Best Camping near Anita, IA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Anita. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Anita. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Anita, IA (83)

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Showing results 1-10 of 83 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Anita

Recent Reviews in Anita

264 Reviews of 83 Anita Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Littlefield Rec Area
    Nov. 11, 2024

    Littlefield Rec Area

    Great, quiet place to stay!

    Ok, so I stayed 3 nights, the second week of November. It was myself and two other campers who were there together. We had the entire campground to ourselves. Water was on and the bathrooms were open and clean! I happened upon a site with full hookups and it was $20.00 a night. I’m guessing in the regular season these would either be taken or they might charge more. Anyway, great relaxing stay! ****No cellular service available ***. I was able to get nominal service with an external antenna and booster…

  • Gudrun C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Adair City Park

    Convenient Spot

    No frills spot for an easy stop off I-80. Only 2 other campers the night we stayed. Great Mexican restaurant 2 blocks away.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Lenon Mill Park

    Pretty basic, great for an overnight

    I stayed here one night while I was traveling. It was a Saturday so the campground was kind of busy. People shouting and loud music. Lots of trucks with noisy exhausts coming and going all day. I'm sure it's more quiet during the week.

    Some of the sites are well shaded, and you can access the water. It looked like people had been finding clams (they left the shells all over the picnic table). People were fishing here.

    The power pedestals are far back from the parking pad for some reason. If you back all the way into your spot or if you have a long cord you should be fine. There was only a 50A outlet so I needed to use an adapter for my 30A camper.

    There is one water spigot, and no dump station.

    There are bathrooms, but no showers.

    I had great T-mobile signal here (5G, 160 down and 20 up). And a somewhat decent 4G Verizon signal (70 down, 12 up).

    The Guthrie County Historical Village& Museum is a 5 minute walk away. It's not open evenings or weekends but there is interesting stuff to walk around and see even when closed. The railroad cars are very cool.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds

    Cheap and easy to get to from the highway

    This is a no-frills stop off on a road trip kind of place. The bathrooms were pretty gross and there are lights on all night so hopefully you have a blackout tent or good shades on your RV. It's nothing to write home about but it was quiet and I slept well. I would stay again

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Sportsman Park

    JJSploit

    This piece of writing is certain to attract the interest of readers from a wide variety of backgrounds due to the abundance of insightful content and topics that are pertinent to the topic at hand. JJSploit Official

  • Deb M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Winterset City Park

    Great city park on a cute town

    Nice city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see. The sites are pretty well spaced with lots of grass and some trees in between. It was a good value for full hookup sites. The bathroom was decent, and phone service was adequate. We just spent one night here on our way home from Colorado, but will be returning in the fall to explore more and see some colors.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Valley State Park Campground
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Green Valley State Park Campground

    Timing is everything!

    Pretty grounds with woodland coverage on all sides in addition to the lake. We visited in August and realized it was prime family vacation time before school starts up again, so a little crowded and noisy. Spots are pretty close together too. But the grounds are quite lovely and the facilities were super clean. We plan to go back when Autumn arrives, mid week. Bonus easy shore fishing access.

  • Alika T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Adair City Park

    Awesome little campsites!

    $15 full power / $6 tents / $5 dump only. They have 110 power as well as regular hookups. Playground, tennis / pickleball courts, little zip line, and covered picnic area.

  • Thomas P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Campground
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Beaver Lake Campground

    Simple for overnight

    This campground is on the side of a lake. You hear beavers at night, see rabbits are on the sides of the lot. We came late around 8pm and the owner helped us fill the form and pick our spot. The only drawback are the restrooms which were ok but smelly.

  • Madison H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park

    10 out of 10

    This was the perfect place for us — just passing through on our way out to Wyoming. This camp ground is awesome all around — especially for tent campers. Absolutely beautiful views of the lake and so many open camp sites even on the 4th of July. I wish we could have spent more time here.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park

    Perfect getaway

    Perfect place to get away for the weekend. Grounds are clean bathrooms are clean. Shout out to Dave the park ranger for being very generous. We drove from Davenport to stay here for Father’s Day weekend and we will definitely be back. You also can tent camp right next to the water as well. Love it!

  • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    May. 23, 2024

    Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    Nice modern KOA

    Large modern KOA with sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs and also tent campers. Gravel sites require some leveling. Not much privacy between sites nor shade. Bathhouses were clean and private. Laundry available. Off leash dog area available. Convenient to John Wayne’s birthplace and covered bridges of Madison County. Bulk propane tanks were on site for winter campers. Camper cabins available. Small store with Hunt Brothers pizza to order. Gathering room on site and pedal car racetrack. Verizon cell signal was good. Garbage dumpster and dump station on site.

  • Brian M.
    Camper-submitted photo from CAB Campground
    May. 21, 2024

    CAB Campground

    I gave 5 stars. There are no frills here!

    There are no frills here just quiet and the essentials, elec, water and sewer for $25/night. Great communication. If you're traveling near it's an inexpensive place to get some rest.

  • Danni A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Icaria Co Park
    Apr. 9, 2024

    Lake Icaria Co Park

    Beautiful Views

    This campground has beautiful views of the lake. The sites are very close together. Everything was very clean when we were there.

  • Cire C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds
    Mar. 2, 2024

    Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds

    Overnight or Long Term

    We have been coming to this campground every year. They have recently open during the winter which is great because not many campground are open during this time. Steve is such a great guy who is always looking out for you.

  • RN P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Swan Lake State Park Campground
    Oct. 21, 2023

    Swan Lake State Park Campground

    Perfect

    Tented camped in late October, the weekend before closing.  I was only tent camper in the electric only sites.  If there was a tent only location, I didn't see it.  Those in campers that need water and electricity are regulated to gravel 'parking lot' sites.

    Beautiful park with playgrounds, swim beach, fisbee golf, paved trail, many fishing bars, and more.  

    Electric only sites are small and spaced out well.  Most have level drive perfect for sm camper or suv camping. Grass has slope, but I think you can find a good enough place for tent, I did.  Bathroom clean enough, I didn't use showers. I enjoyed the privacy of lake-front site J.

  • Ryan S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Botna Bend County Park
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Botna Bend County Park

    Another great Iowa county park

    Iowa has many great county parks, and this one is no exception. There are three campgrounds in the park. The South campground, Middle campground, and North campground.

    The South campground is closed for renovations. I read they are adding full hookups to this campground. The Verizon signal at this campground is usable for calls& text, but internet speeds are slow. Streaming will probably work but a video call will probably not. 

    The middle campground has nice level spots, and a nice shower house with warm water. There are 4 individual bathrooms, each with a shower. This campground had about the same Verizon signal as the South campground- good enough for calls and texting.

    The North campground has grass sites with more space between them than at the other two campgrounds. This North campground does not have a shower house, but it has a two room bathroom with running water. The Verizon signal at this campground is a strong 5G signal with great speeds. I also tested T-mobile and AT&T at this campground, and they were plenty usable but no where near as fast as Verizon.

    There is a meat shop and a sports bar restaurant within walking distance from the park. The walk within the park is a long walk. From the North campground to the registration box at the entrance is about 1 mile.

    While at the park I saw deer, raccoons, turkeys, and a 4 inch caterpillar crossing the road. There are also bison and elk in a fenced in area.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds

    Super easy I80 stop

    We made a one night stop as we traversed I80. Clean with shaded park like area. Electric, water and sewer available. Bathroom and shower were clean. But old style, so small and well worn.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Adair City Park

    Great overnight spot

    Park was clean and close to highway. Husband said bathrooms were clean enough. Didn't use the showers. Arrived around 10pm on a Tuesday and there were 3 spots left. Not all spots could accommodate big rigs. About 8 sites total with electric and water hookups. $15/night for RVs and $6 for tents. Drop box and dump station by the bathrooms. Police rolled through shortly after we arrived. Safe area now but marker says this is the site of Jesse James first train robbery in July 1873. Would definitely come back if passing through.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    One of our favorites !

