Posted 2008-04-12 10:47 AM (#81741) Subject: Looking for an overnight location in S.Iowa
Member
Posts: 14
Location: Jim Falls, WI
Hi All - thought I'd come to the experts instead of surfing for hours. My husband and I will be traveling through southern Iowa in late May are are looking for a place to overnight with our horses. Can somone provide information on fairgrounds or other facilities where we could unload and camp for 1 night with pens or corrals for the horses so we don't have to set up portables? Preferable south of Des Moines along I-35. Thanks in advance for any and all information.
Posted 2008-04-12 2:10 PM (#81745 - in reply to #81741) Subject: RE: Looking for an overnight location in S.Iowa
Veteran
Posts: 198
Location: Iowa
Just south of Des Moines (not too far off 1-35) is one of the best campground facilities in the state. It's called Elk Rock, and it's very modern, with great bathrooms and showers, a nice riding arena,etc. It's right on Lake Red Rock. Some nice easy, flat, relaxing trails (and short) by the lake that will let your horses unwind and not have to work too hard at all. You couldn't ask for a better place to overnight. Here's the link to the website and a description from there:
Equestrian Campground
The equestrian campground features 57 sites, 42 with electrical hookups. A modern shower building, horse stalls, hitching rails, equestrian wash station and a 100' x 200' riding arena are available. Advance campsite reservations for half the campsites can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
I would recommend reservations (can do online) because it's the place where a lot of people come to stay, trail ride and go to the horse races in Des Moines. Nice place, you'll love it.
This will give you all the info on the county fairgrounds in the US. We use them quite a bit when traveling and they are either free or nominal. Most have elec. and there is water because of the livestock facilities.We always call to make sure there is nothing big scheduled. Also, sometimes they will have to come and unlock the gates for you.
Posted 2008-04-13 8:33 PM (#81831 - in reply to #81741) Subject: RE: Looking for an overnight location in S.Iowa
Member
Posts: 14
Location: Jim Falls, WI
thanks for the information --- I really appreciate the link to the county fairgrounds - we do lots of traveling with our horses and this information will in invaluable. Happy Trails!
Posted 2008-04-13 8:35 PM (#81832 - in reply to #81741) Subject: RE: Looking for an overnight location in S.Iowa
Regular
Posts: 63
Location: Missouri
Hi,
You can stop in at my place. I would be glad to take you in. I live just south of Des Moines right off the interstate (2 miles)...in Martinsdale. I have an arena that you can throw your horses in for the night. We'd be glad to offer you some Iowan hospitality. Email me at hero_642002@yahoo.com. Natalee