Best Campgrounds near Brighton, IA

Brighton, Iowa and the surrounding area support multiple developed campgrounds with a range of camping styles from tent sites to RV hookups and cabins. Lake Darling State Park Campground, located just south of Brighton, serves as a focal point for outdoor recreation in the region, offering both electric and full-hookup sites along with cabin rentals. Marr Park in nearby Ainsworth provides additional camping options with water and electric hookups. The landscape includes several waterfront camping opportunities with fishing access and hiking trails connecting natural areas.

Seasonal availability varies across campgrounds, with some like Updog RV & Camping operating from April through November, while others such as Lake Darling State Park and Marr Park remain open year-round. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially for cabins which tend to book quickly in advance. Facilities typically include shower houses, flush toilets, and dump stations, though primitive sites with minimal amenities can be found at locations like Brinton Timber. Cell service can be limited in some areas, particularly in heavily wooded sections. "The lake area offers great fishing and there are boat rentals available. Paddle boats, canoes, and other options. And generally limited cell signal might be better that way," noted one visitor to Lake Darling.

Campers consistently mention the well-maintained facilities and recreational opportunities throughout the region. Lake Darling State Park receives particularly positive reviews for its fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and cabin accommodations. The campground underwent renovation in recent years, with improved amenities and new trails around the lake. Several visitors highlight the peaceful atmosphere despite occasional site proximity issues. While most campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, water quality concerns have been noted at some locations. Crossroads RV Park offers convenient access to Mount Pleasant but experiences train noise that affects some campers' experiences. Windmill Ridge Campground, described by one visitor as a "hidden little gem," provides a quieter alternative with well-maintained grounds and competitive pricing.

Best Camping Sites Near Brighton, Iowa (111)

    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

    18 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

    24 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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Recent Reviews near Brighton, IA

337 Reviews of 111 Brighton Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Linder Point Campground

    Well designed and maintained small RV campground j

    Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites. Electricity only, with fresh water and a dump station nearby. Modern and clean bathhouse. Open sky at most sites for Starlink. No other amenities at this campsite for children, but there are hiking trails and activities at the nearby reservoir recreation areas.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Campground Diamond In The Rough

    Following up on my review from over a year and a half ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this county park campground gem in a very rural part of Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) EZ access and just a 20 minute / 9 mile drive due south from I-80 via Exit 201; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (4) The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond; (5) The hiking trails and bountiful fishing spots make this a simply wonderful campground; (6) Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you; (7) While basic, the bathhouses were in pretty good condition and very clean; (8) Kid’s playground is fantastic and nearly brand new; (9) Reasonably priced bundles of pre-cut firewood; and (10) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic in here, although you are so far out in the boondocks, it’s not really much of a concern; (2) The newly minted RV area slopes down to the lake, but as you park perpendicular, it shouldn’t be an issue; (3) Also, because the RV area is new, there’s no trees or brush, which creates a lack of privacy between sites; (4) Nearly all of the RV slots – save the few that are right next to the lake - have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings, at least in the tent camping areas, are worn-out and in pretty poor condition and should be replaced or refurbished; (7) The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don’t recommend swimming here

    Happy Camping!

  • Emily B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Junction

    Great views and location, but not private and not well-marked

    This was our first time camping here. We pulled in around 8pm when it was already dark and there was another car that had just entered the campground in front of us. After driving down the hill, he saw the basic “welcome” and “Pay here” signs next to a 4-car parking area. There were no signs marking where the bathroom was or any directions on how to choose a site. The group ahead of us chose to camp next to the boat ramp, so we circled around the loop and chose a dirt pad on the right side of the loop next to the river. We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen. It was getting late, so we set up the tent and went to bed. It wasn’t until the morning that we had discovered that we weren’t camping in one of the marked sites! As it turns out, all 4 sites were walk-in sites on grass behind the parking area that had been occupied by 2 cars when we pulled in. The signage didn’t clarify this and we couldn’t see the marked sites when it was dark! The marked sites were pretty close together and they offered no privacy between groups. Additionally, upon leaving we discovered that the toilet was on the top of the hill right by the entrance. Due to the lack of signage and privacy in between the official campsites, I rate 3 stars. It was very beautiful and peaceful, but it was very confusing in the dark.

  • Michael P.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

    Host not friendly very rude woman would not recommend staying here at all

    Would not recommend fairport camping  in muscatine iowa at all the host is rude and non caring personality more like two faced   i would recommend  shady creek  or one of the others on the same hwy if looking for nice and great host

    On the note dnr are great thou

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Diamond lake

    Clean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.

  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “This place became my wife’s and daughters’ favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive.”

  • Steve T.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground

    Enjoyable Stay

    The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River. If you camp on the riverside campground be sure to bring a bike or extra vehicle if you camp on the far end because the bathrooms are bit of a walk. And bring a grate with you for your fire ring as some have them and some don’t. All and all it was an enjoyable stay with a fantastic view, even caught a few fish since our campsite was literally on the river edge

  • Clifton B.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Very nice campground off the beaten path

    Wife and I met friends here in August 2025.  This was the middle between us & them as we live in CO and they live in NY.  The campground was very well maintained.  Shower rooms & restrooms were very clean and all were functional.  We really enjoyed the long weekend here.  Be advised tho, we were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August.  Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didnt expect the humidity to affect us as it did.  Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees.  Wife and I will likely return and see more of the Amana communities in the fall.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Duck Haven Campground

    Hidden campground with a neat backstory

    July, 2017

    Neat little hidden campground with a neat back story. They owner bought it at auction just for a place to hang out with his friends but offers it for the public.  He loves cash and will usually give you a discount if you pay in cash.

