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Reviews for Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
(click on name for more information)
Fort Dodge, IA

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park staff have what we call the Brushy Attitude, be prepared to be harassed for many reasons, they close trails down if down pees on hub cap, staff has very poor attitude, we have filed formal complaints with state office against staff. Took a year but they finally responded, dont ride of trail, besure to park on pads, be ware state just issued new AR 15 rifles to enforcement officers, have ridden there for 20 years, no longer fun, they have all weather trail around the lake but you cant get to it from lower horse camp without riding on highway or violating the rules. DNR has pretty much ruined it with rules and attitude, only one of few places to ride in the state , go someplace else to ride. Most of us long timers wont go there any more unless have to.
Reviewed by: richard wagener on 11/5/2015 3:40:43 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/1/2015 Hometown: new sharon , ia

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Nice bathroom facilities with private showers! Trails are well maintained. Huge campground with many options for sites. Campground hosts were very welcoming. Hunting here so don't bring a nervous horse. Great fishing,too!
Reviewed by: Kate An on 10/20/2011 7:35:06 PM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 10/14/2011 Hometown: St Paul, MN

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Trails well maitained, there has been exstincive erosion control taken, lake trail mostly sun, other trails about 50-60% shade. campground is well maintained and set up considering this a state facility. WILL go back again, even though it's a 5 hour drive
Reviewed by: Anonymous on 6/18/2011 1:58:07 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/18/2011 Hometown: Viola, IL

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Camped there over Memorial Day weekend, very disappointed that the equestrian campsites with electrical hookups were mostly occupied by nonequestrian campers...there is a new campsite just for nonequestrian campers...please leave the sites in the equestrian camps for people with horses.
Reviewed by: Anonymous on 6/7/2011 12:53:50 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 5/27/2011 Hometown: IA, IA

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I've ridden at Brushy for almost 25 years. It used to have amazing trails, then went far downhill for several years while they flooded the valley for fishing, but has gotten much better the last few years. The north campground is still open to horses, but the only trail access from camp is the lake trail (about a 4 hour ride, mostly in the sun.) (Otherwise you have to ride along the road for about half an hour.) The south campground is the most used by equestrians. VERY nice bathroom and shower house, plenty of spots for big rigs. Most spots have shade. Some with full hookups. (Also a fishing/boating/swimming camp in the middle.) The area in between the two camps, in my opinion, has the prettiest trails - saved some of the old trails! You can even find a few hills! South of the south camp, you can ride along the river for several miles. Great ride, but have to back track quite a bit. The trail around the lake is a nice fall ride. All in all, they've done a good job recovering the equine recreation. But rider beware! Make sure you call ahead to check trail conditions, as they close after about 3 rain drops. Also, make sure you do NOT get off trail - they are happy to give you a fine for more trail improvements!
Reviewed by: Abbey on 3/26/2009 11:42:54 AM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 10/1/2008 Hometown: , IA