Best Tent Camping near Boone, IA

Tent campgrounds in the Boone, Iowa region range from forested sites to riverside setups across several county parks and conservation areas. Ashton Wildwood Park offers spacious tent sites tucked into wooded areas, while Colfax Quarry Springs Park provides waterfront tent camping with fishing access. Kuehn Conservation Area features primitive tent sites along the Raccoon River with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Most tent sites in the area include basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary by location. Ashton Wildwood Park has pit toilets at the campground with flush toilets and showers available at the nearby observatory building. Colfax Quarry Springs Park provides porta-potties, trash bins, and firewood for sale, but campers should bring their own drinking water as hookups are limited. Several campgrounds maintain gates that close at sunset for non-campers, with quiet hours typically beginning around 10:30 pm.

The tent camping experience near Boone offers good value with sites at Ashton Wildwood Park costing only $7 per night. Campsites are generally spacious enough to accommodate multiple tents with adequate privacy. The camping areas provide access to nature activities including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation. Tent-only areas like those at Colfax Quarry Springs Park offer a more rustic experience without RV traffic. One camper noted, "The campground was nice and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good. Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites." Highway noise can be heard at some locations, but many primitive tent setups remain relatively secluded.

Best Tent Sites Near Boone, Iowa (13)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Boone, IA

5 Photos of 13 Boone Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Boone, IA

409 Reviews of 13 Boone Campgrounds


  • L
    Nov. 5, 2021

    Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    Beautiful and tranquil

    Dolliver State Park was our maiden voyage in our travel trailer and it was obvious we were pitiful newbies! The park's beauty and tranquility did get disturbed a couple times when our dogs got loose (newbs!). The park staff were friendly and very helpful as were our fellow campers. The sites are mostly level with picnic tables and fire rings. Sites range from shady to sunny and the reservation website depicts the sites with a small photo and details about the amount of slope and shade. Cell service was good but no WiFi without a hotspot for us. We had fun, learned a lot and plan to camp here again!

  • Sara S.
    Jul. 25, 2016

    Ledges State Park Campground

    great walk-in site

    We went to this state park with family and had a great time. We chose to do a walk-in tent site because my brother in law recommended it. The site was great! It had tons of trees, dirt area to set up tent, and nice grass surrounding it. The fireplace and picnic table we unexpected with a walk-in site, but a good surprise :) We camped mid-October and were pleased to see the modern bathrooms still open too! Loved the canyon drive and it’s fabulous views :) We heard about an awesome bicycling trail that connects this park with another and are already planning a trip to go back and do a bike trip! Excellent experience.

  • Willy W.
    Oct. 22, 2019

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Great Place

    This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing.

    There is a half mile portage with a campsite on the river which you must call to reserve. The other campsites are $10.00 registration. They have porta potties around. Two places to launch kayaks. Most campsites have fire rings, picnic tables and trash bins. Some have grills. They also have firewood for sale or you can find enough wood around still. I didn’t see any water hookups so bring a filter or water. There is a Kum & Go up the road to get missing supplies.

    The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it’s minimal. The quiet hours are at 10:30pm and they have a gate which is closed at sunset when the park closes for non campers.

    Lots of hiking trails and wildlife. The fishing is the best place for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish. No swimming is allowed and only electric motors, no gas.

    Check out their Facebook page for more updates and if you see me out there say hi!

  • Wendy P.
    Jul. 19, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Beautiful hikes. Prepare for coons.

    One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.

    Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Lenon Mill Park

    Good Campsite but expensive compared to other similar sites

    I’ve maked this down to 3 stars purely on the basis of the fee - it’s a $20 flat fee whether in an RV with a hookup, or a tent with no hookup, and for that, you get a restroom and a spigot with drinking water, but no shower. Apart from that, the location is quiet and peaceful. Lots of space in the tent area, with some shade and soft grass. Close to town, with restaurants and a grocery store.

