Top Tent Camping near Clarion, IA
Searching for a tent camping spot near Clarion? Finding a place to camp in Iowa with your tent has never been easier. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Clarion campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Clarion, IA (12)
2. Ambrose Call State Park
1 Review- Reservable
- Tents
3. Bessman-Kemp Park
Be the first to review!- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
5. Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area
1 Review•4 Photos•22 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
7. Stoehr Fishing Area
2 Reviews•5 Photos- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
9. Whispering Oaks RV Park
Be the first to review!•2 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Picnic Table
10. Reece Park
Be the first to review!- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Clarion
143 Reviews of 12 Clarion Campgrounds
Pat F.
Guide
Don Williams Park
Quite and nice
Very quite and nice campground, we camped on top of the hill in tents it was awesome view and potable drinking water next to camp, bathrooms and shower facilities was clean and nice
- RRyan S.Guide
Dows Pool Park & Campground
Shady, quiet campground with electric & water hookups and a dump station
I only drove through here I did not camp. It was quiet and the sites were shaded. I saw water, electricity and a picnic table at every site. The pads are gravel and very level.
You can easily bike into town.
There is a dump station.
I had 3 bars of Verizon 4G which provided 70 down and 12 up.
On T-mobile I had 5 bars of 5G and 100 down and 7 up.
- JJanet K.Guide
Clear Lake State Park
Nice but crowded campground
Nice campground with grassy pull thru sites. But very close together. If full, you would have no privacy. Fortunately, it was 1/4 full, so no problem. Bathrooms clean, nice warm showers! Nice beach, lots to do. Would be a fun place if you don’t mind camping next to neighbors!
- Greg K.Guide
Alden riverview campground
15$! Alden Riverview Campground
30/50/110 power. Drinking water and dump onsite but not on sites. Wifi! Hot showers, playground,boat launch,fire pits,grills,good camp host.town is right there 2 bars and restaurants. Gas station I think was 8 blocks up to the right. Been hard to find all this for 15 bucks a day!
- ccorey
Traveler
Camp At The Woods
Open year round
Very accommodating super nice people helped us back in and set up in middle of winter after dark after we had drove 2 days from the east coast. Our spot was on an incline but the water worked when temp was below freezing the camp was nice with new park for kids new basketball court new pavilion wish we could have been there in the summertime I’m sure the pool is nice when uncovered. I saw laundry and bathrooms by the river.
- SSkip H.
Ranger
Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area
Good spot, but not exactly private
It's a nice spot off of the main road. It's pretty quiet, but there aren't many spots to camp. When you come in on the dirt road, it hooks to the right, and you'll come upon a dirt cul-de-sac. On the right, you'll see a grassy area set into the woods where you could camp. Other than that, your parking in the perimeter. There's enough room that virtually any size camper could navigate into this spot, but if there are other people, that will really complicate your life.
There is a boat launch and paths down each side of the launch you could fish. On the way in, you'll see a deck to the left, providing a scenic overlook. There's also a spot there you could potentially park, but you'll be very exposed if there is any foot traffic.
Pam H.Traveler
Grotto Campground
Nice quiet camping
Stopped for the night , so I could see the Grotto in the morning. Very clean restrooms/showers. Only one other camper here. Shaded spots, great Wi-Fi, good cell service. Next to train tracks but only one train came by and it wasn’t loud. Definitely recommend if you’re in the area. You pay at the gift shop across the street. $20 for RV and $10 for tent.
- jjeremy K.Traveler
Lizard Creek Ranch Camping
Great place to stay
Very nice park with a nice restaurant and many things to do in the area. Very pretty and taken care of.
Becky M.GuideClear Lake State Park
Great State Park
This is our second time camping at the Clear Lake State Park. The park is clean, the shower house is nice. It’s hard to control the temperature in the showers, too hot for little kids to stand directly in the water. The playground was fun for the kids, nice beach access! Limited full hook up sites. I wish there were more full hook ups that you could reserve. Paved roads are great for bike riding. Great shaded spots. DNR cruises the park daily which is nice to see.
- CCROSSFIRE 5.
ScoutMacNider Campground
Pretty good
Was a quick stop. Surprised when we pulled up it was only $19 a night for only electric & $28 for full hook ups. We came in the end of June & it is not too busy. Still plenty of parking. There is a community pool right beside the camp.
- RRichard &.Guide
The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park
Nice place to stop while visiting the Grotto
We stayed at the Grotto of the Redemption RV park for two nights. We were in our class C while slowly making our way across the country. We had no problems getting a spot here. There are two areas. One is very close to a train line, which runs infrequently. Sites are grass, level, and reasonably well maintained. All sites are pull through. Only electrical hookups are available at the sites. This is in good condition. There is fresh water and a dump station available. Each site has a nice grassy area and there are plenty of large trees. Staff was very friendly and helpful. There was a park nearby with a playground.
The RV park is near the Grotto. The Grotto is a fascinating achievement worth a look if you are in the area.
We had 2 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well. Campground wifi was not available.
We enjoyed our brief stay at this campground. We will stay again when traveling this way.
- VVictoriaScout
Clear Lake State Park
Nice place
Overall nice place to stay. We stay each year with family so there are about 4 of our campers all there together.distance between sites can be wide or narrow depending on which site you’re on.
