16 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Donahue, Iowa include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and natural settings. Wapsi River Environmental Education Center offers primitive tent camping by authorization only, while Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area provides walk-in primitive tent sites along a waterway within bottomland woodlands. Other options include Indian Meadows Campground at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve and Silva Campground, both offering tent-specific sites with natural surroundings.
Most tent sites in the Donahue area feature basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area requires campers to pack in and pack out all supplies, with sites spread along a waterway accessible only by foot. Water and shower facilities are available at the main campground area. At Indian Meadows, campers find wooded sites with tables and fire pits suited for tent camping, with shower facilities nearby. Joinerville County Park permits primitive camping only through approved permit applications submitted one month in advance, with no toilet facilities available.
The wooded settings of many tent campgrounds provide natural shade and privacy between sites. Indian Meadows offers individual private sites that provide excellent seclusion for tent campers seeking a more isolated experience. Access to water features is common, with Saulsbury Bridge sites positioned along a waterway perfect for fishing and paddling, while Joinerville County Park provides Maquoketa River access with hard surface entry. A camper described Indian Meadows as having "individual private sites. If you're seeking seclusion, this is it! Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen." Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area offers a unique primitive experience, with a reviewer noting it as 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
Check Availability"Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"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
Check Availability"The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
LegendUnique 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. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace.
ScoutNice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this "best kept secret" for primitive and inexpensive camping sites. Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Good for RV, trailer or tent camping… level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water.
LegendOne of the 6 campgrounds that you will have to choose from here at Scott County Park, Bald Eagle CG & Cabins is one that is more geared for the RV driving and trailer toting tribes as each site has FHUs with electric, water & sewage, fire rings and picnic tables; however, if you wanted to pitch a tent here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias as an alternative. Unlike some of the other campgrounds here, Bald Eagle kind of lives up to its name as there’s not much in the way of tree cover or brush, so the land is somewhat BALD. The land is incredibly flat, back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level grounds are incredibly well-organized and the bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water and are about as impeccably clean as can be.
Near by Bald Eagle is Pride Lake, which makes this pet-friendly CG your top pick if you’re an angler or looking to get some decent oaring with your kayak or canoe. Sitting in front of Pride Lake are 2 very large shelters – Whispering Pines and Hickory Hills – as well as a playground for the kiddos and a restroom facility that is also spartan-clean. Surrounding Bald Eagle is also no shortage of hiking / biking / horse trails. We found the CG itself to be fairly quiet, although lacking in privacy without the benefit of any real brush or trees to blot out our next-door neighbors, but that said, everyone was incredibly friendly with full displays of Midwestern hospitality that this area is known for. There is also a single large cabin available for rent that has capacity for 10 people.
We loved Scott County Park so much because there is a lot that this gem offers up, from fresh water catch & release lakes, a combination of topographies (from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands), a beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, a massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park.
Happy Camping!
LegendThe camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too. Sites are spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling etc. Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics.
RangerCampground Review:
Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area is 675 acres, nestled between rolling fields of corn, dairy farms, native prairie, and the Cedar River. Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting.
There are three separate campgrounds. The main campground has electrical hookups, picnic benches, fire rings, modern restroom facilities including showers, a dump station, playground, and firewood for purchase. There are 24 sites, and they run $20 per night.
The primitive campground area sits along Chicken Creek and offers four, tent-only sites, and is just off the main campground. The sites are well spaced and surrounded by large trees. These are walk in sites with parking in the main campground. It’s a short hike in from the parking area, and within walking distance of the restrooms and firewood. Primitive sites are $10 per night.
Across the road from these two campgrounds is the main boat access and fishing dock for Chicken Creek. Only non-motorized boats are allowed here. If you don’t have your own, you can rent kayaks and canoes through the Muscatine County Conservation office. There is also a large shelter, which is reservable along with day use picnic areas, playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, and vault toilets. There’s large, open expanses of grassy fields and oak shade trees; perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day.
The river campground sits right along the Cedar River and allows easy access to fishing along with a boat ramp. This campground is a short hike to the old Saulsbury Bridge and Lodge. The bridge has a small gazebo-like structure and bench which provides a nice view of the river. There are vault toilets in this campground, but the modern restrooms are within walking distance as well. There are 10 sites in this campground and run $17 per night.
All campsites are self-registration and are on a first come, first served basis. There is a campground host on duty in the main campground and the park officer lives on site. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash in the campgrounds and on trails. However, they are allowed to run in the designated hunting areas. These areas are marked with signs. If you plan to hike during hunting season, it’s a good idea to wear bright colors/blaze orange so you are visible to hunters and not mistaken for a deer or other wildlife.
