The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Collins. Collins is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Collins. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$7 / night
"Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. It's only $7/night! There is some play equipment for children. "
"There are a couple of hiking trails in the park that are maintained. One goes to a creek and a bird watching station."
"Next to skunk river oxbows, kayak, no swimming, water stagnant, no fish, about 4ft depth everywhere. Great hiking trails, clean, great camp hosts, ranger. All sites first come."
"We haven't camped here, but have seen that the tent areas are right next to the water. Super serene with great hiking trails and bird watching!"
$17 / night
"Lots of trees for shade but the lake has trails and a swimming beach with watercraft rentals. Truly a hidden gem in central Iowa!"
"Got to the campground around 6pm on a Friday and no one was at the primitive campground which was nice. The picnic table and fire ring were clean and in good condition."
$20 - $25 / night
"A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"
"Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."
"Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."
"The drive into the grounds was a little confusing, but I imagine that in the daylight we would have had an easier time."
$35 - $90 / night
"Has a cute pond and is adjacent to a bike and running trail. The main lodge has very clean restrooms and showers with hot water! Recommended"
"There is also a very nice bike trail right outside the park."
$20 - $336 / night
"The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."
"Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites. Varying levels of shade. A25, had a good amount of shade and was near the nice playground and nice bathrooms. No view of the lake from loop A."
$17 - $35 / night
"One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."
"One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."
$15 / night
"They have porta potties around. Two places to launch kayaks. Most campsites have fire rings, picnic tables and trash bins. Some have grills."
GuideLiked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.
GuideClean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.
GuideQuiet, clean little gem of a spot. Site was fairly level
ScoutDawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!
They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.
The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.
TravelerWe stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.
TravelerIowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know
GuideJuly, 2017
Great place but not quiet at all. Short walk to the amusement park. We were there for most of the early summer so we got a season pass to the park which included the water park. They also have workcamper programs.
We especially loved the fireworks display on the 4th.
ScoutI stayed at site #13 with my two boys. We had a blast. I would highly recommend site #13. It had plenty of space for a large tent and canopy. It had a nice access spot for fishing. The new restroom/shower facility was very nice and clean. Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that. There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks. The campground manager was extremely helpful. He had firewood already staged for $7 and even came back on day two with more firewood for the same fee.
RangerGreat sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views.
Camping near Collins, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.
Camping near Collins, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Collins camping sites?
Collins area camping sites offer diverse amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Thomas Mitchell County Park provides both electric and non-electric sites, with some campsites featuring a creek flowing behind them. North Overlook Camp offers heavily shaded sites with direct access to a large beach on Lake Red Rock, complete with shower houses and concessions. Many campgrounds in the region include restrooms, picnic areas, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. Some parks also feature playgrounds, swimming areas, and nearby convenience stores for essential supplies.
Where is Collins Lake camping located?
Collins camping options are located throughout central Iowa. Diamond Lake County Park is situated about 20 minutes south of Interstate 80 near Montezuma, accessible via Road #63. Another excellent option is Briggs Woods Park, which is located close to Webster City, Iowa. These parks offer beautiful natural settings with various camping opportunities for visitors looking to explore Iowa's outdoor recreation areas.
How much does it cost to camp at Collins?
Camping costs in the Collins area vary by location and amenities. At Timmons Grove County Park, all campsites are $18 per night with electric hookups. Little Wall Lake County Park offers clean facilities at reasonable rates. Many Iowa county parks maintain affordable pricing, with electric sites typically ranging from $15-25 per night and non-electric sites slightly less expensive. Some parks offer both reservable sites and walk-up availability. Check with specific campgrounds for current pricing and reservation policies.
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