Pros: Clean/well maintained, easy short path through the trees to get to the beach, sturdy picnic tables all around, long “driveway” for campsite
Cons: pads are gravel and not very level, pads are very narrow, beyond the trees on one side of the campground is a major road so you’ll hear cars passing by, not a lot of restroom/bathhouses
- Becky M.Guide
Clear Lake State Park
Very clean park!
We spent 4 days here and the park is a busy place! Very clean!!!!! Dump station was easy access! We were right by the shower houses. Check in and out was simple. We made our reservations online. The park had paved roads, great for bike riding, playground was a hit! The sunset was gorgeous in the evenings at the beach! We will be back!
Tammie C.Guide
Shellrock River Co Preserve
You can't beat free
Secluded free camping with port a potty, fire rings and a shelter. My AT&T service worked enough for a podcast but not streaming.
- Jeannie D.Guide
Featherstone County Park
Snug
Snug if you have slide outs, must watch to see you don't hit neighbor's trailer as you extend. Awnings literally touch neighbors. Crazy good time, if that's what you're into. I like the cabins!
- Jeannie D.Guide
Joe Sheldon County Park
Beautiful hiking!
This is a lovely and expanding park. Spacious, level pull through sites with full hookups. Decent Verizon coverage. Shower houses could use updates.
- Jeannie D.Guide
Briggs Woods Park
Pretty place
Nice camp, decent sites, GREAT buddy sites! Cell service is null, and no wifi. We do love the hiking over here!
- Jeannie D.Guide
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area North Equestrian Campground
GREAT lake!
I like beach camp, but I LOVE north equestrian camp. Wish the boxes accomodated my rig. It's easy in spring or fall, we can get by with 30 amps. If you need 50 amps, you're going to want to head to the Beach Camp.
- Jeannie D.Guide
Kennedy County Park
Getting away from it ALL!
Decent smaller county park with newly installed blacktop trail around lake and golfcourse next door. No cell service provider functions in this park. The WIFI is shared between dozens of sites, speed averages right around 5mps. The rest of everything out here is WONDERFUL! Great neighbors, wildlife, the trail, fishing, boating, the playground… everything else is wonderful.
- Jeannie D.Guide
Dolliver Memorial State Park
Love Dolliver
One of my favorite hiking spots! Camping here is comfortable enough. Sites can be a little squat in the middle loops, and no fhu. Antenna coverage is fine for catching your evening weather report, but cell service cuts out as you drive down into the park, and does not resume until you come back up and out. There's no wifi, and I'm not sure how satellite service would fare down here. Our Dish barely kept up with the antenna, so I'm guessing satellite's a meh. If you have anything you'd like to listen to or watch, download it before going in. But, honestly, the hiking is so good, it'd be silly to worry about much of anything down here. I rarely do.
- Jeannie D.Guide
Webster County Kennedy Park Campground
No Service
Great sites, phenomenol hosts. LOVE the playground, and the culture; this is home during the summer months. Terrible WIFI, absolutely no cell coverage out here. Not sure how they justify raising camping rates here if the ameneties do not reflect modern needs for family enjoyment. Yes we like smores, and watching the birds, and fishing, and hiking; but so help me, we like our Netflix too, and I sure would like to be able to watch the weather report. Even Dish coverage is spotty out here. It's weird, we're not down in a valley or anything. Not sure why this is such a dead zone out here.
- mmichelleTraveler
Wilder City Park
Beautiful city park
Wilder Park is a beautiful city park. Very much a gem, quiet and peaceful . 50 + sites with about half of them full hook up. Costs for a full hook up in 2022 was under $25 a night. The park has two fishing areas, a dog park,pickle ball, volleyball mini golf, basketball and two playgrounds. A beautiful walking and bike path connects the parks to the neighboring cities. A free dump is also available. We highly recommend this park. 1
- AAllen H.Scout
Prairie Bridges Park
Camp
Quite nicc
- Vanessa H.Scout
Clear Lake State Park
Great spot
We love coming to Clear Lake! The campgrounds are always very well kept, bathrooms very clean! Easy access to the lake, and the town has so much to do during the summer months!
Alyssa D.Guide
Wilkinson
Good for free camping!
Large open field next to some woods with some fire pits and one “site” has a picnic table and a small covering. It’s good for what it is, free camping! We’ve gone a few times, it’s first come first serve, no reservations. Not really much hiking but an okay spot if you’re just looking for a place to pitch a tent and have a fire.
Mallory S.Guide
Pine Lake State Park
Great view, trail and fishing
Site 70 is not level, the driveway was just long enough for us and the view was great! The sites are spacious enough; cell signal was the same. The dumpsters we full when we got there on Sunday the same on Tuesday. Recycling was not offered! The bathrooms are very nice-a room with 3 stalls and 4 individual showers. The trail is superb, we rode our bikes both days we were there. It’s an easy (ebike) ride to Eldora.
- aamandaScout
Smidt Campground
Started ok
Great clean place, but not EVERYONE is to follow the Rules. And within 2 months the rent increases. Not impressed. Website shows wifi, but you've got to pay an extra 100$ month?
Guide to Clarion
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clarion, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clarion, IA is Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area with a 2.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Clarion, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Clarion, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.