Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Carlisle, IA has a lot to offer. Carlisle is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Carlisle camping trip.
"Close proximity to the state fair without being to close. Great stay! Our site had an open field behind it definitely recommend."
"There are two RV sites with shower houses, and about 10 tentsites on a large rectangular area in the back surrounded by trees."
$23 - $25 / night
"There's a boat camp, a bird watching area, a playground, plany of park space with picnic tables and BBQ pits, hiking and biking trails, and even a lodge that I assume can be rented for events."
"Walnut Woods is conveniently located 25 minutes outside of downtown Des Moines. Sites are paved and mostly level, although we did have to throw a couple of blocks under one side of our TT tires."
$35 - $90 / night
"Has a cute pond and is adjacent to a bike and running trail. The main lodge has very clean restrooms and showers with hot water! Recommended"
"There is also a very nice bike trail right outside the park."
"Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."
"The drive into the grounds was a little confusing, but I imagine that in the daylight we would have had an easier time."
"Each of the 10 campsites are spacious and plenty of distance between. Nice quick trails with wildlife. The park is well maintained and well priced!"
"You’ll eventually see the park entrance(a sign and fence). Pass the first bathrooms/shelter/info board. Continue down the gravel road that looks kinda like a trail."
$20 - $25 / night
"We entered the park looking for a walk-up spot and landed on Site 67 which was not reserved. The site was spacious with a big tree with good shade and cover if needed."
"The beach, and park were very far away from the camping area. A suggestion of a bagger for their lawn mower for all the cut grass. The lake by the boat landing was nice and so were the trails."
$22 - $26 / night
"We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced."
"Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations. Peaceful lot near the river. Great fishing in the river."
"The Iowa State Fair is the best fair in the world with more than a million visitors every year! There is something for everyone in the family."
"I always loved going here when I lived in Iowa! The State Fair was a blast! Being able to actually stay there made it that much better!!"
"Wonderfull Surroundings ,People and Experiences."
"Campgrounds are located on the east side of the actual fairgrounds. There are hundreds of sites here."
"With a theme park on one side and a casino on the other, both in walking distance. It’s more of a park and party place hahaha"
"There are lots of restaurants near by like Spectators and Jethro’s BBQ.
As far as the RV park goes it’s pretty busy, mostly small families and older folks."
TravelerSpacious campsites with cement pads... The only thing holding it back from 5 stars is no water or sewer onsite
GuideVery nice lake. Very nice grass for your tent. The sites both tent and RV are simply too close for you to enjoy the place. Camp fires every 10 feet.
TravelerVery convenient to I-80, well-laid out. Most convenient, though, was setting up at the site and then walking 🚶♂️ to the co-located gas station ⛽ and burgers for dinner (and great ice cream cones). And then sitting on one of the benches watching the birds as the sun set over the prairie.
GuideWe had a great stay here, check in was easy, getting firewood was easy, the bathhouses were so clean and nice, hiking and views were amazing! The only thing we had an issue with was a camp site of noisy people, which was not the parks fault!
ScoutBeautiful campground! Lots of trees and peaceful area. Our spot was pretty level and well maintained
GuideVery nice state park campground on a lake. Well kept grounds, clean bathrooms no wifi but cell service is available. 20 min from Grinnell
TravelerIf you want to tent camp, bring a cart or something to haul everything with. The parking lot is a LONG WAY from any private tent site. Youth group camp, the ones with all the energy and strength, is next to parking lot. That's messed up.
RangerEverything’s changed out here, can no longer pay using cash have to reserve it online and can no longer stay out here for a month for my construction workers , definitely don’t like the changes and with all the hidden charges definitely not my cup of tea, $16 plus tax for non electric tent camping is ridiculous and two years ago it was $8-10 for that , on the website it says $12 plus $4 processing fee just ridiculous
ScoutThis is a nice place to stay off of I 80. It’s nice but packed. The voicemail said it was fully booked from May until September. Good thing we got through because they found us a site for the night.
Camping near Carlisle, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Carlisle, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carlisle, IA is Yellow Banks County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Carlisle, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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