    There is a bathhouse but he had to unlock it for us. 

    There is no store but you're at the edge of town so you can get anything you need.  There's no wifi but the cell service is good.

    If I recall, it's a 7 acre stocked pond.  catch and release only.


Guide to Brighton

The Brighton, Iowa camping area includes multiple state and county parks within a 25-mile radius, with elevations ranging from 600-800 feet above sea level in this southeastern Iowa region. The area experiences four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters. Most camping locations near Brighton maintain seasonal operations with limited winter services at year-round facilities.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Lake Darling State Park Campground offers multiple fishing spots around its recently renovated lake. "I absolutely loved this state park. There is so many options for fishing and camping. They even have cabin rentals for the more glamping lifestyle," notes Desiree R. who visited the park.

Paddle sports: Several water bodies support non-motorized boating. "We went out for a fishing day, boat launch was very nice and entire lake was very clean. There were several people out on the water in kayaks and paddle boats, very calm waters," writes Tiffany about Lake Darling State Park Campground.

Hiking trails: F.W. Kent Park features approximately two miles of lakeside trails with unique landscaping elements. "The large lake is beautifully landscaped with walking bridges made from recycled iron and memorial trees of many varieties. There is about a two mile trail circumventing the entire lake," shares Lisa S. about her experience at F.W. Kent Park.

Wildlife viewing: The combination of prairie, forest and wetland environments supports diverse wildlife observation. "Forest, prairie, wetland habitats. Not far from town for quick trip if needed," writes James M. about F.W. Kent Park's natural diversity.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious layout at certain campgrounds. "Unique mix of RV and tent sites in a variety of sizes. Some close together would be good for groups and some remote," notes Mary H. about F.W. Kent Park.

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower houses receive consistent praise. "Gravel sites. Clean campground. Many paved and grass walking trails surrounded by trees and natural areas... Bathrooms with flush toilets nearby," reports Renee H. about Marr Park.

Pond fishing: Smaller water features provide additional fishing options beyond the main lakes. "Lots of trees for great shade in these hot days. Nice pond for some fun fishing. Very clean restrooms and showers," writes Joe M. about Updog RV & Camping.

Year-round cabins: Some parks offer cabin accommodations for all seasons. "The Lake has been recently drained and refilled. The new trails around the lake are so wonderful. Electric and tent sites. Brand new five season cabins. Great all year round!" explains Dani K. about Lake Darling State Park.

What you should know

Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have reported water quality issues that can affect drinking and cooking. "Bring plenty of bottled water for consumption. The water has an awful smell," cautions Donna H. about her experience at Marr Park.

Train noise: For light sleepers, train traffic affects certain campgrounds. "The rv park, itself, is very nice! Clean, well organized and spacious. The issue is NOISE!! Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring!" warns John C. about Crossroads RV Park.

Primitive camping options: Budget-conscious campers can find basic sites with limited amenities. "$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance. Stand-alone bathrooms throughout the park have the deep composting toilets," reports Keith B. about Keokuk County Belva Deer Park.

Gate closures: Some parks enforce strict entry/exit times. "Only downfall is the gates are locked at 10pm so if you needed to come or go, you're stuck," shares Desiree R. about F.W. Kent Park's policies.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds include play equipment for children. "The park is beautiful and well kept. The staff and conservation center are the best. There are trails and fishing ponds, play grounds and picnic shelters," explains Dani K. about Marr Park.

Beach swimming: Supervised water areas provide safe swimming opportunities. "Great campground, cheap sites with electric and water even for tent campers. Fantastic amenities including hot showers and nice bathrooms and a cleaning station with sink basin for camping dishes. Great beach swimming area," notes Steve T. about Sugar Bottom Campground.

Educational opportunities: Nature centers offer learning experiences for children. "Paddling, fishing, hiking, swimming, to name a few. Firewood available. Conservation education center open seasonally with programs offered," shares James M. about F.W. Kent Park.

Group camping sites: Some parks accommodate larger family gatherings. "We stayed on the primitive 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," explains Robert F. from Lake Darling State Park.

Tips from RVers

Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and proximity to neighbors. "If I walked behind camper, I had to hang on to spare wheel or fall down the slope. Barely enough room in front of camper to park pickup at an angle," cautions Kevin B. about site limitations at Updog RV & Camping.

Full hookup options: Several campgrounds provide complete services for extended stays. "Check-in was quick and easy. We proceeded to back-in site 61 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP)... This large COE has a variety of sites, with the 300 loop being full hook-ups," explains MickandKarla W. about Sugar Bottom Campground.

Dump station availability: Access and fees for dump stations vary between campgrounds. "They have a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions," notes MickandKarla W. about the well-designed facilities at Sugar Bottom Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Brighton, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Brighton, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 111 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.