Best Campgrounds near Brighton, IA

Brighton is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Brighton is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Brighton, Iowa (106)

    1. Lake Darling State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Brighton, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 694-2323

    $12 - $110 / night

    "We stayed on the primative group side of the lake.  There is a small pond that we were able to let some of our scouts get started in kayaks and canoes before getting into the main lake. "

    "Sites were fairly level and all pretty close to the showers/restrooms, and well spaced out between sites.   "

    2. Marr Park

    4 Reviews
    Washington, IA
    15 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Close to major highway. Gravel sites. Clean campground. Many paved and grass walking trails surrounded by trees and natural areas. Bath/shower house is under construction. Child’s play equipment."

    "There are trails and fishing ponds, play grounds and picnic shelters. It is nice for group camping, but you are so close to other campers."

    3. Updog RV & Camping

    5 Reviews
    Mount Pleasant, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 986-6039

    $30 / night

    "Showed me around n where I could pitch for the night. Right by the pond. Very clean, very quiet n would go all over again!"

    4. Crossroads RV Park - Iowa

    6 Reviews
    Mount Pleasant, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 385-9737

    $38 / night

    "The sites were close together and very close to a train track."

    "Easy access and amazingly quite dispute the road nearby Clean and new facilities"

    5. Brinton Timber

    Be the first to review!
    Brighton, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 657-2400

    6. Windmill Ridge Campground

    1 Review
    Kalona, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 656-4488

    7. Keokuk County Belva Deer Park

    1 Review
    Sigourney, IA
    21 miles
    +1 (641) 622-3757

    "$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance."

    8. F. W. Kent Park

    17 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 645-2315

    $20 / night

    "We stayed during an Iowa Football weekend, attended the game in nearby Iowa City, and then enjoyed the rest of our weekend exploring the ponds and trails in the park."

    "It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City."

    9. Sugar Bottom Campground

    23 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2102

    $14 - $240 / night

    "Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."

    "Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."

    10. Manhattan Bridge Access

    Be the first to review!
    Sigourney, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 622-3757
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Showing results 1-10 of 106 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Brighton, IA

318 Reviews of 106 Brighton Campgrounds



Guide to Brighton

Camping near Brighton, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Lake Macbride State Park Campground, are right next to trails. One visitor mentioned, “The park offers beautiful trails within walking distance, perfect for a nice hike.”
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Campgrounds near lakes, such as Sugar Bottom Campground, provide great fishing spots. A reviewer noted, “The swim beach was a hot spot for the kids, and we enjoyed fishing from the shore.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Iowa Shady Creek are located near the Mississippi River, making it a great spot for bird watching. One camper shared, “It was awesome to watch the birds migrating close to the river.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at F. W. Kent Park said, “The bathrooms were clean, and the showers were decent.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Amana RV Park & Event Center mentioned, “The sites are wide open and generally level, making it easy to set up.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. One camper at Clarks Ferry noted, “The hosts were warm and welcoming, always ready to help.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wildcat Den State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A camper mentioned, “It’s a rustic site without electricity, but it has a water station and toilets.”
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near railroads, such as Clarks Ferry, can be noisy. One visitor said, “The trains were relentless, even during the night, which might bother some campers.”
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Sugar Bottom Campground can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A reviewer advised, “Make sure to book ahead if you want a good site.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Play Areas: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. A camper at F. W. Kent Park mentioned, “There’s a nice playground for kids, which kept them entertained.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds near lakes for swimming and fishing. One family at Lake Macbride State Park Campground enjoyed, “The beautiful lake was perfect for swimming and picnicking.”
  • Pack Bug Spray: Some campgrounds can have bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Iowa Wildcat Den State Park warned, “Bring spray; there were lots of gnats and other flying bugs.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your site can accommodate your RV. A camper at Sugar Bottom Campground noted, “Some sites are close together, so check the size before booking.”
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. A reviewer at Iowa Shady Creek mentioned, “The 50 amp sites were great for our RV.”
  • Dump Stations: Choose campgrounds with dump stations for convenience. One camper at Buffalo Shores County Park appreciated, “The dump station was easy to access, which made our stay hassle-free.”

Camping around Brighton, IA, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the amenities and plan ahead for a great experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Brighton, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Brighton, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 106 campgrounds and RV parks near Brighton, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Brighton, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Brighton, IA is Lake Darling State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Brighton, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Brighton, IA.

What parks are near Brighton, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Brighton, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.