Best Campgrounds near Columbus Junction, IA

Camping near Columbus Junction, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to well-equipped campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do:

• Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Shady Creek, are right on the Mississippi River, making them perfect for fishing and boating. One camper mentioned, "Nice boat launch. Right on the Mississippi," highlighting the easy access to water activities.
• Hiking and trails: Campgrounds such as Lake Macbride State Park Campground are close to trails. A visitor noted, "Right next to trails," making it easy to explore the beautiful surroundings.
• Disc golf and playgrounds: At West Lake Park, you can enjoy a disc golf course and playgrounds. One reviewer said, "Great staff, prices are wonderful," emphasizing the family-friendly atmosphere.

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Sugar Bottom Campground stated, "Bathrooms were quite clean," which is a big plus for many.
• Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at F. W. Kent Park mentioned, "The sites themselves are HUGE," making it comfortable for larger groups or families.
• Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of campground staff. One visitor at Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA said, "The staff were great!" which adds to the overall positive experience.

What you should know:

• Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Scott County Park, may require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper noted, "If you come after 10pm, there is no way to pay for your spot," so plan ahead.
• Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River lacks showers, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
• Wildlife: Campers should be prepared for bugs and wildlife. One camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "Bugs (actually had a hornets nest in my electrical plug-in compartment)," so bring bug spray!

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds and activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. A review for West Lake Park mentioned, "Play areas, volleyball, bags and horseshoes," making it a great spot for families.
• Quiet hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours, which is great for families with young kids. A camper at Sugar Bottom Campground noted, "Quiet at night," ensuring a good night’s sleep.
• Pack snacks and drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. One camper at F. W. Kent Park mentioned, "Easy to get to amenities and grocery stores," making it convenient to stock up.

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "Might be hard to fit a big rig on the electrical only sites," so check dimensions before booking.
• Electric hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Shady Creek said, "Good amenities: electric, tables, fire rings," which is essential for RV camping.
• Dump stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station. One camper at Sugar Bottom Campground appreciated the "double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions," making it easy to leave.

Camping near Columbus Junction, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway.