Camping opportunities near Bondurant, Iowa range across several county conservation areas within a 30-mile radius. The region features rolling hills and prairie landscapes with elevations generally between 800-950 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with average temperatures in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
Astronomy viewing: The observatory at Ashton Wildwood Park opens on Saturday evenings (except first Saturdays) for public viewing. "The observatory that's open on Saturday's was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom," notes camper Willy W.
Orienteering course: Navigate through woodland trails using map and compass skills at Ashton Wildwood Park's established orienteering course. "There is also a orienteering course but you have to walk in the woods to finish it," mentions one visitor who enjoyed this challenging activity with their family.
Kayaking and fishing: Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers kayak rentals on-site and multiple launch points for water access. "This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing. There are two places to launch kayaks," reports a regular visitor. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish, with electric motors permitted but no gas engines allowed.
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: Tent campers appreciate the generous sizing of campsites in the area. "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents," notes Topaz G. about their camping experience at Ashton Wildwood Park.
Clean facilities: Mariposa Recreation Area receives praise for its recently updated amenities. "It's nice that's it's been updated and cleaned up," shares Willy W. The recreation area features bathroom facilities near both the lake and camping areas.
Affordable camping: Budget-conscious campers will find reasonable rates throughout the region. "It's only $7/night!" mentions one reviewer about Ashton Wildwood Park. Colfax Quarry Springs sites run approximately $10 per night with self-registration.
What you should know
Water availability: Most primitive campgrounds in the area have limited or no water access at campsites. At Kuehn Conservation Area, drinking water is available but not directly at campsites. Campers often need to fill containers at central locations or bring sufficient water supplies.
Toilet facilities: Expect varied bathroom options depending on location. "The bathroom at the campground doesn't have plumbing and no water available so make sure to bring plenty of water," advises Willy W. about Ashton Wildwood facilities. Meanwhile, Colfax Quarry Springs features porta-potties distributed throughout the grounds.
Reservation systems: Many campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis rather than reservations. "Love this little 1st come first camp county park!" notes Steve H. about Otter Creek Park. For popular weekends, arriving early is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with children can take advantage of dedicated play areas. "There is a small park to play at for kids," notes a reviewer about Ashton Wildwood Park. Twin Anchors Campground also features playground equipment and a small petting zoo for younger campers.
Hiking difficulty levels: "There is a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement," shares Deb K. about the trail system at Ashton Wildwood, indicating the presence of family-friendly trail options with minimal elevation changes.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The butterfly garden at Mariposa Recreation Area offers educational opportunities for children to learn about local pollinators. Multiple parks feature designated wildlife viewing areas, including bird watching stations along creek trails.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup limitations: Most primitive campgrounds near Bondurant offer limited or no RV hookups. "I wouldn't bring an RV here," cautions one camper about Mariposa Recreation Area. For those requiring electrical connections, Whispering Oaks RV Park offers sites with both water and electric hookups.
Tent-focused campgrounds: Several reviewers note that many local campgrounds prioritize tent camping over RV accommodations. "The campground was nice, but it seems more for RVs," notes Abby F. about Twin Anchors, suggesting that while RVs are permitted, the experience may be less natural than at tent-specific sites.
Access constraints: Many of the best tent camping locations near Bondurant, Iowa have narrow access roads or limited turn-around space. Site #13 at Colfax Quarry Springs receives specific recommendation from Jerry V.: "It had plenty of space for a large tent and canopy. It had a nice access spot for fishing."
