Brushy Creek South Equine Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Iowans passionate about horseback riding and seeking an unparalleled outdoor adventure with their equine companions, Brushy Creek South Equine Campground stands as a premier destination. Located within the expansive Brushy Creek State Recreation Area near Lehigh, this campground is specifically designed to cater to the needs of equestrian campers, offering a unique blend of modern facilities and extensive, well-maintained trails. It’s a place where the love of horses meets the beauty of Iowa's natural landscape, creating an unforgettable experience.

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, encompassing over 6,500 acres, is one of Iowa's largest state parks, featuring a diverse mosaic of native prairie, grassland, timber, and riparian habitats. The South Equine Campground is a testament to the park's commitment to providing top-tier equestrian facilities, recognized as one of the most modern in the Midwest. This means that both horse and rider are well-accommodated, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay amidst the scenic rolling hills and wooded ravines.

Visitors consistently praise the quality of the riding experience. One happy camper noted, "The camping at Brushy Creek was wonderful... The riding was great though! Very hilly and not a ton of rock compared to other places with this type of terrain. The trails were very well groomed and taken care of. Also a beautiful lookout and river crossing." Another simply stated, "Great campground and nice trails." These reviews highlight the primary draw of Brushy Creek South Equine Campground: exceptional trails that offer both challenge and beauty, supported by a well-managed and peaceful camping environment. While some natural elements like gnats require preparedness, the overall experience of connecting with nature and enjoying vast riding opportunities makes it a highly sought-after location for Iowa's equestrian community.

Location and Accessibility

Brushy Creek South Equine Campground is specifically located at 3134 290th St, Lehigh, IA 50557, USA, placing it within the vast and beautiful Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. Lehigh, a small town in Webster County, provides the local access point to this sprawling natural preserve. For Iowans, the campground's location is strategically advantageous, offering a deep dive into nature while remaining within reasonable driving distance from various parts of the state.

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is accessible via well-maintained state and county roads. For visitors approaching from the south, it's recommended to "Get on D46 - the South Campground and South Day Use Area are located off of this road." For other facilities within the park, one would "go north on Brushy Creek Rd. which curves and becomes Lakeview Dr." This clear guidance ensures that horse trailers and RVs can navigate to the campground with relative ease, a crucial factor for equestrian campers.

The park's extensive 6,500 acres provide a sense of wild seclusion, yet it's not entirely isolated. Nearby communities can offer basic services and supplies if needed, though most campers come prepared for an immersive outdoor experience. The terrain around the campground itself features a mix of open fields and wooded areas, offering varied landscapes right from your campsite. This balance of natural immersion and accessible location makes Brushy Creek South Equine Campground a prime choice for Iowans looking for a dedicated equestrian and outdoor adventure within their home state.

Services Offered

Brushy Creek South Equine Campground is designed to provide comprehensive services for both campers and their horses, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. As one of the most modern equestrian camp facilities in the Midwest, it offers a range of amenities tailored to this specific user group.

• Electric Hookups: Offers a significant number of electric sites (e.g., 112 electric sites within Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, including at the South Equine Campground), providing essential power for RVs and other needs.
• Water Hookups: Potable water hydrants are available throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to fresh water.
• Full Hookup Sites: Some sites specifically offer full hookups, including water, sewer, and electric, for maximum convenience for RV users.
• Modern Shower and Restroom Facilities: The campground features modern shower and restroom buildings that are well-maintained, providing comfort and hygiene for campers.
• Horse Wash Areas: Dedicated facilities for washing horses are available, a crucial amenity for equestrian users after a day on the trails.
• Hitch Rails at Every Site: Each campsite is equipped with a substantial hitch rail, and users are required to tie animals to these rails, promoting proper horse management and minimizing environmental impact.
• Picnic Tables and Grills/Fire Rings: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a grill or fire ring for outdoor cooking and gatherings.
• Playground: A playground is available within the South Equestrian Campground, providing entertainment for children.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RVs for waste disposal.
• Multi-Use Trails: Direct access to approximately 35 miles of multi-use trails, open for horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking.
• Brushy Creek Lake Access: Proximity to the 690-acre Brushy Creek Lake, offering opportunities for fishing (a universally accessible fishing pier is available) and swimming at a designated beach.
• On-site Park Office/Staff: Park staff are available to provide information, address concerns, and ensure a pleasant and safe experience.

