The park in Clinton isn't huge, but with all the switch backs, you can make 2 to 3 hours of riding out of it. Lots of room to camp and fresh water and outhouses. We're self contained so really all you need is food and hay. Lots of places to picket and shade.
Rockwood Park is 19 miles east of Clinton near Morrison, Il. It has nice camping areas too. $10.00 or $12.00 to camp per night. No hookups but fresh water and outhouses too. Official trails are 19, but again there are lots of swichbacks through the timber. We have some friends that want to go to Volga in August. I'll see how the plans pan out and Keep you updated. Let me know about coming to Clinton. We're pretty much available any time.

I just reread your post. Big River is near Kirksville. We didn't like it either. It would make a good place to start youngsters but all the sand is yucky to me. The trails are used in the winter for cross country skiers. It was used several years ago for the Illinois 100 and many people complained about the sand. Needless to say, it's never been used since.

If you know where Clinton is, we're 12 miles South on Hy. 84. It's right along the Mississippi. We also have 4 horses, hoping kids and grandkids would get interested. No luck though.We do much of our riding at the Equestrian Center at Eagle Point Park in Clinton. Rockwood in Morrison, Il. Jubilee State Park near Peoria, Il.
We are retired and travel with the horses have been in our plans for sometime. There are several places in Iowa that we would like to try. Volga and Yellow River are two that come to mind. Have you been to either of them?

Hi Quilting1, We were posting on the free buckskin thread and I noticed you were from E. Iowa. I'm originally from Clinton and now live in Cordova, Il. Kinda neighbors, so to speak.

Hi Pam. I'm not really sure where Brushy Creek is - I cannot travel too far because I have my kids at home today. I was thinking of either going today or Sunday to Brinton Timber. Maybe I can go to Brushy Creek someother time with you. Have a great 4th of July

I'm sorry to hear that! I have heard shingles can be VERY painful. I've never been to Belva Deer but if Doug is up to it would sure be willing to meet you there :-)

Hi Pam,
I really don't know for sure, since plans are day to day for us. Doug is suffering with a very severe case of shingles in his eye and head, and has been battling it since June 1. If he feels like it we may go to Belva Deer or Brinton Sunday, but I cannot say for sure!

I always check the DNR site...but, don't know why Brushy was closed this morning and not this afternoon??? Anyway...I was asking about Jet for a gal I know. But, that is more than she is prepared to pay. I would love another horse, but Doug is concerned about space and hay, so we can't.

Hi Pam,
Go to this site: https://eservices.iowa.gov/iowaparks...trail_closures

I just looked at it, and everything is open but Shimek right now. Brushy Creek is open!
Yes, we have camped at River Valley, and it is a GREAT campground. Their trails are OK, but not very many miles, and they will be muddy if Shimek is. You can ride into Shimek from River Valley. What do you want for Jet?

Oh no. We're kinda in the same perdicument. I had back surgery a week ago and I'm not suppose to ride for 6 weeks. 1 down and 5 to go. I cried like a baby when I heard that. I'm not suppose to do laundry or vacuum either. Vacuum part is cool

I hope you heal fast and well You're in my prayers....