Top Tent Camping near Cresco, IA
Looking for tent camping near Cresco? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Cresco. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Cresco, IA (26)
1. Schmidt Farm by Forestville
2 Reviews•15 Photos•1 SaveQuiet, remote tent camping under dark skies for the minimalist. One mile hike-in to site. Direct access to more remote areas of the NE side Forestville State Park and 50 acres of wooded private trails. Sites are located on the lower area of our property. Approximately 100 yards between sites and each are not within site of each other. All sites are located directly on a main trail circling a walnut grove. A shared centrally located compostable outhouse is located within 50 yards of each site.
This is a beautiful, remote property nestled between our organic Century Family Farm and Forestville State Park. We offer these limited campsites to a very specific demographic, minimalists looking for a quiet experience in nature. Years have gone into the making of these sites to be in balance with nature and our farm. These sites will be only open during spring and fall months. Camping does not include access to our other agritourism opportunities on our farm.
Please read through our description carefully and be sure this is the right fit for you prior to booking. Please contact us with questions. I would much rather leave the site open/unbooked than not meet your expectations. You must check in at our office prior to going to your campsite.
Additional items that will be delivered to your site. Plan ahead. $5 fee per delivery trip.
- Firewood is available for purchase from Schmidt Farm for $8/bundle
- Each site has a table and 2 chairs. 2 additional chairs can be requested
- Tripods and cooking grates are available upon request
- Bring your own container for water refills
- Lockable totes for food storage are available upon request.
- Plan ahead with your requests. Each delivery trip to your site will be $5.
No hunting on property and no hunting groups.
Know before you go. Our outhouse has a dry compostable SunMar toilet. Instructions are located inside the outhouse. There is a solar motion detected light inside the outhouse.
Up to 2 dogs are allowed per site. Dogs must be vaccinated and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other animals. Dogs must be leashed and supervised at all times. For the safety of your pets and our livestock, visiting dogs are not allowed on the private trails. Hiking with your dog is available on and off trail in Forestville.
Please meet us at a pre-arranged time at our farm store/camping office at least one hour prior to sunset. You will be given parking instructions and directions to hike in to your site at that time. Please pack and plan accordingly to be able to carry/pack in all of your personal items. Additional items (listed above) are available on loan to check out for your camping experience. These items will be brought to your campsite for you.
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- Market
$35 / night
3. Chimney Rock County Park
1 Review•1 Save- Tents
- Toilets
4. Little Turkey Campground
1 Review•2 Photos•5 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
5. Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
12 Reviews•46 Photos•4 SavesYellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units.
The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist, with well-kept camping areas, equestrian accommodations, fishing, hunting, and over 45 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
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$12 / night
6. Houston Nature Center
4 Reviews•12 Photos•7 Saves- Fires
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- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Showers
7. Echo Valley State Park
2 Reviews•4 Photos•10 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
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$5 / night
8. Chickasaw Park
1 Review- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
9. River Ranch Camping
1 Review•1 Save- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Picnic Table
10. Saude Rec Area
Be the first to review!- Tents
- Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Cresco
314 Reviews of 26 Cresco Campgrounds
- DDaniel R.
Guide
Beaver Creek Valley State Park
Cozy hideaway
A great place for a weekend camping trip. We had an excellent spot (35). One of the only sites with grass. Great hiking and trout fishing.
- R
Ryan S.Guide
Cedar View Park
Beautiful park, gross bath house
This is a lovely park. It is fairly quiet, you can hear some highway noise in the distance. The lake is lovely and clean. The spots are gravel, most sites will require some leveling but are not too bad.
Each site has a newer electric pedestal with 30 and 50 amp service, and each site has a water spigot, as well as a picnic table and fire ring.
There are a few sites that back up directly to the lake. There is a swimming beach and a dock. There is a city park adjacent to the campground with a playground and picnic shelter.
I had 3 bars on on T-mobile which got me 64 down and 18 up. On Verizon I had 3 bars which got me 65 down and 12 up.
The shower house was pretty bad though. It was older, which doesn't bother me, but it was dirty. There are camp hosts on site but I guess their duties do not include ever cleaning the restroom. There was food trash in there all week, and if you look around you'll find feces, blood, and personal hygiene trash including used condoms.
I would stay in this campground again because I have a self contained unit and do not need to use the on-site shower house.
- TTom
RangerBeaver Creek Valley State Park
Beautiful & peaceful
Very nice QUIET park! RV Campsites are gravel with fire ring and picnic table. The sites are fairly level. There is also a cabin to rent. Many electric sites.
