Best Campgrounds near Burt, IA

Campgrounds near Burt, Iowa provide a mix of county parks and state-managed sites within a short drive of town. Smith Lake County Park, Burt Lake County Park, and Siems County Park offer tent and RV camping with basic amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities. Most established campgrounds in the area feature lakefront or pond access, providing fishing and swimming opportunities. The Kossuth County Conservation Board maintains several of these parks, which typically offer both primitive tent sites and developed RV sites with hookups.

Camping in this region is heavily seasonal, with most facilities operating from April through October. Winter closures are standard practice due to harsh Iowa winters and maintenance schedules. Most county parks in the area charge between $10-20 per night for electric sites, with primitive camping available at lower rates. Sites tend to be level with a mix of shaded and open options. Access roads are generally well-maintained, suitable for most recreational vehicles. Cell service is reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary at some of the more remote wildlife areas. According to one visitor at Siems County Park, "It's only $12 a night for electricity. They have two different areas for camping with a few ponds to kayak and fish, plus a beach area to swim."

Campers report high satisfaction with the value and cleanliness of facilities at campgrounds near Burt. Most county parks in the area receive ratings of 4 out of 5 stars or higher, with particular praise for affordable rates and water access. Many campgrounds feature dual camping areas, with one section closer to water features and another in more wooded settings. Several visitors mentioned the importance of mosquito repellent, particularly at waterfront sites and wildlife areas. The area's campgrounds typically provide picnic tables and fire rings, with firewood sometimes available for purchase. A review of Burt Lake County Park noted, "Very clean, quiet, well-maintained park with two levels. The lower level is at the lake with about 6 spots with electric, but very unlevel. Very nice lake."

Best Camping Sites Near Burt, Iowa (74)

    1. memoirs park

    6 Reviews
    Whittemore, IA
    14 miles
    Website

    $15 - $25 / night

    "We went on a weekday so we were the only ones around. We had site C14. Bathrooms were decent. Playground is kind of small and old."

    "Has one in central location so luckily I had just enough hose to fill up the camper. Close to state park with trails and bison so had a great weekend!"

    2. Smith Lake County Park

    2 Reviews
    Algona, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 295-2138

    "This campground has RV sites along the edge with all the tents on a hill by the lake. Every time we go camping here we make a new friend, get some great camping recipes."

    "For $15 you get water/electric sites with access to bathrooms and showers. Dogs are allowed on leash. Pretty nice playground. The beach area has been taken over by geese though."

    3. Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Algona, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 581-4835

    $10 - $18 / night

    "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."

    "Park is very nice with hiking trails and a Frisbee Golf course. $18 per night."

    4. Siems County Park

    3 Reviews
    Whittemore, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 295-2138

    "I drove in and saw the beautiful lake and the campground so I talked to the camp host, told him I just needed a primitive spots I didn't need electricity or water is it all good just grab a tent site,"

    "Small lake. Public restrooms and shower. Frisbee Golf. Well kept."

    5. Smidt Campground

    1 Review
    Burt, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 320-4051

    6. The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Whittemore, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 887-2371

    "Two adjacent camping areas are partially shaded and will accommodate rigs of all sizes. I counted (8) 50 amp and (16) 30 amp sites. Rest rooms, showers, fresh water and a dump station are provided."

    "One is very close to a train line, which runs infrequently. Sites are grass, level, and reasonably well maintained. All sites are pull through. Only electrical hookups are available at the sites."

    7. Grotto Campground

    2 Reviews
    Whittemore, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 887-2371

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Doesn’t feel quite like the middle of nowhere and located right next to nice trees and train tracks. Recommended for a nice, easy spot to sleep."

    "Next to train tracks but only one train came by and it wasn’t loud. Definitely recommend if you’re in the area. You pay at the gift shop across the street. $20 for RV and $10 for tent."

    8. Devine Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Algona, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 295-2138

    9. Burt Lake County Park

    2 Reviews
    Dolliver, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 295-2138

    "The lower level is at the lake. About 6 spots w electric but very unlevel. Very nice lake. Stayed here in a 27' B+ 8.26.20. I definitely would stay here again. 1 bar of 4g at&t."

