Camping sites near Hawarden, Iowa encompass the northwest region of the state and neighboring areas of South Dakota. Located in Sioux County where the average summer temperature reaches 85°F, the area's landscape features rolling hills along the Big Sioux River watershed with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 feet. The camping season typically runs April through October, with many locations closed during winter months due to Iowa's harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails: Newton Hills State Park offers several hiking options through wooded terrain. "This beautiful park set just 9 miles south of Canton, SD has something for everyone. If you enjoy water activities, spend some time at Lake Lakota swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing! If land is more your style, enjoy the multiple hiking trails," notes Lisa H. from Newton Hills Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Many camping areas near Hawarden provide fishing access without requiring additional permits. At Sandy Hollow Park Campground, visitors can enjoy "a swimming lake, fishing lake, and hiking trails through the prairie. Less than three miles from town," according to Miranda M.
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with beach amenities. "The lake is clean and very pretty. The shower house is newly renovated and very nice," writes Kaila about Willow Creek Campground, which features a swimming pond separate from fishing areas.
What campers like
Modern facilities: Many campgrounds have updated their amenities in recent years. Union Grove State Park Campground impressed visitors with its "immaculate" facilities, as one camper noted: "Definitely one of the cleanest most well kept campgrounds I've seen in a while. Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice."
Family-friendly layouts: Rivers Bend Campground arranges sites to maximize lake views. "Decent size spots with lakefront views at just about all of them. There is a swimming hole with a little beach and walking/bike trail. They have tent sites that you have to walk to but they are right on the water away from all of the RV sites," shares Kaitlin B.
Recreational diversity: Many locations offer multiple outdoor activities in one setting. James M. describes Sandy Hollow Park Campground as having "standard sites, fire rings, tables, firewood, swimming beach, fishing, boating, hiking including access to Sioux Center's trail system, shelters, lodge, archery range. Playground, canoe/kayak rentals."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: While some campgrounds offer privacy, others place sites close together. At Willow Creek Campground, Mallory S. found that "Site 42 is on the beach side which is the newer part of the campground, it's one of the full hookup ones by the sidewalk. It was level and had some shade; sites are average size."
Shade availability: Tree coverage differs between campgrounds and even within the same park. "Many campsites are almost full sun—so have your shade structure ready. Evenings very peaceful," advises Sally C. about Newton Hills State Park.
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate on first-come basis. Sandy Hollow has "3 Reservable full hook ups, otherwise first come," according to Donald N.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Union Grove State Park Campground, campers have "Site was perfect for both an RV or a tent. They offer tent, back in, or pull through. We tent camped at a back in site across from both the play area and the shower rooms."
Swimming amenities: Many locations have developed beach areas with additional features. Lazy H Campground offers unique water attractions as Bryan R. describes: "The beach has giant floating lily pads that the kids loved. There are showers on the beach to wash off feet after you're done swimming."
Nature education: Oak Grove Park provides environmental learning opportunities near its camping areas. Both Turkey Ridge and Deer Run campgrounds offer access to the nature center, and James M. notes the park has "terraced sites with hard pads, tables, fire rings/ firewood, shaded spots, electric, horseshoes, nature center nearby."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric, but full-service sites are limited. Rock Valley BiCentennial Park Campground provides "full hookups" though it's a small facility with "only 6 spots," according to Tiffany K.
Site dimensions: Concrete pads and pull-through sites are available at some locations. Charles M. found Willow Creek Campground to be "a real find in the middle of corn and soybean country" with power, water and WiFi for $20 in the old section.
Seasonal considerations: Most RV parks in the area operate between April and October. Willow Creek Campground runs from "April 15 to October 15" and offers 62 RV spots with concrete pads; half have electric and water while the other half include sewer hookups as well.
