Badger, Iowa camping areas sit at approximately 1,100 feet above sea level in the Des Moines Lobe landform region, characterized by gently rolling terrain shaped by glacial activity. The region experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers reaching 80-90°F and winters typically dropping below freezing. Camping facilities remain open from April through October with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Hiking trails: Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground features scenic trails with varying difficulty levels. "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."
Fishing options: Multiple water access points for anglers across several parks. At Brushy Creek State Recreation Area North Equestrian Campground, one camper noted: "I was surprised to see a school of muskie while fishing, but it appeared that they were spawning at the time. If you go camping in May, make sure to bring a slightly heavier fishing pole to handle the musky."
Water recreation: Lakes and rivers provide swimming, boating and paddling opportunities. "Boone River, Briggs Woods Lake good for paddling with rentals available, fishing, beach, shower house, cabins," reports a camper about Briggs Woods Park.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Joe Sheldon County Park receives praise for its generous sites. "Beautiful pull through campsites some full hook ups others with electronic and water," notes one reviewer who stayed multiple nights at the park.
Low crowd density: During weekdays and shoulder seasons, campgrounds offer peace and privacy. One camper at Briggs Woods Park shared: "We stayed Sun-Wed in May. Closest other campers were about a football field away. Very quiet park, we stayed in the back."
Digital disconnection: Limited connectivity at some parks creates opportunity for unplugged experience. "Cell service is null, and no wifi," mentions a camper at Briggs Woods Park, while another notes about Kennedy County Park: "No cell service provider functions in this park. The WIFI is shared between dozens of sites, speed averages right around 5mps."
What you should know
Seasonal insect activity: Summer brings mosquitoes and flies, particularly in wooded areas. At Dolliver Memorial State Park, a camper advised: "Other than the bugs, which it is that time of the year, I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service."
Variable site dimensions: Campground layouts differ significantly between parks and camping loops. At Brushy Creek State Recreation Area South Equestrian Campground, a visitor noted: "This was a super cool state park, great amenities, level and spacious RV spots."
Weather preparedness: Spring conditions can be unpredictable with temperature swings. "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," shared a camper at Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks offer play areas for children. At Kennedy County Park, a visitor highlighted "Multiple kids parks, beach area, fishing areas with boat ramps, trails, kids butterfly garden."
Beach activities: Brushy Creek State Recreation Area Beach Campground provides swimming opportunities during summer months. A camper noted it's a "Great place to camp if you like fishing, horseback riding or a nice place to get away."
Group site options: Some campgrounds feature circular arrangements ideal for family gatherings. A visitor to Briggs Woods Park explained: "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electric access varies by park and campground loop. At Coopers Cove Co Park, a visitor pointed out: "Small cute little campground. Only 12 electrical spots. No full hookup spots."
Off-season rates: Shoulder season camping offers lower prices with fewer neighbors. "Open for off season camping. 14$/night for full hookups with pull thru RV sites," noted a visitor to Brushy Creek State Recreation Area North Equestrian Campground.
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at some parks. A camper at Briggs Woods Park shared: "Our space was out of level but manageable, and the bath house and outhouse were on the rustic side. Decent enough place when passing through, and a great price!"
Guide
