Best Campgrounds near Castana, IA

Campgrounds near Castana, Iowa provide a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts, with established facilities clustered around lakes and parks within a 30-mile radius. The area includes several developed campgrounds like Lewis and Clark State Park Campground and Preparation Canyon State Park, offering accommodation types ranging from tent-only sites to RV hookups and cabin rentals. Southwood Conservation Area and On-Ur-Wa RV Park feature full hookup sites, while more primitive camping can be found at Preparation Canyon State Park, which offers hike-in tent camping with minimal amenities.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. "There's almost no signage for this KOA until you're practically on top of it—very difficult to find without GPS," noted one visitor regarding navigation challenges. Road access varies considerably between locations, with established campgrounds like On-Ur-Wa RV Park offering big-rig friendly access directly off the interstate, while Preparation Canyon requires hiking in to reach tent sites. Weather considerations should factor into planning, as several reviewers mentioned issues with flooding and mud at certain campgrounds after rain. Reservation requirements differ by location, with some sites being first-come, first-served and others requiring advance booking.

Camping experiences in the area frequently center around water access and the unique landscape of the Loess Hills. A visitor to Preparation Canyon State Park described it as "a unique, must-see landscape" with "flora, fauna, and geology that are amazing and unique to North America." Several campgrounds offer lake access for swimming and fishing, particularly around Blue Lake. Sites at Lewis and Clark State Park provide water views and recreation opportunities, though campers note spaces can be somewhat close together at most developed campgrounds in the region. Cleanliness varies between locations, with On-Ur-Wa RV Park consistently praised for exceptionally clean facilities, while reviews for the Onawa-Blue Lake KOA mention concerns about site conditions and customer service. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, swimming pools, and movie nights are available at select locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Castana, Iowa (80)

    1. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Onawa, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-2829

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa!"

    "There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers."

    2. On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Onawa, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-1387

    "Pulled in, John came into the office, asked if I was a Good Sam member and charged me $43.34 for a full hook-up, extra long pull thru on the outside of the trees."

    "Great location. Very nice campground. Large spacious pull thru sites. Extremely clean bathrooms and showers. We stayed twice, westbound and eastbound. Very friendly, nice people."

    3. Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Moorhead, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-2829

    $9 / night

    "Located directly adjacent to the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest; the flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America."

    "Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded."

    4. Peters Park

    4 Reviews
    Smithland, IA
    9 miles
    Website

    "Nice, clean, quiet, lake for swimming and fishing, playground, store, movie nights for kids on Fri and Sat."

    5. Onawa-Blue Lake KOA

    7 Reviews
    Onawa, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-1633

    "Conveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet."

    6. Southwood Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Smithland, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 889-2215

    7. Huff - Warner Access Area

    3 Reviews
    Onawa, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 433-2400

    "They have a table near the boat ramp that, I assume, is for cleaning your caught fish. If it matters, it did not have running water."

    "Located far enough from the interstate to avoid any traffic noise River barges were unloading next to the campground when we were here."

    8. Woodbury County Park Southwood Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Smithland, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 889-2215

    "Nice campground clean bathrooms the trails are really good quiet and peaceful"

    9. Sunset at Blue Oasis RV Park

    1 Review
    Onawa, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 420-2871

    $52 / night

    "Not to far from the Interstate and Lewis and Clark State Park in Iowa. The gravel site we were on fit our 40 ft fifth wheel without a problem but was slightly off level."

    10. Loess Hills Hideaway

    1 Review
    Moorhead, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 551-0690
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Recent Reviews near Castana, IA

247 Reviews of 80 Castana Campgrounds


  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground

    Mosquitos and undrinkable water.

    Mosquitos are a given in a wetland refuge, but since this was just an overnight stay, I wasn't especially concerned. What DID concern me was:

    1. The camp host was present, but not at all helpful. A bad storm was moving in, and so I asked about tornado shelters in the area...he said there were none. Funny as the ranger station was within walking distance, but nobody was attending.

