Best Tent Camping near Burlington, IA

Recent Tent Reviews near Burlington, IA

221 Reviews of 10 Burlington Campgrounds

• L

  Lisa M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 12, 2021

  Big Hollow Recreation Area

  Nice simple place for tent camping

  We tent camped here a few weeks ago and it was pretty nice. You self check in and cost is only $10/night for primitive. They don’t have electric or water hookups for tent camping which was ok for us. It was easy to find and quiet. The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you’re wanting to fish or swim, this isn’t the place for you! There’s a gun range, horse farm, playground, bathrooms, and even a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!

• J

  Jeri B.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 27, 2020

  Geode State Park Campground

  Relaxing

  Grew up camping here every summer! Nice tent sites and good hiking!

• 

  Lauren B.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 29, 2019

  Big Oaks Campground — Argyle Lake State Park

  Best tent camping

  This campground has the best tent camping sites we have stayed at. It also has great hiking! We have been 2 times and plan to go again!

• 

  Dani K.

  Guide

  

  May. 31, 2017

  Lake Darling State Park Campground

  Favorite Childhood Site

  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!

• 

  John S.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 18, 2018

  Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

  Close to town camping

  A little pricy for tent camping. Ten dollars per tent per night and you’re restricted to the primitive area. It’s not bad if you’re just wanting to get away for a little bit but stay close to town. Otherwise if you’re looking for a better get away from it all I’d recommend some place else.

• 

  Frank H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 22, 2024

  Hickory Haven Campground

  Great Tent Camping

  Level grass tent sites. Shade of trees. Electric outlets at sites. Water accessible. Bath house kept very clean. Plenty of hot water for showers. Picnic table & fire ring at site. Economical. Laundry. Ice bags available. Picnic shelter with sides, 3 picnic tables, small mini fridge, electric lights & outlets, ceiling fan, portable fan, water and deep sink available for campers to use.

• 

  Mary F.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 16, 2018

  Indian Lake Park

  very nice

  it has full hookups, tent site swim beach, fishing, canoes,and f, playgrounds also cabins a stone lodge for family get togethers some sites just have electric and water on site and there are some full hookups also a shower house and modern restrooms, fire wood for sale We go at least 3 times a year . So nice and quiet the lake is clean they also have a dump station

• 

  Dave N.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 14, 2020

  Indian Lake Park

  Beautiful

  This park has something for everyone. They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent. All very reasonably priced. Most of the sites are nice and shady and level. A bathhouse with showers. A stone lodge for large parties. There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends. Hiking,fishing, swimming, kayaking,bird watching. There are many things to keep you busy here.

• 

  Jessica H.

  Ranger

  

  May. 19, 2018

  Snively Access

  Snively Campground Wapello, IA

  Snively Access Campground is located off of County Road X61 in Wapello, IA. The access road is a steep, well-maintained, gravel drive that takes you directly to Lake Odessa and the campsites. Note: the entrance sign to the campground is a little difficult to see from the road, and the campground does sometimes close due to high water. Gates will be shut with a High Water sign on them if that's the case. It's best to call ahead to Louisa County Conservation if you're planning to camp in the spring/summer when flood season tends to be most prevalent in this area.

  There are two separate campgrounds, all are electrical sites, (no dump station) except for one tent-only site which is situated up on a hill by itself with a round about road off to the right as you drive down the main access road. The second campground is to the left, with no bathrooms, and also butts up to a community of seasonal/year round cabins. This means it may be a bit more noisy during the warmer months. We chose the second campground and only one other site was in use. All was quiet by 10:00pm. We did wake up once or twice to the sound of barred owls calling back and forth in the night which only added to the ambiance of tent camping. This area is known as a hub for migratory birds, so if you're a bird person, it's a prime location. We saw red-headed woodpecker, yellow warblers, and a handful of other birds. About 5 minutes north of the campground is Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge which offers an interpretive center, modern restroom facilities, hiking trails and bird watching.

  Each campsite has a graveled drive, picnic bench, fire ring and garbage can with lid. There is a public parking area and dock to put in boats on the lake and fish. All campsites have a lake view, and several are in shaded spots along the timber line. This is a dog-friendly campground and dogs must be leashed at all times. These sites are first-come-first serve and are $12/night. You are required to self-register within 30 minutes of your arrival time. There is a registration kiosk to the right, at the bottom of the main access road.

  This was a nice, smaller campground with a water front view that felt secluded and slightly more primitive.

• 

  Jessica H.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 7, 2018

  Langwood Education Center

  Ranger Review: Rom Pack at Langwood Education Center

  Campground Review:

  Surrounded by hardwood forests and native prairie, Langwood Education Center, located in rural Wapello, Iowa is the perfect spot for nature retreats, family gatherings, outdoor education classes, and more.

  With rates starting as low as $99 per day/$194 per overnight for up to 100 people, Langwood provides a quiet and serene setting for camping, hiking, canoeing, and reconnecting with nature.