  • A
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Jester County Park

    Solid campground

    Stayed at this campground for 3 nights while visiting Des Moines.  We stayed in Loop 1- site 138 because we wanted electrical.  The electrical box has 2 standard household plugs which is nice.  This loop was mostly RVs due to the electrical hook ups.  There aren't really trees between the sites, but it is in a wooded area which is nice and there is some space between the sites so you don't feel like you are right on top of the other people.  Generally, people were pretty quiet, especially once it got dark.  Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate.  Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up.  There is a grassy area all around the gravel with plenty of room for multiple tents.  2 bath/shower houses within a short walk from the site- they were both clean and solid to use.  There are some short trails within the park which are generally well marked, but just 1 trail is longer than about 1/2 a mile.  Didn't check it out, but there is also a large lake.  Lots of picnic areas throughout the park.  There's also a volleyball court and free lending library near one of the bathhouses.  Overall, I'd recommend this campground as long as you don't mind seeing your neighbors.  Quick drive into Des Moines too.

  • C
    Oct. 23, 2019

    Nations Bridge Park

    Great spot

    This was a great spot for our overnight stay while traveling I-80. Its about 6 easy miles off the interstate, and well marked. The lower camp zone looks like it floods easily and was pretty muddy, so we opted for a nice level spot in the upper section. 50 amp plug in, fire rings, picnic tables, great park for our 3 year old. Our review would be 5 stars, but all the restrooms were locked for the season, and the only signage was on the doors of the facilities. No signage about the closures at the self registration. We probably should have checked the restrooms prior to setting up. Still, a very nice place and we would definitely visit again.

  • Kerry M.
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Timmons Grove County Park

    Electric sites only, but beautiful area

    All campsites at Timmons Grove are$18/night and are electric. I have visited this place many times but only camped once. This place has never been busy when I have visited.

    I generally do not camp electric, so$18/night was steep for non-electric tent camping. There is no shower and the restroom is a port-a-potty.

    The area itself is really beautiful. There are good hiking trails, including a walk through some wildflowers. Bird watchers will love this place. Also expect to see deer and turkeys.

    There is boat access to the Iowa river as well as a public hunting area(I have not gone boating or fishing here, or hunting).

    Other than the nearby highway, which is not too bad for noise, the campground is really quiet.

    The price and the nearby highway are my only real complaints here. I am giving it 4 stars.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Lenon Mill Park

    River View!

    We settled into one electrical site and one tent site for our adventure. The tent section offers fairly large sites, and views of the river. Our electrical site was decent size and the"backyard" was right up to the river bank. We anticipated some rain so we set up a screen tent for shelter right along the river to enjoy the view while we waited out the rain. Electricity at these sites appears to be brand new. The dirt work that was done to accomplish this had not yet been smoothed out, so making sure your area is lit to avoid tripping and ankle sprains is essential. As it turns out we camped on the same weekend of a large group's annual camp out at this location. 2nd weekend in April every year. Several families with RVs, and while they were great neighbors, we came to understand the site we were in is usually a part of their group. There are no reservations at this campground, so setting up early is the only way to assure you have the site you want. The facility has running water by mid April, no shower, but a single flushing toilet and sink, no soap. The campground does not have a trash can or dumpster on site at all, so you must pack everything out. Really good stay


Guide to Boone

Tent campsites near Boone, Iowa provide access to the Des Moines River valley with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,000 feet. The central Iowa region features a mix of oak-hickory forests and restored prairie lands. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels during July and August, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions with occasional rainfall.

What to do

Hiking opportunities: At Ashton Wildwood Park, trails accommodate various skill levels. "There is a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement," notes camper Deb K. The park also features an orienteering course that requires "walking in the woods to finish it."

Stargazing sessions: The observatory at Ashton Wildwood Park hosts public viewing nights. "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) 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," reports Willy W.

Fishing access: Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers prime fishing spots. "Great fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish. No swimming is allowed and only electric motors, no gas," explains a regular visitor. Another camper confirms it's "the best place for fishing" with "nice access spot for fishing" at specific sites like #13.

