Best Tent Camping near Anita, IA

Tent camping options near Anita, Iowa include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and natural settings. Kuehn Conservation Area offers quiet tent sites along the Raccoon River with both upper and lower campground areas. Rooted Timbers provides drive-in tent sites, while Trailside Campground offers basic facilities for tent campers. Middle River Forest Area and Lyons Park round out the primitive tent camping options in the region.

Most tent sites in the Anita area feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Kuehn Conservation Area provides picnic tables, toilets, and drinking water, though sites are primarily walk-in. Rooted Timbers offers firewood, picnic tables and toilets but lacks drinking water facilities. Trailside Campground includes showers, toilets, and picnic tables, making it suitable for campers seeking slightly more developed facilities. Many sites permit pets and allow campfires, though restrictions may apply seasonally. Campers should verify current regulations before arrival, especially during dry periods when fire restrictions may be implemented.

The tent camping experience near Anita provides access to natural areas with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Kuehn Conservation Area sites sit along the Raccoon River, offering paddling opportunities and access to the Bear Creek Nature Center. The campground remains open from 30 minutes before sunrise until 10:30 pm daily. Most areas maintain a quiet atmosphere even during peak seasons. A visitor commented that Kuehn Conservation Area offers "nice quiet sites along the Raccoon River" with multiple recreational activities including "hiking, fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife" viewing, and access to the small Bear Creek nature center.

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Best Tent Sites Near Anita, Iowa (5)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Anita, IA

2 Photos of 5 Anita Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Anita, IA

279 Reviews of 5 Anita Campgrounds


  • J
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Peaceful Serenity

    I arrived just in time to see the beautiful sunset over the small lake near the primitive campground closest to the Park Office. It only cost $10 for tent camping and $3 for a vehicle pass. Campground and vault toilets were pretty clean. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each tent campsite and there are plenty to choose from near the water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe and even fish here. We had a nice encounter from the campground employee who explained how to put the stake out to claim our campsite. Right away, I saw abundant wildlife, including turkey, deer, black squirrels, woodpeckers, geese, ducks and bats. Come prepared for the mosquitoes but overall I would highly recommend this place!

  • Sarah H.
    Aug. 7, 2016

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Easy Family Camping Near Omaha

    Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • C
    Oct. 23, 2019

    Nations Bridge Park

    Great spot

    This was a great spot for our overnight stay while traveling I-80. Its about 6 easy miles off the interstate, and well marked. 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. 50 amp plug in, fire rings, picnic tables, great park for our 3 year old. Our review would be 5 stars, but 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. We probably should have checked the restrooms prior to setting up. Still, a very nice place and we would definitely visit again.

  • K
    Mar. 24, 2021

    Union County Park Thayer Lake Park

    Not a real campground.

    5 pedestals around new unfinished shelter. No water at all, no dump, no trash, no fire ring, lots of litter. Long winding single lane access road, be a big problem if 2 rigs met. Someone would have tough back up. Pond did look promising for fish cover. Main Amtrak RR line and highway on north border. Town of Thayer on otherside of highway is in a very bad way. Very small camper, tent for fishing only.

  • M
    May. 9, 2021

    Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    Gorgeous in the fall!

    We stayed during the campground's last weekend in October, and loved it. It was so gorgeous with all the fall colors, and it's really a gem of a campground.

    Pros:

    -Beautiful, huge lake with lots of pretty views

    -Primitive spots are separated from electric spots, which is great if you're looking for quiet, peaceful tent camping

    -Primitive spots are relatively private and generously sized, you don't feel like you're right on top of your neighbors

    -Decent portapotty in close distance

    -Plenty of picnic spots

    -Electric spots are right along the lake, which offers beautiful views

    -On-site firewood

    Cons:

    -Full modern bathrooms are a long walk/drive away

    -Not much for activities

    -Water hydrants are right in the middle of people's camping spots, so it feels awkward to grab water

    -The only hiking trail is EXTREMELY poorly marked and when it ends (it doesn't tell you it's ending) you either have to just turn around or walk a mile along the busy highway with very small shoulder. We mistakenly took the highway expecting the trail to continue, but it didn't and it was very scary, 0/10 don't recommend.

    -Not many walk-in spots

    -Lots of primitive spots are on a hill, so your tent is a little sideways

    -Not many dumpsters

    -No lights in the portapotty, so you'll need a headlamp at night

    EDITED TO ADD: We stayed again in May, and it was a great place to spend a weekend. Quiet, friendly but not a party crowd, and a nice, relaxing environment overall. Word on the streets (from the DNR warden) is that they’re looking into creating 2 more hiking trails too.

  • Matt S.
    Jul. 15, 2017

    Thayer Lake Rec Area

    Skip Thayer Lake and go to Three Mile SP

    This is a really small campground with a few electric boxes to park your camper on the outside of the parking lot next to the lake and one average tent site with a fire ring and picnic table.

    The lake is a good local spot for fishing but I would go to Three Mile State Park to camp with my family, it's just an extra 10 or 15 minute drive away.

  • Abby G.
    Jul. 8, 2019

    Mormon Trail County Park

    Off the Grid

    Mormon Trail is absolutely beautiful. Myself and some friends tent camped there over the weekend and we were not disappointed! It is a very small state park with only a couple tent sites/camper sites, so it is not over populated. The drive there is easy and beautiful. Big RV’s/campers might have a difficult time getting there as the road turns into a one lane, curvy gravel road. AT&T has absolutely no service there, but US cellular does. No showers/clean bathrooms, just 2 waterless restrooms. The lake has a very large, mostly shallow, swimming area, the water is absolutely perfect, along with a big sandy beach area. You can boat and fish on the lake as well. The stars are also very bright and beautiful (we are from a city with the light pollution hides them). I would highly recommend visiting this campsite if you love off the grid camping and don’t need to shower/primp everyday. What a relaxing/fun weekend we had!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Lenon Mill Park

    River View!

    We settled into one electrical site and one tent site for our adventure. The tent section offers fairly large sites, and views of the river. Our electrical site was decent size and the"backyard" was right up to the river bank. We anticipated some rain so we set up a screen tent for shelter right along the river to enjoy the view while we waited out the rain. Electricity at these sites appears to be brand new. The dirt work that was done to accomplish this had not yet been smoothed out, so making sure your area is lit to avoid tripping and ankle sprains is essential. As it turns out we camped on the same weekend of a large group's annual camp out at this location. 2nd weekend in April every year. Several families with RVs, and while they were great neighbors, we came to understand the site we were in is usually a part of their group. There are no reservations at this campground, so setting up early is the only way to assure you have the site you want. The facility has running water by mid April, no shower, but a single flushing toilet and sink, no soap. The campground does not have a trash can or dumpster on site at all, so you must pack everything out. Really good stay


Guide to Anita

Tent camping near Anita, Iowa offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. With several options available, campers can find sites that cater to their needs.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Kuehn Conservation Area provides drinking water, picnic tables, and allows fires, making it a well-reviewed choice for those looking to enjoy a comfortable camping experience.

Local attractions to explore

  • Nearby, the Middle River Forest Area offers a serene environment perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle, with access to beautiful natural landscapes.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Kuehn Conservation Area, visitors can engage in hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation, ensuring a fulfilling outdoor adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Anita, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Anita, IA is Kuehn Conservation Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Anita, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Anita, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.