    2. It's a state park, and so the water stations are sprinkled throughout the camping areas. I was going to fill my kettle and was stopped by one of the campers who said that the water was bad and that if I needed water, she had extra. The camp host didn't mention the contamination issue, nor were the spigots marked. I did see a weathered "boil notice" on the door to the showers that evening. 

    It has the potential to be a nice park, but is unkept and all but neglected by the camp host.

  • V
    Sep. 30, 2025

    loess hills state forest

    Loess Hills State Forest

    Really impressed with this location. Incredible hiking just outside your door.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Onawa-Blue Lake KOA

    Convenient and quiet

    Conveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet.

  • 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

  • J
    Aug. 24, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Overnight stay

    This campsite was everything we were needing for the night plus more. The people were very friendly.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Snyder Bend County Park

    Nice lakeside walking path

    No reservation needed. Self check-in before 10pm. $25 for electric & water hookup. Lake facing spaces available if not already taken. Nice walking trail lakeside. Yes. There are mosquitoes at dusk.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Comforting

    Night 1 of a 60 day trip with 42 moves. Super clean park and very well taken care of. I watched a youtube video that showed the park and it was like re-living a dream. Pulled in, stopped at office, John came in and helped me, asked me if I was a GoodSam member and charged me $43.34 for a full-hookup, super long pull thru. There were a lot of open spaces so the park felt very comfortable. Totally worth it.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Comforting

    Night 1 of a 42 moves trip. You can find a few decent youtube videos that show the park and it was like living a dream. Pulled in, John came into the office, asked if I was a Good Sam member and charged me $43.34 for a full hook-up, extra long pull thru on the outside of the trees. I watch for that now after the top of a tree fell on power lines above my camper last year. Seemed pretty vacant but there were people here that looked like travelers. Very comfortable.

  • Abby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Simple Overnight Stay

    Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained.


Guide to Castana

Camping near Castana, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Enjoy the scenic trails at Preparation Canyon State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are several trails to follow in the area," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, you can fish or just relax by the water. A camper noted, "Great sites right on the water," perfect for those who love being near lakes.
  • Playgrounds and Family Fun: Families will appreciate the playgrounds at Onawa-Blue Lake KOA. One reviewer said, "Nice pool and playground," highlighting the kid-friendly amenities.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the campgrounds. For example, at Snyder Bend County Park, a visitor remarked, "Decent bath house with showers," which is a big plus for many.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. A reviewer at Browns Lake Bigelow Park Woodbury County Park said, "This place was so beautiful and peaceful," making it ideal for relaxation.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate having room to spread out. One visitor at Cottonwood Cove Park Campground noted, "Quiet large sites at a reasonable price," which is great for families or groups.

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Preparation Canyon State Park Campground, have minimal facilities. A camper mentioned, "There is no drinking water," so be sure to bring your own supplies.
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds, such as Snyder Bend County Park, are only open from May to October. Check the season before planning your trip.
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One visitor at Snyder Bend County Park warned, "Mosquitoes were bad," so pack some bug spray.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Onawa-Blue Lake KOA has a pool and playground, making it a hit with kids.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. A camper at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground noted, "Busy but not noisy and quiet by 9," which is great for families with young children.
  • Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games or outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained. One family at Browns Lake Bigelow Park Woodbury County Park enjoyed the "playground for the kids."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Snyder Bend County Park mentioned, "Plan on using your leveling blocks," indicating some sites may not be perfectly level.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. Cottonwood Cove Park Campground offers water and electric, which is a plus for RVers.
  • Be Mindful of Dump Stations: Some campgrounds may not have dump stations on-site. A visitor at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground noted, "There is a sanitary dump nearby," so plan accordingly.

Camping near Castana, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Castana, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Castana, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 80 campgrounds and RV parks near Castana, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Castana, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Castana, IA is Lewis and Clark State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Castana, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Castana, IA.