27 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites around Arlington, Iowa include several established options within a 30-mile radius, with Echo Valley State Park Campground and Yellow River State Forest offering notable primitive tent camping experiences. Echo Valley features non-electric, self-pay sites situated along a trout stream, while Yellow River State Forest provides backcountry tent camping opportunities with multiple primitive sites accessible via hiking trails. Both locations cater specifically to tent campers seeking natural settings away from developed facilities.
Most tent campgrounds in the region require campers to be self-sufficient with limited amenities available. The backcountry sites at Yellow River State Forest's Camp Glen Wendel and Camp John Schultz offer fire rings and benches but no drinking water at the sites themselves. Potable water is typically available only at headquarters or registration kiosks. Many areas feature pit toilets rather than flush facilities, and shower access is rare across primitive tent sites. The terrain varies from riverside locations to more secluded forest settings, with some sites requiring hiking between 0.5-1 mile from parking areas.
Sites at Yellow River State Forest provide deeper seclusion for tent campers, with many visitors reporting minimal encounters with other campers. The forest offers a network of hiking trails connecting various backcountry camping areas, making it suitable for overnight backpacking trips. Tent sites are often situated in dense forest with good tree coverage, providing natural shade and privacy. According to one visitor, "The park has a great feeling of isolation and wilderness that can be absent from other places." Little Turkey Campground near Waucoma offers an alternative with cleaner facilities while maintaining a quiet atmosphere. During summer months, campers should be prepared for typical Midwest insects at most sites, particularly in the densely forested areas.
"There are pit toilets at the upper sites, near the pavilion."
"The hiking trail was perfect for a morning stroll with my dog and coffee and there certainly is a petting zoo (my German Shepard was a little uncertain about the goats)"
from $5 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
Check Availability"My friend and I were eager to test out some new backpacking gear for the first time in advance of a larger trip this summer."
"Yellow River has great backpacking sites. Park near ranger station and hike in or grab a map and find a smaller parking location near the trail you want to explore. Great scenery."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"Primitive and private. Pond for recreation, fishing, and swimming. Kids be sure to try the rope swing. "
"The farm was cute and a wonderful place to get outside and be in nature. The hosts were very accommodating and professional! We will definitely be returning, 10 stars!"
from $24 - $45 / night
from $20 / night
"Hiked into this Camp that includes 5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects."
"Awesome campground, if you require electric bring a generator. Water is available but needs to be carried in. we loved the lack of cell phone reception!"
RangerVery nice campground with a few FHU sites, most are electric only. Some sites are pretty sloped making it hard to level longer rigs. Check carefully when making your reservation. Nice close hike to see the overlooks to the river, and there’s a well maintained hike down to the Bridal Veil Falls. Minus 1 star for the horrible push-button operated showers that only stay on for 6 seconds at a time. Good phone service for both t-mobile and AT&T.
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
LegendI edit my review - the gun range next door is obnoxious. Why would they have that next to a park with walking trails ?
Big enough for big rvs, big sites Showers Water Hydro Quiet $18 for unserved $30 for serviced
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.
LegendThough the CG is small, open, few interior trees for shade, it has a outhouse, fire rings, picnic tables, and dump station. Has 8 designated camp sites with sled registration. Great 1 mile access to the Middle Fork of the Little Maquoketa River ( Bankston Creek) and is stocked by the Iowa DNR with trout. Public hunting in park during seasons.
LegendWe got here on a Monday and got a great spot in the back. The sunrise was spectacular. Then the fog moved in off the river and it was pretty cool.
ScoutArrived late at night and struggled to find correct site as there were no numbers posted. Also no external lighting or picnic table. Bathrooms were clean and office help was accommodating when reservation was made.
ScoutI reserved online same day; didn’t show up until dusk/dark - @8:30pm on a Tuesday evening. My assigned pull through site was occupied and office closed. So I looked, found an open site and pulled in. Just overnight and I least @8:15am next morning so did not see any employee.
ScoutThe place is very dirty and needs updating.
