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Best Tent Camping near Dallas Center, IA

491 Reviews

Tent campsites around Dallas Center, Iowa are primarily found in county-managed conservation areas and local parks. Kuehn Conservation Area offers quiet tent sites along the Raccoon River with both upper and lower campground options. Ashton Wildwood Park provides spacious, secluded tent camping in a wooded setting with multiple sites that can accommodate several tents each. Colfax Quarry Springs Park maintains well-kept tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables near fishing waters.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Kuehn Conservation Area provides primitive tent setups with vault toilets but no drinking water on site. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with most areas open from sunrise until 10:30 pm. Ashton Wildwood Park offers rustic camping with pit toilets in the campground area, while flush toilets and a shower are available at the nearby observatory building. Many locations require self-registration, with fees around $7-10 per night. Firewood is available for purchase at some locations, including Colfax Quarry Springs Park.

Walk-in tent sites provide secluded camping experiences with natural surroundings and wildlife viewing opportunities. The tent sites at Ashton Wildwood Park are tucked into wooded areas, offering privacy and spaciousness not typically found at RV-oriented campgrounds. Campers appreciate the natural setting and proximity to hiking trails. Tent camping at Colfax Quarry Springs Park provides good access to fishing, kayaking, and hiking activities, though interstate noise may be audible at some sites. According to one visitor, "The campground was nice and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good. Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites." Some locations, like Otter Creek Park, have recently closed for camping, so checking current status before planning a trip is advisable.

Map showing campgrounds near Dallas Center, IowaExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Sportsman Park

Sportsman Park

22 min away

Greenhouse Camping

Greenhouse Camping

35 min away

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Best Tent Sites Near Dallas Center, Iowa (9)

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7 Photos of 9 Dallas Center Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Dallas Center, IA

491 Reviews of 9 Dallas Center Campgrounds

  • L
    Nov. 5, 2021

    Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    Beautiful and tranquil

    Dolliver State Park was our maiden voyage in our travel trailer and it was obvious we were pitiful newbies! The park's beauty and tranquility did get disturbed a couple times when our dogs got loose (newbs!). The park staff were friendly and very helpful as were our fellow campers. The sites are mostly level with picnic tables and fire rings. Sites range from shady to sunny and the reservation website depicts the sites with a small photo and details about the amount of slope and shade. Cell service was good but no WiFi without a hotspot for us. We had fun, learned a lot and plan to camp here again!

  • Sara S.
    Jul. 25, 2016

    Ledges State Park Campground

    great walk-in site

    We went to this state park with family and had a great time. We chose to do a walk-in tent site because my brother in law recommended it. The site was great! It had tons of trees, dirt area to set up tent, and nice grass surrounding it. The fireplace and picnic table we unexpected with a walk-in site, but a good surprise :) We camped mid-October and were pleased to see the modern bathrooms still open too! Loved the canyon drive and it’s fabulous views :) We heard about an awesome bicycling trail that connects this park with another and are already planning a trip to go back and do a bike trip! Excellent experience.

  • Willy W.
    Oct. 22, 2019

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Great Place

    This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing.

    There is a half mile portage with a campsite on the river which you must call to reserve. The other campsites are $10.00 registration. They have porta potties around. Two places to launch kayaks. Most campsites have fire rings, picnic tables and trash bins. Some have grills. They also have firewood for sale or you can find enough wood around still. I didn’t see any water hookups so bring a filter or water. There is a Kum & Go up the road to get missing supplies.

    The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it’s minimal. The quiet hours are at 10:30pm and they have a gate which is closed at sunset when the park closes for non campers.

    Lots of hiking trails and wildlife. The fishing is the best place for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish. No swimming is allowed and only electric motors, no gas.

    Check out their Facebook page for more updates and if you see me out there say hi!

  • Wendy P.
    Jul. 19, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Beautiful hikes. Prepare for coons.

    One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.

    Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Beautiful place!

    This place is great! There are 10 beautiful campsites, all with new picnic tables, fire ring and cement pad so you’re chairs are actually level! The fire ring even has a grill you and flip over the fire to cook. There is a vault toilet up on the hill where the campsites are. FYI - the women’s side did not have a lock. The sites were very spacious, some massive and very spread out. You could see neighbors but you aren’t on top on them. And it’s free! You can stay for up to 14 days. They do have registration cards up on the board to complete and post on your site. I had 2-3 bars of LTE via AT&T. The closest gas station is about 7 minutes away and a grocery store about 10 minutes away.

    Let’s talk ticks!! I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van. They always got on his feet every time he used the restroom and made their way inside. If you travel with a pet, check them constantly and make sure they are on a tick med!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Lenon Mill Park

    Good Campsite but expensive compared to other similar sites

    I’ve maked this down to 3 stars purely on the basis of the fee - it’s a $20 flat fee whether in an RV with a hookup, or a tent with no hookup, and for that, you get a restroom and a spigot with drinking water, but no shower. Apart from that, the location is quiet and peaceful. Lots of space in the tent area, with some shade and soft grass. Close to town, with restaurants and a grocery store.

