Top Tent Camping near Aurora, IA
Are you planning a tent camping trip to Aurora? We've got you covered. The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Aurora with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Iowa tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Aurora, IA (20)
1. Lake Macbride Campground
25 Reviews•86 Photos•83 SavesFrom the website: UPDATE 10/5/2020: The north and south campgrounds, and day-use lodge will remain closed the remainder of the recreation season due to the August 10 severe weather event. Visitors are discouraged from using trails at this time due to hazard trees, with exception of the North Shore Trail and Beach to Dam Trail. The remainder of the park is now open. This recreation area is part of Coralville Lake
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$9 - $19 / night
2. Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
1 Review•13 Photos•5 SavesOur private four acre site is now available for winter tent camping. Services include an outhouse, electricity, fire ring and wood is provided. There are trails to hike around the pond and in the prairie. Tents can be set up anywhere, however, you can use the tipi pad(outdoor carpet over sand} without stakes. Winter camp is open from January 1 to April 30. A great meeting place for families and friends willing to experience the outdoors throughout the year. 5 miles from Williamsburg and I-80, within 30 minutes of Amana Colonies, Outlet Mall, Fireside Winery. We also offer wildlife, historical or cultural hikes to the Amana/Iowa River Valley area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Market
$25 / night
6. Tipi Camp a Walking Stick Adventures Farm
Be the first to review!•28 Photos•13 SavesCome and camp in our tipi, kayak on the pond, fish, swim, or try a dutch oven meal! We are a PRIVATE site, that includes 4 acres of restored prairie and pond area, trails, rustic restroom in the woods, camp kitchen, water and electricity. Everything is provided except food and sleeping bags. A great meeting place for families and friends. 5 miles from Williamsburg and I-80, within 30 minutes of Amana Colonies, Outlet Mall, Fireside Winery. We set up our tipi camp from June 1 to October 30.(Check out our Winter Camp for dates during January 1 to April 30.) We also offer wildlife, historical or cultural hikes to the Amana/Iowa River Valley area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Tent Cabin
$99 / night
7. River Junction
1 Review•2 Photos•6 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Aurora
270 Reviews of 20 Aurora Campgrounds
- j
joelle V.
Traveler
West Overlook Campground
Wonderful place to enjoy Fall Colors
We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors.
Mandy F.
Scout
Lake Iowa County Park
Wasn't free
It was beautiful, full of wildlife, easy to find,not too far from highway but far away enough to not hear
Leslie K.ScoutOutback Campground & Resort
Wallaby Cabin Review
This review is for the Wallaby cabin. This cabin supposedly has a bathroom with a shower, 3 beds and a kitchenette. The bathroom has a shower so small it is difficult not to rinse one's hair while applying shampoo. There is no sink in this room for brushing teeth, washing hands or face, etc. There is no mirror either, or hooks for towels or washcloths or clothes. There is also no heater. The cabin has no closet or any place to hang any clothes. There were several bugs crawling on the ceiling. The wall A/C could not help but spew dust, as it was coated with that on the filter and cover. The trash can had a clean bag, which occupants are required to leave in dumpster at checkout. When removing the bag, the stuck-on mess under it was appalling. The bed in each loft area had obviously been used and not changed, as the covers were in disarray and the bottom sheets not clean. The main bed has a zipped on plastic cover which the loose fitting fitted sheet will not stay on, causing occupants to end up sleeping on plastic. We purchased a blanket to go over it for the next night. We would not have stayed more than one night but, as we had reserved 3, it is not refundable. The tv is to the side of the immovable chairs, so that one must have head turned completely to one side to watch. The cabin has such a slant that a ball will roll by itself to the entrance side. All this for more than$350 for 3 night stay.
- Ken G.
GuideLake Iowa County Park
very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced
Not too far off the highway. Very clean and quiet. The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake. Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite. Nice little visitor area. Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.
Great place to spend one night. If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.
- Evan G.Guide
F. W. Kent Park
The perfect weekend get away
My dad and I tent cramped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City.
James P.
Legend
Roberts Creek West Campground
Roberts Creek - East
East not west as satellite view in Dyrt is old and doesn’t show East campground. I did add a screenshot of current satellite view. FHU. Easy in and around campground. A lot of space between sites. Sites are fairly level with hard pack gravel.
- Evan G.Guide
F. W. Kent Park
The perfect Amana colonies campsite
Amazing experience with lots of amenities and space to spread out.
Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets, lots of stuff to do, including: hiking, swimming, kayaking, easy to get to amenities and grocery stores. plenty of trails and overlooks with picnic benches. Fire pits With built in grill grates.
Kim F.ScoutWindmill Ridge Campground
Hidden little gem
Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.
Randall K.
RangerLake Iowa County Park
Great spot for a great price
Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?
Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.
The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.
But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.
I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.
Other than that it was a great spot.