This park also has prairie/natural habitat restoration areas that, in spring and summer, attract Monarch butterflies, and an abundance of birds including indigo bunting, red headed woodpecker, and goldfinch. In the colder months you can spot bald eagles flying along the river. There are also deer, wild turkey, and pheasants. While there, we walked around the campground areas that were open and over to the day use area along Chicken Creek to roast marshmallows. We hiked the short distance out to the Saulsbury Bridge to watch the Cedar River flow by and caught a beautiful sunset.
The one downfall to this park is the possibility for flooding. When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds.
A call ahead to the conservation office to check on closures is a good idea. We had hoped to camp at a primitive site, but learned the trail leading into the campground was under water, which also meant the river campground was closed as well. Though there was some water over the road in the main campground, it was minimal and we were able to choose an electrical site. We opted to car camp as we were only staying one night. Only about a third of the campground was filled and we had no one on either side of us which meant for a more quiet camping experience.
This is one of my favorite local areas to hike and camp that’s close to home. It offers a full picture of Iowa’s varied landscapes and outdoor activity opportunities.
Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. On this camping trip, I tried out VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens sneakers. VivoBarefoot’s goal is to provide an environment that allows the feet to remain in their natural state while providing a protective shoe. https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/womens/off-road/primus-trail-sg-womens?colour=Olive
LegendSet just off I-80 near Sheffield, the Lock 22 Campground offers some of the simplest, most serene camping you’ll find in the Hennepin Canal State Trail system. Here, you’re not at a full-service campground– this is the kind of place where the canal’s old lock whispers history and the towpath beckons walkers and anglers. First impressions? A flat, grassy expanse with scattered trees, picnic tables, pit toilets and a quiet canal-side vibe that is refreshingly basic, peaceful and full of charm if you’re into low-maintenance camping.
As a Class ‘C’ campground, Lock 22 offers primitive facilities only, meaning no showers, no hookups and no electricity(yes, a whole lot of‘Nos’), but it does include toilets and drinking water. Campsites are vehicle-accessible and the$8/night per-family fee is collected in person by a site security officer(if they show up), on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth groups follow a separate fee schedule with minimums and supervision rules. Camping is quiet, basic, and outdoors-first here.
What really sets this spot apart is its location and simplicity. It’s under the lock bridge itself, so be sure to bring a chair, toss a line in the canal and wander the towpath trails that take you past aqueducts and marshes. Cell service is reported as excellent, making it a surprisingly connected getaway. Nearby, Sheffield offers a few basic services, and you're within easy driving distance of I-80 and surrounding towns.
Insider Tips? Here’s a handful:(1) For the flattest, quietest camping, choose a grassy site closest to the canal but back off from the parking area;(2) Bring all the water you'll need as while Lock 22 has drinking water, it’s only at a designated faucet and not at the campsites themselves;(3) The canal towpath is fantastic for peaceful walking, biking, fishing and bird-watching, but for the best experience, get there early;(4) Check the Visitor Center north of I-80 for trail maps so that you can plan your canal hiking and camping;(5) No campfires outside of designated fire pits, so I would strongly encourage you to bring alternative cooking options like a butane or propane-fueled stove or range; and(6) If you drive into Sheffield check out Wings Café serving hearty comfort food, or try The Dug-Out Sports Pub for pub-style eats and local atmosphere.
Happy Camping!
LegendThere’s something instantly comforting about Colona Scott Family Park, tucked right along the Hennepin Canal where the trees lean in close and the boys could finally stretch their legs without a single car in sight. This medium-sized, family-run campground has a gentle, lived-in charm with wide grassy sites, EZ pull-ins and a friendly check-in that feels more like stopping by a neighbor’s porch than traditional ‘campground operations.’ The amenities are simple but thoughtfully kept with clean restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of soft ground for kids to toss a football or chase fireflies before bed. One of my favorite moments was taking the boys down to the pond in the golden light, watching them skip rocks while my husband and I listened to the water slip by (ironically listening to 'sitting on the dock of the bay!'), which felt wonderfully unhurried. For families, this is a sweet overnight pick thanks to the calm setting, caring staff and the pond's built-in nature opportunities for biking, strolling and birdwatching. For the best campsite recommendation, choose Site 11, which is closest to the pond path with an open grassy backdrop that gives the kids room to roam while still keeping everything peaceful and EZ.
GuideOur one-night stay at the Sugar Bottom- Coralville Lake Campground was terrific! My husband and I stopped there during our cross-country road trip. We arrived around 7:30pm on a Sunday in September and easily got a spot. The lady at the entrance station was incredibly kind and answered all of our questions.
The campground is very well marked, with easily visible site number labels. Each site is in a grassy area with a picnic table and fire ring with a grate. Our site had a tree or two that provided some shade, but some other sites were a but more shaded.
We ended up staying in site #103, which is right by the water. What a beautiful view we had! Our campsite was very close to a boat dock, a sand volleyball court, and a sandy beach. We didn't have a chance to swim at the beach, but it looked really nice! It had a large, designated swimming area that was marked with floating ropes. We were also located close to a building with restrooms. Each restroom had a clean, hot shower. The showers were free, which was a plus!
