Best Tent Camping near Correctionville, IA

Tent campsites near Correctionville, Iowa include several county-managed parks and primitive areas within a 30-mile radius. Stieneke Area Park and Ranney Knob Area in Washta offer basic tent camping with river access for paddlers. For backpackers seeking more remote experiences, Preparation Canyon State Park in the Loess Hills region provides walk-in tent sites with greater seclusion.

Most tent camping areas near Correctionville feature minimal amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings and some have picnic tables, but facilities are limited. Stieneke Area Park provides a hand pump well for water, though treatment is recommended. Vault toilets are available at most locations, and camping fees are generally $10-15 per night, collected via self-registration lockboxes. Preparation Canyon State Park offers eight designated backcountry campsites accessible only by hiking trails, each with a fire ring and picnic table.

The tent camping experience in this region offers quiet natural settings away from developed areas. One camper noted that Stieneke Area Park is "a quiet little campground" where they were "the only person in the campground" during their stay. Preparation Canyon State Park provides more secluded options with sites "dispersed around the area so camping is always private." Tent campers can enjoy access to the Little Sioux River at both Stieneke and Ranney Knob areas, making these locations popular for paddling enthusiasts. The backcountry sites at Preparation Canyon State Park offer unique hiking opportunities through the distinctive Loess Hills landscape, with well-maintained trails connecting the camping areas. Most tent sites in the region provide flat, grassy areas suitable for setting up tents with adequate space between campsites.

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Best Tent Sites Near Correctionville, Iowa (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Correctionville, IA

3 Photos of 8 Correctionville Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Correctionville, IA

185 Reviews of 8 Correctionville Campgrounds


  • S
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Stone State Park Campground

    Quick weekend trip

    Planned to stay for the weekend to test out new tent but storms came through & we left after one night. Basic campground in shady area under trees. We did not get an electric hookup. Ground was mostly dirt not grass on our site & mostly dry. Large trees provided shade which helped as very hot & humid. We were next to a ravine but with plenty of bug spray did not get many bites. Hiked the Bear & Buffalo trails. Campground very quiet though a few people came & went. Washrooms are very basic & chose not to use shower. The Park Ranger did check on us & advise on weather conditions. Picnic table & fire pit were fine. Got only 1 bar signal on both Verizon & AT&T. No WiFi. Overall basic, woody/shaded. Good for short stay.

  • Alison D.
    Oct. 9, 2020

    Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

    Surprise find in Iowa!

    I stayed here on a long road trip across the country. Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded. Picnic table and fire ring included. Also, there’s a trail up a hill right near by that had great views of the area and a lovely sunset! I would definitely recommend. Just a head’s up: I saw some pics of people car camping here on this site. Not sure how that would work since it’s supposed to be walk-in only and pretty clearly roped off from access with a car.

  • S
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

    Short weekend getaway

    Nice campground. Very few tent only - mostly RVs/trailers. Washrooms basic but clean. Large site under trees with mix of sun & shade. Grassy area for tent. Access to water close by. Large playground for kids. Campground host had firewood. Picnic table & firepit with grill rack in good condition. Nearby boat ramp to load kayak onto Blue Lake. Many water lilies but sheltered at one end so good for kayak. Everyone seemed friendly though some folk stayed up pretty late on Friday!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 28, 2021

    Turkey Ridge — Ponca State Park

    Great Winter Camp

    A lot of places in Iowa are closed to camping until April or even May. I looked west and quickly found this. There are areas of the park that are "closed for winter", but I was able to find a primitive spot for an overnight to get out and enjoy the rebound from the subzero weather of the previous weeks. Some sites in that section are quite spacious.....although it was just me, so I had a lot of space! there were several water spigots in that section as well, so water is available during the camping season. There was a restroom fairly close by, and in the 15 hours I was there, the ranger checked on the restrooms twice. I didn't use it, but that is an indication that they aren't torn apart. No one was at the entrance, so I had to go the the education center to find self registration. The primitive rate is$15, but they reduced it to$10 in the off-season. A pass is required to camp, so you can add another$5 if you're a Nebraska resident, and$8 if you're from out of state. Season passes are also available.$40 resident,$45 non-resident. All primitive sites had shade. Lots of trees throughout the park. Beautiful.

  • Tony M.
    May. 29, 2019

    Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

    Excellent backwoods refuge.

    If you're looking for a relaxing backcountry retreat for a little backpacking adventure then this is a great weekend option. Beginner to intermediate level trails that are good for the whole family. 340 acres with nearly 8 miles of trails to explore. Water options available. 8 backcountry campsites each with fire ring and picnic table. 1 shelter and privy available near main parking lot. Easy access to even more miles of trails in the remainder of the Loess Hills State Forest adjacent to the park.

  • N K.
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

    Clean & kid friendly

    Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa! We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water. Short walk to the very clean restrooms with flush toilets & showers. Will come back!

  • Emily C.
    Jun. 19, 2020

    Sioux City North KOA

    Very fun

    A tent site was $40 with no electricity so it’s more pricy then other sites but they have a ton of things to do. Checkers, chess, swings, play set, mini golf, inflatable bouncy blog, pool, and more. They had a gift shop with anything you needed to buy. The bathrooms were very nice and clean but did smell a bit. They had electricity/ wall outlets in the bathrooms. The highway is very close so you do hear cars. Privacy fences around the site to block out the neighborhood. Very nice staff!

  • Amy B.
    Jul. 6, 2021

    Stone State Park Campground

    Served its Purpose

    We stopped here for the night during our road trip. We were not sure we would even get a spot due to the July 4th Holiday. We found a primitive spot that had a fire ring and picnic table. It was very shady however the campsites are super close to each other and unfortunately the spots were quickly filled. The bathroom was so gross and the shower did not spray. It ran down the wall and I had to get really creative with washing my hair. It served its purpose, shoes were definitely left on while in the shower, and I guess I left cleaner then when I went in. The park ranger came by to verify our rental slip and was very nice. Everyone seemed to respect the 10:00pm quiet time.

  • Joshua D.
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Ranney Knob Area

    Small county park

    Small park, has some picnic tables, a toilet, and a trash can. Says you can pay to camp but no designated camp sites and limited parking. Does offer access for canoe/kayaking on the river. Camping is $10 a night, pay on site.


Guide to Correctionville

Tent camping near Correctionville, Iowa, offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from peaceful parks to unique landscapes, there's something for everyone.

Local Attractions for Nature Lovers

  • The Preparation Canyon State Park Campground features stunning views and a rich cultural history, perfect for those interested in hiking and exploring unique geological formations.
  • Ranney Knob Area provides access to the river, making it an ideal spot for canoeing and kayaking while enjoying the tranquility of a small county park.
  • For a more secluded experience, Moorehead Pioneer County Park offers year-round camping amidst beautiful natural surroundings, although amenities are limited.

Affordable Tent Camping Options

  • Camping at Ranney Knob Area costs just $10 per night, making it a budget-friendly choice for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.
  • The Hildreth Lighthouse Campground offers a flat grassy area for tent camping at a reasonable rate of $20, perfect for families or groups.
  • At Stieneke Area Park, you can find ample space for tent camping, with no designated sites, allowing for a more flexible camping experience.

Activities for Adventurous Campers

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the trails at Preparation Canyon State Park Campground, where you can find several dispersed campsites for a private camping experience.
  • The Dog Creek Co Park offers opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
  • For those who enjoy water activities, Ranney Knob Area provides direct access to the river, perfect for canoeing and kayaking adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Correctionville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Correctionville, IA is Stieneke Area Park with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Correctionville, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Correctionville, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.