Top Tent Camping near Anamosa, IA
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Best Tent Sites Near Anamosa, IA (25)
1. Lake Macbride Campground
25 Reviews•86 Photos•83 SavesFrom the website: UPDATE 10/5/2020: The north and south campgrounds, and day-use lodge will remain closed the remainder of the recreation season due to the August 10 severe weather event. Visitors are discouraged from using trails at this time due to hazard trees, with exception of the North Shore Trail and Beach to Dam Trail. The remainder of the park is now open. This recreation area is part of Coralville Lake
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$9 - $19 / night
2. Wakpicada Natural Area
1 Review•11 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
3. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
1 Review•26 Photos•13 SavesAre you looking for the opportunity to be free and connect with nature naturally? A place to reconnect with your soul or reconnect with your significant other(s). Do you need to escape life for even just a little bit? A place to safely be your true self or selves. Our spaces are all about privacy and relaxing in nature peacefully. Perfect for first time clothing optional experiences. Maybe you just prefer a quiet natural low key space to relax.
Are you a regular camper who is tired of the busy big campgrounds? Need a overnight camping spot that is more nature and less people?
Looking for a place to relax in the sun naturally and just take some time for yourself or time with the special people in your life? Along with offering overnight camping sites, we offer day passes for those who just want some chill time within the day. A day pass gives you access to the property, relaxing chairs for that perfect moment in the sun and the woods to wander as you connect with nature. Perfect for a lunch break or just a step away from life for a few hours. Sneak away and take some moments to recharge yourself naturally. Day passes can be a bit tricky to book, reach out if you need help with the site.
We hope you will find that this is a place for everything listed above and so much more. A space to enjoy some downtime, quiet at peace with nature, and a place for restorative just-for-me time. Perfect for yoga in the woods or a natural spot to meditate. Not a commercial campground, just a piece of personal property that we are looking to share with others who enjoy time in nature. We enjoy our natural privacy and welcome you to experience the same. We are stewards of the property and are charged with taking care of all that Mother Nature has given us. If you need space to think, read a book, or just be you, this could be the right fit. Very private and peaceful, perfect for those looking for some alone time or time with family/friends. Forget the news, forget work, forget city life, and just take in the moments; while listening to the birds sing, (Pull out your Merlin app) to see who's singing!
Your hosts are here if you need us, but we leave you to enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace. We give you privacy to enjoy your stay fully.
We have 15 acres of woods with a natural rock bluff, so many different spaces which allow you to fully bond with nature. Trails to wander and wildlife to see. Clothing is optional through out all of the property; overnight camping and sunbathing/day pass spots are available.
Located on the Wapsipinicon River. Camp sites are very private and tucked away from life's stresses. Relax in the woods. Watch the cows and calves moo in the nearby pasture. Walk nature trails with native wildlife and flora. Great photo opportunities abound. Cast a line to catch dinner. Escape to nature is the key to this property; find yourself tucked away from city sounds and light pollution. Come out to see the sunset/sunrise, check out the stars, read a good book, lay out in your favorite hammock, find yourself, and be at peace. Great place for a nice camping fire; treat yourself to some smores. Peaceful sounds at night of the river flowing as you drift off to sleep in your tent. Perfect little spot for peaceful relaxation and just taking some time. Walk the trails in your natural skin, shoot photos of all the different plants, listen to the birds and animals scurry, enjoy the sunshine, and feel the warmth on all of your body. Put in your canoe or kayak at Olin for a 3-4 hour float to our camping area. There are lots of state parks within a short drive; visit the only Presidential library in Iowa; and tour some amazing caves in nearby parks. Enjoy the Great Jones County Fair only 30 mins away.. So much to do, and then come back to a space without crowds and just chill.
Welcoming to all, we love to meet new people and let them share in the joy of bonding with nature freely.
