Best Campgrounds near Carroll, IA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Carroll, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Carroll is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Carroll. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Carroll, Iowa (75)

    1. Swan Lake State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Carroll, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 792-4614

    "If there was a tent only location, I didn't see it.  Those in campers that need water and electricity are regulated to gravel 'parking lot' sites."

    "Great trail all the way around the lake, we took a bike ride around it was about 3 ish miles. Camp host was a gem. Bathrooms were very clean! Great view of the lake."

    2. University 40

    7 Reviews
    Lanesboro, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 297-7131

    $25 / night

    "I really think that thanks to my initiative, many students were able to step out of academic trouble and get back to focusing on their studies."

    " Enjoy drifting& driving awesome cars. Explore beautiful maps, find your favourite drift locations. Do experiments with car tuning."

    3. The Hausbarn Heritage Park

    2 Reviews
    Audubon, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 655-3131

    $10 - $18 / night

    4. Thirty Acres Campground — Black Hawk State Park

    2 Reviews
    Lake View, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 657-8712

    $15 - $33 / night

    "Park is right next to the lake. Beautiful lake. Pretty busy with lots of campers. Nice walking path around the lake."

    "Beautiful view of the lake! Multiple options of camping sites. Clean RR and showers. Nice area!"

    6. Camp Crescent Park — Black Hawk State Park

    1 Review
    Lake View, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 657-2189

    $16 - $50 / night

    "Utility location did require us to use a longer hose and extension cord to reach from our site.   Nice town and trails for biking nearby. "

    8. Spring Lake County Park

    9 Reviews
    Jefferson, IA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 738-5069

    $20 / night

    "There are campsites along the lake with easy access to shoreline. There are approximately 100 sites. There is a playground and disc golf. There is a roller rink and a concession stand."

    "Plenty of camping spaces, some right next to the lake. Swimming area, concession stand, boat rentals, and even a skating rink on the weekends. My favorite childhood camping spot."

    9. Springbrook State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Guthrie Center, IA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 747-3591

    $12 - $200 / night

    "Pros:

    -Not a far drive from Des Moines, but still quite remote

    -Lots of nice hiking trails

    -Easy access to large, mostly clean modern bathrooms

    -The lake is a peaceful spot to spend the early mornings"

    "You’ll love this little park if you want to really disconnect and get away from things as there was absolutely 0 cell reception where we were at."

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Recent Reviews near Carroll, IA

173 Reviews of 75 Carroll Campgrounds


  • 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).

  • sparkleblaster S.
    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

  • Bethanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Sportsman Park

    Sportsman Park

    Dawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!

    They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.

    The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.

  • Bethany G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    I stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent. I butted up against woods with neighbors to one side which made me feel like I had a pretty private area to myself. Other than the bugs, which it is that time of the year, I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service. However, I was able to text my family via satellite to let them know I was okay. It could be seen as a pro or con, but I think we all need no phone time at some point to just set still and relax. I look forward to camping here again soon!

  • Holly M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Schildberg Recreation Area

    Didn't care

    We couldn't even get a return phone call for availability. We are seniors been travelling for months and driving almost 300 miles today. Pretty bad when you can't get a 2 minute call. Disappointed in this campgrounds protocol.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Don Williams Park

    Beautiful park

    Great sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views.

  • Kaelyn H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    great place, great views

    simple quiet spot! far from the interstate! great views of the lake with gorgeous sunsets! only problem is that there is only 2 bathrooms far from eachother so if you were to be in the middle it would be hard! which i was!

  • Anne K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Elkhorn Creek Recreation Area

    Beautiful sunset

    We loved the drive into the campground and found a grove of oaks to camp under. Everyone slept great.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Adair City Park

    Cute town park

    Small town park with spots to back in and plug in. Cost is $20 you put in an envelope by the bathroom. Got here at 9:30 and there was about 5 campers already here. Maybe 3 spots left. Quiet town not too much noise at all


Guide to Carroll

Camping near Carroll, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes 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.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Anita State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A visitor shared, "We loved staying there over the weekend... A lot of timid wildlife."
  • Family Fun: Spring Lake County Park has a playground and disc golf. One family said, "This park is peaceful... Bike/hiking trail, disc golf, kayak/paddle boat rentals, swimming beach, historic roller skating rink, playgrounds and more."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Timberline Campground noted, "Clean bathrooms, beautiful property."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many visitors enjoy the welcoming vibe. One camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers love having room to spread out. A review for Jester County Park mentioned, "Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you're relying on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A visitor at Iowa Ledges State Park mentioned, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI."
  • Busy Seasons: Expect crowds during peak summer months. One camper at Lake Anita State Park noted, "It was a bit noisy when I stayed (people playing loud music into the evening)."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Prairie Rose State Park suggested, "There are reservable sites on mycountyparks.com."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Spring Lake County Park that offer playgrounds and water activities. A family shared, "There are campsites along the lake with easy access to shoreline."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make your stay more enjoyable. One camper at Timberline Campground mentioned, "Great people, nice shade trees, fun pool."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to have downtime for the kids. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "QUIETEST KOA IN AMERICA."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Arrowhead Park Campground noted, "The only open site was in the North Equine Campground so we took a chance."
  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A review for Timberline Campground mentioned, "Timberline is among my favorite campgrounds, always has great people."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure you know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Lake Anita State Park mentioned, "Dump station is at the entrance of the CG."

Camping near Carroll, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Carroll, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carroll, IA is Swan Lake State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.