Camping spots near Badger, Iowa include several developed campgrounds within a 20-mile radius. The region sits within the Des Moines Lobe landform, characterized by prairie pothole wetlands and rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 1,050 to 1,150 feet. Most campgrounds in this area open from April through October, though winter camping is available at select locations like Briggs Woods Park.
What to do
Paddling options: Kennedy County Park offers both lake and river access for kayakers and canoe enthusiasts. "I can't say enough about Kennedy Memorial County park in Fort Dodge Iowa. Its beautiful well taken care of has a nice playground and access to a beautiful golf course! And FREE WIFI! All for $18.00 a night," notes Mary J. at Kennedy County Park.
Hiking trail networks: Brushy Creek State Recreation Area features extensive trail systems through prairie and woodland. "We LOVE the hiking trails. Some can be a pretty good workout & steep for a 61 year old, but they are do-able & have resting benches a long the way. There are some beautiful old bridges if you get on the right trails," shares Lori N. about Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Horseback riding accommodations: Specialized equestrian campgrounds provide direct trail access for horse owners. "Relaxing never bored. First time camping at south campground. Loving it so far! People are here camping with their horses but the campground is still nice and quiet," reports Andrea H. about South Equestrian Campground.
Beach and swimming: Several campgrounds offer swimming beaches during summer months. "This was a super cool state park, great amenities, level and spacious RV spots. We loved it and will go back if we're in that area again," writes Adam about South Equestrian Campground at Brushy Creek.
What campers like
Spacious sites: North Equestrian Campground at Brushy Creek offers generous camping spaces. "Great for tent camping, very spacious and grassy sites, clean, grill/fire pit was really very nice. Very clean and modern bathrooms, easy access to water. Hiking trails were well maintained. Can't wait to come again," writes Randi about North Equestrian Campground.
Modern facilities: Many campgrounds provide clean bathrooms and shower houses. "Nice clean park, if passing through Iowa it's a nice overnight. A little loud if tent camping. Area not large enough to separate hard shell campers and tent campers. Plenty of fly's and mosquitoes, plenty of shade," shares Brian W. about Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Group camping options: Briggs Woods Park features unique circular camping arrangements. "One area is good for a group of campers as the sites are in a circle. A walking bridge links the back loop to the other loop that has the bathhouse making it a shorter walk," explains Judy B. about Briggs Woods Park.
Value pricing: Campgrounds in this area offer affordable rates, typically $18-30 per night. "Open for off season camping. 14$/night for full hookups with pull thru RV sites," notes Anna C. about North Equestrian Campground.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have spotty connectivity. "Cell service is null, and no wifi. We do love the hiking over here!" says Jeannie D. about Briggs Woods Park. Similar connectivity issues exist at other locations.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate April through October. "There are sites with full hookups, H2O and Elec, or Elec only," explains Judy B. about Briggs Woods, one of the few year-round options.
Reservation systems: While many campgrounds accept reservations, availability varies. "You can reserve a spot by going online, though they do keep some as FCFS," notes John about Briggs Woods Park.
Bug preparation: Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially in early summer. "I stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent... Other than the bugs, which it is that time of the year, I enjoyed our time," explains one camper about Dolliver Memorial.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "Multiple kids parks, beach area, fishing areas with boat ramps, trails, kids butterfly garden," highlights Megan H. about Kennedy County Park.
Beach activities: Beach Campground at Brushy Creek provides swimming options during warmer months. "Great place to camp if you like fishing, horseback riding or a nice place to get away," shares Taylor A. about Beach Campground.
Cabin alternatives: For families seeking non-tent accommodations, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. "We had a nice and cold adventure camping Easter weekend this year (March 31). Wish we would have rented one of the cute little cabins that have fire places," mentions Emily about Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Off-grid entertainment: Limited connectivity means planning alternative activities. "Wifi is virtually non-existent there, but it is nice to be 'unplugged.' We have a DVD player & watch old movies if its raining," suggests Lori N. about Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Joe Sheldon County Park offers complete RV services. "Beautiful pull through campsites some full hook ups others with electronic and water," reports Alan B. about Joe Sheldon County Park.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional preparation. "Our space was out of level but manageable, and the bath house and outhouse were on the rustic side," shares John about Briggs Woods Park.
Campground navigation: Kennedy County Park can present driving challenges. "The RV park is quite cramped. The sites are somewhat modest in size and the one-way roads are narrow and unmarked. Several times during our two-night stay, drivers were forced to pull off to permit a 'wrong-way' vehicle to pass," explains Sherry N. about Kennedy County Park.
Off-season advantages: Shoulder season camping offers better availability and quieter experiences. "We stayed Sun-Wed in May. Closest other campers were about a football field away. Very quiet park, we stayed in the back," describes Cari W. about Briggs Woods Park.
