Camping options near Boone, Iowa include several well-maintained campgrounds within 30 miles of the city. The area features a mix of wooded and prairie landscapes at elevations around 800-900 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons offer cooler temperatures between 45-70°F with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Ledges State Park offers challenging terrain with sandstone formations. "The hiking trails are cool. I would say it was a challenging hike. A lot of up and down terrain, stone steps, etc. The ledges along the river were beautiful and depending on the river height you can walk right along them!" notes one visitor to Ledges State Park Campground.
Fish in local waterways: Several campgrounds provide access to fishing spots. At Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground, campers enjoy "Great fishing in the river. Near a city so you don't run short on supplies."
Enjoy biking opportunities: The area features connected trail systems. "Nicely paved 25 mile long biking and walking Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right between the campground and the campground office," mentions a camper at Griffs Valley View RV Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain high cleanliness standards. At Acorn Valley, campers appreciate that "Bathrooms are immaculate and cleaned every day." Another visitor notes, "The whole place is super clean, especially the bath house."
Spacious sites: Jester County Park offers well-designed camping spots. "Our favorite spot to camp is 410 and 409. It's a secluded area within the 400s that is lined with trees on one side and a drop off into the Saylorville water circuit on the other."
Natural surroundings: The mix of woods and prairie creates appealing camping environments. At Acorn Valley, visitors enjoy "Clean campground with large lots, beautiful scenery, and very quiet."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "The voicemail said it was fully booked from May until September. Good thing we got through because they found us a site for the night," reports a visitor at Griffs Valley View RV Park.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife. "Biggest downside is the resident raccoons. Come out every night to rummage through possible food options. Secure your food and they're no problem unless you're a light sleeper."
RV site conditions: River Oaks RV Park provides well-designed RV sites near Boone, Iowa. "Sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6' hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly facilities. "We parked at a site by the playground and bathhouse, and could sit at our camper and watch our son play at a safe distance," shares a visitor at Acorn Valley.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, "Cabin was beautiful inside and out! Would stay again!"
Seek out recreational activities: Family-oriented campgrounds offer organized events. "They have a ton of fun amenities for kids such as a pool, dunk tank, gem mining, ladder golf, horseshoes, jumping pillow, water balloon wars, basketball and more."
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling: Many RV sites near Boone, Iowa require leveling equipment. "Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks," notes a camper at River Oaks RV Park.
Consider utilities placement: RV hookup locations vary between campgrounds. "I stayed at Griffs for two months in autumn while working in Altoona. The campground very very well kept with spacious concrete pads, both 30/50 amp and full water/sewage hookups."
Look for pull-through availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access sites. Bob Shelter Recreation Area provides "Great Pull Thru next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations."