    Have stayed here several times, one of our grandkids favorite KOA's. Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered.

  • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Criss Cove County Park
    Jul. 26, 2023

    Criss Cove County Park

    Hot hot hot

    Cute little campground by the pond. We arrived pretty late. Cute campground, but boy oh boy is it muggy. Between the heat and the pond near by be sure you’re prepared for damp, muggy, and buggy conditions. Otherwise cute little place. There is a bathroom- I didn’t need it but its there!

  • Ashley M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
    Jul. 26, 2023

    Sportsman Park

    Awesome

    Great camping sites! Can’t beat the price. Showers and toilets that were clean. Very peaceful. Best place we camped from Michigan to Washington!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Botna Bend County Park
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Botna Bend County Park

    Great Campsite

    Good facilities (flushing toilets, good shower, spigot for drinking water). Spacious and shady tent area. Quiet and peaceful. Friendly and helpful campground staff. Overall, a great campground

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park Campground
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Lake Anita State Park Campground

    Great Campsite and Location

    Great location, good facilities (shower, spigot with drinking water, restroom with flush toilets). Plenty of space in tent area - shade and soft grass. A bit noisy when I stayed (people playing loud music into the evening). Overall a good place to stay

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Lenon Mill Park

    Good Campsite but expensive compared to other similar sites

    I’ve maked this down to 3 stars purely on the basis of the fee - it’s a $20 flat fee whether in an RV with a hookup, or a tent with no hookup, and for that, you get a restroom and a spigot with drinking water, but no shower. Apart from that, the location is quiet and peaceful. Lots of space in the tent area, with some shade and soft grass. Close to town, with restaurants and a grocery store.

  • Frank B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Schildberg Recreation Area
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Schildberg Recreation Area

    Hidden gem

    The trees at the campsites aren't mature enough for shade, but the ponds and trails more than make up for that. Full hookups, shower house and huge dog park are also onsite making this a Cass County hidden gem. Camp host is great and and you're close to old downtown.


Drive Time


Guide to Anita

Camping near Anita, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Lake Anita State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "We loved staying there over the weekend... a big lake close by to fish."
  • Playgrounds: Families can have fun at Hitchcock County Nature Center, where one reviewer said, "Camping here also gives you access to the playground and nature trails into some beautiful countryside."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Hitchcock County Nature Center. One happy camper noted, "Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Prairie Flower Recreation Area. A visitor remarked, "The whole campsite was paved and our site (#81) had a beautiful lake view."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Des Moines West KOA Holiday. One reviewer said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage at Ledges State Park Campground. A camper warned, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds, like Hitchcock County Nature Center, operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A reviewer reminded, "Friendly reminder to bring CASH."
  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds on weekends at popular spots like Lake Anita State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "It was really busy when we did."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playground Access: Choose campgrounds with playgrounds, like Hitchcock County Nature Center, where kids can enjoy outdoor fun. One parent said, "The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer various activities. At Jester County Park, a camper mentioned, "The campgrounds are great... snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and all."
  • Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites, like Prairie Flower Recreation Area, which has "large and open with nice balance of trees for shade."

Tips from RVers

  • Level Sites: Check for level sites at campgrounds like Des Moines West KOA Holiday. A reviewer noted, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure your campground has a dump station, like Bob Shelter Recreation Area, which has "dump station and water fill in the back."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, such as Walnut Woods State Park Campground, where one camper appreciated, "Most sites feature 20/30/50 electric, a fire ring and a picnic table."

Camping near Anita, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Anita, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Anita, IA is Lake Anita State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.

  • What parks are near Anita, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Anita, IA that allow camping, notably Saylorville Lake and Lake Red Rock.