Best Tent Camping near Carter Lake, IA

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.

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


Tent Camping Reviews near Carter Lake, IA

473 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

  • Kyla B.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Peaceful

    Has fishing, kayaking, hiking, 3 covered picnic areas with electricity, wildlife watching, no-wake boating, 11 (50 amp) RV/tent pads/sites at $20 per night, 3 free non-electrical RV/tent pads/sites, & free tent camping area by the dock. No park permit required. Can pay for pads/sites with cash or with mobile phone. Sites have trash cans, picnic tables and fire rings. Primitive bathrooms available. Water spigots available and working. No dumpsite. Dogs welcome but must be leashed.

    May be difficult parking for larger rigs (35ft+) due to the one way entrance and curvature of the campground. Also note that you will need to bring leveling blocks for nearly every site since the campground is build on a hill.

    https://lpnnrd.org/outdoor-recreation/czechland-lake-recreation-area/

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • 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.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The 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.


Guide to Carter Lake

Tent campsites near Carter Lake, Iowa provide varying levels of water access and natural surroundings within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at the western edge of the Loess Hills formation, a unique landform of wind-deposited silt found only in China and along this section of the Missouri River valley. Summer temperatures typically range from 65°F to 89°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer cooler conditions with occasional precipitation.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers prime fishing spots along the riverbank where tent campers can set up their sites. "A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds. I camped right by the river," reports Michael M.

Water activities: Riverside Campground provides direct water access for tent campers interested in tubing or relaxing by the water. As Emily M. explains, "The river is decently safe and a good place to tube. There were not any other campers but I could see it getting pretty busy on the weekends."

Hiking through unique landscapes: Loess Hills Hideaway provides access to distinctive hill terrain found in few other places globally. "Owner is very nice and the bathrooms if you need them are clean and well maintained," notes Tyler S., highlighting the campground's hospitality alongside its natural setting.

What campers like

River proximity: At Riverside Campground, tent campers appreciate waterfront positioning. Robin E. shares, "Our favorite campground is Riverside for tent camping. There are spots where you can tent camp right by the river. When the river is low, you can go play on the beach. We've even walked through the water to go play on the islands."

Morning routines: Many campers value the available breakfast options near tent sites. "There is a convenience store ran by a very nice family and they make a great breakfast for a low cost. We like to get up early and walk across the park to breakfast and then walk back to our campsite," describes a regular visitor to the area.

Wildlife viewing: Fremont Lakes tent areas offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "The park has many, many opportunities to earn badges. You can even take a short hike into a little outdoor nature classroom," mentions a visitor, noting the educational opportunities alongside recreational ones.

What you should know

Train noise concerns: Tent campers at Fremont Lakes should prepare for frequent train disruptions. One camper reports, "There is a very busy set of train tracks that run about every 20 minutes all day and all night. Didn't get any sleep, even with earplugs. Plus, it's right next to a busy highway."

Water availability: Some tent-focused campgrounds require bringing all water supplies. At Preparation Canyon State Park, the eight hike-in sites lack drinking water, requiring careful planning for hydration needs during warmer months.

Tent site terrain variations: Tent sites at Preparation Canyon State Park offer more challenging terrain than other area options. Alison D. notes, "I stayed here on a long road trip across the country. Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in."

Tips for camping with families

Age-appropriate camping: Riverside Campground offers family-friendly tent sites with playground access. "Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground. Fun and quick trip if you're in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it," shares Michael M. about his experience with children.

Scout-friendly activities: Two Rivers SRA provides opportunities for organized youth group camping away from water hazards. "We have also used other campgrounds at Two River SRA for Cub Scout campouts. (It's just safer being away from the water.) The park has many, many opportunities to earn badges."

Beginner-friendly backpacking: For families wanting to introduce children to backpacking, Preparation Canyon offers manageable trails. Christopher S. describes, "The flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America. If you have not visited this area, put it high on your to-do list."

Tips for RVers

Site selection priorities: RVers should carefully consider proximity to attractions versus noise levels when choosing tent or RV sites near Carter Lake. At Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, Alyssa E. advises, "I tent camped in the old lakes part of the campgrounds. If you want a less busy area, find the older section."

Limited options at some locations: Pelican Point State Recreation Area offers minimal RV facilities despite having tent options. "This campground is conveniently located at a boat ramp. It has 2 primitive campsites and a vault toilet. The campsites had signs that said $15," explains John A., highlighting the limited amenities.

Fairgrounds alternative: When established tent campgrounds are full, consider Saunders County Fairgrounds. "Located near downtown Wahoo. $20 per night for full hookup. Appear to be approximately 40 sites," notes Lucian F. about this less-utilized option.

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.