable stall/pens or electric fences are not allowed.
Currently there is a day-use staging area near the existing equestrian campground in the northern portion of the recreation area and one in the southern portion, near the equestrian campground (presently under construction). Day users are encouraged to use these areas at no charge for the day. Facilities include seasonal restrooms. Additional staging areas are being developed in the southern area.
(13 Miles) MORE INFO
The equestrian campground features 60 sites, 24 with electrical hookups. A modern shower building, horse stalls, hitching rails and riding arena are available.
- Linn County (1624 acres) MORE INFO
This unique camping facility is located in our 1624-acre Matsell Bridge Natural Area in the eastern part of Linn County. There are 8 campsites situated on a hilltop with a water source for animals. Hitching posts, picnic tables and fire rings are located throughout the campground.
(27 Miles) MORE INFO
Shimek Forest offers equestrian facilities in the Lick Creek Unit, consisting of two campgrounds and approximately 25 miles of equestrian trail. The upper campground has space for 10-sites and the lower campground which is not divided into sites is available for use by both groups and individuals.
Both campgrounds have hitching rails, pit-vault latrines, fire rings and picnic tables. Animals are required to be stabled in the individual stalls provided, however, they may be tied to trailers for short periods of time for grooming and saddling.
A day-use area, adjacent to the lower campground is available for use by those not camping. Potable water is available at both campgrounds.
(663 Acres) MORE INFO
Squaw Creek meanders through wooded hills and meadows.
(31 Miles) MORE INFO
Stephens Forest offers an extensive 30 mile network of trails on the Lucas and Whitebreast Units. The Lucas Unit is smaller with 7 miles of trail. Most of these trails are flat to gently rolling on old service roads and are relatively easy to ride. The 23 miles of trail on the Whitebreast Unit are more challenging due to steeper terrain.
The Lucas Unit is located 1/2 mile west of Lucas on Highway 34, then south. The Whitebreast Unit is located 2 miles south of Lucas on Highway 65, then 2 miles west on a gravel road.
Equestrian Campgrounds are located about 1/2 mile south of the main Whitebreast entrance and at the south edge of the Lucas Unit. Campgrounds are equipped with pit vault latrines, hitching rails and picnic tables. Potable water is available in each campground. Horses should not be watered from the lakes or ponds on the area to prevent bank erosion and disease transmission.
Day-use is provided in a mowed area south of the Whitebreast equestrian campground. Day-use is allowed in the Lucas equestrian campground.
(340 Acres) MORE INFO
Wakpicada Natural Area is a 340-acre area adjacent to the Wapsipinicon River near Central City, Iowa.
(11 Miles) MORE INFO
Yellow River Forest has a non-modern equestrian campground with 40 sites. Hitching rails, pit-vault latrines and picnic tables are provided. There is no potable water, however, horses may be watered in the stream which runs by the campground. A small barn for stabling a few horses is available on a first come, first served basis.
There are 11 miles of scenic trails with varying levels of difficulty. Most traverse old logging roads and fire lanes, offering a variety of riding experiences. Day-use is allowed in the equestrian camp area.
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