- Nick B.Traveler
Tailwater West Campground
Fishing excursion
Very nice and clean. It is right at the base of a dam on one side and calm backwater on the other. Also very nice place to find fossils among the back rocks. Don't plan on using Verizon. I had 1 bar could get texts but not enough to have internet.
- KKeith B.Scout
brinton timbers park
Great park no showers though
I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.
- KKeith B.Scout
Keokuk County Belva Deer Park
Clean park warm showers
$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance. Stand-alone bathrooms throughout the park have the deep composting toilets that smell bad but whatever the ones up front are nice. Would recommend 10/10
Lisa M.Scout
BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
I'll never stay here again.
I will start by saying the staff was very friendly. Outside of that this was the worst place we have ever camped. Not only did it look like EVERY site was uneven this place was extremely outdated. When you look at the website it makes it sound like they have kid activities(the kid activities was kite making with dollar tree plastic kites and a"mud pit" that was a kiddie pool they added some dirt to and water.) Their kid activies are definitely for ages 7 and under. They had no activities for pre teen/teen age other than cornhole/bags on Sunday afternoon at 5pm when most people would be checking out at 2pm if they only came for the weekend. The golfcart rentals are$60 per day or$100 for two days which seems extreme but there isn't much reason to rent one unless you just want to drive around the pothole filled roads in the park. We drove all around the park and never seen a water trampoline, the pool is being built not sure how long that has been in progress, the live music they had NO live music in a huge camping weekend(memorial day weekend). The showers/bathrooms are extremely outdated gross. We have had this location saved since last year on our must camp list but wanted to make it a time the entire family could join and it was a huge let down! At over$200 for three nights(which was required for a holiday weekend) you would expect this place to be nice. Unfortunately the places we have stayed for$15-$20 a night are by far way nicer than this place. I would not recommend this location to anyone. Attached are the lovely playground photos. I cropped the kids out so one swing does look like it's missing but it is not.
Renee H.Ranger
Howell Station
Large spacious campground
Well maintained campground with mature shade trees. Gravel sites, a little bit of leveling required. Poor Verizon cell signal, no internet signal. Not much natural privacy between sites, but sites were well spaced apart. Paved trail nice for biking and walking. Fishing nearby and the Dutch themed town of Pella is a short drive and a must see. Bathrooms and showers were nice, clean. Handicap camp site and bathhouse available. Firewood for sale at front gate. The potable water available at the dump station was clear and good for drinking. Dump station is easily accessible. Dumpsters were positioned around the campground. Staff was friendly. The night we stayed, there was a severe weather threat, and the staff, at the end of the night, had unlocked the storm shelters (utility area in the middle of the bathhouses) should the need arise. We ended up having to seek shelter because of a tornado warning.
- AAmy B.Traveler
Linn County Park Morgan Creek Campground
Hidden hideaway
Stopped here for the night as a layover and had a great site. Everything you need in a campground. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Water and electricity at site, along with picnic table and fire ring. Trails close by and only about 5 min from expressway.
- BBridget A.Traveler
BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
Long term stay
The campground has a small lake, great showers/bathhouse and laundromat. Fenced dog area and plenty of shade. A little trouble with water/electricity while we were here but they were quick to fix the issues.
- Marie M.Scout
Eveland Access
Glendale Access
20 bucks a day you submit your fill out sheet at the service area and drop it off in a drop box.
- MMegan Y.Scout
Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake
Beautiful fall camping site
We really enjoyed our stay at site 4 in the woods. It was absolutely beautiful with the fall colors and leaves falling all around us. We also enjoyed the trails around our site and a pretty view of a pond a short walk away. Anna was very responsive and gave thorough directions for us. We would stay again.
- JJenna E.Scout
Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake
We had a great time at this site:) …
We had a great time at this site:) Anna was very responsive and helpful when we had questions. I would definitely recommend to others, and I would return again.
- jjulianaGuide
Tailwater East Campground
The east campground is small and quiet.
Small but lots of fishing! Hot showers, very clean bathrooms, fish cleaning stations, some concrete pads, some gravel Site #1 is right next to the boat ramp with a very bright security light, FYI. Great Veterans Memorial walk in
Pat F.Guide
Diamond Lake County Park
Great weekend
Kept getting visits from the park ranger over nonsense from being parked on the grass when others were parked on the grass as well especially calling the office first and getting the approval from the person in charge just seemed like they were running ppl off the place was very much opened for Labor Day weekend which was a shock considering past years on the same weekend it was packed , hopefully they allow more freedom in the future was not impressed trash cans were full as well hadn’t been emptied in a while
MickandKarla W.Legend
Sugar Bottom Campground
Okay COE
Check-in was quick and easy. We proceeded to back-in site 61 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP). We were one and done on what we thought might be a more difficult back-in, but there was enough level ditch in front to allow an easy swing. Our site was somewhat level, but we did have to put blocks under the passenger-side tires. We could back far enough in our site to park our F-450 in front of our rig at an angle and still put our back deck out. We got 2 bars on Verizon and could put out our Starlink. They have a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions. This large COE has a variety of sites, with the 300 loop being full hook-ups. The sites down by the boat launch have electric only and tent sites. There are shower houses throughout the CG. Compared to other COEs we’ve stayed at, the sites here are closer together. The CG wasn’t full during the week but filled up on the weekend while we were there.
