Camping options around Akron, Iowa extend through northeast Nebraska and southeast South Dakota, creating a tri-state camping region that spans the Missouri River basin. The area sits at elevations between 1,100-1,400 feet with the highest points found in the bluffs along the Missouri River. Most campsites near Akron remain open from April through October, with limited year-round options available at larger parks including Ponca State Park.
What to do
Hiking trails with river views: Ponca State Park in Nebraska offers miles of wooded hiking trails along the Missouri River. "There is a visitors center that has a little bit of the history of the area as well as education of the Missouri river... There are several hiking trails, horseback riding, archery, 2 lookout points, and even a golf course," notes a visitor to Cabins — Ponca State Park. The park maintains seasonal educational programs about the river's ecosystem.
Fishing without a license: At Lazy H Campground in Akron, campers can fish in the private lake without purchasing a fishing license. "Private lake so no fishing license required," confirms one visitor. The campground also offers swimming with unique amenities: "The beach has giant floating lily pads that the kids loved. There are showers on the beach to wash off feet after you're done swimming."
Disc golf and playgrounds: Multiple parks in the region feature disc golf courses and family recreation areas. Elk Point City Park Campground includes "playgrounds, dog park, disc golf, and historic Lewis and Clark campsite" according to one reviewer. These facilities typically remain open from sunrise to sunset with no additional fees beyond camping costs.
What campers like
Modern bathhouse facilities: Many campers note the exceptional cleanliness of shower facilities at parks like Union Grove State Park Campground in Beresford, SD. "Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice," reports one camper. Another noted the park's "private restrooms/showers" as a standout feature. Most shower facilities include both hot and cold water with residential-style fixtures.
Waterfront access: The Sioux City region provides several waterfront camping options including Scenic Park in South Sioux City. "Our campsite had a river view, picnic table, and fire ring. The campground is part of a large park and was full hookups with cable and wifi included," notes one visitor. Another adds, "The sites closer to the river tend to be quieter."
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates for basic facilities. Willow Creek Campground in Le Mars provides "62 RV spots and seven tent camping sites. The RV spots have a really nice level concrete pad. Half of them have electric and water and the other half also have a sewer hook up. Charge was $20 a night." Elk Point City Park Campground offers even lower rates at $15 per night with electrical hookups.
What you should know
Camp host availability varies: Some parks have attentive hosts while others have limited staffing. At Stone State Park Campground, "There was no camp host and we only saw one ranger during our stay." Many campgrounds use a self-registration system outside regular office hours.
Trail signage limitations: Several parks have poorly marked trail systems. At Stone State Park, "the trails are not labeled and there is no (or very fleeting) cell service so that even after looking at the map (located on a board in the park, not a paper one), I wandered aimlessly around the park getting lost."
Seasonal occupancy patterns: Most campgrounds fill completely on summer weekends. "Fills up on weekends," notes a reviewer about Willow Creek Campground. Many campers recommend making reservations 2-3 months in advance for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, especially for electrical sites.
Tips for camping with families
Beach swimming options: Willow Creek Campground features a designated swimming beach beside the campground. "The lake is clean and very pretty," notes one family. KOA Campground North Sioux City offers additional water recreation: "The pool and adventure area are right up your alley if traveling with kids."
Educational center activities: Ponca State Park maintains a visitor center with indoor activities. "Lovely welcome center with puzzles and games," notes one visitor. The center often schedules seasonal nature programs designed for children, particularly on summer weekends.
Playground proximity considerations: Stone State Park has play facilities, but they aren't near all camping areas: "There is a nice playground, but it is not located anywhere near the campground (it is located closer to two of the cabins). If you are camping with children, please note this."
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad availability: For leveling and stabilization, some campgrounds offer concrete pads while others have gravel or grass surfaces. At Lazy H Campground, "The pull through sites are fully concrete and level. They all have a huge table and stone fire pit. Plenty of room for a second vehicle," notes one RVer. Another calls it "probably the cleanest park I've ever been to. The concrete pads are level and large."
Site dimensions and clearances: RVers with larger rigs should check specific site dimensions. At Elk Point City Park, "Spots are small. Wouldn't recommend anything with a slide-out. No pull through." Larger rigs should target Lazy H Campground or Scenic Park, which accommodate bigger vehicles.
Water and electrical hookup locations: Hookup placement varies between campgrounds. At Elk Point City Park, "Water is centrally located. Each site has electric. Some are 50 some are 30. All have 20A/110." This arrangement requires longer water hoses at some campgrounds.
