Join the fun near Donnellson. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Donnellson campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Donnellson. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$8 - $50 / night
$15 - $26 / night
Our park is great for an overnight stay because we are at the crossroads of HWY 218/27 & 34 in the SE corner of Iowa. Also, we are open year round with full hookups. Lastly, we have a 9.5* rating with Good Sam!!!
$38 / night
The Lick Creek Unit contains two nonmodern equestrian campgrounds with nonelectric campsites. Facilities include pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, gravel parking pads, water hydrants, hitching rails and shade for horses. There are also stalls for overnight stabling.
Shimek State Forest is located in Lee and Van Buren Counties in southeast Iowa near the town of Farmington. Although the forest's original and most important function is to serve as an example of forest management for Iowas citizens, recreational opportunities abound in the forest. Visitors come from a wide area to hunt, fish, hike, ride the equestrian trails, mountain bike, camp, picnic, study nature and enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can expect to find oak-hickory forests and bottomland hardwood timber forests but will also find several areas where native prairie plants can be found and about 1,000 acres which have been planted to conifers. In this extremely varied habitat wildlife is abundant. Bring your camera or spotting scope! The forest is managed by the Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau and is comprised of five separate units with a total of 9,148 acres. The forest headquarters is located about one mile northeast of Farmington on county road J56. The four lakes in the Farmington and Donnellson Units are stocked with bass, channel catfish and panfish. There are no designated swimming areas. The entire forest is open to hiking and hunting (except in the camping areas).
Guide
We stayed in mid-November when a lot of places are closed. They had electricity and the dump station was operating, but the water hookups were shut off and the bath house was closed for the winter. Water was available at a hydrant across from the bath house, but lacked a garden hose thread, so you could only fill water jugs. The roads are very narrow and in need of repair. Fee was $18.
Legend
Camping bookdock style, no restrooms. Awesome sunset views, cider, near food, fuel, etc.
Guide
Nice campground, we have camped there on several occasions. Tent, pop up, and travel trailer. Shower house is a little bit of a walk but not terrible. Bout a 3 block walk to several bars/restaurant a caseys gas station. Everyone was friendly. Would recommend.
Guide
Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river. 2 blocks from a restaurant/tavern. City of New Boston has several different community events throught the year as well.
ScoutWe have stayed here multiple times and it is super peaceful, the host are great and help with anything you need!
Traveler
We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors.
Scout
Worst place I have stayed in my 6 years of traveling as an RN. Yes, they had shade. Made cell service very hard to receive. ONLY other thing they has was geese and fishing. No picnic table, no firepits. I had a 30amp space. With slide out on each side, and not superslides either, I had EXACTLY 1 foot left on each side of my slides. I could not put out my awning as it would hit the camper next to me. No zero space behind camper as it went to a steep slope from my spare wheel. If I walked behind camper, I had to hang on to spare wheel or fall down the slope. Barely enough room in from of camper to park pickup at an angle. I have never seen anything like this place before. And hope I never do. Pictures you see of campground are SO VERY MUCH deceiving !!!!!. I rate it a one star only because it will not allow me to go any lower.
Traveler
Clean bathrooms, friendly staff, nice park across street for walking dog. Very cool old metal playground equipment.
Scout
Langwood Education Center looks like a great spot for a weekend camping trip, especially if you’re into outdoor education. If you’re planning to camp there with kids, it could be a fun way to blend learning and adventure. Plus, it’s close enough to larger cities, making it convenient for a quick getaway. I’ve been planning something similar but also juggling a lot of writing assignments lately. For those who need help with academic papers or essays while on the go, https://99papers.com/essay-writing/ has been a great resource. They’ve saved me a lot of time when I’ve had deadlines looming. Anyway, has anyone visited recently and can share tips on the best trails or activities for families?
TravelerGreat spot, $20 for RVs and campers. Free if primitive camping. All spots have power and water. Waste and sewage dump can be found on campgrounds. One showering station on grounds. Bathrooms within walking distance. Even have a pistol and rifle range. Bathrooms could be cleaned more, but only complaint.
TravelerSmall lot for hunters to park and go. For a secluded spot, good enough to camp. As long as you don't need any utilities.