Delrealist S.Traveler
Lake Macbride Campground
First camping trip
This site was super easy to do same day booking campsite. Had a bathroom with showers and multiple water wells spread out. There were rangers checking out the area every so often. And not to far from a store to buy things we forget to get.
Vladimir M.GuideSugar Bottom Campground
Awesome Campground
This Campground is awesome. Very clean, for me the star attraction here was the solo bathroom & shower both together with lockable door for extreme privacy when needed. The beach was a plus for the kids as well. Great place to relax and enjoy mother nature grounding.
- JJeff C.Scout
Newton KOA
A decent option along the freeway
Our stay here was fine. Check-in was easy and courteous. We were escorted to our site. All of the staff that we interacted with was great. It seems like this park has an original section and then expansion sections tired up a hillside. The original section is the only section with any mature shade trees. Our site, and it looked like the others in the tiered hillside section, were in full sun all day. We selected an upgraded patio site. It was spacious and the patio area was made from pavers. It was equiped the same as the other sites though, just a fire pit and a picnic table (that was in rough shape). Our experience at other KOAs is that the patio sites have some better patio furniture. The fire pit wasn't functional for cooking. The cooking grate was rusted and set about 1" off the bottom of the fire pit leaving no room for charcoal. Pool looked nice but we didn't use it. The bathrooms and showers were clean but the showers could use a place to set your dry clothes.
- Paul M.Guide
Whitebreast Camp
Beautiful Campground
Large sites and plenty of space between sites.
Jeremy B.GuideLake Macbride Campground
Not Too Shabby
Pros:
- clean bathrooms
- good Starlink north clearing (site 13)
- right next to trails
- quiet
- pretty level sites
Cons
- bugs (actually had a hornets nest in my electrical plug-in compartment)
- showers had to be continually pushed to keep rolling
Guide to Aurora
Camping near Aurora, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.
What to do:
- Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Diamond Lake County Park, provide great opportunities for fishing and boating. One visitor mentioned, "Great fishing and walking paths," highlighting the lake's appeal.
- Hiking: Trails are available at various parks, including Lake Darling State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "There are several hiking trails," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
- Playgrounds for kids: Campgrounds like F. W. Kent Park have playgrounds, which are a hit with families. One camper shared, "New playground for the kids," emphasizing the family-friendly atmosphere.
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground said, "Showers and toilets are clean," which is a big plus for many.
- Scenic views: Many campgrounds offer beautiful scenery. A reviewer at Lake Iowa County Park mentioned, "The area around the lake is not overly developed," allowing for a peaceful experience.
- Quiet atmosphere: Campers often enjoy the tranquility of these parks. One visitor at Hannen County Park stated, "Very quiet and relaxing," which is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
What you should know:
- Site spacing: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Kellogg RV Park noted, "The sites are mostly pull through with full service," but also mentioned the noise from nearby highways.
- Self-registration: Many parks, like Diamond Lake County Park, operate on a self-registration basis. A visitor shared, "Check-in is self-registration," so be prepared for that.
- Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have markets or stores nearby. A reviewer at Marr Park mentioned, "There is no market," so plan accordingly.
Tips for camping with families:
- Bring games and activities: With limited organized activities, it's a good idea to pack games. A family at BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow found that "the kid activities were definitely for ages 7 and under," so having your own entertainment can help.
- Choose sites wisely: Look for spots that are away from busy areas. A camper at Kellogg RV Park suggested, "The best sites are those located as far east and north as possible," for a quieter experience.
- Plan meals ahead: Since some campgrounds lack nearby food options, planning meals can save time and hassle. One visitor at Lake Iowa County Park mentioned, "There are wild raspberries and mulberries," which can be a fun treat for kids.
Tips from RVers:
- Check for amenities: Before booking, check what amenities are available. A reviewer at Amana RV Park & Event Center said, "Utilities all worked fine," which is essential for RV travelers.
- Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds are near highways, so be ready for some traffic sounds. A visitor at Kellogg RV Park noted, "The constant noise from I-80," which might be a concern for light sleepers.
- Bring leveling blocks: Many sites can be uneven, so having leveling blocks is a must. A camper at BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow advised, "Bring a lot of leveling blocks," to make your stay more comfortable.
Camping in Aurora, IA, and its surrounding areas offers a variety of experiences for everyone. With a little planning and the right expectations, you can enjoy a great outdoor adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Aurora, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Aurora, IA is Lake Macbride Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Aurora, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Aurora, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.