B
Bonita C.
Scout
ScoutElbert Park Campground
Elbert park
Had the entire campground to myself on a holiday weekend. Chose an 30$ site for the shade but the electric was for 50 amp RV with no 110 plug. Very clean and quite
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)
1. Buena Vista Co Park
3 ReviewsSutherland, IA9 milesWebsite+1 (712) 295-7985$12 - $15 / night
"The trails are very well maintained! Shower facilites are super clean! 10/10"
"Trails are nice. Everything is well maintained. Showers & bathrooms are awesome! We almost always see wildlife when hiking😁"
2. Mill Creek State Park
3 ReviewsPaullina, IA9 milesWebsite$17 - $20 / night
"Small lake where boating is permitted but no gas motors. Also nice for canoeing, kayaking or fishing. Nice paths for hiking or biking. Only half mile to town where you can get anything you need"
3. Tjossem County Park
3 ReviewsPaullina, IA9 milesWebsite"The camping sites are a little close to each other. 10 sites with full hookups."
4. Martin Area County Park
1 ReviewSutherland, IA8 milesWebsite+1 (712) 225-67095. Dog Creek Co Park
Be the first to review!Sutherland, IA3 milesWebsite+1 (712) 295-72006. Primghar City Park
Be the first to review!Paullina, IA10 milesWebsite+1 (712) 957-24357. Larson Lake Co Park
1 ReviewStorm Lake, IA18 milesWebsite+1 (712) 225-67098. Silver Sioux Recreation Area
2 ReviewsQuimby, IA23 milesWebsite+1 (712) 225-6709"Tent camping is just a field with a few picnic tables in it and has a bit of a walk from the parking lot with your equipment. The shower house was nice and clean."
10. Alton Roadside Park
2 ReviewsAlton, IA26 milesWebsite"This is a small little kmown spot in the small town of Alton Iowa. It is $10 and there are a couple spots that have electric hook ups, a water pump hydrant, And a dumpsite."
Recent Camping Photos near Sutherland, IA
6 Photos of 74 Sutherland Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near Sutherland, IA
107 Reviews of 74 Sutherland Campgrounds
- ssonia M.Scout
Olson City Park
State park MN
Nice area close to shops. Laundry room Locked maybe due to early in season. Bathrooms clean. Showers push button mist was cold. Reasonable price <$40
David B.ScoutOlson 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!
- DDaniel C.
GuideSac 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).
- DDaniel C.Guide
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.
- BBrenda B.Guide
Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground
Quiet
Nice, quiet area for RV camping.
Dawn S.ScoutRobertson Park
Relaxing
This place offers cabins places for tent camping as well as places for dispersed free camping
sparkleblaster ✨.
TravelerMoorehead 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.Scout
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.
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?
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.
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