Very nice hiking trails, make sure to check the map to plan easy hike up and steep hike downhill! Beautiful vistas on the Switchback trail.
The Mossy Seep trail has interesting plants and unique growth.
Big Spring Trail boarders the campground, easy walk to see the Spring. Tried to dip feet in the water but couldn’t leave them in the COLD water for long! Water is crystal clear and flowing fast.
Bathroom (men’s) if functional, has running water at the sinks and showers work well.
NO PHONE SERVICE which we appreciated.
The Restaurant “Good Times” is 4 miles away and has good food and service. Also a grocery store in town in case you need more supplies.
Leaves are just starting to change in September.
- AAmos K.
Traveler
Schmidt Farm by Forestville
A very peaceful camping experience
If you're looking for a simpler camping experience focused on getting away from everything and solitude, then this is the place for you. You can tell that the hosts have put a ton of work and love into their property and I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know them. The campsites are large and kept up and I picked campsite two so that I could hear the creek behind me and I enjoyed hearing it the whole time I was there plus the Forestville State Park was just across the creek. The peace and quiet allowed me to have one of the best nights of sleep while camping that I've had, I didn't hear a person or a vehicle the whole night and the crickets, frogs, and occasional hooting owl just added to the nighttime experience.
Karen S.GuideSchmidt Farm by Forestville
A quiet, back to nature experience under dark skies.
This location offers the opportunity to explore both private trails and less traveled areas of Forestville State Park. Secluded campsites so you are not camping side by side with others. Site locations offer ample space for multiple tents. The native wildflowers are a special treat.
- RRyan S.Guide
Klocks Island Park
Crowded and quiet
This seems like a quiet campground. It's just off the highway but there was almost zero traffic on this small highway. I drove through here on a Saturday in mid September. All spots were taken. I had barely usable Verizon service here and no T-mobile service. I was not able to camp here. The restroom building looked fairly new.
- TTracy B.Guide
Riverside Co Park
Great little city/county park!
Beautiful large sites along the river so you can fish as well as has a pond that you can swim in with three beach entry areas. Large bath house with restrooms and showers and a little free library inside. Very long parking pads- big rig friendly and very roomy sites. Nice walking trails on the east and south side of the park. Very creative natural play park for children to play on. Full hook up sites with a very reasonable nightly rate. It appeared that some of the campsites were seasonal but couldn’t confirm that.
- Niki S.
Scout
R Campground, Inc
Very clean, friendly owners, great co-campers
Randy was amazing and very attentive to my questions. Check in was super easy and the directions for check in were clearly spelled out. Everything was mapped out and the website was easy to use as well. The pond itself was pretty to look at and made for great photos, however it was loaded with geese which made it not user friendly. I would recommend this campground, and I will definitely go back to camp again!
- SSteve S.Scout
Maple Springs Campground
WiFi intermittent
WiFi intermittent At far end of campgrounds. Very clean showers and bathroom near office
Heather S.Scout
Hidden Bluffs Resort
Babbling Brook and Hosts Activities!
This campground became our favorite site in quite a while! Minimal bugs, very nice staff, beautiful sites with lots of nature! Dog friendly. Playground, mini golf, and pool all complimentary! 2 trails and babbling brooke were peaceful. They had kid and adult activities scheduled for Friday and Saturday which was a cool surprise when we checked in!
- Tori L.Scout
Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Dream stay.
Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.
Eugene O.Scout
Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
Good campground, rude and unprofessional management
If you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.
- EEugene O.Scout
Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
Management is beyond horrible. Very unprofessional.
If you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.
- ccoreyTraveler
Twins Campground
Serene
Serenity, nature at its best, birdsong all day long wildlife at every turn our campsite was level the owners and manager were great hosts. We stayed several weeks the price was very reasonable, honey wagon service was included ; riding/ hiking trails from campsite.
- Greg K.Guide
Twins Campground
Twins campground- cresco,Iowa.
Very friendly and helpful owner. He even drove to town so we could follow him in. Has playground community area fire pit and a structure built to cover picnic tables. atv trails. Turkey river right there was 20 feet from my site. Porta potty and shower water is hot. 30/50 amp power with water on each site. Water fill station and dump station. Garbage .
Jon M.ScoutBig Joes Little Campground
Never Again
It is not meant for weekenders. The campground is 97% concrete pad sites for people who want to park their camper and ent for the year. The two "weekender sites they do have are over 100 yards away and the water smells like sulphur. The owner will also personally take the time to drive out and chew you out if you inadvertently park on the grass. Bottom line, they care about getting their cash and trying to make it look like Augusta National golf course. I will never go back.