**Property Owner is certified in Massage, offering sessions at the property.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
$20 - $45 / night
4. Cedar River Campground
8 Reviews•17 Photos•32 SavesWe are a seasonal campground open April 15 thru October 15. We have seasonal, monthly, weekly, and overnight rates. We have planned activities as well as many amenities. River frontage, canoe/ tube rental, mini golf, pool and so much more.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$35 - $50 / night
5. Worthington Sportsman's Club - Members Only
1 Review•4 PhotosThe Worthington Sportsmen's Club Inc. is located approximately 3.5 miles south of Highway 20 on X47 (310th Ave) or 6.5 miles north of Highway 38 in Delaware County, Iowa open to members only. Membership is open to everyone and an application is available via the website: https://sites.google.com/site/worthingtonsc2/membership?authuser=0
For the camper there are six 30-amp Electric camp sites (see Fees for cost information) at the front of the club, with primitive sites located around the pond. If you prefer just spending time with family and friends in a beautiful setting we also have two picnic pavilions with playground equipment and a number of picnic tables and fire rings surrounding the pond.
Camping - membership required, no non-member guests. Electric sites are $10 per night. Non-Electric site donations are appreciated. Fees for camping can be sealed in an envelope and placed in the Yellow camping box in the camp ground. Contact Tom Dunkel (563-590-2704) with any questions.
Camping is limited to 7 days unless approved by a Director.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
6. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
5 Reviews•63 Photos•5 SavesThe Wapsi River Environmental Education Center is located along the Wapsipinicon River and consists of 225 acres of upland and bottomland forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Wapsi Center, along with Sherman Park across the river, provide a 432-acre complex offering a wide variety of uses. The larger of the two campsites at the Center, Elm Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site. The site offers flat ground for many tents, two fire pits, picnic tables, trash cans, and two sets of horseshoe pits. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site. Vincent Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site offering a fire pit, picnic tables, and trash can. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$17 - $80 / night
7. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area
1 Review•9 Photos•10 SavesThe 273-acre area is located along the South Fork of the Maquoketa River. The unique beauty of Northeast Iowa is very evident here with limestone rock outcroppings, upland timber, flood plain, wildlife, and panoramic scenery. Wildlife food plots are planted throughout the area to help wildlife survive harsh winters. Primitive camping is available by the river with restroom facilities nearby. This area is a convenient stop for canoeists traveling down the Maquoketa River.
primitive camping (walk-in or paddle-in, tent only) pit toilets
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
8. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
1 Review•13 Photos•1 SaveThis is a primitive, pack-in campsite. Located northwest of the Learning Center, it features a fire ring with sitting stones, an ADA platform for a tent, and one replica Wickiup. This pack-in site is designed for youth groups and single family use only. It attempts to recreate what life was like for the woodland peoples who lived here hundreds of years ago. Renters will need to carry in/carry out all equipment and refuse. There is a pit vault restroom nearby.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$54 / night
9. Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay
2 Reviews•6 Photos•16 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$24 - $45 / night
10. Macbride Nature Recreation Area
1 Review•3 Photos•5 SavesMacbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) is a 485-acre peninsula that has been leased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the University of Iowa since 1969. There are ten kilometers of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. MNRA is home to the Environmental Education Programs: School of the Wild, Wildlife Camps, and Iowa Raptor Project. MNRA is located 15 miles north of Iowa City at 3895 Raptor Ridge Road, near Solon, Iowa.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 25 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Anamosa
495 Reviews of 25 Anamosa Campgrounds
- j
joelle V.
Traveler
West Overlook Campground
Wonderful place to enjoy Fall Colors
We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors.
James M.
Legend
Horseshoe Pond
Nice smaller CG in City of Maquoketa, Iowa
CG offers gravel pads, tables, fire rings, electric, sump station, water, small pond with fishing, paddling, dog park. Close to stores for supplies, dining, fuel.
Brian O.Legend
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Nice campground, fun caves, older established state park
My mom remembers visiting this park in the 40's. Not a surprise since Grampa was a Geologist.
This is a small campground for such an old park, only 34 sites, walk-ins included. All sites are along one road with a turnaround at the end. There is only one building with toilets, showers and no pit toilets. These are clean and well maintained.
There is a playground near the entrance that is shared with the caves entrance area, a bit of a walk.
The caves themselves are down a long hill from the campground. There are facilities there too, and a concession stand with limited hours/ days. The caves are fun to explore, but not ADA accessible. Bring flashlights and in some areas watch your head.
The Visitor's center at the park entrance is staffed by volunteers and only open on weekends.
Once you've done the caves, there's not much else to see within the park. But visit the Hurstville interpretive center for a nice nature center and trails.- Wendy R.Traveler
Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground
Peaceful and close to a town
There are sites along the river, while others are larger tucked along the woods and not close to each other. Perfect get away. 15-20 minutes to the closest town.
