The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Carter Lake, IA

467 Reviews

Tent campers exploring the Carter Lake area in Iowa will find several established campgrounds within driving distance. Preparation Canyon State Park offers hike-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings in a unique Loess Hills landscape. Riverside Campground at Two Rivers State Recreation Area provides tent sites near water, some positioned along the riverbank for easy water access.

Most tent sites in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Preparation Canyon's eight backcountry sites require campers to hike in with all necessary supplies, as drinking water is not available on site. At Riverside Campground, tent sites include electric hookups, picnic tables, and access to showers and toilets. The terrain at Preparation Canyon consists primarily of wooded hillsides with moderately challenging trails, while Riverside offers more level, grassy sites. Both locations permit fires in designated rings when no fire bans are in effect.

The tent camping experience near Carter Lake offers opportunities for different levels of solitude and natural immersion. Preparation Canyon provides a more secluded backcountry experience with sites dispersed throughout the park to maximize privacy. One camper described it as "a unique backcountry retreat" with "beginner to intermediate level trails good for the whole family." At Riverside Campground, tent sites allow campers to set up directly near the water, though the area can become busy during peak season. Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area offers another option for tent campers seeking water proximity, though reviews note "not much shade on most tent sites" and frequent train noise that may disrupt sleep even with earplugs.

Map showing campgrounds near Carter Lake, IowaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Carter Lake, Iowa (9)

Show More
Showing results 1-9 of 9 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Carter Lake Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Carter Lake, IA

5 Photos of 9 Carter Lake Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Carter Lake, IA

467 Reviews of 9 Carter Lake Campgrounds

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Peaceful Serenity

    I arrived just in time to see the beautiful sunset over the small lake near the primitive campground closest to the Park Office. It only cost $10 for tent camping and $3 for a vehicle pass. Campground and vault toilets were pretty clean. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each tent campsite and there are plenty to choose from near the water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe and even fish here. We had a nice encounter from the campground employee who explained how to put the stake out to claim our campsite. Right away, I saw abundant wildlife, including turkey, deer, black squirrels, woodpeckers, geese, ducks and bats. Come prepared for the mosquitoes but overall I would highly recommend this place!

  • Tarrah C.
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Waubonsie State Park Campground

    Nice Trails

    This is a great weekend spot not much to do around the park. The campsites are nice but close with not much space in between. There are 2 campgrounds, the one north of the highway is a horse campground but required. There are nice trails in this area. The campground on the south is more of a tent site. There are vault toliets, no showers. A lot of great trails o this side. All campsites include a picnic table and fire ring.

  • D
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    Camping Right on the Lake

    It is a nice spot a bit off of the main roads. Many of the tent sites allow you to camp right next to the lake. It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

  • C
    May. 5, 2024

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Great first come first serve campground

    This is a nice small campground that is well taken care of. We stayed at site number 8 which may be one of the more unlevel spots. The passenger side of our 5th wheel was about 7" lower than driver side and rear of fifth wheel was about 3" lower than front before we levelled out. 

    Pros:

    -Well maintained walking trails that are perfect for dogs

    -Most sites have 30 and 50 amp hookups

    -Fire rings and picnic tables at most sites

    -$18 a night for electric hookups

    -Quiet

    Cons:

    -Some sites are very unlevel  

    -No water or dump station

  • Sarah H.
    Aug. 7, 2016

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Easy Family Camping Near Omaha

    Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Nice and peaceful

    Great spot for an overnight! Restroom is clean w/ pit toilet and tp. Wifi is only accessible in the upper area of the grounds. Site number 13 is the most cozy as there’s no one next to your rig. Firewood is at the right of the entrance. Potable water available!

  • Jerry B.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    One of my favorites

    Tent camping sites. No electrical hookups but you can still camp in campers if you want. Beautiful Campground with lots of trees and shade. Very nice Lake with fishing available. There appears to be an option for canoe rentals available. Boat ramp and dock. Multiple bathroom locations within the campground. Picnic tables near the water. I’ve kayaked the lake! So much fun.

  • Allison J.
    Jul. 8, 2016

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Loess hills getawayg

    The park has cabins, rv sites, tent camping and backcountry hike in camping. The nature center is a nice place to cool down the the summer and learn about the loess hills. The backcountry campsite have pads with pea gravel for tents and fire rings. Nice and quiet.

  • Pat V.
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    Really nice campground that is missing shade

    Lake Wanahoo is a fairly new lake in Saunders county Nebraska. The lake is part of the local NRD and was originally managed by the state parks department. You used to be able to use your state park permit to gain entry, but now you need to either buy a day pass or a yearly pass from the NRD.

    There are plenty of places to camp here including gravel pads and grass pads for RV’s. 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.

    The tent camping area is huge and there always seems to be plenty of availability. We were the only tent in the entire area. The tiered tent area allows you to have a great view of the lake from wherever you setup. All RV and tent spots have picnic tables and fire rings. Unfortunately when the lake and campground were built they planted saplings, so during the hot months there is no shade to be found.

    The is still plenty to do at the lake from getting the fishing boat out, using their three wide boat ramp or fishing from the shore using bank or using a jetty. There is a gravel trail that goes all the way around the lake, which provides about a three mile loop. The trail also leads down into the town of Wahoo. There are two large play areas for kids. One is in the campground and one is across the lake in the day use area.

    No matter where you go you are not far from a restroom. There are nice clean vault toilets available all around the lake. There is also a large bathroom/shower house in the campground. The shower house does have a change machine on the outside of the build to get change for the showers. These are kept very clean and tidy.

    When pulling your RV out here the water fill is in an awkward spot in a parking lot of the campground. To get to the dump station you have to leave the campground, get on the highway and drive to the opposite side of the lake to the day use area. These were just installed a couple years ago. They are nice and level, but just add a bit of driving to get to them.

    All-in-all this is a nice place and in a few more years of tree growth, it could be even better!

Guide to Carter Lake

Carter Lake, Iowa, offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With scenic views and unique amenities, these campgrounds provide a perfect getaway.

Tips for tent camping near Carter Lake

  • Preparation Canyon State Park Campground features hike-in sites that ensure a private camping experience, ideal for those seeking solitude in nature.
  • Pelican Point State Rec Area provides primitive camping near a boat ramp, making it convenient for water activities while enjoying a rustic camping experience.
  • Loess Hills Hideaway offers well-maintained facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families and groups looking for a comfortable stay.

Local attractions near Carter Lake

  • Saunders County Fairgrounds Campground is located near downtown Wahoo, providing easy access to local events and attractions while offering full hookups for a convenient camping experience.
  • Johnson Park in Fremont boasts a beautiful man-made lake and walking paths, perfect for a day of relaxation and fishing, although it does not allow camping.
  • Luther Hormel Memorial Park is another scenic spot in Fremont, featuring walking trails and a peaceful environment for a day trip.

Local activities for campers

  • At Preparation Canyon State Park Campground, enjoy hiking trails that lead to stunning views and unique geological features, making it a great spot for outdoor adventures.
  • Lyons Park offers drinking water and a serene setting for fishing and picnicking, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
  • Olde Towne Co Park provides a quiet atmosphere for tent camping, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding nature and enjoy a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carter Lake, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carter Lake, IA is Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Carter Lake, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring