Garet W.
Guide
GuideFort Defiance State Park Campground
Primitive campsite
Needed a cheap place to stay for one night. Very pretty park, but the campground does not have camper pads. Set up for tent camping but some electric.
Camping near Algona, IA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Algona, Iowa include several established camping areas within a short drive of town. Smith Lake County Park offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities just north of Algona. Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground provides tent camping with electric hookups and water connections about 15 miles southwest of town. The region includes a mix of county and state-managed developed campgrounds, most operating seasonally from April through October. Several campgrounds feature lakeside locations with fishing access, while others are situated in more wooded settings with hiking trails.
"This is a great little spot to stay bike touring through Iowa," noted one visitor about a nearby lake campground. Most developed campgrounds in the area require camping fees ranging from $15-25 per night, with electric sites typically costing more than primitive options. The camping season generally runs from mid-April through October, with limited winter accessibility. Many campgrounds offer reservable sites, though some operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell service varies throughout the region but remains generally reliable near established campgrounds. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with occasional thunderstorms possible. Mosquitoes can be prevalent near water sources during summer months, particularly in the evenings.
Campers report high satisfaction with water access at several locations. Smith Lake County Park receives positive reviews for its lakeside setting, with one camper noting, "The tent area is nice and big for several tents, but could use a few more trees for shade." The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park in nearby West Bend offers a unique camping experience adjacent to a religious shrine, with full hookup sites available. Many campgrounds in the region feature clean facilities, reasonable rates, and proximity to small towns for supplies. County parks tend to be less crowded than state parks, especially during weekdays. Several camping areas include playground equipment, making them suitable for family camping trips. Most developed campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water.
Best Campgrounds near Algona (68)
1. Siems County Park
"I drove in and saw the beautiful lake and the campground so I talked to the camp host, told him I just needed a primitive spots I didn't need electricity or water is it all good just grab a tent site,"
"Small lake. Public restrooms and shower. Frisbee Golf. Well kept."
2. Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground
"The park itself is pretty nice with several trails and a small campground. There is an enclosed stone shelter house you can rent for gatherings."
"Park is very nice with hiking trails and a Frisbee Golf course. $18 per night."
from $12 - $20 / night
Check Availability3. Smith Lake County Park
"This campground has RV sites along the edge with all the tents on a hill by the lake. Every time we go camping here we make a new friend, get some great camping recipes."
"For $15 you get water/electric sites with access to bathrooms and showers. Dogs are allowed on leash. Pretty nice playground. The beach area has been taken over by geese though."
4. memoirs park
"We went on a weekday so we were the only ones around. We had site C14. Bathrooms were decent. Playground is kind of small and old."
"Has one in central location so luckily I had just enough hose to fill up the camper. Close to state park with trails and bison so had a great weekend!"
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability5. The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park
"Two adjacent camping areas are partially shaded and will accommodate rigs of all sizes. I counted (8) 50 amp and (16) 30 amp sites. Rest rooms, showers, fresh water and a dump station are provided."
"One is very close to a train line, which runs infrequently. Sites are grass, level, and reasonably well maintained. All sites are pull through. Only electrical hookups are available at the sites."
6. Grotto Campground
"Doesn’t feel quite like the middle of nowhere and located right next to nice trees and train tracks. Recommended for a nice, easy spot to sleep."
"Next to train tracks but only one train came by and it wasn’t loud. Definitely recommend if you’re in the area. You pay at the gift shop across the street. $20 for RV and $10 for tent."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability7. Devine Wildlife Area
8. Lotts Creek Co Park
9. Smidt Campground
10. Joe Sheldon County Park
Drive Time
- 1 hr 37 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 47 min from Ames, IA
- 2 hrs 10 min from Rochester, MN
- 2 hrs 13 min from Waterloo, IA
Recent Camping Photos near Algona, IA
9 Photos of 68 Algona Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near Algona, IA
169 Reviews of 68 Algona Campgrounds
Lumpie C.GuideClear Lake State Park Campground
Quiet park with nice facilities
Many long sites with picnic tables and power at sites. Must be reserved online. Beware of site numbers in 70s as they have very significant slope!
- EEarl M.
ScoutBlue Earth City Campground
A beautiful city-owned RV park
This place is a gem…immaculately maintained and tucked into a county fairground in rural Small-town Minnesota. Host Jim is friendly, hard-working and helpful. I’ll be back , God willin’. Earl
Heather C.
TravelerEverett Park
One night stay
Perfect for just a relaxed evening after a long day of traveling. We paid $25 for electrical hookup. We arrived about 9pm on a Friday and there were plenty of options for sites. Right on the lake so we had a great sunset. A bit on the buggy side in the evening but the morning was big free. Check in with the camp hosts and pay for your site. It was about 5 miles off of I-90w partly on a dirt road.
Kevin M.TravelerClear Lake State Park Campground
Busy and densely populated
We are here on a Friday and almost all the spaces are full. Site 1 is about as quiet as it gets tucked off to the side.
- JJennifer P.Traveler
Everett Park
Quiet and Serene
The spot was stunning, private, and well-maintained. The host was curt and cold. My husband: “What a beautiful spot!” Host: “Yeah. Keep it that way.” So much for hospitality.