Ashley F.
Guide
Nelson Dewey State Park
Great place for a short trip
I’ll begin by saying this is by far the cleanest campground I have stayed at. The facilities were well kept including the vault toilet houses. We stayed in a walk to site and the views were incredible. Our tent pad was quite rocky so I would recommend sleeping pads or you will be very uncomfortable. Our site was also extremely dusty which wasn’t a problem at all just be prepared to be a little dirty. The campground was quiet except for the occasional train that rolled through those are quite loud due to how close they are to the campground. I would definitely come back to Nelson Dewey and stay again. There was not a ton to do in the area so a short weekend stay was perfect. A highlight is that the park provided cart to use to haul all your stuff to the walk to sites. There is 1 designated parking spot per walk to site as well. The walk to sites are small and only accommodated our one (6 person) tent which was not a problem for us as we knew this ahead of time.
- RRyan S.Guide
Oelwein City Park
This is a beautiful city park campground
I enjoyed my 5 night stay at Oelwein City Park Campground. It's located on the south end of town, there is only one business within walking distance. It's a great restaurant (Oelwein Family Restaurant) and it's about a 15 minute walk.
There is one shower house, and several vault toilets throughout the park. The shower house is old and a little run down but was very clean. I had no problems using it.
The city park is adjacent to the campground and has picnic shelters, a playground, and a dog park.
There are electric and water hookups at most sites, and there is a dump station. The park was pretty full on the weekend as you would expect, but very quiet during the week.
I had great Verizon and T-mobile service here.
Jeff and Linda L.Guide
Grant River Recreation Area
Feet from the Mississippi
The park is on the beautiful might Mississippi river. It’s 2 miles from Potosi, WI with a large brewery with good food as well. Army Corps so half price with America The Beautiful senior discount card. If you like trains you will see many, close and going fast.
- James M.Legend
Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
Very nice County cabin near Wapsi River
Cabin sleeps 6, has all amenities including firewood at no cost! Education center onsite with live animals, trails, open year round, Wapsipinicon River below bluff offers paddling, fishing. Menke Observatory offers sky programs.
- James M.Legend
Bennett Park
Nice small County CG with pond
Campground is nice with a few newer amenities, including shower house and handicap campsite. Gravel pads at sites include tables, fire, pits, electric,. There’s a dump station, play area, shelters for rent, and a pond that you can actually swim and fish and paddling.
- RRyan S.Guide
Fontana County Park
New, clean, no trees
There is a brand new campground here with full hookups. There are no trees so I decided to pass and not camp here. Evidently there is an "old" campground somewhere in this park also that I did not find. The signs will direct you to the new campground.
I had good T-mobile and Verizon service here.
- Jerry H.
Scout
Swiss Valley County Park
Very nice experience
Nice trails around. Camp was clean. Cool creek and bridge. Priced appropriately at $23 a night.
- James M.Legend
Sherman Co Park
Scenic County park along Wapsipinicon River
The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.
- James M.Legend
Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
Nice modern cabin in County campground
Cabin sits at end of campground lane with covered porch, parking for 3 cars, ADA accessible. Cabin has 2 sleeping rooms, sleeping loft, and sofa. Capacity is 10, with all kitchen amenities. Has fire pit, wood available in campground, tables, and gas grill with rental. Playground nearby, park has seasonal pool, garden of course, trails, Pride Lake for fishing and paddling.
- WWayne K.Traveler
Riverview Ridge
Unique River and Trail Access Campground
Two hour float trips on the North Fork Maquoketa River are available directly from the campground. There is a mix of permanent and temporary campers. The tent sites, nearest the river, are well spaced with flush toilets. Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean.
- James M.Legend
Interstate RV Park
Overnight stop along I-80
Campground has gravel lanes, roads pads, appears to have annual residence, campground office, pool is clean, planes, farm, and fleet nearby for Supplies. Sites include tables, water, electric, though need updating.
- Evan G.Guide
F. W. Kent Park
The perfect weekend get away
My dad and I tent cramped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City.