In my opinion, this is definitely a 5-star campground. I can't wait to come back!
Scoutfirst timers/ young kids- yes. Primitive campers- no. My husband had never been camping. I grew up with very primitive camping- no electricity, only pit toilets, sometimes fresh water, and no showers (milk jug showers!) Little by little, I’m warming him up to camping. This is a great place for new campers, families of young kids, or just looking for an easier trip. There’s a shower house with flush toilets, warm showers, and surprisingly CLEAN! The site was medium size. Enough room to spread out. Ground was flat so finding a tent site was no problem. Electric hookup worked. Picnic table was good. Check your site before booking! One section of sites is like an open field? No trees and full view of others. But these surround a playground- also very nice. Glamping with young kids? These sites would be a perfect. AT&T and Verizon cell service worked fine
Tent camping near Donahue, Iowa offers primitive and secluded options within the eastern Iowa landscape. The area sits in the Wapsipinicon River watershed with multiple water access points at elevations ranging from 590-780 feet. Summer camping conditions typically feature humid temperatures between 70-85°F with mosquitoes active from May through September, requiring appropriate preparation.
Paddling opportunities: Wapsi River Environmental Education Center provides direct access to the Wapsipinicon River. "Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail," notes reviewer James M., who also mentions "access for fishing, paddling, etc." The center offers educational programs and houses live animals.
Astronomy sessions: Wapsi River Environmental Education Center features the Menke Observatory for stargazing. "No city like that so night sky shines with stars," writes James M., adding that the observatory "offers sky programs" to campers. Light pollution is minimal, making it ideal for astrophotography.
Lake activities: Lake George at Indian Meadows Campground provides water recreation opportunities. "Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking," according to Wendy R. The main park area offers boat rentals for visitors without their own equipment.
River fishing: Multiple access points along the waterways provide fishing spots. The primitive tent camping area at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area features "sites spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing," according to reviewer James M.
Private wooded sites: Campers appreciate the seclusion at certain campgrounds. At Indian Meadows, Wendy R. notes, "If you're seeking seclusion, this is it! Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen."
Modern cabin amenities: Cedar River Campground offers glamping options beyond traditional tent sites. "Spots are tighter than what we prefer, but will be back again," writes Jenny, who appreciated their "great fireworks display for the fourth."
Natural surroundings: Some primitive sites provide immersive nature experiences. Ryan describes Lock and Dam 13 as a "Hidden gem off the railroad tracks" with "a little beach next to the dam," noting it's "Very beautiful and peaceful."
Family-friendly facilities: Cedar River Campground offers recreational amenities beyond camping. Steve T. writes, "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 a fun break from the norm."
Permit requirements: Some areas require advance permits or reservations. At Joinerville County Park, "primitive camping is by approved permit application 1 month in advance of stay," according to James M., who notes the park has "No toilets" and requires planning ahead.
Pack-in, pack-out policies: Many primitive sites require carrying all supplies. At Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, "Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics," writes James M.
Seasonal availability: Check operating dates before planning your trip. Hidden River Campground operates from "April 15-October 15," according to Iris A., who also notes it's "Close to I-80 if you need somewhere to stay during your travels."
Access challenges: Some sites require substantial hiking. At Lock and Dam 13, "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," according to Ryan.
Swimming options: Lakes provide safer swimming than rivers for children. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground offers "lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming," notes James M., making it suitable for families with children.
Recreational facilities: Koch's Meadow Lake Campground provides "community buildings" alongside the lake, according to James M., offering gathering spaces for group activities.
Nature education: Wapsi River Environmental Education Center specializes in environmental education with hands-on exhibits. James M. notes the center has "exhibits and native live animals, trails, prairie, observatory, amphitheater," providing educational opportunities for children.
Site selection: Choose sites based on proximity to facilities when camping with children. At Cedar River Campground, Jackie J. mentions they have "a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids," though she notes "the pool was closed for the evening cleaning" during her visit.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity can affect campsite tranquility. At Cedar River Campground, Jackie J. reports, "It is right off the highway, so it was loud when we were outside, but we couldn't hear it at all when we were in our Tab 400."
Site spacing: RV sites at some campgrounds can be crowded. Steve T. observed at Cedar River Campground, "Sites are really close if you're a tent camper but it is good as far as RV parks are concerned."
Seasonal options: Many RVers stay long-term. Cedar River Campground has "some friendly seasonal and long-term residents who are in a separate section," according to Jackie J., who found them "super fun and gregarious."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks at some campgrounds. Barbara R. mentions that at Cedar River Campground, "Sites are unlevel and next to the interstate," requiring proper equipment for comfortable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Donahue, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Donahue, IA is Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Donahue, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Donahue, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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