Features / Highlights

• Extensive Equestrian Trail System: The crowning jewel of Brushy Creek is its vast network of approximately 35 miles of multi-use trails, meticulously groomed and well-maintained, offering diverse terrain (hilly with less rock) ideal for horseback riding.
• Modern Equestrian Facilities: Recognized as one of the Midwest's most modern equestrian campgrounds, it provides amenities specifically catering to horse riders, including horse wash areas and substantial hitch rails at every site.
• Beautiful and Varied Terrain: The park boasts a mix of native prairie, grasslands, timber, and wooded ravines, providing scenic views and diverse landscapes for exploration, including beautiful lookouts and river crossings.
• Brushy Creek Lake: A 690-acre "no-wake" lake offers additional recreational opportunities such as fishing (bluegill, crappie, walleye, etc.), swimming at a designated beach, and non-motorized boating.
• Full Hookup Options: The availability of full hookup sites (water, sewer, electric) ensures a high level of comfort and convenience for RV campers, distinguishing it from more rustic equine campgrounds.
• Clean and Modern Facilities: Campers appreciate the modern, clean shower and restroom buildings, which enhance the overall camping experience.
• Opportunities for "Disconnect": While cellular service may vary, the park offers a chance to truly disconnect from digital distractions and immerse oneself in nature, which many visitors find highly appealing.
• Diverse Recreational Activities: Beyond horseback riding, the park offers hiking, mountain biking, hunting, and fishing, catering to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.
• Year-Round Access: The campground is open year-round, allowing for seasonal activities like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter.
• Visitor Programs: The park hosts nature-related programs and events, such as geo-caching and fishing derbies, especially in the summer, adding to the visitor experience.

Contact Information

Address: 3134 290th St, Lehigh, IA 50557, USA (This is the address for Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, which includes the South Equine Campground)

Phone: (515) 543-8298 (Main contact for Brushy Creek State Recreation Area)

It is always recommended to call ahead for current trail conditions, especially for equestrian use, as trails may close to non-foot traffic during wet conditions.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Iowans, Brushy Creek South Equine Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing outdoor destination, particularly for those with a passion for horses and trail riding. Its location within the vast Brushy Creek State Recreation Area means that a premier equestrian experience is available right in their home state, eliminating the need for extensive travel and maximizing valuable leisure time. This accessibility makes it a convenient choice for frequent visits, allowing locals to fully utilize their investment in outdoor hobbies.

The campground's suitability for Iowans is deeply rooted in its specialized, modern facilities designed specifically for equestrian use. From dedicated horse wash areas to substantial hitch rails at every site, Brushy Creek caters to the unique needs of horse owners, ensuring comfort and convenience for both rider and steed. The expansive 35-mile multi-use trail system, renowned for its grooming and varied terrain, provides endless opportunities for exploration, allowing Iowans to discover the diverse beauty of their state from horseback.

Furthermore, the broader appeal of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, including its large lake for fishing and swimming, and diverse options for hiking and other outdoor pursuits, ensures that there's something for every member of the family, even those without horses. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the chance to "disconnect" from daily distractions, offers a genuine restorative experience. For Iowans seeking a top-tier, accessible, and comprehensive equestrian camping experience that embodies the natural beauty and recreational spirit of their state, Brushy Creek South Equine Campground stands as an unrivaled choice.

Brushy Creek South Equine Campground

9289+CG, 3134 290th St, Lehigh, IA 50557, USA