Indian Lake Park

Bentonsport

The Catfish Place Campground

Shimek State Forest

Hickory Haven Campground

You’re not likely to meet King T’Challa or Captain America at this Wakonda, but you can enjoy enough camping fun, water recreation, and wildlife watching to make you feel like you’re visiting that mystical Marvel realm. Located just 10 minutes south of La Grange, Wakonda State Park is 1000 acres of sand prairies, shady woods, and six scenic lakes. Interestingly, the park landscape is not entirely natural. Composed of ancient glacial gravel deposits, the area was excavated extensively from the 1920s through the 1980s for road-building materials. Once the gravel deposits were exhausted, the area was restored into a recreation area. In addition to providing an outdoor recreation space for locals and visitors, the park is a popular birding area for its thousands of resident and migrating waterfowl. 

 Visitors to Wakonda State Park have access to more than 80 tent and RV campsites in two areas. The larger Boulder Lake Campground features basic, electric, and full-hookup site options. The smaller Wakanda Lake Campground offers only electric-only sites. There are six ADA accessible sites. Each campground provides restrooms and shower houses; the Boulder Lake area also has water faucets, laundry facilities and a dump station; the Wakanda Lake site has a kid’s play area. All campsites are equipped with picnic tables, cooking grills, and lantern posts. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed in designated areas. This park accepts reservations; campsites rates are $12–$28/night.

 The main attraction at Wakonda State Park is its six lakes, and all the water recreation they have to offer. Anglers can cast for largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill on Agate, Quartz, Jasper and Wakonda lakes; kayak and SUP paddlers can enjoy the water trails on Agate, Jasper and Wakonda lakes. There are two boat launches for putting in motorized watercraft; the others are carry-in only. Kayak rentals are available. For sunbathing and swimming, visitors can spread out blankets at the large sand beach on Wakonda Lake. The park also has more than 7 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and biking. These are ideal for birdwatching or admiring some of the park’s rare prairie flora.



Wakonda State Park

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Best known for its rich farming history, Iowa is also rich and diverse in nature, with a multitude of destinations to camp and hike. If you’re planning on camping in Iowa, you’re in luck.


Effigy Mounds National Monument is situated on the bank of the Mississippi River at the eastern border of Iowa. Part of the “driftless” region of Iowa that was left untouched by the passing glaciers thousands of years ago, the area’s bluffs, forests, and other habitats host diverse ecosystems to explore and admire.


More than that, Effigy Mounds is notable for its historic settlement by the Native American Effigy Moundbuilders, who build massive sets of mounds that, from a bird’s eye view, form the shape of animals such as bears, cats, and birds. These nature-inspired monuments blend well with the natural scenery, making it an ideal site for camping.


Another excellent site for camping in Iowa is Maquoketa Caves State Park. Located next to the eastern Iowa town of Maquoketa, the 370-acre park contains amazing caves weaving throughout the limestone bedrock of the bluffs. Spelunkers and nature-enthusiasts alike will enjoy exploring the caverns, such as the 800-foot long Dancehall Cave.


Even if you’re not up for venturing into the caverns, there are plenty of other things to do at Maquoketa Caves. Hikers can walk along six miles of trails throughout the park, passing by habitats ranging from bluffs to woodlands to prairies. Unfortunately, the campgrounds are closed until October 2018 for renovations to the camping facilities, but when it is open again you should definitely consider a visit.


Camping in Iowa is diverse and plentiful, there are countless campsites and trails that you may wish to consider. Once you start exploring Iowa’s natural ecosystems, you’ll begin to see the true beauty of the vibrant state.

Iowa

The Best Camping in Iowa | 100+ IA Campgrounds

Croton is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Croton is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Croton, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Croton

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The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Jacksonville. Jacksonville is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Jacksonville and user-submitted reviews.

Jacksonville

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Des Moines is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Des Moines campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

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The Best Camping Near Des Moines, Iowa

Are you in need of a campground near Cedar Rapids, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Cedar Rapids

The Best Camping Near Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Davenport is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Davenport, reviewed by campers like you.

Davenport

The Best Camping Near Davenport, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Sioux City, IA? Sioux City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Sioux City, reviewed by campers like you.

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The Best Camping Near Sioux City, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Waterloo, IA? Waterloo is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Waterloo, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Waterloo

The Best Camping Near Waterloo, Iowa

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Iowa City, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Iowa City, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Iowa City camping trip.

Iowa City

The Best Camping Near Iowa City, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA? Council Bluffs is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Council Bluffs

The Best Camping Near Council Bluffs, Iowa

Ames is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Ames is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Ames, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Ames

The Best Camping Near Ames, Iowa

Dubuque is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Dubuque campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Dubuque

The Best Camping Near Dubuque, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Lake Red Rock, IA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lake Red Rock is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Lake Red Rock

The Best Camping Near Lake Red Rock, Iowa

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Rathbun Lake. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Rathbun Lake. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Rathbun Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Rathbun Lake

The Best Camping Near Rathbun Lake, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Coralville Lake, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Coralville Lake camping trip.

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The Best Camping Near Coralville Lake, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Saylorville Lake, IA? Saylorville Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

The Best Camping in Croton, Iowa

Top Croton Campgrounds

Shimek State Forest

Indian Lake Park

Battle of Athens State Park

Bentonsport

Pollmiller Park

Wilson Lake Park

Hickory Haven Campground

Lacey Keosauqua State Park

Nauvoo State Park

Waubonsie Trail Park

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