Best Campgrounds near Dallas Center, IA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Dallas Center. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Dallas Center, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Dallas Center and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Dallas Center, Iowa (89)

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Showing results 1-10 of 89 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dallas Center, IA

480 Reviews of 89 Dallas Center Campgrounds



Guide to Dallas Center

Camping near Dallas Center, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals.”
  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Rock Creek State Park Campground for a relaxing day by the water. A camper shared, “Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities. Campground has some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites.”
  • Family Activities: Check out Jester County Park for a variety of family-friendly activities. One reviewer noted, “The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing they have airsoft ranges or tree ranges snowshoeing cross-country skiing.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Anita State Park Campground said, “Great location, good facilities (shower, spigot with drinking water, restroom with flush toilets).”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Yellow Banks County Park mentioned, “Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table. Cost per night is low.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, “Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A camper at Iowa Ledges State Park noted, “Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected.”
  • Busy Seasons: Expect crowds during peak times. One visitor at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground mentioned, “The campground was large but the DNR was helpful when finding our spot along with nice signs everywhere.”
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, “You must reserve these sites in advance.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One camper at Jester County Park mentioned, “CG has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course and nature center.”
  • Group Sites: Consider reserving a group site for family gatherings. A visitor at Bob Shelter Recreation Area said, “The sites are well spaced. If we ever stay here again we would choose a site closer to the dam.”
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at Lake Anita State Park Campground noted, “A lot of timid wildlife.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your site can accommodate your rig. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, “The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine.”
  • Leveling Gear: Bring blocks for leveling your RV. One camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, “Gravel sites require some leveling.”
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations for convenience. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground said, “Dump station is at the entrance of the CG.”

Camping near Dallas Center, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you’re a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Dallas Center, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dallas Center, IA is Ledges State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 39 reviews.

  • What parks are near Dallas Center, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Dallas Center, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.