Guide
Level grass tent sites. Shade of trees. Electric outlets at sites. Water accessible. Bath house kept very clean. Plenty of hot water for showers. Picnic table & fire ring at site. Economical. Laundry. Ice bags available. Picnic shelter with sides, 3 picnic tables, small mini fridge, electric lights & outlets, ceiling fan, portable fan, water and deep sink available for campers to use.
TravelerVery nice park small but great the way I like them. The bath house looks like my bath room at home. Next time in Mount Pleasant will stop again.
TravelerAt one time this campground was a KOA campground so if you are familiar with KOA, you know the basic layout. We stayed here in our tent and while the tent area was closed for receding new grass the owner let us stay in a grassy area under the trees near the office. It was a great stsy and the restrooms and pool were nice and clean. We enjoyed ourselves and cooled off in the hot weather.
Scout
Friendly staff. Kayak and Pontoon to rent. Trails go all over the entire park! Clean showering facilities. Our furnished cabin faced the lake it was an incredible view. We had fun fishing and sitting by the campfire in the evenings. Overall definitely worth the 5 stars!!!! Thanks Ryan and all of the staff out there! We will revisit soon.
ScoutI stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.
Guide
Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice. Cheap too. Walking trails nearby.
Traveler
Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.
Guide
Beautiful river views. Amazing camp hosts. Showers,toilets,30/50/110 power water on sites to share water and dump on property. Mid 1800's town right there and businesses open. There is a blacksmith, a Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon.
Ranger
Close to major highway. Gravel sites. Clean campground. Many paved and grass walking trails surrounded by trees and natural areas. Bath/shower house is under construction. Child’s play equipment. Bathrooms with flush toilets nearby. Dump station for a fee. All sites had water and electric. Water was off during our visit in March. Park connected to nearby town by paved trail, approx 1 mile away. Gas and convenience store nearby. Camphost on site. Park is in a quiet rural location. Payment is made at dropbox when entering the park. Cell signal was 2 bars with Verizon.
Traveler
Needs updated facilities.
Guide
I stayed at the RV section right next to the rodeo arena. Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box. I forgot to count but looked like maybe 20 spots max. I was here mid-November in town for work and there was no more than four other campers at any point. Pretty basic surroundings though. There's barrel trash cans, didn't see a dumpster. Didn't see any toilet or shower buildings. Hardly any trees near the sites. Decent playground close by though, and a heavily wooded park with trails beyond that.
Traveler
The rv park, itself, is very nice! Clean, well organized and spacious. The issue is NOISE!! Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away. And quite a bit of freeway noise, too! It's all by about location, location, location and this park doesn't have it. Spent three(3) sleepless nights. We would have moved on but we were visiting our son who lives in the immediate area. Next time, l'll drive 30 minutes more to find someplace quiet.
Scout
We stayed labor day weekend. Just pulled in and gave them our $12 a night. No electricity or water in our site. Clean bathrooms. Cheap wood for fires. Really nice fire pits with attached grill. There is a lake here too. Lots of boats. We didn't fish. Beach is closed but the water looked pretty gross. We changed our minds and decided to stay an extra night because it was so peaceful!
TravelerGood clean campground. Easy access. Very clean bathrooms and showers.
ScoutShowever up after a 400 mile ride. Met the owner. Very pleasant.
Showed me around n where I could pitch for the night. Right by the pond. Very clean, very quiet n would go all over again!
GuideAlways a great experience at spring lake. Fishing, boat rentals, convenience store and shower house are all great. Beautiful and we’ll maintained.
Camping near Donnellson, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Fishing and Boating: Many campers enjoy fishing and boating at Lake Darling State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The lake area offers great fishing and there are boat rentals available." Another camper noted, "We went out for a fishing day; the boat launch was very nice and the entire lake was very clean."
Hiking: Explore the trails at Siloam Springs State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "The trails are pretty well marked and are best in mid/late fall or early spring." Another camper added, "There are lots to explore in the park. Excellent hiking trails."
Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at Wakonda Lake Campground. One camper said, "Nice lakes plus swimming and boating facilities."
Camping near Donnellson, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking peace and quiet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Donnellson, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Donnellson, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Donnellson, IA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Donnellson, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Donnellson, IA is Nauvoo State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Donnellson, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Donnellson, IA.
What parks are near Donnellson, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Donnellson, IA that allow camping, notably Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 and Rathbun Lake.