Pat F.Guide
Big Springs Trout Hatchery Campground
A slice of heaven
This is a beautiful scenic view right next to the river and there are picnic tables fire rings and a trash can and porta potty with a water spigot for fresh water
- Pat F.Guide
Frieden Park and Campground
Cozy and peaceful
This is a nice, small, cozy campground wasn’t anybody else there but us and it was amazing
Terry F.ScoutGilbertson Conservation Education Area
Great place!
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- SSteve S.Scout
Houston Nature Center
Great Campground for Cyclists
Spacious, level, well kept, quiet. $10/night, which is great. Spotless showers and bathrooms, access to drinking water. The International Owl Center was a welcome discovery. Best tent campground on the Root River Trail.
Brian M.Scout
Waukon City Park
Great campground
Free firewood, free wifi, water and electric at each campsite. Found a nice shady site for tent camping.
- AAmyScout
Cedar Bend Park
Peaceful place
It was so clean and peaceful. Not overly crowded. The camp host was so friendly and helpful.
- vvickieScout
Cedar View Park
Wonderful Find!
Great find! We thought we would be dry camping because it was Labor Day weekend. We found this Park on the app and thought we would check it out. It’s first come first serve. I really never thought there would be any hookups because of what I had read, but they had electric and water! We found a spot right on the Lake! Very busy but wonderful view, location and was only $20.00!
Rose L.Scout
Randys Bluffton Store and Campground
LOVE THE BLUFFS & UPPER IOWA RIVER CAMPING!
Dre, the campground manager, is a stellar guy to talk to. Excellent customer service! Gorgeous bluffs and river to camp right next to! Can’t wait to go back!
Molly Y.
Legend
Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park
Cart-In Campsite with Short Walk
We stayed in one of the cart-in sites. Right when you park you see the push carts and it is a very short walk to the campsite. You are able to slightly see 1 cart-in site neighbor, but besides that it was very private and quiet. We hiked all the trails in the park and the Fall colors were beautiful but not yet at full peak.
Jason H.Traveler
Interstate Co Park
Empty but lovely.
Here on a Wednesday (which is the only night the nearby restaurant is closed). It was empty. It's on a lovely river with swimming. Mostly people here for day use putting boats in.
Showers have hot water.
They don't take reservations. Would definitely stay here again if I'm in the area.
Kellen W.Traveler
Lidtke Park & Campground
Quiet on the right wknd
Nice campground, well maintained. Has water and power. Shower house available but no firewood. Buy firewood at the Casey's gas station. No dump station on site and that is also that the Casey's. $25 a night.
Guide to Cresco
Camping near Cresco, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park Campground. Campers rave about the "great hiking trails" and the "lovely morning sunrise and amazing sunsets."
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Enjoy water activities at Perrot State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "This park has good access for a kayak/canoe path."
- Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in the nearby rivers. Campers at Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground noted, "Good trout fishing here," making it a great spot for anglers.
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Campers love the views at Pikes Peak State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Absolutely BEAUTIFUL overlooks above the great Mississippi River!"
- Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Minnesota Whitewater State Park remarked, "The main shower/restroom area looks brand new and is very nice."
- Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park. One camper noted, "The sites are big so you can camp far back and keep the vehicles at the front."
What you should know:
- Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A camper at Minnesota Whitewater State Park mentioned, "Spotty cell service" while enjoying the park.
- Mosquitoes: Depending on the season, mosquitoes can be a nuisance. A visitor at Perrot State Park Campground warned, "Had to pull out the heavy-duty spray right out of the car."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A camper at Great River Bluffs State Park Campground noted, "There are no hookups," so plan accordingly.
Tips for camping with families:
- Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby swimming areas. Campers at Minnesota Whitewater State Park enjoyed the "swimming beach about half a mile from the campground."
- Playgrounds: Check for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. A visitor at Pulpit Rock Campground mentioned, "large playground" as a highlight for families.
- Group Sites: Consider campgrounds that offer group sites for family gatherings. One camper at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground said, "Campsites are flat and grassy. They back up to each other so good for groups camping together."
Tips from RVers:
- Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. Campers at Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park appreciated the "electric hookups, flush toilets, water."
- Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station. A visitor at Pikes Peak State Park Campground noted, "Very Easy to use dump station."
- Space Between Sites: Choose campgrounds that offer space between RV sites for privacy. A camper at Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are not too close but it was early in the season."
Camping near Cresco, Iowa, provides a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cresco, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cresco, IA is Schmidt Farm by Forestville with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cresco, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Cresco, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.