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Best Tent Camping near Carlisle, IA

481 Reviews

Tent camping options near Carlisle, Iowa include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and settings. Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers tent campsites in a quiet setting with picnic tables, fire rings, and trash bins at all sites. Ashton Wildwood Park in nearby Mingo provides spacious tent sites tucked into wooded areas with a natural setting.

Most tent campgrounds in the Carlisle area feature basic amenities suited for primitive camping experiences. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though water access varies significantly between locations. Ashton Wildwood Park offers pit toilets in the campground area with flush toilets and hot showers available at the nearby observatory building. Colfax Quarry Springs Park provides portable toilets throughout the grounds and some sites have access to a newer restroom facility with showers. Campers should verify seasonal availability as some areas may close during certain times of year.

The tent camping experience around Carlisle offers a mix of accessibility and natural surroundings. Sites at Ashton Wildwood Park are notably spacious and can accommodate multiple tents, providing good separation between campers. Most locations provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and wildlife viewing. Colfax Quarry Springs Park features tent sites adjacent to water access points, making it popular for fishing and kayaking. A recent review noted, "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents," highlighting the ample room available at Ashton Wildwood Park. Tent campers will find the $7 per night fee at Ashton Wildwood particularly budget-friendly compared to larger campgrounds with more amenities.

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Best Tent Sites Near Carlisle, Iowa (16)

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Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Carlisle, IA

5 Photos of 16 Carlisle Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Carlisle, IA

481 Reviews of 16 Carlisle Campgrounds

  • Sara S.
    Jul. 25, 2016

    Ledges State Park Campground

    great walk-in site

    We went to this state park with family and had a great time. We chose to do a walk-in tent site because my brother in law recommended it. The site was great! It had tons of trees, dirt area to set up tent, and nice grass surrounding it. The fireplace and picnic table we unexpected with a walk-in site, but a good surprise :) We camped mid-October and were pleased to see the modern bathrooms still open too! Loved the canyon drive and it’s fabulous views :) We heard about an awesome bicycling trail that connects this park with another and are already planning a trip to go back and do a bike trip! Excellent experience.

  • Willy W.
    Oct. 22, 2019

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Great Place

    This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing.

    There is a half mile portage with a campsite on the river which you must call to reserve. The other campsites are $10.00 registration. They have porta potties around. Two places to launch kayaks. Most campsites have fire rings, picnic tables and trash bins. Some have grills. They also have firewood for sale or you can find enough wood around still. I didn’t see any water hookups so bring a filter or water. There is a Kum & Go up the road to get missing supplies.

    The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it’s minimal. The quiet hours are at 10:30pm and they have a gate which is closed at sunset when the park closes for non campers.

    Lots of hiking trails and wildlife. The fishing is the best place for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish. No swimming is allowed and only electric motors, no gas.

    Check out their Facebook page for more updates and if you see me out there say hi!

  • Wendy P.
    Jul. 19, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Beautiful hikes. Prepare for coons.

    One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.

    Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Beautiful place!

    This place is great! There are 10 beautiful campsites, all with new picnic tables, fire ring and cement pad so you’re chairs are actually level! The fire ring even has a grill you and flip over the fire to cook. There is a vault toilet up on the hill where the campsites are. FYI - the women’s side did not have a lock. The sites were very spacious, some massive and very spread out. You could see neighbors but you aren’t on top on them. And it’s free! You can stay for up to 14 days. They do have registration cards up on the board to complete and post on your site. I had 2-3 bars of LTE via AT&T. The closest gas station is about 7 minutes away and a grocery store about 10 minutes away.

    Let’s talk ticks!! I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van. They always got on his feet every time he used the restroom and made their way inside. If you travel with a pet, check them constantly and make sure they are on a tick med!

  • Dare To Everywhere .The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Great free campground!

    Stayed 7/13/20- FREE 

    Coming off the main road, you’ll enter onto a Dead End gravel road. 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. You’ll open up into the campground. The first site to the left of the info board is the most private, with the fire ring being way off the road. I got in late, in the dark, and turned around because the first board said“no camping”. I gave it another shot and continued down the road and was glad when I saw site numbers. Was in and out pretty quick, but it seemed like a really nice place and the fire pits are awesome! Vault toilets available. 

    I had 3 bars LTE AT&T, with no problems.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Lenon Mill Park

    Good Campsite but expensive compared to other similar sites

    I’ve maked this down to 3 stars purely on the basis of the fee - it’s a $20 flat fee whether in an RV with a hookup, or a tent with no hookup, and for that, you get a restroom and a spigot with drinking water, but no shower. Apart from that, the location is quiet and peaceful. Lots of space in the tent area, with some shade and soft grass. Close to town, with restaurants and a grocery store.

  • Tiffany K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Howell Station

    Laid-back Campground

    This campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large trees that provide a lot of shade for the campground. There are play grounds for the kids. It is along a river for fishing and bird watching.

  • A
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Jester County Park

    Solid campground

    Stayed at this campground for 3 nights while visiting Des Moines.  We stayed in Loop 1- site 138 because we wanted electrical.  The electrical box has 2 standard household plugs which is nice.  This loop was mostly RVs due to the electrical hook ups.  There aren't really trees between the sites, but it is in a wooded area which is nice and there is some space between the sites so you don't feel like you are right on top of the other people.  Generally, people were pretty quiet, especially once it got dark.  Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate.  Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up.  There is a grassy area all around the gravel with plenty of room for multiple tents.  2 bath/shower houses within a short walk from the site- they were both clean and solid to use.  There are some short trails within the park which are generally well marked, but just 1 trail is longer than about 1/2 a mile.  Didn't check it out, but there is also a large lake.  Lots of picnic areas throughout the park.  There's also a volleyball court and free lending library near one of the bathhouses.  Overall, I'd recommend this campground as long as you don't mind seeing your neighbors.  Quick drive into Des Moines too.

  • C
    Oct. 23, 2019

    Nations Bridge Park

    Great spot

    This was a great spot for our overnight stay while traveling I-80. Its about 6 easy miles off the interstate, and well marked. The lower camp zone looks like it floods easily and was pretty muddy, so we opted for a nice level spot in the upper section. 50 amp plug in, fire rings, picnic tables, great park for our 3 year old. Our review would be 5 stars, but all the restrooms were locked for the season, and the only signage was on the doors of the facilities. No signage about the closures at the self registration. We probably should have checked the restrooms prior to setting up. Still, a very nice place and we would definitely visit again.

Guide to Carlisle

Explore the great outdoors with tent camping near Carlisle, Iowa, where you can find a variety of campgrounds offering unique amenities and activities.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy fishing and kayaking at the scenic Colfax Quarry Springs Park, which features campsites right on the water.
  • Take a hike through the trails at Ashton Wildwood Park, where you can also enjoy a picnic in a spacious, wooded setting.
  • Experience the tranquility of nature at Kuehn Conservation Area, perfect for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching along the Raccoon River.

Tips for tent camping near Carlisle

Tent campers should check out these features

  • Twin Anchors Campground offers electric hookups and picnic tables, making it a convenient choice for families.
  • Experience the charm of Mariposa Recreation Area, which features spacious tent camping areas and hiking trails.
  • Enjoy the well-maintained facilities at Colfax Quarry Springs Park, where you can find clean restrooms and picnic areas for a comfortable stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carlisle, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carlisle, IA is Colfax Quarry Springs Park with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Carlisle, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Carlisle, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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