Tent camping near Collins, Iowa offers primitive sites within 30 miles of town, with most campgrounds situated around small lakes and quarries in central Iowa. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping seasons often experience temperature fluctuations of 20-30 degrees between day and night. Most sites require campers to bring their own water and prepare for minimal facilities.
What to do
Stargazing sessions: Ashton Wildwood Park features an observatory open on Saturdays where visitors can participate in guided astronomy programs. One visitor shared that "the observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom."
Fishing opportunities: Colfax Quarry Springs Park provides fishing access with sandy shorelines for various fish species. A camper noted, "This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing...The fishing is the best place for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish. No swimming is allowed and only electric motors, no gas."
Orienteering course: Explore the orienteering course at Ashton Wildwood Park for a navigation challenge through wooded areas. According to one reviewer, "There is also a orienteering course but you have to walk in the woods to finish it...All in all it was a great campsite, not really anyone there and we had a lot of fun on the trails and the observatory."
What campers like
Sandy campsites: Many Colfax Quarry Springs tent sites feature sandy soil from the quarry's origins, creating well-draining tent pads. A recent visitor reported, "I 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...Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that."
Spacious wooded sites: Mariposa Recreation Area offers tent camping with generous spacing between sites in a country setting. A reviewer explained, "It's pretty spacious and has lots of room for tent camping. I wouldn't bring an RV here...There is a butterfly garden and playground for the kids to explore. There is also a shelter to have parties with picnic tables."
Clean facilities: Several Collins-area campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean restrooms despite primitive settings. At Colfax Quarry Springs Park, a camper commented, "Awesome campground, clean and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good. Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites."
What you should know
Limited water access: Most tent camping sites near Collins require bringing your own water supply. At Stoehr Fishing Area, a local camper advised, "I live near Stoehr Fishing Area and fish there often. It has excellent shore fishing on the two ponds...There really is no campsite to speak of. There is a picnic shelter and grill, but no fire pit - campfires are not allowed."
Park gate hours: Campgrounds enforce after-hours entrance restrictions. Colfax Quarry Springs Park maintains a gate policy as noted by a visitor: "The quiet hours are at 10:30pm and they have a gate which is closed at sunset when the park closes for non campers."
Time limits: Some fishing areas permit overnight camping but restrict duration. At Stoehr Fishing Area, one camper stated, "small park with maybe one primitive tent site no fire pit 24 hour is the length you can stay. 2 small fishing ponds."
Tips for camping with families
Observatory visits: Schedule Saturday night camping at Twin Anchors Campground to take advantage of nearby Ashton Wildwood Park's observatory programs. The observatory features flush toilets and running water, unlike most campground facilities in the area. A camper mentioned, "The campground was nice, but it seems more for RVs. Sometimes you have to share a fire pit with other tents if it's busy. They have a small petting zoo and a small beach."
Rehabilitation-friendly trails: Shorter, less challenging trails accommodate various mobility levels. One camper at Ashton Wildwood Park shared, "There is a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement."
Budget-friendly options: Most tent camping around Collins costs under $10 per night. A regular visitor noted, "I live just 7 miles away, but I love to take my grand daughter here for overnight camping...It's only $7/night!"
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: David Bates Memorial Park and similar parks near Collins offer minimal amenities for RVs, with few electrical or water connections. RV campers should plan for boondocking or seek private campgrounds with more services.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds in the Collins area. At Colfax Quarry Springs Park, a reviewer observed, "The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it's minimal."
Seasonal facilities: Bathroom and water facilities at most public campgrounds around Collins are unavailable during winter months, with only vault toilets accessible year-round. RVers should carry sufficient water and prepare for self-contained camping between November and April.