Tent campsites near Arlington, Iowa typically experience four distinct seasons with humid summers and cold winters. Most primitive camping areas are situated at elevations between 900-1,100 feet in the unglaciated region known as the Driftless Area, characterized by steep ridges and valleys. Seasonal closures affect some backcountry sites, with Yellow River State Forest's primitive areas generally open April through October depending on trail conditions.
Fishing opportunities: Little Turkey Campground provides access to stocked trout streams where anglers can catch rainbow and brown trout. "Clean shower free wood staff is friendly," notes Douglas M., highlighting the added amenities that make this a comfortable base for fishing expeditions.
Star gazing: Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities away from urban light pollution. According to Alissa G., "Evenings at this farm are memorable. Dark skies with billions of stars. Enjoy a campfire, that's a must."
Explore hiking networks: The backcountry trails at Yellow River State Forest offer varying difficulty levels for day hikes or multi-day treks. Brooke M. describes it as a "great park with a few longer trails for backpacking. have used these trails/this park to prepare for longer trips. wonderful spots to camp and the creeks are very clean and pretty!"
Solitude and separation: The backcountry sites at Camp John Schultz provide significant distance between campers. James M. describes the experience as "Nice back country state forest site. Hiked into this Camp that includes 5 primitive sites: fire rings and benches. Lush dense forest with intermediate hiking including typical summer insects."
Natural water features: Many campers appreciate the streams running through camping areas. A reviewer at Camp Glen Wendel notes, "The 2nd site in has a small pond at Camp side," providing both scenic value and practical water access for filtering.
Wildlife encounters: Tent campers regularly report wildlife sightings near their sites. At Echo Valley State Park Campground, Wilber S. mentions an unexpected encounter: "The hiking trail was perfect for a morning stroll with my dog and coffee and there certainly is a petting zoo (my German Shepard was a little uncertain about the goats)."
Limited facilities: Most primitive tent sites have minimal amenities. David H. mentions about Camp Glen Wendel: "No showers or dump station. But it was great," indicating campers should arrive prepared for self-sufficient camping.
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have challenging access points. Kerry M. notes about Echo Valley: "Ford a shallow stream (on a paved slab, easy for any car) and the campsites are up the hill," information valuable for planning arrival, especially during wet conditions.
Water availability: Potable water locations vary by campground. At Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry, James M. points out, "Potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk," requiring campers to fill containers before heading to backcountry sites.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is inconsistent across camping areas. Kimberly W. notes at Camp John Schultz: "we loved the lack of cell phone reception!" though another reviewer mentions reception is available at the nearby fire tower.
Kid-friendly water activities: Gardner Family Farm offers safe swimming options for children. Alissa G. suggests, "Pond for recreation, fishing, and swimming. Kids be sure to try the rope swing."
Short hiking distances: For families with younger children, consider the more accessible sites. Kevin C. notes that at Camp Glen Wendel, "There are some thin trails down steeper hillsides, so make sure to take it slower if the ground is muddy."
Beginner backpacking: Yellow River State Forest provides an excellent introduction to overnight hiking for families. Shyla G. recounts, "Been coming to yellow river for years but have always wanted to go backpacking. Finally, convinced one of my friends to come with," showing how the area serves as an entry point to backpacking.
Limited RV options: Most tent campsites near Arlington restrict larger vehicles. Brody at Gateway Park Campground explains, "3 drive through sites and 4 back in spots with a few nice trees. Water electric and sewer connections at each site with a separate dump station."
Level considerations: Gateway Park offers some of the few level surfaces for RVs in the region. According to Brody, "The driveways are gravel and pretty level," making this one of the more accessible options for small to medium RVs within the area.
Resource planning: RVers should note limited dump stations and hookups. Kerry M. observes that Echo Valley "is most suitable for tent, truck, or teardrop camping… large RVs would not do well," emphasizing the need for self-contained systems in this region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Arlington, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Arlington, IA is Echo Valley State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Arlington, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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