Tent campsites near Ackworth, Iowa concentrate in the rolling countryside of central Iowa, with most locations situated at elevations between 800-900 feet. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, while summer brings humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F. Several campgrounds maintain sandy or clay soil conditions, affecting tent stake placement and drainage during rainfall.
What to do
Fishing access at quarry sites: Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers excellent fishing opportunities for multiple species. One visitor reported, "This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing... The fishing is the best place for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish." Electric motors only permitted, no gas engines allowed.
Astronomy viewing: Visit Ashton Wildwood Park on Saturday nights (except first Saturday) for observatory access. A camper explained, "The observatory that's open on Saturday's was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom."
River paddling: Set up at Kuehn Conservation Area for direct Raccoon River access. "Nice quite sites along the Raccoon River. Has hiking, fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife, small Bear Creek nature center, open daily 1/2 hr before sunrise to 10:30 pm," notes one visitor. Bring your own canoe or kayak as rentals not available on site.
Orienteering course: Test navigation skills at Ashton Wildwood Park's orienteering course. "There is also a orienteering course but you have to walk in the woods to finish it," mentions one camper. Course markers remain year-round though some sections become overgrown in summer.
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: Many campgrounds feature unusually large sites for tents. At Ashton Wildwood Park, a regular visitor notes, "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents." Sites average 30-40 feet across, providing ample room for family setups.
Clean facilities: Colfax Quarry Springs Park maintains high cleanliness standards. A camper observed, "Awesome campground, clean and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good. Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites."
Budget-friendly pricing: Local campgrounds offer affordable options. One camper highlighted Ashton's value: "It's only $7/night!" Colfax charges $10 per night with firewood available for purchase at $7 per bundle, delivered to your site upon request.
Natural surroundings: Mariposa Recreation Area provides a genuine country camping experience. "If you want to go out in the country and do some tent camping this is the place! It's pretty spacious and has lots of room for tent camping," explains a visitor. The area includes a butterfly garden and recently renovated lake system.
What you should know
Limited water access: Most campgrounds lack running water. A camper at Ashton Wildwood Park advised, "The bathroom at the campground doesn't have plumbing and no water available so make sure to bring plenty of water." Fill containers before arrival or locate the water spigot at the observatory building.
Seasonal lake conditions: Some lakes undergo maintenance. At Mariposa Recreation Area, "The lake has been drained and dredged and is slowly filling back up," notes a visitor. Call ahead for current water levels if planning water activities.
Mixed reviews on noise levels: Campground atmosphere varies significantly. At Twin Anchors Campground, one camper reported, "Its 1130 pm and we r camping by the playground and there's about 10 children at the playground with no adults. And there's about 5 golf carts running around."
Limited amenities: Prepare for basic facilities. A camper at Colfax mentioned, "They have porta potties around... I didn't see any water hookups so bring a filter or water. There is a Kum & Go up the road to get missing supplies." Cell coverage varies between 1-3 bars depending on carrier.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible playgrounds: Some campgrounds include child-friendly areas. At Mariposa Recreation Area, "There is a butterfly garden and playground for the kids to explore." Activities generally suitable for ages 3-12.
Nature education options: Visit during scheduled programs. "The small Bear Creek nature center" at Kuehn Conservation Area offers displays about local wildlife and occasionally hosts ranger talks during summer weekends.
Avoid peak summer weekends: For quieter family experiences, camp midweek. One camper at Ashton Wildwood Park noted, "The campground has some very nice spots and wasn't busy at all." Sunday through Thursday typically has 60-70% fewer campers than Friday-Saturday.
Bathroom planning required: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Ashton Wildwood Park advised, "There is only a pit toilet in the campground and it's nice enough for midnight runs. (Bring your flashlight!) Drive up the road to the observatory and there is a bathroom with flush toilets and a hot shower."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most areas better suit tent camping than RVs. At Mariposa Recreation Area, a camper warned, "It's pretty spacious and has lots of room for tent camping. I wouldn't bring an RV here." Access roads often narrow with limited turnaround space.
Electric hookups available: Some campgrounds offer limited electric service. At Colfax Quarry Springs Park, site #13 received positive reviews: "I stayed at site #13 with my two boys. We had a blast. I would highly recommend site #13. It had plenty of space for a large tent and canopy."
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity affects some sites. A camper at Colfax noted, "The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it's minimal." Sites furthest from access roads typically experience 50% less road noise.