Kayaking opportunities: Several parks provide water access. "This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing," states a Colfax Quarry Springs visitor. "Two places to launch kayaks" are available, and a rental company operates on-site during summer months.

What campers like

Spacious tent sites: Ashton Wildwood Park offers generous campsites. "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents," notes Topaz G. Another camper adds, "Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. It's only $7/night!"

Wildlife viewing: Kuehn Conservation Area provides ample wildlife observation opportunities. The area features "nice quiet sites along the Raccoon River. Has hiking, fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife, small Bear Creek nature center, open daily 1/2 hr before sunrise to 10:30 pm," according to James M.

Affordability: Primitive camping near Boone offers excellent value. "It's only $7/night!" reports a frequent camper at Ashton Wildwood. At Colfax Quarry Springs, registration costs $10 with firewood available for purchase at reasonable rates. "They had firewood already staged for $7 and even came back on day two with more firewood for the same fee," notes Jerry V.

Cleanliness standards: Facilities receive regular maintenance. "Very clean, easy to reserve. Bathroom was a pit toilet but clean. Camp spot was clean and well-maintained," reports Michael K. Another camper at Colfax notes, "Awesome campground, clean and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good."

What you should know

Bathroom facilities vary: Plan accordingly for limited facilities. At Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area, no restroom facilities exist. At Ashton Wildwood, "The bathroom at the campground doesn't have plumbing and no water available so make sure to bring plenty of water," advises Willy W., though "drive up the road to the observatory and there is a bathroom with flush toilets and a hot shower."

Water access limitations: Many campgrounds require campers to bring their own water. "No water hookups so bring a filter or water," warns a Colfax Quarry Springs visitor. At Ashton Wildwood, a "water spigot on the back side" of the observatory building provides the only potable water source.

Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. At Colfax Quarry Springs Park, "The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it's minimal," notes a regular visitor. Site selection can minimize noise impact.

Gate closures and quiet hours: Security measures affect access. "The quiet hours are at 10:30pm and they have a gate which is closed at sunset when the park closes for non campers," explains a Colfax visitor. At most county parks, arrival after gates close requires advance arrangements.

Tips for camping with families

Playground accessibility: Twin Anchors Campground includes play areas for children. "They have a small petting zoo and a small beach," notes Abby F., though supervision is important as "we are camping by the playground and there's about 10 children at the playground with no adults" after hours.

Nature programs for children: Several parks offer educational opportunities. Ashton Wildwood Park provides "a big group site for family get togethers" with nearby nature exploration. A visitor mentions, "There is a small park to play at for kids" with trails suitable for family hikes.

Sandy terrain preparation: Pack accordingly for ground conditions. At Colfax Quarry Springs, "Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that," advises Jerry V. Bringing extra ground sheets or mats improves comfort for family camping on sandy soil.

Site selection for families: Choose sites based on needs and proximity to facilities. "I would highly recommend site #13. It had plenty of space for a large tent and canopy," notes a family camper at Colfax Quarry Springs. At Ashton Wildwood, sites near the observatory provide easier access to flush toilets and showers.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most primitive tent sites near Boone have limited RV access. "This place feels more like a neighborhood verses camping in nature. Most people use this as a 'summer home'," notes an RVer about Twin Anchors. At Colfax Quarry Springs, tent-specific areas provide "isolated campgrounds. Tent only none of that RV B.S."

Terrain considerations: Sandy or uneven ground affects setup. "Level enough for our rooftop tent with no difficulties," reports Christopher M. about Colfax Quarry Springs, but larger rigs may find challenges at primitive sites without designated RV pads.

Limited hookup availability: Most tent-focused campgrounds offer minimal RV amenities. While some parks have electric hookups, many primitive sites have no utilities. For those requiring hookups, campgrounds like Bessman-Kemp Park provide electric service with 30-amp connections though water and sewer connections are unavailable.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Boone, IA is Whispering Oaks RV Park with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Boone, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.