Best Tent Camping near Audubon, IA

Tent camping options near Audubon, Iowa include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and settings. Kuehn Conservation Area offers primitive tent sites along the Raccoon River with both upper and lower campground areas. The area features walk-in tent sites and basic facilities. Rooted Timbers provides another tent camping option in the region, located approximately 10 miles east of Audubon.

Most tent campgrounds in the Audubon area maintain basic amenities suitable for traditional tent camping experiences. Kuehn Conservation Area provides drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables at designated sites. Fire rings are available at most locations, though campers should check current fire restrictions before arrival. Sites typically have minimal grading on natural surfaces. Several campgrounds, including Kuehn Conservation Area and Rooted Timbers, require reservations and charge fees. Trailside Campground, located north of Audubon, prohibits fires but offers shower facilities uncommon at other tent sites in the region.

The natural setting enhances the tent camping experience throughout the Audubon area. Kuehn Conservation Area provides access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and wildlife viewing. A review mentioned that the sites are "nice quiet sites along the Raccoon River" with opportunities for "hiking, fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife" observation. The conservation area includes a small nature center and remains open from 30 minutes before sunrise until 10:30 pm daily. Middle River Forest Area near Dexter offers a more secluded tent camping experience with fewer amenities but potentially fewer visitors. Tent campers should prepare for variable weather conditions typical of Iowa's seasons, with spring and fall offering more moderate temperatures than summer months.

Best Tent Sites Near Audubon, Iowa (6)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Audubon, IA

220 Reviews of 6 Audubon Campgrounds


  • J
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Peaceful Serenity

    I arrived just in time to see the beautiful sunset over the small lake near the primitive campground closest to the Park Office. It only cost $10 for tent camping and $3 for a vehicle pass. Campground and vault toilets were pretty clean. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each tent campsite and there are plenty to choose from near the water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe and even fish here. We had a nice encounter from the campground employee who explained how to put the stake out to claim our campsite. Right away, I saw abundant wildlife, including turkey, deer, black squirrels, woodpeckers, geese, ducks and bats. Come prepared for the mosquitoes but overall I would highly recommend this place!

  • Sarah H.
    Aug. 7, 2016

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Easy Family Camping Near Omaha

    Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Lenon Mill Park

    Good Campsite but expensive compared to other similar sites

    I’ve maked this down to 3 stars purely on the basis of the fee - it’s a $20 flat fee whether in an RV with a hookup, or a tent with no hookup, and for that, you get a restroom and a spigot with drinking water, but no shower. Apart from that, the location is quiet and peaceful. Lots of space in the tent area, with some shade and soft grass. Close to town, with restaurants and a grocery store.

  • C
    Oct. 23, 2019

    Nations Bridge Park

    Great spot

    This was a great spot for our overnight stay while traveling I-80. Its about 6 easy miles off the interstate, and well marked. The lower camp zone looks like it floods easily and was pretty muddy, so we opted for a nice level spot in the upper section. 50 amp plug in, fire rings, picnic tables, great park for our 3 year old. Our review would be 5 stars, but all the restrooms were locked for the season, and the only signage was on the doors of the facilities. No signage about the closures at the self registration. We probably should have checked the restrooms prior to setting up. Still, a very nice place and we would definitely visit again.

  • M
    May. 9, 2021

    Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    Gorgeous in the fall!

    We stayed during the campground's last weekend in October, and loved it. It was so gorgeous with all the fall colors, and it's really a gem of a campground.

    Pros:

    -Beautiful, huge lake with lots of pretty views

    -Primitive spots are separated from electric spots, which is great if you're looking for quiet, peaceful tent camping

    -Primitive spots are relatively private and generously sized, you don't feel like you're right on top of your neighbors

    -Decent portapotty in close distance

    -Plenty of picnic spots

    -Electric spots are right along the lake, which offers beautiful views

    -On-site firewood

    Cons:

    -Full modern bathrooms are a long walk/drive away

    -Not much for activities

    -Water hydrants are right in the middle of people's camping spots, so it feels awkward to grab water

    -The only hiking trail is EXTREMELY poorly marked and when it ends (it doesn't tell you it's ending) you either have to just turn around or walk a mile along the busy highway with very small shoulder. We mistakenly took the highway expecting the trail to continue, but it didn't and it was very scary, 0/10 don't recommend.

    -Not many walk-in spots

    -Lots of primitive spots are on a hill, so your tent is a little sideways

    -Not many dumpsters

    -No lights in the portapotty, so you'll need a headlamp at night

    EDITED TO ADD: We stayed again in May, and it was a great place to spend a weekend. Quiet, friendly but not a party crowd, and a nice, relaxing environment overall. Word on the streets (from the DNR warden) is that they’re looking into creating 2 more hiking trails too.

  • Abby G.
    Jul. 8, 2019

    Mormon Trail County Park

    Off the Grid

    Mormon Trail is absolutely beautiful. Myself and some friends tent camped there over the weekend and we were not disappointed! It is a very small state park with only a couple tent sites/camper sites, so it is not over populated. The drive there is easy and beautiful. Big RV’s/campers might have a difficult time getting there as the road turns into a one lane, curvy gravel road. AT&T has absolutely no service there, but US cellular does. No showers/clean bathrooms, just 2 waterless restrooms. The lake has a very large, mostly shallow, swimming area, the water is absolutely perfect, along with a big sandy beach area. You can boat and fish on the lake as well. The stars are also very bright and beautiful (we are from a city with the light pollution hides them). I would highly recommend visiting this campsite if you love off the grid camping and don’t need to shower/primp everyday. What a relaxing/fun weekend we had!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Lenon Mill Park

    River View!

