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Best Tent Camping near Bloomfield, IA

99 Reviews

Tent campsites surrounding Bloomfield, Iowa include several primitive options with minimal amenities. Eldon Wildlife Management Area offers secluded tent camping with drive-in and walk-in access approximately 30 miles southeast of Bloomfield. Union Ridge Conservation Area, located across the Missouri border about 35 miles southwest of Bloomfield, provides primitive tent-only camping areas with basic facilities and a small lake for fishing.

Most tent campgrounds near Bloomfield maintain primitive conditions with limited or no facilities. Eldon Wildlife Management Area features dispersed sites with no designated camping pads, drinking water, or permanent restroom facilities. Fires are permitted but campers must practice Leave No Trace principles. Union Ridge Conservation Area offers pit toilets but no running water, with camping restricted to designated parking areas. Both areas allow pets but neither requires permits or reservations. During hunting seasons, tent campers should wear high-visibility clothing and be aware of increased activity.

Areas farther from Bloomfield's town center provide deeper seclusion with varying terrain suitable for different camping styles. The tent sites at Eldon Wildlife Management Area provide quiet spaces with natural surroundings and minimal road noise. The area features spots nestled against cornfields that work well for primitive tent setups. Union Ridge Conservation Area includes mature shade trees within a gravel drive loop that tent campers particularly appreciate during summer months. A camper noted that Eldon Wildlife Management Area offers "two spots perfect for camping" with one reviewer choosing "the one nestled next to the corn field" as an ideal dispersed campsite. Brinton Timbers Park, though farther east, provides free tent camping with fire rings and picnic tables but no showers or running water.

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Best Tent Sites Near Bloomfield, Iowa (12)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Bloomfield, IA

99 Reviews of 12 Bloomfield Campgrounds

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 24, 2016

    Honey Creek State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Goal Zero Light House 250 at Honey Creek State Park

    Campground Review: Honey Creek State Park is on Rathbun Lake, a very popular place to boat, fish and camp in Southern Iowa. We camped in the Group Campground with out Boy Scout Troop. We pulled into camp after dark and between the headlights of our vehicles and our lanterns (My Goal Zero Light House 250) we set up camp in the dark.

    We explored the campground, there were some nice trails and nice spots to camp. The bathrooms were clean but they were a little bit of a walk from the Group Site. The weather was great and the bugs weren't bad. I would recommend Honey Creek State Park.

    Ranger Review: The Goal Zero Light House 250 is a nice lantern. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. The light settings are perfect. You can use half of the lantern or the full lamp power. You can adjust the lighting power by turning the knob on the front. It can be charged with a wall charger, a solar panel, or the green hand crank on top of the lantern.

    We used it when setting our tent up in the dark and it did a good job. At 250 lumens it is just the right amount of light to let you see what you need with out blinding you in the dark. We did not start a campfire that night, instead we placed the Goal Zero Light House 250 on the ground and we surrounded the lantern with our camp chairs as if it was a camp fire. We were up for three hours talking and never did the lantern light weaken.

    I like this light. It is too heavy and bulky for backpacking but it is great for car camping. There is a smaller model but I don't know if it will work for backpacking.

  • M
    Jun. 27, 2019

    Honey Creek Resort

    Not your typical RV site

    Honey Creek resort run by the state of Iowa (not to be confused with Honey Creek State Park nearby) is not your typical camping spot. There is a resort hotel with an indoor waterpark, cabins for rent, and an RV Park. The hotel and the RV park are right on the lake. Rathbun is maybe the nicest lake in Iowa (I would say Okoboji, however that has become an overcrowded mess). 

    The RV sites: There are not many of them, 20 I think. But they are all paved, level, full hook ups, spacious, with a view of the lake. I don't even think we exchanged harsh words setting up it was so easy. ;)  There are even a couple sites on the side that have equipment for fall hunters. Trees around the RV area, but not in. Fire ring and picnic table. The boat ramp is at one end of the RV area, so people may drive through with boats. Playground a short walk away on a path, but not right in the RV area. 

    Indoor waterpark: Probably geared to the 4-10 crowd. Only one bigger slide, lazy river, hot tub, pool with some balance platforms and a rope and a basketball hoop. Then a small kiddie pool with a pirate ship structure with some small slides and some fountains. Not a ton to do, however when we were there it rained for an entire day so that was very handy. Snackbar that serves booze. 