- BBonita C.Scout
Elbert Park Campground
Elbert park
Had the entire campground to myself on a holiday weekend. Chose an 30$ site for the shade but the electric was for 50 amp RV with no 110 plug. Very clean and quite
- CCarol B.Guide
Pihls County Park
Great for Overnight
Nice dock to walk out on. We stayed in a tent site close to the dock. We didn't need the hookup as we're in a truck camper but there are hookups available. You can pay online or there's a mailbox by the bathrooms where you can pick up a form to fill out, pay and drop in a locked box. There are flush toilets and shower available. Near the tent sites (which aren't numbered but there is a picnic table and fire ring) there is a vault toilet. There is potable water available at each hookup site and available to others as you enter the campground. When we were there, there were some long term campers camping. They were very nice.
Nika S.TravelerRice Lake Wildlife Management Area
Peaceful Secluded Spot :)
We stayed here one night. The spot is at the end of a long gravel road. It’s like a large gravel parking lot right on the lake. It was insanely peaceful and quiet the entire time. The birds chirping was beautiful. There were a couple of other people there but they were friendly and didn’t make it any less enjoyable. We left at 7am and people were coming to put their boats in the water so it might get less peaceful later in the day but it was great for us!
Guide to Algona
Camping facilities near Algona, Iowa include several county and state parks within a 30-mile radius of town. The region sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the Des Moines Lobe landform, characterized by gently rolling terrain formed by glacial deposits. Campgrounds generally open mid-April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing.
What to do
Disc golf access: Siems County Park in Whittemore (about 10 miles west of Algona) offers a disc golf course adjacent to camping areas. "Frisbee Golf. Well kept," notes Joel S. about the recreational facilities at this affordable campsite.
Hiking opportunities: Joe Sheldon County Park features expanding trail networks through prairie and woodland. "Beautiful hiking!" confirms Jeannie D. in her review, noting the park continues to develop new recreational facilities.
Water recreation: Multiple lakes provide fishing, swimming and paddling opportunities from spring through fall. "There is a few pond to kayak and fish also there's a beach area to swim," explains Kaylyn S. about Siems Park, adding that the water access enhances the overall camping experience.
What campers like
Budget-friendly rates: Siems County Park offers some of the region's most affordable camping. "It's only 12 dollar to camp a night for electricity. They have two different areas for camping," reports Kaylyn S. Roger A. confirms the value: "primitive spots...are $6 a night and 30 amp electric with water is 15 tonight."
Spacious RV sites: The area features several campgrounds with pull-through options for larger rigs. "Beautiful pull through campsites some full hook ups others with electronic and water," explains Alan B. about Joe Sheldon County Park.
Clean facilities: Most established campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower buildings. "Very clean bathrooms!!" reports Kati T. about the facilities at Grotto Campground, where overnight guests can access showers and restrooms.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate mid-April through October, closing for winter. Smith Lake County Park runs "April 15 to October 31" according to official listings, while Joe Sheldon County Park maintains a similar schedule from "April 1 to October 31."
Reservation systems vary: While some campgrounds accept advance bookings, others operate first-come, first-served. At Lotts Creek Co Park, Joel S. notes sites are "First come, first serve. $15 per night."
Insects during summer: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water bodies. "Swampy area nearby so bring mosquito repellent," advises Joel S. about Devine Wildlife Area, emphasizing the importance of insect protection during warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds available: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "Old style playground. Shelter with more picnic tables," observes Joel S. about Lotts Creek Co Park, noting it's "Nicely set up for a multiple family campout."
Educational opportunities: The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park offers camping near a unique religious monument. Gary H. explains, "The Grotto is interesting and inspiring. Admission is free," making it ideal for families looking to combine camping with cultural experiences.
Affordable multi-day stays: Some campgrounds offer weekly discounts. At Siems Park, Roger A. discovered "if you rent for 7 days you only pay for 6," making longer family stays more economical.
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: Electrical hookups at some campgrounds may be positioned far from parking pads. "The electric hook ups are really far from the pad so bring an extension," advises Amy K. based on her experience camping in the region.
Multiple hookup options: Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground provides electric sites with some limitations. "Sites have electricity, but water spigots are shared," reports Joel S., noting important details about the utility setup that RVers should consider when planning their stay.
Dump station availability: Several campgrounds provide dump stations but lack full sewer hookups at individual sites. Gary H. notes The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park offers "Rest rooms, showers, fresh water and a dump station," allowing RVers to manage tanks during longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping available at Joe Sheldon Park in Algona?
Is camping available at Joe Sheldon Park in Algona?
Yes, camping is available at Joe Sheldon County Park near Humboldt, a short drive from Algona. The park offers drive-in access with water, toilets, and sites that can accommodate larger RVs. For a similar experience in the region, Eldred Sherwood Park provides both electric RV sites and primitive tent sites with a bathhouse nearby, plus walking paths through forest and prairie landscapes and a small fishing lake.
Where can I rent an RV in Algona for camping?
Where can I rent an RV in Algona for camping?
While Algona itself has limited RV rental options, the surrounding area offers alternatives. Many campers choose to rent from dealerships in nearby larger cities like Fort Dodge or Mason City, then camp at parks like Kennedy County Park which offers well-maintained RV sites with electrical hookups, WiFi, and reasonable $18/night rates. For those planning to rent an RV, call local dealerships in advance to check availability and consider making reservations during peak camping season (May-September).
Where can I find camper rentals in Algona?
Where can I find camper rentals in Algona?
Camper rentals near Algona are typically available through RV dealers in larger neighboring communities. After securing your rental, consider camping at McIntosh Woods State Park Campground, which offers electrical hookups, clean facilities, and proximity to Clear Lake. The park features shaded sites arranged in a circle around a shower house, with easy lake access. Another option is Briggs Woods Park near Webster City, which provides campsites, cabins, and recreational activities including canoeing and fishing.
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