Dj Y.TravelerGrant River Recreation Area
Sandy and Gentleman worker=AMAZING
I was hitchhiking thru, was dropped off by a ride that said he was buying a $14 tent site for me, come to find out he never did, I just was honest with sandy and the gentleman worker and offered the only 8$ I had, no sir, they said please stay for free and just enjoy. WONDERFUL PPL THAT CARE ABOUT OTHERS!! THANKS YALL
- Jim C.Traveler
Little Bear Campground
Great week of camping
This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month. But they don't allow monthly stays
- Evan G.Guide
F. W. Kent Park
The perfect Amana colonies campsite
Amazing experience with lots of amenities and space to spread out.
Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets, lots of stuff to do, including: hiking, swimming, kayaking, easy to get to amenities and grocery stores. plenty of trails and overlooks with picnic benches. Fire pits With built in grill grates.
Leslie P.Scout
Hannen County Park
Relaxing spot in Iowa
Beautiful relaxing spot. We were in a spot on a hill top.
- CColleen L.Scout
Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
Great location and amenities
I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.
- AAngelika M.Traveler
Wildcat Den State Park
Lovely hidden space
Found by hiking at the Wildcat Den State Park. Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees. Places are gras. Sorry for my english, Camp from Germany :-)
Robert P.Scout
Blue Inn Campground
Reservations
I made a reservation back in April 20 q24 June 26th 6 days before vacation I received a refund notice from them not in the full amount I paid less than a half
- James M.Legend
F. W. Kent Park
Great County park with lake
Park offers: lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails, education center. Sites offer: hard surface, table, fire rings, hosts, firewood for purchase, play areas, RR, storm shelters, views.
- Nick B.Traveler
Tailwater West Campground
Fishing excursion
Very nice and clean. It is right at the base of a dam on one side and calm backwater on the other. Also very nice place to find fossils among the back rocks. Don't plan on using Verizon. I had 1 bar could get texts but not enough to have internet.
- Charles M.
RangerMaquoketa Caves State Park
Beautiful State Park
This park is beautiful and perfect for an adventurous hike. The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous. It proved to be tons of fun for me, my son and his friends. We would definitely go back.
- Charles M.Ranger
Bellevue State Park
Campsite Was Average at Best
I took my son and one of his friends campjng to Bellvue State Park, however, we did not visit the actual park itself. The camp sites were close to one another, many had almost no privacy from the other campsites. We were at campsite 40, which had a severe incline. Also, if you prefer to hammock camp you may not be able to do so. I was able to find one tree and hook the other side up to my vehicle.
Guide to Anamosa
Camping near Anamosa, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "This park is beautiful and perfect for an adventurous hike. The caves make this a unique place to visit."
- Kayaking: Enjoy the backwaters of the Mississippi River at Wyalusing State Park Campground. A camper noted, "Awesome campground with lots of hiking trails, and access to backwaters of Mississippi."
- Fishing: Try your luck at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River. One reviewer mentioned, "The bathrooms were quite clean. Water was a little hard to get, depending on the site."
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground. One visitor said, "The trails were enchanting and abundant in life."
- Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment at Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park. A reviewer remarked, "There is no through traffic so it’s quiet. Tons of trails."
- Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Lake Macbride State Park Campground are appreciated for their cleanliness. One camper stated, "Clean bathrooms, good Starlink north clearing."
What you should know:
- Train Noise: If you camp at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River, be prepared for train noise. A camper noted, "Train tracks are right next to the sites. It would wake us up in the middle of the night."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sugar Bottom Campground, do not have markets nearby. A visitor mentioned, "There’s no place to buy firewood nearby so come prepared."
- Bugs: Expect bugs, especially near the water. A camper at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground advised, "Insect repelling incense and spray kept us comfortable."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Lake Macbride State Park Campground that offer swimming and hiking. One family shared, "The park offers: lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails."
- Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground said, "We would definitely go back."
- Pack Snacks: Keep everyone happy with snacks on hand. A visitor at F. W. Kent Park mentioned, "Very quiet and not a million sites."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Sugar Bottom Campground noted, "The sites here are closer together."
- Use Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park, offer electric hookups. One reviewer said, "The campground was large."
- Be Ready for Limited Cell Service: Some areas may have spotty service. A visitor at Pikes Peak State Park Campground shared, "Service was definitely spotty in most areas of camp."
Camping near Anamosa, Iowa, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the quirks of each campground, and you’ll have a great time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Anamosa, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Anamosa, IA is Lake Macbride Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Anamosa, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near Anamosa, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.