    10. Crystal Lake Park

    1 Review
    Forest City, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 923-2720

    "Great fishing lake. A beach for the kids. Great family campground"

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Recent Reviews near Burt, IA

169 Reviews of 74 Burt Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area

    Good for overnight

    Level spot but it’s really just an oversized boat launch. Expect people launching and parking especially during duck season.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lake Cornelia Park

    Great County Park

    Love Lake Cornelia. We’ve camped there a couple times with hammocks and tents. It can get pretty busy on the nicer weekends, so showing up before dawn to stake out your spot isn’t unheard of. The entire park is first come, first served.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Siems County Park

    Nice little campground

    Mix of sites. Some have electric and water. Some have electric but have to share a water spigot. Small lake. Public restrooms and shower. Frisbee Golf. Well kept.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground

    Mixed bag

    Small campground. Not busy while I was here. Sites have electricity, but water spigots are shared. Free firewood is provided. Nice oak trees. No privacy between sites. Pit toilets. No showers. Park is very nice with hiking trails and a Frisbee Golf course. $18 per night.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Devine Wildlife Area

    Free and fairly primitive

    Dispersed camping really. You can bring a big rig in. No really prepared sites. Maybe 5 places you could set up. No water, no electric, no toilet. Swampy area nearby so bring mosquito repellent. But the price is right.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lotts Creek Co Park

    Camping in the shade of tall oaks

    Nice little campground. 5 sites. Water, electricity, picnic table and fire pit with grilling grate at each one. Flush toilet and sink in bathroom. Old style playground. Shelter with more picnic tables. First come, first serve. $15 per night. Nicely set up for a multiple family campout.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Smith Lake County Park

    Good value camping

    This is a pretty quiet campground in my experience. For $15 you get water/electric sites with access to bathrooms and showers. Dogs are allowed on leash. Pretty nice playground. The beach area has been taken over by geese though.

  • Dawn S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Relaxing

    This place offers cabins places for tent camping as well as places for dispersed free camping


Guide to Burt

Camping sites near Burt, Iowa generally stay open from April through October, with most sites closing for winter by early November. Nightly rates range from $6 for primitive tent sites to $20 for full-hookup RV sites. The area features several lakes and ponds for recreation, with campgrounds situated in the prairie landscape at elevations around 1,200 feet above sea level.

What to do

Fishing at multiple lakes: Crystal Lake Park offers excellent fishing opportunities in a spacious setting. "This campground is huge! Has a big open spot for fun and games. Great fishing lake. A beach for the kids. Great family campground," notes Lisa M., who gave the park a 5-star rating.

Frisbee golf courses: Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground features disc golf among its recreational options. Joel S. mentions, "Park is very nice with hiking trails and a Frisbee Golf course," making it a good option for active campers seeking variety.

Visit the Grotto: The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park provides camping access to this unique attraction. Gary H. shared, "The Grotto is interesting and inspiring. Admission is free. Two adjacent camping areas are partially shaded and will accommodate rigs of all sizes."

What campers like

Budget-friendly pricing: Smith Lake County Park receives praise for its affordable rates. Joel S. notes, "For $15 you get water/electric sites with access to bathrooms and showers. Dogs are allowed on leash. Pretty nice playground."

Multiple water recreation options: Siems County Park offers varied water activities. Kaylyn S. explains, "They have two different areas for camping. There is a few pond to kayak and fish also there's a beach area to swim."

Clean facilities: Burt Lake County Park maintains well-kept grounds. Larry K. reports, "Very clean quiet well maintained park. 2 levels. Upper level has about 8 spots w 30/50 amp. A pavilion. 1 water spigot. Garbage and a plastic biffy."

What you should know

Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain, particularly at waterfront sites. Adam T. notes about Burt Lake County Park, "Upper area has a covered picnic area. Lower camp area is on the lakefront and very uneven by the power hookup's. $10/night!"

Train proximity: Some campgrounds are near railroad tracks. Regarding Grotto Campground, Pam H. mentions, "Next to train tracks but only one train came by and it wasn't loud."

Water access: At several sites, water spigots are shared between multiple campsites. Joel S. observes at Ambrose A. Call State Park that "sites have electricity, but water spigots are shared."

Tips for camping with families

Playground availability: Family-friendly options include designated play areas. About Smith Lake County Park, Abby F. explains, "There is a beach near the camping area and another one for the park. The tent area is nice and big for several tents, but could use a few more trees for shade."

Wildlife areas require preparation: For more primitive options like Devine Wildlife Area, Joel S. warns, "Swampy area nearby so bring mosquito repellent."

Social camping atmosphere: Many campers report making connections with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Abby F. shares about Smith Lake, "Every time we go camping here we make a new friend, get some great camping recipes."

Tips from RVers

Extension cord requirements: Power hookups may be positioned far from parking pads. Amy K. advises, "The electric hook ups are really far from the pad so bring an extension."

Dump station availability: Most county parks provide dump stations, though not all sites offer full hookups. Gary H. notes at The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park, "Rest rooms, showers, fresh water and a dump station are provided."

Cellular coverage information: Coverage varies by location and carrier. Larry K. reports about Burt Lake County Park, "1 bar of 4g at&t," while Richard & K. shares about The Grotto, "We had 2 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Burt, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Burt, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 74 campgrounds and RV parks near Burt, IA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Burt, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Burt, IA is memoirs park with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Burt, IA.