Camping near Audubon, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
- Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Lake Anita State Park Campground. A camper shared, "We loved staying there over the weekend. A big lake close by to fish which I'm guessing is the only thing to do here other than walk the trail."
- Biking: Check out the nearby trails, especially the High Trestle Trail, which is great for biking. One reviewer noted, "Great place to stay. Just a few minutes drive to High Trestle Bridge and right off the river."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hitchcock County Nature Center said, "Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell."
- Friendly Hosts: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. One reviewer at Timberline Campground mentioned, "Marta and crew were so friendly and helpful!"
- Spacious Sites: Campers love the roomy sites at Jester County Park. A camper remarked, "Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV."
What you should know:
- Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A visitor at Ledges State Park Campground noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
- First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center reminded others, "Friendly reminder to bring CASH."
- Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Lake Anita State Park Campground is open from April 1 to December 31.
Tips for camping with families:
- Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. One camper at Jester County Park mentioned, "The campground has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course, and nature center."
- Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "Gathering room on site and pedal car racetrack."
- Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good night’s sleep. A camper at Winterset City Park appreciated the "wonderful setting and quiet place to stay."
Tips from RVers:
- Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A reviewer at Timberline Campground noted, "The pull-throughs near the front are level, gravel pads with grass all around."
- Full Hookups: Opt for campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. A camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Large modern KOA with sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs."
- Dump Stations: Make sure the campground has a dump station. A visitor at Hitchcock County Nature Center appreciated the "super clean bathrooms and hot showers."
Camping near Audubon, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!
