Construction is underway on a new equestrian campground at Hillview Recreation Area in Plymouth County, Iowa, with local officials aiming to open the facility to the public by spring 2026.
The project, located near the park’s northern entrance, is part of a broader plan to expand recreational opportunities in the area.
In May, the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors approved $200,000 in funding for the five-acre development, which will cater specifically to horseback riders and campers.
The campground will be constructed in a cul-de-sac layout, designed to support both equestrian and overnight camping use.
“Predominantly everything that has been done to date has been dirt work related,” Plymouth County Conservation Director Nick Beeck said, as reported by Le Mars Sentinel on July 9.
“Our secondary roads department has done that dirt work. They started in the late spring, early summer. Everything’s shaped up. The campsites, the design work that’s all completed. We are starting to haul in some gravel,” Beeck added.
The campground will feature 12-by-12-foot horse pens at each site, along with oversized camping pads designed to accommodate trailers and other equestrian needs.
The sites will be surfaced with red rock aggregate material, commonly used in other county campgrounds.
Beeck noted the chosen location offers key infrastructure benefits, including access to utilities and proximity to existing horse trail usage areas.
“It makes pretty good sense over there,” he said. “The accessibility is tied to where we would come in with water and electricity. A big piece of it is that we get a fair amount of day usage with people riding horses. They are always parking on the north side in that general area.”
Each campsite will include water and electrical hookups, as well as a picnic table and fire ring, ensuring a basic level of comfort and utility for visitors. The design supports both short-term recreational stays and day-use visitors with horses.
Construction began earlier this spring.
The campground represents a significant addition to Hillview Recreation Area, which already draws a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. By targeting equestrian users, the county aims to attract a niche segment of campers who often travel with specific facility requirements.