Camping options near Anita, Iowa center around the 171-acre lake that defines Lake Anita State Park, with several campgrounds scattered throughout Cass County and neighboring areas. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many closing between late October and early May due to Iowa's cold winters when temperatures frequently drop below freezing. The terrain features rolling hills with elevation changes that create natural drainage patterns, making some lower-lying campgrounds susceptible to springtime flooding.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Anita's water provides habitat for various fish species. "The lake is beautiful, and we also saw people boating, kayaking, and fishing," notes a visitor to Lake Anita State Park Campground.
Trail exploration: The paved recreation trail around Lake Anita spans four miles and accommodates multiple activities. A camper explains, "The best feature of this park, in my opinion, is the four-mile paved recreation trail that goes around the entire 171-acre lake. Good for walking, running, or biking."
Disc golf course: Nations Bridge Park offers a course for disc golf enthusiasts. "There are horse shoe pits and even a frisby-golf course," reports a camper who appreciated the recreational options.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. At Casey City Park, a visitor mentioned, "It also had a magnificent playground. My kids had been cooped up for two days and needed to run off some pent up energy and this was perfect."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value peace away from interstate noise. At Littlefield Rec Area, a visitor appreciated the "Quiet, zero traffic noise. Campsites spread out over 4 campgrounds."
Budget-friendly rates: Affordable camping options exist throughout the region. A CAB Campground visitor mentioned, "There are no frills here just quiet and the essentials, elec, water and sewer for $25/night. Great communication."
Lake views: Sites with water views rank highly among camper preferences. Nations Bridge Park offers "Views of the water and walking trails from the site," according to a reviewer who found the location appealing despite shower facilities being "a bit primitive."
Shade coverage: Tree canopy provides relief during hot summer months. At Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures, a camper noted, "It was really in a good perimeter of trees and lots of shade and level camp spots."
What you should know
Seasonal bathroom closures: Some parks lock facilities during off-season months. At Nations Bridge Park, a camper warned, "All the restrooms were locked for the season, and the only signage was on the doors of the facilities. No signage about the closures at the self registration."
Flooding potential: Lower campground areas may experience springtime flooding. "The lower camp zone looks like it floods easily and was pretty muddy, so we opted for a nice level spot in the upper section," shared a Nations Bridge Park visitor.
Cellular reception limitations: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Littlefield Recreation Area reported, "No cellular service available. I was able to get nominal service with an external antenna and booster."
Highway proximity concerns: Some campgrounds sit very close to interstates. Regarding Shady Brook Camping, a visitor observed, "You could literally throw a rock from the entrance and hit a passing semi."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When camping with children, select sites near playground equipment. At Casey City Park, a family noted, "We got to the end of the town and found a city park that allowed camping...It also had a magnificent playground. My kids had been cooped up for two days and needed to run off some pent up energy."
Movie nights: Lake Anita State Park hosts special summer entertainment. A camper mentioned, "On saturdays during the summer they do Disney movies and free popcorn."
Swimming awareness: Beach conditions vary seasonally. A Lake Anita visitor cautioned, "Swimming beach was under watch for Blue Algae," indicating the need to check current water quality reports.
Bug preparation: Insect activity increases during warmer months. One Casey City Park camper warned, "There were lots of bugs, in the restroom, in the site, all over. I didn't sit at the picnic table due to the bugs all over it."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV campers frequently comment on the proximity between sites. At Lake Anita State Park, a visitor observed, "Nice state park with all the amenities, but, this State Park definitely needs to be updated to accommodate the bigger and wider campers."
Full hookup availability: For RV camping near Anita, Iowa, Shelby Country Inn & RV Park provides utilities but with road noise considerations. A visitor noted, "It is right off the highway, with exit sprawl left and right. When i called the gal said $34 a night for an rv site."
Road access evaluation: RVers should assess route difficulty before arrival. Nations Bridge Park is "about 6 easy miles off the interstate, and well marked," according to one RV camper.
Supply planning: Smaller towns have limited shopping options. A visitor to Casey City Park advised, "This is a small town. There is a little diner and a few businesses, but if you camp here make sure you have not forgotten anything important at home."