    Lake: one of the biggest in the state, not too busy as it is 2 hours from Des Moines so not a lot of day traffic (unlike Saylorville and Red Rock). Boat rentals available. 

    Resort hotel: I haven't been in the guest rooms. There is a lobby, restaurant/bar. I have not eaten at the restaurant. There is a little shop with necessities and firewood. There is a nature program where you can check out backpacks for kids to explore nature. Grounds are nice and lush, paths for walking and biking. There's a golf course.

  • Amanda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2024

    Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

    Peaceful Paradise

    Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.

  • Dave N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2020

    Lake Keomah State Park Campground

    Nice state park

    The campground at this state park is very well maintained. Multiple electric site are available to reserve, along with a handful that are first come-first serve. They also have a bunch of tent sites as well. Pit toilets and a modern showrhouse. Drinking water is available throughout the campground. Most sites are level with at least partial shade. Picnic tables and fire rings at each site. The campground is clean and quiet. Gets busy on the summer weekends, but very quiet during the week. There is a beach to swim, and great fishing in the lake.

  • Greg K.
    May. 5, 2024

    Bentonsport

    17$ Bentonsport campground

    Beautiful river views. Amazing camp hosts. Showers,toilets,30/50/110 power water on sites to share water and dump on property. Mid 1800's town right there and businesses open. There is a blacksmith, a Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon.

  • j
    Jun. 14, 2018

    Union Ridge Conservation Area

    Union Ridge Conservation Area

    As a Conservation Area, it has very limited amenities. Only primitive camping is allowed on or immediately adjacent to the parking areas. Having said that, the CA is large consisting of over 8,000 acres. There are hiking trails throughout the CA that connect to the parking areas of which there a quite a number. In addition, two of the parking areas are noteworthy and clearly marked on the materials on the Missouri Department of Conservation web side regarding this CA. One has bathroom facilities and large grassy areas suitable for tent camping along with fire pits. The other has a boat ramp for access to a small lovely lake in addition to bathroom facilities. I'm giving this 3 starts primarily because the camping is limited and the location is somewhat remote. If you're ok with the primitive camping and don't mind the drive to get there, it would be nice.

  • Joyce M.
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Waubonsie Trail Park

    Very pretty scenery

    I was only able to stay one night but i loved it. We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day. I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup. Outhouse type toilets are available there. I only drove past the RV campground and the campsites were close together. The equestrian area is the way to go in my opinion but i love the quiet. Picnic tables and fire rings are at each campsite.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2024

    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.

  • Karen J.
    May. 5, 2019

    Union Ridge Conservation Area

    Union Ridge

    The rules are clear for Union Ridge... you can camp anywhere but backpack camping is prohibited during hunting season... that is a no brainer! Lol. There is a pretty little lake to fish... there are very primitive restrooms, (with only a toilet) so there are a few bathroom amenities.

    It is quiet, beautiful, and one of our favorite primitive places to visit! Highly recommend if you truly want to "get away from it all."

Guide to Bloomfield

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Bloomfield offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Union Ridge Conservation Area, campers can enjoy the freedom of primitive camping with access to fire pits and pit toilets.
  • Seymour Lake Co Park provides drinking water and basic toilet facilities, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.
  • For those seeking a more rustic experience, Quercus Wilderness Area offers a natural setting without modern amenities, perfect for a true back-to-nature vibe.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the serene lake at Union Ridge Conservation Area, ideal for a relaxing day on the water.
  • Hiking trails abound at Union Ridge Conservation Area, providing ample opportunities to explore the expansive 8,000 acres of natural beauty.
  • For a quiet retreat, Cedar Creek Access offers a peaceful environment perfect for unwinding and enjoying the great outdoors.

Enjoy the natural beauty of local parks

  • Rathbun Marina is a great spot for tent camping, surrounded by picturesque views and a tranquil atmosphere.
  • Yenruogis County Park provides a secluded setting for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Experience the charm of Brinton Timber, where you can immerse yourself in the lush greenery and enjoy a peaceful camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bloomfield, IA is Eldon Wildlife Management Area with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Bloomfield, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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