Best Tent Camping near Brighton, IA

Searching for a tent campsite near Brighton? Find the best information on tent camping near Brighton, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Brighton, IA (20)

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Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Brighton

295 Reviews of 20 Brighton Campgrounds


  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson Lake Park
    Dec. 9, 2024

    Wilson Lake Park

    Nice campground

    I didn't stay here as it was winter. The campground is nice with cement pads as well as primitive campsites and cabins.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lee County Pollmiller Park
    Dec. 9, 2024

    Lee County Pollmiller Park

    Nice campground

    I didn't stay here, just visited. Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Louisa County Fairgrounds
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Louisa County Fairgrounds

    Typical Fairground Camping

    A small number of electrical sites was all that I saw. I'm sure there are bathrooms somewhere in one of the fairground buildings, but I didn't see any signage for them.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Grove Rec Area
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Virginia Grove Rec Area

    Small and quaint

    This is a small campground with electric camper spots. I didn't see any dump station. It features a playground and has vault toilets. There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks. Online only reservations.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Hollow Recreation Area
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Big Hollow Recreation Area

    Full Featured Camping

    This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Hollow Recreation Area
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Big Hollow Recreation Area

    Really excellent campground

    Lots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Welter Recreation Area
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Welter Recreation Area

    Primitive Campsite

    This campsite appears to not be well maintained it may even be closed. There is no electricity and one vault toilet. Weeds are overgrown, and fallen trees have not been cleared. However, it has a wonderful view of the river and is directly on the banks. Because there are fallen trees, firewood is plentiful :).

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Augusta Skunk River Access
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Lower Augusta Skunk River Access

    Great campsite

    Campsite is directly next to the river. Most sites have power but there are a few tent sits as well (those are right on the river). We'll maintained vault toilets. Site has a shared spicket.

  • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nauvoo State Park Campground
    Nov. 13, 2024

    Nauvoo State Park Campground

    Late season option

    We stayed in mid-November when a lot of places are closed. They had electricity and the dump station was operating, but the water hookups were shut off and the bath house was closed for the winter. Water was available at a hydrant across from the bath house, but lacked a garden hose thread, so you could only fill water jugs. The roads are very narrow and in need of repair. Fee was $18.

  • Misty B.
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    Nov. 12, 2024

    BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    Will not be back! Lot of Money and Issues

    Water keeps running out. When it does run its white and tastes nasty. You can't do anything with it except flush and shower and that's if it doesn't run out or the mains keep breaking. Pressure horrible, pump issues. Was charged $1300 for 6 weeks because they charged me for the whole month even though i wasnt there until last 2 weeks of the month. They are not maintaining the grounds. The pool has been left unfinished for years and is still sitting empty with minimal plastic netting around it. The streets are caving in. Trash is always overflowing all over. The swimming water is right next to the leach pond where your stool is broken down and treated (although it isn't working correctly causing massive issues with odor, color and taste and then recycled back to your camper for showering and drinking water, washing dishes, etc. Hills (where campers park) all lead to bottom of hill where pond is, so if maintenance is this bad now, imagine sliding downhill into the pond due to ice and snow. Showers have push button that only runs water for couple minutes and it's set temp so you have no control over the temp at all. The whole park is run down, lots are extremely small and parking is only on gravel, but many lots only have enough gravel to park a camper so you have to park on other side of park and rent a golf cart (which is extremely high at 100 for 2 days or 60 for one day.) or walk. I could go on, but many others will be posting to tell the same. Had to move from lot 69 to 85 because it was so slanted my disabledd daughter couldn't make it across the lot to the camper. (She has autism and cerebral palsy) They don't salt their roads, causing me to slip and fall. Got fractured skull and stitches. Tree fell on car due to weather but I fell due to their negligence. Salting roads would have prevented my injury. 10am the next day and nobody out cleaning up debris.

  • Coty G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Keithsburg Riverside Campground
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Keithsburg Riverside Campground

    Great river view

    Nice campground, we have camped there on several occasions. Tent, pop up, and travel trailer. Shower house is a little bit of a walk but not terrible. Bout a 3 block walk to several bars/restaurant a caseys gas station. Everyone was friendly. Would recommend.

  • Coty G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground

    We Camp here almost every weekend

    Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river. 2 blocks from a restaurant/tavern. City of New Boston has several different community events throught the year as well.

  • Rebecca W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eldon Wildlife Management Area
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Eldon Wildlife Management Area

    Quiet and Secluded

    We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors.

  • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

    Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

    Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

  • Fred S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Langwood Education Center
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Langwood Education Center

    Great place!

    Langwood Education Center looks like a great spot for a weekend camping trip, especially if you’re into outdoor education. If you’re planning to camp there with kids, it could be a fun way to blend learning and adventure. Plus, it’s close enough to larger cities, making it convenient for a quick getaway. I’ve been planning something similar but also juggling a lot of writing assignments lately. For those who need help with academic papers or essays while on the go, https://99papers.com/essay-writing/ has been a great resource. They’ve saved me a lot of time when I’ve had deadlines looming. Anyway, has anyone visited recently and can share tips on the best trails or activities for families?

  • Evan G.
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Aug. 22, 2024

    F. W. Kent Park

    The perfect weekend get away

    My dad and I tent cramped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City.

  • Jim C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Little Bear Campground

    Great week of camping

    This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month. But they don't allow monthly stays

  • Evan G.
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Aug. 12, 2024

    F. W. Kent Park

    The perfect Amana colonies campsite

    Amazing experience with lots of amenities and space to spread out.

    Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets, lots of stuff to do, including: hiking, swimming, kayaking, easy to get to amenities and grocery stores. plenty of trails and overlooks with picnic benches. Fire pits With built in grill grates.

  • Kim F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Ridge Campground
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Windmill Ridge Campground

    Hidden little gem

    Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.

  • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Great spot for a great price

    Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

    Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

    The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

    But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

    I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

    Other than that it was a great spot.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Jun. 24, 2024

    F. W. Kent Park

    Great County park with lake

    Park offers: lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails, education center. Sites offer: hard surface, table, fire rings, hosts, firewood for purchase, play areas, RR, storm shelters, views.


Drive Time


Guide to Brighton

Tent camping near Brighton, Iowa offers a serene escape into nature, with various options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors.

Local Activities for Tent Campers

  • Enjoy fishing and boating at the well-reviewed River Junction, where you can experience the beauty of the river while camping in a primitive setting.
  • Explore the scenic trails and wildlife at Yenruogis County Park, perfect for hiking and nature walks.
  • Experience the tranquility of the Chacauqua River Access, where you can enjoy a peaceful day by the water.

Tent Campers Appreciate These Amenities

Tips for Tent Camping Near Brighton

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Brinton Timber, which can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Be prepared for a primitive camping experience at sites like Manhattan Bridge Access, where amenities are limited, so pack accordingly.
  • Always check the specific campground rules regarding fires and waste disposal, as seen at Grays Landing, to ensure a responsible camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Brighton, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Brighton, IA is Windmill Ridge Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Brighton, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.