Looking for the best campgrounds near Carter Lake, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Carter Lake camping trip.
$10 - $50 / night
"Bathroom was clean, lit, and stocked - even had hand sanitizer! RV loops had flush toilets and showers, but we didn’t stay long enough to make the trek worth it."
"Best campground shower I've ever had in my life, both in water pressure, heat and cleanliness of facilities. Be aware that it's first come first served."
$15 - $40 / night
"The entire park is well maintained, has a large lake stocked with fish, tent sites are close together, but tolerable. Occupancy depends on the time of year. "
"On a beautiful lake with many recreational possibilities - kayaking, sailing non power boating - some for rent. 10 miles of paved bike trails and ALL paved campsites level and clean!"
"Well,, it was alright, loud because of the toll bridge next to park, sites were close together, level, fire pits, picnic tables, electric, water and a dump station, stayed 3 days to visit family,, $20"
"Currently flooded, but should be ready for 2019"
"Very friendly and helpful staff. The bathrooms & laundry room are clean,a little outdated. The pull through sites seem to be all gravel/stone."
"Not only was it paved, but also had a huge patio with a table and Adirondack chairs, and a fire pit with additional seating."
$10 - $165 / night
"Tents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent."
"New appliances, new furniture, fixtures, new bunk beds, etc. The cabin was very clean and organized upon arrival. They supply most everything thing you need i.e. dishes, cookware, etc."
"It is right next to a busy railroad, but we cranked up our fans and barely noticed the trains and their horns."
"Besides the traffic noise because it's close to the hwy, the train passed at night like 4 or 5 times, so have that in mind if you light sleep."
$30 / night
"There are several camping areas, divided into “sub sections”, my favorite place is the cottonwood division (not water hookups but electricity ones work just fine!"
"There's also a cute concession store with a great breakfast. Last time I was here, there was a drunk buffoon loudly carrying on late into the night."
"Just a few mins off I-80 but no noise or signs of heavytraffic. Cute, quaint little town. All pull through spots and all sites are level."
"Electric, water and sewer available. Bathroom and shower were clean. But old style, so small and well worn."
"While most people seem to prefer the gravel pads closer to the lake, we actually prefer grass pads because they are 2-3 larger, so you have more room to setup."
"My wife and I prefer to stay outside and camp most often. This campground not only has a fun name to repeat to family and friends (or try to remember when writing a review!"
LegendTents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent. Tons od trails and many of them a taylored to mountain biking. There are 2 types of cabins, basic that has a bed amd refrigerator. Then there are luxury glamping cabins.
GuideVery friendly and helpful staff. The bathrooms & laundry room are clean,a little outdated. The pull through sites seem to be all gravel/stone. Our back in site had a patio, fire pit and nice patio furniture. Looked like a lot to do for the kids. The camp store is well stocked with RV supplies and parts. After driving all day, then doing laundry it was nice to get a pizza and relax.
GuideWe stayed here overnight on our way out west, so we didn't have big expectations. We are fairly new to pulling a 5th wheel, so we wanted an easy pull-through site plus we wanted it to be paved. Well there are 2 premium sites - we stayed in site# 89. It was HEAVEN! Not only was it paved, but also had a huge patio with a table and Adirondack chairs, and a fire pit with additional seating. The site was situated such that our "good side" was facing the trees, away from the rest of the campground. We have a 43' 5th Wheel plus our truck, and there was plenty of space. That is the best setup we've had so far. We didn't have time to use any of the amenities, and are not traveling with kids, so I can't speak for how good it was in that regard.
LegendIt appears not many people camp in Iowa in February. We had the campground to ourselves. We missed the crazy cold and snow by a day but it was 20 degree with the wind when I hiked the prairie. Lovely little state park, clean and the trail system was pretty neat. Wasn't perfectly flat and had some overlooks. Very much enjoyed!
RangerWe stayed in the recently renovated Owen #4. The renovations really updated it and they need to update the pictures they have on the web, with what it looks like now. New appliances, new furniture, fixtures, new bunk beds, etc. The cabin was very clean and organized upon arrival. They supply most everything thing you need i.e. dishes, cookware, etc. The one thing it does need is a corkscrew! We forgot ours and went without the wine we brought for dinner. With that bombshell though, it was beyond worth the getaway. The winter hiking was fantastic and it was quiet except for the wildlife, but that is why we went out there!
RangerWe needed an overnight stop on our way to Kansas and this KOA was perfect. We pulled in just after dark and there was a note on the door stating staff was limited due to Covid. We pulled into a very large pull through on the west side of the campground (site 16). The KOA was pretty full but everyone was respectful and we didn’t hear much noise. We had full hookups & the site we were in was spacious with a picnic table and fire ring with grate. It had rained quite a bit before we arrived so we didn’t sit outside, due to mud close by our site, but we had a nice view. The next morning, we paid at the office before we left & the Manager only charged us half price (we intended to pay the full price) because he felt bad for not being able to be on site when we arrived (the schedule on the KOA app said staffed until 7pm & we were there just after 6pm).
RangerWell,, it was alright, loud because of the toll bridge next to park, sites were close together, level, fire pits, picnic tables, electric, water and a dump station, stayed 3 days to visit family,, $20 a night
TravelerWe selected this campground as a base for a family get-together near Omaha, for 4 days/3 nights (Fri-Mon). For that mission, it worked well, but overall we were not super impressed for the price. This was our first KOA experience so maybe the thing we noticed were "normal" but there were some definite cons when compared to other campgrounds we've stayed at this year.
1. Very busy & packed... we noticed a lot of traffic seemed to be just a quick stop over for the night, so lots of rigs coming in the afternoon/evening and leaving the next morning. There is just enough room to park our average-sized trailer and truck, and have a picnic table next to it, but neighbors are very close. This is not what I would consider a campground for settling in and relaxing as a destination unto itself.
2. Some "deferred maintenance" was noticeable. The mini-golf course was in terrible shape. The playground equipment (swings, slides etc.) could use an update for sure. The road getting into the grounds has terrible potholes.
3. They seem to be very particular about some odd things, like not allowing rugs on the grass (which is definitely not premium grass!). Have to pay extra for a site with a fire ring, or even enough space for one, and the base price is already on the high side.
...BUT... it's not all bad!
1. Lots of good amenities, including picnic shelter(s?); community room with tables & games for larger gatherings; the pool seemed in good shape (though on the small side), big jumping pillow was a hit with the kids.
2. On-site shop with a good selection of basic items for you and your rig. Free coffee in the morning, pizza available for delivery (we didn't try it but heard it was good). Friendly and helpful staff overall.
3. The Kabins are really nice! A part of our group had rented one and it was a great base for gathering for meals, and had a decent firepit area. If we didn't own a camper, we'd consider this KOA just for the Kabins.
4. Close to Omaha - great as a jump-off point for family activities, shopping, etc.
In Summary: If you don't mind paying more for a campground which has plenty of amenities and is best suited for a quick stop, or, if you are looking to rent a cabin and would like to be located conveniently in the Omaha area, this is a good option, but is a bit overpriced when considering other campgrounds which have more generous spacing and a more laid-back and relaxing environment.
TravelerWe stayed in a teepee which was a first for us. The teepee area has about 8 teepees, each on a platform. Short walk in but a wagon is provided to help unload equipment. Picnic and fire pit near the teepee. We did have a raccoon one night, he thought about checking out the tepee while we sitting around the fire but my dog's bark scared him away. Lots of hiking in the area.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Carter Lake, IA is Hitchcock County Nature Center with a 4.7-star rating from 29 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 17 glamping camping locations near Carter Lake, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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