Tent camping options around Carlisle, Iowa range from primitive sites to more developed grounds with basic amenities. The area features several county-managed parks situated near rivers and lakes in central Iowa's rolling prairie landscape. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though weather conditions can impact early and late season availability due to occasional flooding in riverside locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Colfax Quarry Springs Park provides excellent fishing access with campsites positioned along the water. One visitor noted, "Great fishing. Isolated campgrounds. Tent only none of that RV B.S." The park is known particularly for largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Kayaking and water recreation: Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers two kayak launch sites and some campers appreciate that "There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks." Only electric motors are permitted on the water, and swimming is prohibited.
Hiking trails: Ashton Wildwood Park features maintained hiking trails with varied terrain. One camper mentioned, "There is a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement." Several trails lead to creek areas and bird watching stations.
Observatory visits: The observatory at Ashton Wildwood Park offers a unique camping addition. As one reviewer explained, "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable." This facility includes educational displays and telescope viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently mention the generous size of tent sites at several area campgrounds. At Ashton Wildwood Park, a visitor observed, "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents." The wooded setting provides natural separation between campers.
Budget-friendly options: Kuehn Conservation Area offers primitive sites along the Raccoon River. Ashton Wildwood Park similarly provides affordable camping with one camper noting, "It's only $7/night!" These county parks generally charge less than state-managed facilities.
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive in nature, many campgrounds maintain clean facilities. A camper at Colfax Quarry Springs Park reported, "Awesome campground, clean and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good." Some locations provide new or updated restroom buildings with varying amenities.
Convenient amenities: Most tent sites include basic but practical amenities. According to one visitor at Colfax Quarry Springs Park, "Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites. Level enough for our rooftop tent with no difficulties."
What you should know
Water access varies: Water availability is inconsistent across campgrounds. At Ashton Wildwood Park, campers report, "No water available so make sure to bring plenty of water," though "Drive up the road to the observatory and there is a bathroom with flush toilets and a hot shower, also a water spigot on the back side."
Bathroom facilities: Most campgrounds offer basic toilet facilities. At Mariposa Recreation Area, "There are bathroom facilities by the lake area and the camping area which is near the back." Ashton Wildwood offers only pit toilets at the campground itself.
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration. One camper recommends, "Definitely follow the directions on Dyrt, google took us on a winding gravel road that led to the same place." Some campgrounds require calling ahead for specific sites.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience ambient noise from nearby highways. A Colfax Quarry Springs Park visitor mentioned, "The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it's minimal."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds include recreational areas for children. Twin Anchors Campground offers "a small petting zoo and a small beach," though one camper noted after-hours noise: "It's 1130 pm and we are camping by the playground and there's about 10 children at the playground with no adults."
Educational opportunities: Families can take advantage of natural learning experiences. Mariposa Recreation Area features "a butterfly garden and playground for the kids to explore." The observatory at Ashton Wildwood Park offers structured educational programs.
Nighttime activities: Pack flashlights for nighttime bathroom trips. One camper at Ashton Wildwood Park advised, "There is only a pit toilet in the campground and it's nice enough for midnight runs. (Bring your flashlight!)"
Site selection: For family camping, choose sites with ample space. A visitor at Ashton Wildwood Park noted, "Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. There is also a big group site for family get togethers."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Carlisle restrict larger RVs. Colfax Quarry Springs Park explicitly lists "NO big-rig-friendly" among its features, and one camper emphasized the "Tent only" nature of the campground.
Hookup availability: Electric hookups are scarce at most tent-focused campgrounds. Where available, they tend to be limited to specific designated areas rather than throughout the campground.
Level sites: For small RVs and camper vans, site levelness varies by location. A camper at Colfax Quarry Springs Park mentioned, "Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that," which can affect stability for some vehicles.
