2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Nelson Dewey State Park Campground offers premium glamping accommodations set against the backdrop of the Mississippi River bluffs. Located in Cassville, Wisconsin, about 45 miles from Arlington, this park features spacious yurts with proper beds, electricity, and heating options for year-round comfort. As one visitor noted, "The views are beautiful and the bar is nice! The campground had quite a few geese when we went so lots of honking and goose poop which don't work out if you want peace and quiet and clean shoes." Boulder Creek Campground, situated in Bagley, Wisconsin, offers luxury canvas tent accommodations with modern amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and access to electrical hookups for those seeking a more refined outdoor experience.
Recreational activities abound at these glamping destinations with hiking trails well-marked throughout the parks. Nelson Dewey State Park provides stunning overlooks of the Mississippi River that can be accessed directly from the glamping sites. A reviewer highlighted, "Beautiful spot, tents included. This is a great little park if you need a place to stop for the night." Guests can take advantage of canoe and kayak rentals at Pinicon Ridge Park for water-based adventures. The region's Driftless Area topography creates a unique setting for glamping campgrounds, with limestone bluffs and river valleys providing scenic backdrops. Most glamping accommodations require reservations, with peak season running from May through October. Winter stays are available at select locations with proper heating elements in the yurts and insulated canvas structures.
"Electric and water only. Nice playground for young kids. Limited activities."
"Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in."
"The site itself was sloped away from the road making it feel tucked into the trees. The downside was that the only flat space for the tent was very close to the fire pit."
"Had a hike on site on the bluff. Stunning views and very secluded. Carts available for hauling in your gear. Hiking trails, fire wood for sale on site. Bathrooms very nice, showers like new!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 - $110 / night
"from trout steam,river access for boats or kayaks, to the beautiful trails with educational signs along it. this park is perfect"
"Trout stream, trails, river access, showers and a playground. I recommend!"
"** Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.)"
"Nice campground with some non-electric sites on bank of Cedar River, clean shower house and flush toilets."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $20 / night
"Water and electric hookups, dump station near by. Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table."
"Iowa knows how to do County campgrounds. Firefly campground has full hookups and reservations. The other campgrounds have water and electric and are first come first serve."
from $32 - $260 / night
"As someone who bicycle tours I appreciated fire wood being on site and close to where the tent area is. The bathrooms aren’t the best but they worked."
"Lake Meyer sits atop a hill above the Lake. Beautiful trails with lots of wild life. Even an eagles nest. There are hook ups and water."
"Includes electric and water and showers and firewood. Best value I have found yet. They have a bunch o pavilions and facilities. Pool, tennis, lake."
"Free firewood, free wifi, water and electric at each campsite. Found a nice shady site for tent camping."
"Nice view at the Mississippi River $20 per night with electrical hook up. "
"We stayed right by the bathrooms. Showers have a push button so water pressure and temperature was not very great. The river was a great view and campground was big to walk around."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $26 / night
LegendWe came here for a visit and we’re going to stay but the online reservation system was difficult for us with Canadian coverage in cell phones.
We carried on to black hawk instead as they had easier first come first serve but this place was much nicer.
The sites were large and mostly private. It did seem a bit “wet”
We even saw a deer
ScoutBe advised site 14 is on such a steep hill it was honestly scary coming in an out of our camper! If an older couple were staying at this site in a camper I’m not sure if they would even be able to. Our second door entrance cannot be used due to how steep the hill is and we had to add wood to the bottom of our stairs because they didn’t touch the ground. Forgot to add you’re also under a very large black walnut tree that is currently dropping walnuts that are ripe.
GuideVery nice campground with full hookups. Many sites are reservable and inexpensive.
GuideOne of my favorites. Iowa knows how to do County campgrounds. Firefly campground has full hookups and reservations. The other campgrounds have water and electric and are first come first serve. I arrived on a Friday afternoon in July and found a site easily.
GuideGrass sites, plenty of space. Some sites have great views of the lake. Nice walking trails. Wild life to watch. If you are camped under a hickory tree you will need to brush off the Hickory nuts off your slide outs. Plenty of parking for guset to visit. Peaceful. We love camping in Hickory hils.
ScoutGreat place to camp and go swimming
TravelerNice new clean great wi fi with Verizon
TravelerOff the beaten path, beautiful area but when we got there the road to the campground was closed, so we ended up parking for the night in the horse staging area instead.
Scoutfriendly host, lots of place for my tent
Yurt camping near Arlington, Iowa offers options within the Driftless Area's distinctive limestone bluffs and river valleys. This unglaciated region features elevations between 603-1,719 feet, with temperatures ranging from 10°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Campgrounds in the area provide varied accommodations from basic tent sites to fully-equipped yurts with seasonal availability dependent on weather conditions.
Trout fishing access: Bailey Ford Delaware County Park provides convenient access to stocked trout streams just 18 miles from Arlington. "Bailey's Ford has everything you need for a night or a week. It's clean and beautiful. Trout stream, trails, river access, showers and a playground," notes a visitor. The park maintains year-round access with parking near fishing areas.
Hiking educational trails: Pinicon Ridge Park offers well-marked educational hiking paths across varied terrain. "Hiking trails are well marked and all over the park and state land nearby. Lookout Tower is a must see," explains one reviewer. The trails include informational signage about local flora and fauna.
River adventures: George Wyth State Park features multiple water bodies for boating and paddling. As one camper shared, "If you're a biker there is a wonderful bike path. It will take you all through Cedar Falls and Waterloo you could bike all day long. Nice little cozy places to enjoy lunch along the bike trail." Canoe and kayak rentals are available on-site.
Storm shelters: Pinicon Ridge Park provides storm shelters near shower facilities. "Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table," notes a reviewer. This safety feature is particularly valuable during Iowa's severe weather season.
Complimentary firewood: Waukon City Park offers free firewood with campsite rental. "$15 tents. Includes electric and water and showers and firewood. Best value I have found yet," shares one camper. The park also provides water and electric hookups as part of the standard fee.
Mississippi River views: Grant River Recreation Area offers direct riverfront camping. "Right on the Mississippi River. Concrete pads and beautiful views of the Missippi," states one visitor. Most sites feature river views, though railroad noise is noted as a consideration.
Train noise considerations: Nelson Dewey State Park Campground has railroad tracks nearby that create noise disturbances. "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," reports one camper. Trains run regularly including overnight hours.
Seasonal flooding risks: Several parks in the region experience flooding during heavy rain periods. At George Wyth State Park, "because it is so close to river anytime it rains heavily there is flooding in several areas of the park. And almost every year (usually late summer, early fall) it rains enough to flood a good portion of the park."
Yurt availability timing: For those seeking yurt camping near Arlington, Iowa's seasonal availability typically runs May through October with limited winter options. As one Nelson Dewey visitor noted, "Site C is incredibly difficult to reserve (best dates I could find were a Mon-Wed in October which I booked in APRIL)."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Arlington, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Arlington, IA is Delaware County Coffins Grove Park with a 4.0-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Arlington, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 glamping camping locations near Arlington, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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