Best Campgrounds near Sutherland, IA

Sutherland, Iowa is surrounded by several county and state park campgrounds offering both tent and RV accommodations. Dog Creek County Park sits directly in Sutherland, while Mill Creek State Park in Paullina and Tjossem County Park in Primghar provide additional options within 15 miles. These established campgrounds predominantly feature electric hookups, with several offering water connections. Mill Creek State Park stands out with modern cabins alongside traditional camping areas, while Martin Area County Park includes both primitive sites and glamping options for those seeking varying comfort levels.

Campground accessibility in the region remains seasonal, with Mill Creek State Park typically operating from early May through late September. Many sites feature gravel pads suitable for both tent and RV camping, though few accommodate large rigs. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities like picnic tables, drinking water, and toilets, with shower facilities available at several locations including Buena Vista County Park and Silver Sioux Recreation Area. Reservation policies vary by location, with some sites available first-come, first-served while others require advance booking. "The campground is hard to get a spot at and is far away from the lake. The lake and grounds are well maintained. The showers are decent but take quarters to use them," notes one visitor about Mill Creek State Park.

Local county parks receive consistently positive reviews for their quiet settings and maintenance standards. Campers particularly appreciate Buena Vista County Park for its privacy between sites and well-maintained trails. Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities in small lakes or ponds, with Tjossem County Park featuring what one camper describes as "perfect for young fishermen with little patience." The region's campgrounds generally provide clean facilities, with multiple reviewers highlighting shower quality as a significant factor in their experience. While campsite spacing varies considerably between parks, with some described as "close together" at Tjossem County Park, most offer enough room for comfortable setup. Rural settings provide peaceful environments away from traffic noise, with wildlife viewing opportunities on hiking trails at several locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Sutherland, Iowa (74)

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Recent Reviews near Sutherland, IA

108 Reviews of 74 Sutherland Campgrounds


  • David B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Olson City Park

    Great stopover

    We just spent the night passing through, looking for something more than the Walmart parking lot. $23 for a non-electric site, basically a tent spot. Bathrooms were clean and had showers but we didn’t use them. We had a rainy night but had potential for a nice walk next to the lake. A bit of traffic nearby but didn’t disturb us at all in our van. Midweek in Mid- October and there were probably a half dozen other campers. Definitely recommend it!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Sac City Park

    Right on the Raccoon River

    Nice clean campground with water and electricity at the RV sites. Some of the tent sites also have electricity. RV sites are $20 (for the 2025 season).

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Island Park - Rock Rapids

    A good stopover campground

    A good place to camp for the night with gas and groceries nearby. All sites have electricity but only 20/30/60 amps. Water spigots are spread throughout the campground. A dump station is located at the west entrance across the driveway from the pay station. It's northwest Iowa (cattle country) so you will notice a hint of something special in the air.

  • Dawn S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Relaxing

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

  • sparkleblaster ✨.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Moorehead Pioneer County Park

    Safe and lots of trees

    I stayed on the picnic loop at one of three designated camp spots (according to the map posted at the end of the picnic loop). There was a nice shade structure, picnic table, fire pit, and grill. Pit toilets and trash bins nearby and a water spigot that wasn't working. I got in late on a Sunday. I saw some fishermen around the pond on my way in but no one else. There's a playground and a couple small pavilions across from where I camped, so I imagine it can be busy on the weekend.

    It's not really a campground. It's a county park with a few camp spots. If I hadn't found the sign with tent symbols I would have doubted it was a legitimate place to camp.

    The coordinates in the description here took me to a boat launch. This is the coordinate to the camp spot I stayed at: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BziGswnzeFVjgVxV6

  • True I.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Camp site not recommended

    The lake is not too deep for boats. In the camping area there are people with motorcycles speeding and making unnecessary noise. I went to complain to the manager and he did nothing about it because the owners of the motorcycles are friends.

  • Xiomara M.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Do not recommend

    Never again, because since we arrived, people have complained about my family without us doing anything. They even watched us go to the bathroom. They called the police, claiming we were littering in the street and making unnecessary noises and speeding in the park. To top it all off, they're friends of the manager. It's three spaces against one. I don't recommend anyone staying here, because they recorded everyone who passed by and took pictures of their cars. When we went to tell them we wanted a refund quickly, they told them to call the manager.

  • E
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Robertson Park

    DONT GO!!

    It's a nice place with electricity and great bathrooms. But a lot of people from a trailer near us were all the weekend complaining for no reason, yelling at everyone and calling the cops on a lot of people. It's unacceptable that people that are calm trying to have fun with our family have to deal with people feeling entitled of everyone else free time. Will not be here again. I know the camp has no fault of other people's behavior, but admin should be more aware of this behavior and stop it.


Guide to Sutherland

Established campgrounds surround Sutherland, Iowa, with multiple county parks providing both RV and tent camping facilities. Dog Creek County Park sits directly in Sutherland, while Mill Creek State Park in Paullina offers more amenities including cabins and a range of recreational activities. The area features several small, rural campgrounds managed primarily by county conservation boards, with most sites offering basic electric hookups and minimal facilities. Silver Sioux Recreation Area and Martin Area County Park also provide cabin and glamping options within a short drive of Sutherland.

Access to campgrounds in this region remains relatively straightforward with most sites accessible via paved or maintained gravel roads. The camping season typically runs from early May through late September, though some parks like Emerson Bay State Recreation Area stay open until December. Winter camping options are limited due to Iowa's cold weather and seasonal closures. Most campgrounds offer water and electric hookups with varying levels of amenities—some featuring full RV connections while others provide only basic facilities. According to a visitor, "Small parks in this area are peaceful, with river access for canoe/kayak, though they may have limited designated campsites."

Campers consistently rate Martin Area County Park and Buena Vista County Park highly, with reviewers noting spacious sites and well-maintained facilities. Mill Creek State Park features modern amenities including a beach area, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails, though reviews indicate the campground fills quickly during summer months. Smaller county parks like Tjossem offer more seclusion but fewer amenities. Several visitors mentioned the quality of shower facilities as a significant factor in their camping experience, with Buena Vista County Park receiving praise for clean bathrooms. One camper noted, "The sites aren't crunched together, so you have privacy. Trails are nice and everything is well maintained." Many campgrounds in the region provide fishing access, with small lakes and ponds offering opportunities for bluegill and crappie fishing that families particularly appreciate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Sutherland, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sutherland, IA is Buena Vista Co Park with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.