Camping options around Derby, Iowa center on state forests, public parks, and local recreation areas within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in the rolling hills of south-central Iowa at approximately 1,040 feet elevation, characterized by mixed hardwood forests and prairie remnants. Weather patterns include warm, sometimes humid summers with temperatures frequently reaching 85-90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for tent camping and outdoor activities.
What to do
Hiking trails: Stephens State Forest provides extensive trail networks across multiple units. At the Woodburn Unit, trails span 6 miles with well-graded paths. One camper noted, "The trails are wide and well graded and not too much up and down except for periodic creek crossings which necessitate a steep descent-ascent. The trails are lightly trafficked."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground offers excellent fishing access from shore or boat. A frequent visitor mentions, "Great place to fish and have family time!" while another camper says, "There is fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, and many more things."
Historical exploration: Some parks feature cultural significance beyond camping. Hickory Hills Park includes Native American burial mounds accessible via hiking trails. A visitor reports, "This is a great little park just east of New Virginia, Iowa... The hiking trails are pretty easy going through the forest and then opening up next to old Native American burial mounds."
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Most area campgrounds experience significantly lower usage Monday through Thursday. At Hickory Hills Park, campers appreciate the solitude. A visitor mentioned, "Quiet and had the place to ourselves. Maintained and they had patrol checking through at night."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings present opportunities for wildlife spotting. At Stephens State Forest, one camper shared, "Listened to deer rutting all night and coyotes howling. Can't wait to go again!" Another camper at Woodburn Unit noted, "We heard plenty of wildlife in early evening and at night: owls, raccoons, deer, coyotes."
Value pricing: Many area campgrounds offer affordable rates. Hickory Hills Park even offers free camping (limited to 14 days). As one visitor noted, "Great Quiet Free Campground... You can stay 14 days free I think." Another camper mentioned Lake Ahquabi's sites are "spacious and at $16.00 per night a real bargain."
What you should know
Insect preparedness: Ticks and mosquitoes can be significant during warmer months. At Mine Pond Campground, a camper warned, "The sheer volume of insects makes it impossible to walk anywhere." Another visitor to Woodburn Unit stated, "Repellant and an active bat population kept the mosquitoes away, but the ticks were everywhere!"
Limited water access: Several campgrounds have seasonal or minimal water sources. At Woodburn Unit, a camper noted, "When we went in early July the creeks were dry. Making the only water source the spigot at the parking lot."
Variable site conditions: Site quality varies widely even within the same campground. At Lake Ahquabi, one camper observed, "Spots to the north of the site are pretty tight and have very little grass." Another camper at Lakeside Casino RV Park mentioned, "The concrete in our site was in poor condition, it had crumbled leaving a dip in the pad."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Red Haw State Park Campground provides water recreation options for families. Although reviews are limited, one camper noted, "This is a beautiful state park with a very nicely laid-out campground."
Rental equipment: Some parks offer equipment rentals for water activities. At Lake Ahquabi, a visitor shared, "They have rentals for paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, etc, for a decent price!"
Playground availability: Several campgrounds include play areas. A visitor at East Lake Co Park mentioned, "Playground and bathrooms on site." This provides entertainment options for younger children between hiking and other activities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Lakeside Casino RV Park offers full hookups with paved sites. A camper reported, "There is full hook up for water, electric and sewer. All spaces are paved." Another noted it's "Very convenient off the free way. Good hookups and level pad."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with electric hookups offer dump stations. At Lakeside Co Park, a camper warned, "First, there is no dump station! All sites have water and electricity with 20, 30, and 60 amp plugs."
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary in spacing and privacy. At Lake Ahquabi, a camper mentioned feeling "like we were literally on top of surrounding campers. The campsites are all extremely packed in together." In contrast, at East Lake Co Park, a visitor appreciated that "there is plenty of room between camp sites so your not camping on top of your neighbors."
