Best Campgrounds near Arlington, IA

Camping near Arlington, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Backbone State Park. One visitor mentioned, “Great hiking couldn’t swim on our stay but nice beach canoe rentals small store bathrooms were very clean.”
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, check out Bloody Run County Park. A camper shared, “Came to this spot with plans to drive up to yellow river for fishing but ended up with the sweetest spot along bloody run creek. Caught plenty of German brown trout.”
• Wildlife Watching: At Fountain Springs County Park, you can spot various wildlife. One camper noted, “I usually hear (or see) turkeys and woodpeckers. Other camp visitors include whitetail deer, squirrels, raccoons, and the occasional skunk.”

What campers like:

• Beautiful Views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. One visitor at Nelson Dewey State Park said, “Campsite Ds views were unbeatable. A storm rolled in over the Mississippi as we were heading to bed; it was a magical experience.”
• Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for New Wine Park Dubuque County Park mentioned, “Bathrooms were clean, campground was clean! It was great.”
• Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. A visitor at Camp Glen Wendel shared, “Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.”

What you should know:

• Train Noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks. A camper at Bloody Run County Park mentioned, “The only weird thing is it’s along the Canadian pacific railroad so a train comes through at 10pm and 3am every night almost.”
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Fountain Springs County Park stated, “This campground is really just a series of campsites strung out along the creek and road.”
• Primitive Camping: Some sites are more rustic. A visitor at Camp Glen Wendel noted, “This Camp has wonderful stands of coniferous trees. The 2nd site in has a small pond at Camp side.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with fun activities. One parent at Lazy Acres RV Park said, “Great owners, loads of stuff for kids (putt putt, paddle boats, horseshoes, basketball, Gaga, trampoline, playground).”
• Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Backbone State Park mentioned, “The lake reminded me of a puzzle I did with my grandma as a kid.”
• Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in summer. A visitor at Lazy Acres RV Park noted, “They hadn’t cut the grass but was in the process of cutting it. This caused swarms of bugs.”

Tips from RVers:

• Space Between Sites: Many RVers appreciate spacious sites. A review for New Wine Park Dubuque County Park highlighted, “All of the sites are large and well spaced with good hammock trees, fire pits, and picnic tables.”
• Check for Hookups: Make sure to verify if your chosen campground has electric hookups. A camper at Lazy Acres RV Park mentioned, “Well run campground with full hookups available for $35/ night.”
• Quiet Nights: Many RVers enjoy the tranquility of the area. A visitor at Fountain Springs County Park shared, “This primative campground has a small stocked trout stream running through it.”

Camping in Arlington, IA, and the surrounding areas offers a great mix of activities and relaxation. Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, there’s a spot waiting for you!