Tent camping near Britt, Iowa offers varying terrain from open plains to partially wooded areas across northern Iowa. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 1,100 and 1,300 feet above sea level, with typical summer temperatures ranging from 60-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall camping often brings temperature fluctuations of 30-40 degrees between day and night.
What to do
Fishing access points: Iowa Lake Co Campground provides direct lake access for anglers, with multiple shore fishing spots within walking distance of tent sites. Bradley B. noted, "I found this to be a great little spot to stay bike touring through Iowa. It is right in a lake, has water, and a nice vault toilet."
Wildlife observation: Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area offers waterfowl viewing opportunities, particularly during migration seasons. While David B. mentioned, "We stopped here when we drove from NY to CO and it was fine. We got here late and left early in the morning so we never saw the place in light," other visitors report early morning hours as optimal for bird watching.
Hiking trails: Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground features several interconnected trails suitable for day hikes. According to Abby F., "The park itself is pretty nice with several trails and a small campground. There is an enclosed stone shelter house you can rent for gatherings."
What campers like
Quieter weeknight stays: Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area provides more solitude on weeknights compared to weekends. Skip H. shared, "It's a nice spot off of the main road. It's pretty quiet, but there aren't many spots to camp. When you come in on the dirt road, it hooks to the right, and you'll come upon a dirt cul-de-sac."
Water access: Iowa Lake Co Campground's location directly on a lake appeals to water-oriented campers. As Gabbie G. described, "Not a bad place to camp. There was quite a bit of people when I was there and most of them were rowdy college kids bit hey it was still a blast."
Budget-friendly options: South Fork Access offers free tent camping, though with minimal amenities. Located approximately 40 miles southeast of Britt, this area requires campers to be fully self-sufficient but provides cost-effective overnight accommodations for travelers passing through the region.
What you should know
Limited site availability: Tent camping spots can be scarce at certain locations near Britt. At Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area, Skip H. advised, "On the right, you'll see a grassy area set into the woods where you could camp. Other than that, your parking in the perimeter. There's enough room that virtually any size camper could navigate into this spot, but if there are other people, that will really complicate your life."
Seasonal water conditions: Water levels and quality vary significantly throughout the camping season. Kevin T. observed at Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area, "This place was really bad probably because of the low water levels. In very hot temperatures the lake would have a smell. There is people here who hunt ducks."
Bathroom facilities: Toilet availability varies between campgrounds. While Iowa Lake Co Campground provides vault toilets, many wildlife management areas have no facilities. Bradley B. mentioned the campground "has water, and a nice vault toilet," which proves valuable for tent campers without self-contained facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Protected picnic options: Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground offers covered picnic areas for family gatherings regardless of weather conditions. The park features "an enclosed stone shelter house you can rent for gatherings," according to Abby F., providing space for family meals protected from sun or rain.
Site selection strategy: At Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area, families should aim for the wooded sites for more privacy and shade. Skip H. noted there's "a grassy area set into the woods where you could camp," which provides better shelter from sun and wind compared to perimeter sites.
Activity planning: While Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area offers basic amenities, planning additional activities is essential. As David B. mentioned, "For what it was it worked for us," suggesting families should bring their own entertainment options and day trip plans to supplement the limited on-site recreation.
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: Bessman-Kemp Park provides electric hookups and toilet facilities but has limited maneuvering room for larger vehicles. While tent sites are more readily available, RVs longer than 30 feet may encounter challenges with the campground layout and narrow access roads.
Primitive parking options: Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area can accommodate various vehicle sizes in its open areas. Skip H. observed, "There's enough room that virtually any size camper could navigate into this spot," though the absence of designated sites means strategic parking is necessary, especially when multiple campers are present.
Hookup availability: Among campgrounds near Britt, electric connections are primarily found at established parks rather than wildlife management areas. Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground offers electric hookups, while most other nearby options require RVers to be self-sufficient with battery power or generators where permitted.
