Best Campgrounds near Atlantic, IA

Camping near Atlantic, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

• Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds, like Hitchcock County Nature Center, have great trails. One camper mentioned, "Camping here also gives you access to the playground and nature trails into some beautiful countryside."
• Fishing: The Lake Anita State Park Campground is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. A visitor shared, "My 35-foot rig made it to the back-in spot easily," highlighting the accessibility for larger setups.
• Exploring Covered Bridges: The area is known for its historic covered bridges. A camper at Winterset City Park noted, "Nice city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see."

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review for Arrowhead Park Campground stated, "The grounds offer plenty of mowed trails to walk about which we enjoyed a lot with our dogs over the weekend."
• Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."
• Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Timberline Campground mentioned, "Timberline is among my favorite campgrounds, always has great people, nice shade trees, fun pool, and quality facilities."

What you should know

• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Pammel County Park noted, "If you don't reserve a site at the beginning of the year, you are out of luck."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area, may not have showers or trash services. A visitor mentioned, "There was a dumpster that I used, didn't pack out my trash."
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A camper at Lake of Three Fires State Park shared, "There are lots of deer in the area at all hours of the day."

Tips for camping with families

• Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. One review for Hitchcock County Nature Center mentioned, "The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."
• Family-Friendly Facilities: Choose campgrounds with clean bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Anita State Park Campground said, "Nice campground, clean, beautiful lake with bike path/walking trail around the entire lake."
• Outdoor Activities: Engage in outdoor fun like fishing or hiking. A camper at Prairie Rose State Park noted, "We stayed during the campground's last weekend in October, and loved it."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A review for Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
• Bring Cash: Some campgrounds may require cash for payment. A camper at Arrowhead Park Campground reminded, "Friendly reminder to bring CASH."
• Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure you know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area shared, "Dump station by the entrance."

Camping near Atlantic, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With clean facilities, friendly hosts, and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.