  There is plenty of space for individual tents, as well as 5 electrical hookups for RVs for $10 per night per RV. An A-frame bunkhouse is also available. The bunkhouse is a split level with a total of 21 single beds on the first and second level. Campers will need to bring their own bedding. While Langwood is open through the winter months, water is shut off, so campers will need to bring their own water supply. Check in time is after 1:00pm and check out time is 11:00am.

  Campfire rings and outdoor picnic tables are available. Langwood’s 92 acres houses a lodge with a full kitchen, and ample seating including tables and chairs. There is a separate, modern restroom within short walking distance of the bunkhouse and lodge.

  For an additional fee, campers can use the ropes course located by a large pond on the property. Six canoes are also on site for use. There is no additional fee for the canoes, but a waiver must be signed in order to use them.

  For the women's outdoor retreat weekend I attended, I chose to bring my tent and camp out rather than utilize the bunk house. The area for tent camping is quite large with a variety of shade trees, and offers a fair amount of privacy.

  With hiking trails throughout the property, the woods offer prime area to see migratory birds such as kingfishers, herons, and a multitude of warblers. At night, great horned and barred owls can be heard calling back and forth.

  Langwood provides quiet walks through Iowa prairies and clear, star-gazing nights. This spot is perfect for larger gatherings, offering privacy and a quiet space away from the busyness of everyday life.

  Product Review:

  As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. This time around I had the opportunity to test out the three-in-one RōM Pack from RōM Outdoors. https://romoutdoors.com/product/rom-pack/

  I’m always up for giving a new backpack a try. I was really interested to see how the RoM Pack compared to my other daypacks and backpack. The RoM Pack is unique as it offers a twist on the traditional pack; a three-in-one pack, blanket, rain poncho combo.

  I took the RoM pack with me on the recent women’s outdoor retreat at Langwood Education Center. It seemed like the perfect weekend to test out the versatility of this pack. From prairie seed collection, to orienteering, to night hikes, the pack offered something useful throughout the retreat. The pack includes two detachable, smaller saddlebags; great for throwing a water bottle and snacks in for the prairie seed collection hike.

  Between sessions, we had the opportunity to wander the grounds and take time to relax. This presented the perfect opportunity to break the pack down and try out the blanket. It was a cool autumn day, and lounging in the sun was a nice reprieve from the busy morning activities.

  While it didn’t rain during my stay, I did decide to try on the poncho to see how it fit. It was a little bulky, but would definitely help repel rain. It was easy enough to take off and flip back over to blanket mode.The outer material is meant to resist water, so whether you’re wearing it at as a poncho or using it as a blanket, you’ll stay dry. Another plus is the removable stuff sack located inside the pack. I used it specifically to store my dirty clothes from the first day of the retreat.

  The pack itself is made of a durable, water resistant material, and includes two mesh side pockets good for stowing water bottles, and bug spray. While the pack is slightly heavier than my other daypacks, 4.6 lbs, I would consider using it for shorter day hikes, but will get the most use out of it to store and carry clothes and gear on camping and fishing trips. I’m also a shorter individual, so the pack was a little big on me. I was able to adjust the straps enough to get a fairly secure fit.

  The RoM Pack also comes with a small booklet with step by step directions on how to put the pack back together after breaking it down. The booklet also includes information on identifying poison ivy, oak, and sumac as well as different ways to build a campfire; a nice addition to the pack itself.

• 

  Jeannie B.

  Guide

  

  May. 16, 2021

  Geode State Park Campground

  Revitalized lake beautiful campground

  We ventured south to Geode State Park near Burlington, IA. We are getting the travel trailer tweeked in. We weathered a rainy 🌧 day Saturday (all day). There was enough room that it was not uncomfortable. We started having issues with our propane heater. So what do you do when camping and it has been raining all day? You go for a hike in the woods and find treasures. The sounds or nature are so amazing. The hike was very soggy and I even found a treasure. It was an old can of salve.

• 

  Matt S.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 13, 2016

  Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

  Lacey-Keosauqua State Park - My 2 cents

  Lacey-Keosaqua State Park is a gem located in Southeast Iowa in Van Buren County. It is off the beaten path but it is one of oldest Iowa State Parks. The Park and campground are well maintained and clean. We visited over Labor Day weekend and the park was only two-thirds full. It was a variety of Tent campers and RV's. The camp sites are spaced really well so you don't feel like you are on top of one another. They have electric and non-electric sites and the shower is very clean. There are almost 80 sites in the campground.

  Don't miss the hiking trails and the Beach House and swimming lake. Don't miss lake Sugema, the Indian Mounds or the Ely Ford Mormon Trail crossing.

