Vel Terra
Great little campground in rural setting. The owner was great. We stayed in Oct 25 while doing a fall color/wine tasting/Galena trip. It was a perfect central location for us.
Tent campsites near Delmar, Iowa provide access to wooded landscapes along rivers and within natural areas. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area offers primitive tent camping along the Maquoketa River with sites featuring tables, fire rings, and basic latrines. Joinerville County Park permits tent camping by permit application submitted one month in advance, with direct access to the Maquoketa River but no toilet facilities.
Most primitive tent sites require campers to pack in all supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles. Buzzard Ridge provides two parking areas where tent campers must hike in to reach riverfront campsites. The terrain typically consists of natural, ungraded surfaces beneath forest canopy. Potable water is generally unavailable at these primitive locations, requiring tent campers to bring sufficient water supplies. Some sites include picnic tables and fire rings, though amenities vary considerably. Toilet facilities range from basic latrines to none at all, with Joinerville County Park lacking any restroom infrastructure.
Walk-in tent sites offer a more secluded camping experience than developed campgrounds in the region. The forested settings provide natural screening between sites and create a quieter atmosphere. Tent campers can access the Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa Rivers for fishing and paddling opportunities directly from several primitive camping areas. Sites at Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area provide direct river access with minimal infrastructure, appealing to those seeking a more natural camping experience. According to one visitor, Buzzard Ridge is a "unique hike or paddle primitive site with native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area."
"Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife."
"Cabin offers modern amenities: stove, oven,micro, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster, ADA access, shower. AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails."
from $70 - $80 / night
"Unique hike or paddle primitive site. Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine."
"Jungletown Ridge is perfect for those looking to get some space from others and enjoy some quiet nights int he woods. Check them out and share some pics from your stay!"
from $20 - $45 / night
"You have to park off a gravel road on the iowa side and its about a mile walk and a half mile off the tracks. Very beautiful and peaceful place. Great fishing, especially along the spillway."
"Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"
Campground full this weekend
from $35 - $50 / night
"This CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming."
"The brick and mortar restroom is far better than the campsite bathroom. Most campsites are close together but enough forest in between to feel private. Quiet hours are enforced."
"Shower/RR nearby, trails including horse and bike . Main park has firewood, boat rentals, etc."
from $14 - $32 / night
"People driving around the pond didn't even know we were there! The camping spot was beautiful (although you have to watch out for nettles). Great fishing while we were there too."
Great little campground in rural setting. The owner was great. We stayed in Oct 25 while doing a fall color/wine tasting/Galena trip. It was a perfect central location for us.
Clean, quiet and nice facilities but the placement of the fire rings borders on the absurd. These are obviously RV sites so there's already little expectation of privacy but they're good size and leave ample space behind your camper. The site we were on was tree-lined in the back. Perfect for a fire ring, right? Nah. Instead they're out front 5 ft from the road. I've never seen anything like it. 🥴
Just minutes west of Davenport, Park Terrace Campground is a delightful county-operated camping destination nestled within the sprawling 620-acre West Lake Park. With four picturesque lakes, rolling green lawns, mature shade trees and an impressive assortment of recreational activities, this is much more than your average roadside CG. Whether you're passing through the Quad Cities or settling in for a relaxing weekend, there's plenty to keep you entertained, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, disc golf and a seasonal swimming beach. It's an especially appealing destination for families who appreciate having a little adventure right outside their camper door.
The campground itself features approximately 77 campsites, including spacious RV sites with 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer hookups, plus 13 primitive tent sites tucked toward the wooded perimeter in the rear - so for those tent campers that like to be somewhat removed from the RV crowd, this is an excellent option. Most RV sites are reasonably level, with gravel parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings, although spacing can be a little cozy (er, tight) in places. Mature trees provide welcome shade throughout portions of the campground, while the modern bathhouse offers restrooms and showers. Additional conveniences include a dump station, playground, seasonal campground host and firewood availability. Best of all, the CG delivers an impressive collection of amenities without the hefty price tag of a commercial RV resort.
A few things worth knowing before arriving: the CG is accessed through Gate 5 off 110th Avenue, and water hookups are generally seasonal despite the CG's year-round designation. Some sites are more exposed than others, and the relatively close spacing means privacy isn't necessarily its strongest selling point. Nevertheless, for RV travelers, tent campers and families seeking affordable accommodations with outstanding recreational opportunities, Park Terrace is a terrific little discovery.
Insider's Tip: Tent campers should head toward the designated wooded camping area toward the back of the CG for a more traditional outdoor experience. RV travelers should bring an extra-long drinking-water hose, as some sites share water connections positioned several campsites apart. Also, the park gates close overnight, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Happy Camping!
We came towards the end of season so we were one of the few people staying there. The spaces are close together but we had no one near us so we didn’t mind. We had a great experience with the host, very friendly. However, it is a bit noisy since the highway is right there and you do constantly hear the trains. Also, there are some questionable people roaming through the campground.
I arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
Seasonal Stay Review Overall Rating:⭐☆☆☆☆ Our experience as seasonal campers at this campground was deeply disappointing due to unprofessional management, inconsistent rule enforcement, premature lease violations, and a toxic atmosphere. Management& Atmosphere The campground owner frequently engaged in inappropriate behaviors, including spreading gossip, making disrespectful comments, and actively bullying campers both in person and on social media platforms. Rather than fostering a welcoming community, the leadership promoted a divisive culture marked by clear favoritism. Inconsistent Rule Enforcement Rules were applied arbitrarily. Certain seasonal campers were permitted to disregard campground policies without consequence, while others were singled out, micromanaged, and targeted for minor or non-existent issues. Unprofessional Conduct Regarding Minors Most concerning was management’s unacceptable conduct toward children. The owner actively made a ten-year-old child feel unwelcome by making inappropriate insinuations regarding his friendship with a nearly thirteen-year-old girl, claiming a platonic friendship between a boy and a girl of those ages was somehow improper. Targeting young children and policing harmless childhood friendships crosses a line that no family should have to deal with while on vacation. Breach of Contract& Property Damage To make matters worse, management prematurely cut off electricity to our campsite prior to the end of our contractual agreement. This lack of power led to a total loss of all refrigerated food items and caused significant interior damage to our camper when the freezer thawed and the ice inside it melted and leaked onto the flooring. Additionally, management unlawfully removed personal property from our campsite before our lease term had expired and failed to return it. Conclusion While a seasonal site should offer a relaxing environment for families, the current ownership creates an uncomfortable, hostile, and unethical environment. Between the emotional hostility and the direct financial loss caused by management's actions, I strongly advise others to avoid this campground.
This campground offers lots of amenities, including: gravel, pads, fire rings, firewood, on site, campground host, playgrounds, water, dump station, both tent and RV sites, as well as cabins. There’s a store for Supplies, and a grill serving food. The Eco tourism center includes interactive and educational displays and programs. The marina offers slips for rent, boat rentals of canoes and kayaks. The campground can get very buggy, considering seasons in Iowa.
This campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.
This campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa. Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi river, sites include hard pads, fire rings, electric, water, showers, and restrooms, campground Office, seasonal host with wood. There is a playground, volleyball, Sandy beaches, boat ramps. This campground recently connected to City water instead of septic.
Primitive camping opportunities abound within a 30-mile radius of Delmar, Iowa, with sites offering varied river access and forest immersion experiences. The region's landscape features gently rolling hills at elevations between 700-850 feet above sea level, with camping areas typically situated near the Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa Rivers. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping seasons experience temperature fluctuations requiring additional preparation.
Paddling access points: Several locations offer direct water access for kayaking and canoeing. The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center features a one-mile stretch of the Wapsipinicon River with paddling access. According to James M., this area "specializes in environmental education and the Eagle View Eco Center with exhibits and native live animals, trails, prairie, observatory, amphitheater, 1 mile stretch of the Wapsipinicon River with paddling access."
River fishing opportunities: Cast for native species in the Maquoketa and Wapsipinicon Rivers. At Joinerville County Park, the Maquoketa River access includes a hard surface entry point ideal for fishing. James M. describes it as a "Small wooded County CG along Maquoketa River" noting that "Maquoketa River access has hard surface access entry."
Hiking trail exploration: Several trail systems connect camping areas to scenic viewpoints and river overlooks. The Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. offers multiple trail options. One camper notes, "Trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife. Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail."
Night sky viewing: The rural location offers excellent stargazing opportunities away from city light pollution. James M. mentions at the Wapsi River Environmental Center that "No city like that so night sky shines with stars. Trails wind and through forests and prairie areas." Some sites even offer astronomy programs.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide interpretive exhibits and programming about local ecosystems. At Indian Meadows Campground, visitors enjoy educational components alongside natural features. James M. describes it having "trails including horse and bike. Main park has firewood, boat rentals, etc."
Secluded camping experience: Find private, wooded sites away from crowds and noise. Wendy R. says of Indian Meadows, "Indian Meadows has individual private sites. If you're seeking seclusion, this is it! Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen. Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking."
Reservation requirements: Some parks require advance planning. At Joinerville County Park, primitive camping is available "by approved permit application 1 month in advance of stay," according to James M.
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites have minimal amenities. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area offers basic amenities but requires preparation. James M. describes it as having "Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace."
River access conditions: Water levels fluctuate seasonally affecting paddling and fishing opportunities. Ryan from Lock and Dam 13 notes that there's "Great fishing, especially along the spillway. There is a little beach next to the dam."
Environmental hazards: Be aware of local plants and insects. One camper at Worthington Sportsman's Club states, "The camping spot was beautiful (although you have to watch out for nettles)."
Cabin accommodations: For families wanting more amenities, cabins provide comfort while maintaining a nature experience. Cedar River Campground offers family-friendly facilities. Steve T. notes, "Not our typical campsite but we had the kids down for the weekend and we thought a campsite with a pool and mini golf would be fun break from the norm."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several sites offer chances to see native animals in natural settings. James M. describes the Wapsi River Center as having a "nature center with live animals, trails, open year round."
Recreation facilities: Some campgrounds offer additional activities beyond camping. Cedar River Campground includes "playground, pool, mini golf, Cedar River access," according to James M.
Educational programming: Look for sites with interpretive programs designed for children. The Wapsi River Center offers "Outdoor/environmental programs" that can engage young campers in learning activities.
Site sizing considerations: Many primitive areas have limited RV capacity or accessibility. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground provides better RV accommodations. James M. describes it as "a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming."
Access road conditions: Several campgrounds have unpaved access roads which may be challenging after rain. At Joinerville County Park, James M. notes there's a "Gravel access road into and around park."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally. Cedar River Campground operates from "April 15 to October 15," giving RVers a defined camping season to plan around.
Hookup limitations: While some RV sites offer electric and water, full hookups are less common in this region. Be prepared to conserve water and manage waste appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Delmar, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Delmar, IA is Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Delmar, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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