    We settled into one electrical site and one tent site for our adventure. The tent section offers fairly large sites, and views of the river. Our electrical site was decent size and the"backyard" was right up to the river bank. We anticipated some rain so we set up a screen tent for shelter right along the river to enjoy the view while we waited out the rain. Electricity at these sites appears to be brand new. The dirt work that was done to accomplish this had not yet been smoothed out, so making sure your area is lit to avoid tripping and ankle sprains is essential. As it turns out we camped on the same weekend of a large group's annual camp out at this location. 2nd weekend in April every year. Several families with RVs, and while they were great neighbors, we came to understand the site we were in is usually a part of their group. There are no reservations at this campground, so setting up early is the only way to assure you have the site you want. The facility has running water by mid April, no shower, but a single flushing toilet and sink, no soap. The campground does not have a trash can or dumpster on site at all, so you must pack everything out. Really good stay

  • RN P.
    Oct. 21, 2023

    Swan Lake State Park Campground

    Perfect

    Tented camped in late October, the weekend before closing.  I was only tent camper in the electric only sites.  If there was a tent only location, I didn't see it.  Those in campers that need water and electricity are regulated to gravel 'parking lot' sites.

    Beautiful park with playgrounds, swim beach, fisbee golf, paved trail, many fishing bars, and more.  

    Electric only sites are small and spaced out well.  Most have level drive perfect for sm camper or suv camping. Grass has slope, but I think you can find a good enough place for tent, I did.  Bathroom clean enough, I didn't use showers. I enjoyed the privacy of lake-front site J.

  • Robert B.
    Jun. 20, 2021

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Great nature, fishing, and camping park.

    Arrowhead campground has 60 RV sites that support both 30 and 50 amp hookups. They have several well water stations to take on water and a sewer dump station. There also lots of tent camping sites. All sites come with picnic table and fire ring. There are numerous nature trails to hike ranging from easy to hard. There is also a nice sized lake for fishing, canoeing, and paddle boats. The lake has a boat ram for small fishing boats. Very well maintained, managed, and friendly atmosphere.


Guide to Audubon

Tent camping opportunities near Audubon, Iowa extend beyond the city limits into surrounding counties within a 30-mile radius. The region features a mix of county conservation areas and private campgrounds set amid the rolling hills and farmland of western Iowa. Most tent sites in this region sit at elevations between 1,100-1,300 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65°F to 85°F during peak camping months.

What to do

Hiking trails: Loess Hills Hideaway offers access to the unique geological formations of western Iowa's Loess Hills, known for their windblown silt deposits. A camper noted, "I've camped here a few times. They have cabins and R.V. spots for sure. Owner is very nice and the bathrooms if you need them are clean and well maintained" (Loess Hills Hideaway).

Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds provide river access for anglers seeking catfish, bass, and panfish. The Raccoon River runs adjacent to several camping areas, creating opportunities for shore fishing within walking distance of tent sites.

Wildlife observation: Early morning and evening hours offer prime wildlife viewing at conservation areas. Deer, wild turkey, and various bird species inhabit the wooded areas around these campgrounds, particularly in less developed sites with minimal light pollution.

What campers like

River proximity: Many tent campers appreciate the Raccoon River access at several conservation areas. At Kuehn Conservation Area, campers can choose between upper sites or lower sites directly adjacent to the water. "Nice quite sites along the Raccoon River. Has hiking, fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife, small Bear Creek nature center, open daily 1/2 hr before sunrise to 10:30 pm" (Kuehn Conservation Area).

Privacy between sites: Tent campers report good site separation at several locations near Audubon. Rooted Timbers maintains natural vegetation between campsites, providing visual barriers that enhance the wilderness feel despite being relatively close to town (Rooted Timbers).

Low light pollution: Several conservation areas maintain minimal artificial lighting, creating opportunities for stargazing. The Middle River Forest Area offers particularly dark skies on clear nights, allowing campers to view constellations and occasional meteor showers without city light interference (Middle River Forest Area).

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Several campgrounds near Audubon require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Trailside Campground often fills completely during peak season, requiring bookings 2-3 weeks in advance (Trailside Campground).

Limited cell service: Many conservation areas have spotty cell coverage. Several campsites sit in river valleys where signals weaken considerably. Download maps and camping information before arrival.

Seasonal closures: Most tent camping areas near Audubon close facilities between November and April. Water systems are winterized, and some access roads remain unplowed during winter months.

Tips for camping with families

Bathroom facilities: When tent camping with children, consider sites with reliable restroom access. Lyons Park provides drinking water and basic facilities suitable for families with younger children (Lyons Park).

Weather preparedness: Iowa weather changes rapidly during spring and fall. Pack extra layers and rain gear even during favorable forecasts. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 85°F with high humidity.

Insect protection: Mosquitoes and ticks remain active from May through September at most Audubon area campgrounds. Bring appropriate repellents and conduct regular tick checks, especially after hiking wooded trails.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookups: Most campgrounds near Audubon offer primitive tent camping without RV amenities. Loess Hills Hideaway provides thirty-amp hookups for small to medium RVs but lacks water and sewer connections at individual sites.

Accessibility challenges: Many tent camping areas feature unpaved access roads that become difficult to navigate during wet conditions. Several tent-only areas require walk-in access unsuitable for any RV camping.

Generator restrictions: Conservation areas typically prohibit generator use to maintain natural quiet. Plan accordingly with alternative power sources if camping in areas like Kuehn Conservation Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Audubon, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Audubon, IA is Kuehn Conservation Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Audubon, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Audubon, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.