  • Dare To Everywhere .The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Great free campground!

    Stayed 7/13/20- FREE 

    Coming off the main road, you’ll enter onto a Dead End gravel road. You’ll eventually see the park entrance(a sign and fence). Pass the first bathrooms/shelter/info board. Continue down the gravel road that looks kinda like a trail. You’ll open up into the campground. The first site to the left of the info board is the most private, with the fire ring being way off the road. I got in late, in the dark, and turned around because the first board said“no camping”. I gave it another shot and continued down the road and was glad when I saw site numbers. Was in and out pretty quick, but it seemed like a really nice place and the fire pits are awesome! Vault toilets available. 

    I had 3 bars LTE AT&T, with no problems.

  • A
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Jester County Park

    Solid campground

    Stayed at this campground for 3 nights while visiting Des Moines.  We stayed in Loop 1- site 138 because we wanted electrical.  The electrical box has 2 standard household plugs which is nice.  This loop was mostly RVs due to the electrical hook ups.  There aren't really trees between the sites, but it is in a wooded area which is nice and there is some space between the sites so you don't feel like you are right on top of the other people.  Generally, people were pretty quiet, especially once it got dark.  Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate.  Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up.  There is a grassy area all around the gravel with plenty of room for multiple tents.  2 bath/shower houses within a short walk from the site- they were both clean and solid to use.  There are some short trails within the park which are generally well marked, but just 1 trail is longer than about 1/2 a mile.  Didn't check it out, but there is also a large lake.  Lots of picnic areas throughout the park.  There's also a volleyball court and free lending library near one of the bathhouses.  Overall, I'd recommend this campground as long as you don't mind seeing your neighbors.  Quick drive into Des Moines too.

  • C
    Oct. 23, 2019

    Nations Bridge Park

    Great spot

    This was a great spot for our overnight stay while traveling I-80. Its about 6 easy miles off the interstate, and well marked. The lower camp zone looks like it floods easily and was pretty muddy, so we opted for a nice level spot in the upper section. 50 amp plug in, fire rings, picnic tables, great park for our 3 year old. Our review would be 5 stars, but all the restrooms were locked for the season, and the only signage was on the doors of the facilities. No signage about the closures at the self registration. We probably should have checked the restrooms prior to setting up. Still, a very nice place and we would definitely visit again.

Guide to Dallas Center

Tent campsites near Dallas Center, Iowa concentrate primarily in county parks and conservation areas where campers can access woodland hiking trails and fishing opportunities. The region offers camping experiences along the Middle Raccoon River watershed with seasonal availability typically running April through October. Many sites feature sandy terrain due to the area's quarry history, requiring campers to bring appropriate tent stakes and ground covers.

What to do

Fishing access: Colfax Quarry Springs Park provides excellent fishing opportunities with multiple species available. According to Jerry V., "It had a nice access spot for fishing. Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that." The park allows only electric motors on boats, with no gas engines permitted.

Hiking trails: Ashton Wildwood Park features several maintained hiking trails including an orienteering course. Willy W. notes, "There are a couple of hiking trails in the park that are maintained. One goes to a creek and a bird watching station. There is also an orienteering course but you have to walk in the woods to finish it."

Astronomy viewing: Weekend stargazing opportunities exist at Ashton Wildwood Park's observatory. "The observatory that's open on Saturdays (except the first Saturday) was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom," explains one visitor.

Kayaking: Water recreation options include paddling at Colfax Quarry Springs Park where rental equipment is available. Willy W. mentions, "This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing. There is a half mile portage with a campsite on the river which you must call to reserve. There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks."

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Many tent campers appreciate the ample space at Kuehn Conservation Area, which offers "nice quiet sites along the Raccoon River" according to James M. The area includes both upper and lower campground options adjacent to the river.

Privacy and seclusion: Campers frequently mention the secluded nature of sites at Ashton Wildwood Park. Deb K. reports, "Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. It's only $7/night! There is some play equipment for children."

Well-maintained facilities: Christopher M. noted about Colfax Quarry Springs Park, "Awesome campground, clean and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good. Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites. Level enough for our rooftop tent with no difficulties."

Affordable rates: Most tent camping in the region costs between $7-10 per night with self-registration. Deb K. mentions, "I love to take my grand daughter here for overnight camping. Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. It's only $7/night!"

What you should know

Bathroom facilities: Bathroom options vary widely between parks. At Ashton Wildwood Park, Topaz G. advises, "Drive up the road to the observatory and there is a bathroom with flush toilets and a hot shower, also a water spigot on the back side." Michael K. adds, "Bathroom was a pit toilet but clean."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dallas Center, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dallas Center, IA is Kuehn Conservation Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Dallas Center, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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