Best Campgrounds near Clarion, IA

Camping near Clarion, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking and Scenic Views: Explore the trails at Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground. One visitor said, "One of my favorite hiking spots! The hiking is so good, it'd be silly to worry about much of anything down here."
• Fishing and Kayaking: At Beeds Lake State Park, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A camper mentioned, "Great state park for a quiet weekend trip. Tons of great tent sites, but it seemed like the RV spots were pretty close together."
• Biking Trails: The Pilot Knob State Park has biking trails that are perfect for a family outing. One reviewer noted, "This is our favorite place to camp. Lots to do like hiking, biking, and fishing."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Swede Point Park said, "Great little hideaway of a campground, very reasonably priced and clean."
• Friendly Atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the friendly vibe at the campgrounds. One reviewer at Pine Lake State Park mentioned, "It’s very quiet here and the few guests that are here are friendly."
• Natural Beauty: The scenic views and natural surroundings are a big hit. A camper at Clear Lake State Park shared, "The park is clean, the shower house is nice. Great shaded spots."

What you should know:

• Cell Service: Be prepared for limited cell service in some areas. A visitor at Ledges State Park Campground noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
• Crowded During Peak Season: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. One camper at Clear Lake State Park said, "Nice campground with grassy pull thru sites. But very close together."
• Reservations Recommended: It’s a good idea to make reservations, especially during weekends. A camper at Swede Point Park mentioned, "Great place to stay. Just a few minutes drive to High Trestle Bridge."

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Spring Lake County Park, one reviewer said, "There is a playground and disc golf. This is a very busy campground in the summer."
• Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A camper at Pine Lake State Park noted, "The sites are spacious enough; cell signal was the same."
• Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to have quiet time for younger kids. A visitor at Dolliver Memorial State Park mentioned, "The park's beauty and tranquility did get disturbed a couple times when our dogs got loose."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to check if the campground has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Pilot Knob State Park said, "For $12/night on a 30AMP hookup, I really can't complain."
• Look for Level Sites: Some sites may not be level, so check reviews before booking. A visitor at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area noted, "The only open site was in the North Equine Campground... it was well maintained, clean and quiet."
• Plan for Waste Disposal: Be aware of waste disposal options. A camper at Eagle City County Park mentioned, "Sites are first come first served with no reservations. Cost is $10 and you can pay up to 30 min after claiming your site."

Camping near Clarion, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful parks and friendly campers, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.