• M

  Melanie P.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 27, 2018

  Buffalo Shores County Park

  Amazing Riverside Campground

  This campground sits alongside the Mississippi River in Buffalo, Iowa. It's morning sunrises are beautiful! Watching the barges go by, kids playground, nature trail, volleyball & swimming in the beach area, fishing & boating are a few of the things you can do here. Sites have electric & water hookup. There is a dump station and bath house as well. Tent or RV's welcome on a first come, first serve basis. Kid & Dog friendly. $21-$23 sites. Firewood & Snacks available for purchase at office. We love this place!! Gas stations & local restaurants/bars are only a mile away. (Holiday's get full fast- Plan to come 4-5 days early for a spot)

• 

  Travis R.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Stacie H.

  Guide

  

  May. 30, 2022

  Big Oaks Campground — Argyle Lake State Park

  Beautiful natural scenery- good campground

  We visited in October so the campground was not very crowded. The park itself is gorgeous, especially in the fall. Lovely fall foliage. The hiking trails are challenging for 2 middle aged folks- lots of climbing up, then down, at some pretty steep inclines. And the trails don't loop around on themselves so you come out a mile or more from where you started and just have to hoof it along the road to get back.

  There is a boat ramp and fishing available, if that's your thing. There's no differentiation between RV camp spots and tent spots so if you are tent campers, like we are, you might end up next to a HUGE RV in the spot next door.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 1, 2021

  Ferry Landing - Mississippi River

  Great dispersed river camping

  Great isolated camping at river edge where Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet! Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests. Look out for insects. Pack in/out, gather drift wood for fire, watch barges pass by. Paddle upstream to Port Louisa NWR or Lake Odessa.

• 

  Coty G.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Bradley H.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 25, 2022

  Wildcat Springs Park

  Wildcat Creek Campground, Hamilton , Illinois

  Wildcat is a very nice campground operated by the City of Hamilton, Illinois. Campground has only 17 RV slots of various sizes. We had room to put our 32 foot fifth wheel and room to park our truck alongside. Ours was one of a couple of sites large enough to handle our size.

  Their website says the nightly fee is $15 for tents and $25 fir RV. When we arrived we were informed that it had gone up to $20 fir tent and $30 for RV.

  Service excludes electricity of 30 and 50 amp. Water is also available at each site. A dump station is on site.

  Also on site is a very nice public pool and interesting Disc Golf course.

  Very quite and peaceful surroundings. Just a half mile off of the Mississippi River.

  We will definitely return here when we get back to the area.

• K

  Kathy J.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 3, 2020

  Shady Creek

  One of our favorites

  What a gem we found in Muscatine Iowa. Level poured pad for RV, electric and nice fire pits. Large sites. Clean restrooms and lots of hot water for Shower. Beautiful views of the Mississippi and most of all quiet.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 31, 2021

  Shady Creek

  Nice CG along Great River Road

  This CG is actually on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River and managed by USCOE. Along and off US Highway 22 near Wildcat Den SP and Fairport State Rec Area. Near railroad. Near towns of Buffalo and Muscatine.

• 

  Amanda B.

  Traveler

  

  May. 12, 2024

  Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

  Peaceful Paradise

  Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.

• 

  Travis R.

  Guide

  

  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.

• R

  Robert F.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 5, 2019

  Lake Darling State Park Campground

  Beautiful getaway

  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.  Great fishing and walking paths.  Iowa has done a great job fixing up this area.  The cabins are small but clean.

• I

  Ivan M.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 18, 2023

  Allison Lake Storey

  Motorcycle camping

  Called to see if there was a site available for a tent late evening and left message. Received call back with in mins and a spot was available. Arrived and staff was very friendly and helpful. Set me right up next to restroom and helped me out with getting my external batteries and Bluetooth for helmet charged. I’d stay again.

• P

  Peter H.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 12, 2019

  Allison Lake Storey

  Nice and quiet.

  We were in a tent spot with power, on a somewhat level pad, with a great view of the lake. There were few people there. As with most municipal parks (my experience), facilities are mediocre. It was long walk to the bathroom, and the showers were hot, but not very private. Personnel were very friendly. It was raining, so didn't get to take advantage of all they have to offer. City wifi was free, reliable, but slow from our site.

• 

  Art S.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 20, 2021

  Spring Lake Park

  Lots of RVs on a beautiful lake

  We were hoping that this would be a great find but it turned out to be not our camping preference. The lake is beautiful. Bring your own boat or you can rent one at the camp store. There are a series of fishing docks too. 

  The campground itself was a crowd of big RVs. The road kept splitting and opening up more areas of RVs. Golf carts are a popular means of transportation. We found a few grassy spots for tents that looked nice. This turned out to be too much stimulation for our dog so we moved on to another campground.

• 

  Dave N.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 2, 2020

  Allison Lake Storey

  Nice campground/unsanitary facilities

  This campground is OK. Good for families. There are over a hundred sites, some fhu,some just electric, some primitive. It's very clean and well mantained, other than the restrooms. I've been here for 3 days and have yet to see someone clean them! But at $24 for basic site with electric it is what it is. It's pretty much right next to town, but you'd never know it once you're in the campground.

  Space for tents all the way up to big rigs. Campground is on the lake. Free entry to the water park if you are camping!