90 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds in the Donnellson, Iowa area include a mix of established sites with varying amenities and natural settings. Wilson Lake Park and Indian Lake Park offer year-round camping with options for tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Lee County Pollmiller Park provides waterfront camping with boat access, while Shimek State Forest's Donnelson Unit features more rustic camping experiences. Most campgrounds in the region are within 20 miles of Donnellson, creating convenient access to both natural areas and small towns for supplies.
"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," noted one visitor about Donnelson Unit in Shimek State Forest. Many campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect water availability during winter months. Several sites operate on an honor system payment method, particularly in more remote forest locations. Flooding can impact accessibility at some locations, especially those near the Mississippi and Iowa Rivers. Campers should check ahead with Louisa County Conservation during spring and summer when flood season is most prevalent. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with more wooded areas offering limited connectivity.
The camping experience near Donnellson features a blend of lakeside sites and forested settings. Several visitors mentioned the quality of fishing opportunities at Wilson Lake and Indian Lake Park. Campgrounds like Pollmiller Park receive positive reviews for their clean facilities and spacious sites. Campers report that many locations offer good separation between sites, though privacy levels vary. A reviewer described Lacey-Keosauqua State Park as "a gem located in Southeast Iowa" with sites "spaced really well so you don't feel like you are on top of one another." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly for bird watchers, with barred owls, woodpeckers, and warblers commonly spotted. The region's mixed-use campgrounds typically provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails, creating a well-rounded outdoor experience for visitors.
"Did go to the creamery nearby. If you stay here and don’t visit the creamery, you’re definitely missing out!"
from $15 - $26 / night
Check Availability"There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."
"Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean."
from $8 - $50 / night
Check Availability"There are a couple of close playgrounds you can walk to. Right across the street from the historic sites, if you're up for it it's just a little further to walk to main street."
"I felt you might have trouble in long rigs getting around. The drives are not clearly marked and it was a little confusing! No modern facilities close and the pit toilets were very disgusting."
"Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs."
"Good sights, great horse trails, awesome camping"
"We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"Dog walk. We stayed over Easter weekend and had a great stay."
"Large campground that has a few full hookup sites open year around. We were given a site between a couple of traveling workers. Both came out to greet us which was very nice."
"Battle of Athens sp is located in the northeast part of Missouri, a little out of way but worth the trip."
from $15 - $29 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"We ventured south to Geode State Park near Burlington, IA. We are getting the travel trailer tweeked in. We weathered a rainy 🌧 day Saturday (all day)."
"I love this place good camping and a beautiful lake."
from $16 - $36 / night
Check Availability
LegendWe stayed here twice and experience both loops. Newer side by the beach is full hook ups and much better for large rvs. It also has direct access to the lake and canals. I'd stick to small rvs and tents on the other side. Lots of amenities at this park.
TravelerWe found this on a trip back from MS. It’s free and had men’s and women’s vault toilets. Great sunset opportunities!
GuideGreat little spot if you are heading through IA! Love to hear the peepers all singing in early spring!
GuideWe decided to go camping for a low cost trip after a courthouse wedding. This was the perfect place. There were wagons available for the walk in sites to help bring in our gear. We stayed 3 nights and after night 1 we were the only people in the walk-in sites, so that was nice. They back up to a lake and site 3 has perfect access. We hiked some of the trails and made some of our own. There’s showers and a laundry room available with the bathrooms. Plus there’s a Walmart nearby if you forgot anything.
TravelerMid week, stayed 2 nights, free camping, tables, fire pits, beautiful lake and plenty of wildlife. We had this entire area to ourselves! Just nature, breathing, meditation….very healing and will be back. Hats off to Missouri, this is a beautiful hidden little campground!
GuideJuly, 2017
Neat little hidden campground with a neat back story. They owner bought it at auction just for a place to hang out with his friends but offers it for the public. He loves cash and will usually give you a discount if you pay in cash.
There is a bathhouse but he had to unlock it for us.
There is no store but you're at the edge of town so you can get anything you need. There's no wifi but the cell service is good.
If I recall, it's a 7 acre stocked pond. catch and release only.
GuideWater and dump station is available. No water or electric at sites. Cell service with Verizon was only available with WeBoost on and not that great then. Fire pits and picnic tables were available at your site. Cost was 8 dollars a night. This is an older campground with many hiking trails nearby at the state forest. It was wonderfully quiet during the week. There is a little unkept fishing area on a back water on the Mississippi River. I loved the place but it is definitely boondocking with water and dump station available.
GuideThere are only a handful of sites that are RV friendly. A small lake has some decent fishing. Cell service will Verizon was awesome. There is no potable water, dump station, showers, flushed toilets. There are a few pit toilets. I really enjoyed my week here but it is definitely a boondock experience. Grass was mowed and trash cans were empty. I didn’t use the pit toilets. I looked in one and it was your basic out house.
GuideWater is available through out the campground to fill your tank and there is a dump station also. Fire pits and tables at each site. Large pine trees were beautiful. Cell service wasn’t good, used WeBoost to get any internet.
Camping options near Donnellson, Iowa range from rustic forest sites to full-hookup campgrounds with modern amenities. The region sits in the southeastern corner of Iowa where the landscape features rolling hills, hardwood forests, and small lakes. Temperatures fluctuate significantly by season, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows often below freezing, affecting water availability at several campgrounds from November through March.
Fishing opportunities: Several area campgrounds offer lake access for anglers. At Wilson Lake Park, Charles A. noted, "I saw many people fishing" while describing the clean facilities and quiet atmosphere.
Hiking trails: The forested areas around Donnellson provide multiple trail options. At Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground, Amanda B. mentioned, "There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes" during her three-night stay.
Water recreation: Swimming and boating options exist at several parks in the region. Dave N. described Indian Lake Park as having "a nice sandy beach" and opportunities for "swimming, kayaking, fishing" making it a versatile destination.
Historical exploration: The area contains sites of historical significance within short driving distance. Chad K. shared about Battle of Athens State Park: "We spent a good portion of the morning exploring the battle grounds and driving down by the Des Moines river."
Clean facilities: Restrooms and shower houses receive positive mentions at multiple campgrounds. At Hickory Haven Campground, Michael P. stated, "The showers and bathrooms were meticulously clean as was the campgrounds with large pull thrus."
Quiet atmosphere: The relative seclusion of campgrounds provides peaceful experiences. Amanda B. called Donnelson Unit "a peaceful paradise" and mentioned it being "wooded and tucked away."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites. At Lee County Pollmiller Park, Ashley P. noted it was "very clean" and she "enjoyed exploring" the grounds during a free weekend promotion.
Playground access: Families appreciate dedicated play areas at several campgrounds. Dave N. mentioned Indian Lake Park has "a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach."
Winter camping limitations: While several campgrounds remain open year-round, services may be limited. Stuart O. reported about Nauvoo State Park, "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."
Payment systems: Several campgrounds operate on honor systems, especially in more remote areas. Amanda B. explained about White Oak Campground, "There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free."
Lake conditions: Water levels and quality can vary by season and management plans. Douglas P. commented about Geode State Park Campground: "The lake itself has been drained for about 3 years now and shows no signs of being filled again. Though they say it will be."
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes are common in wooded areas during warm months. Charles A. mentioned Wilson Lake Park was "very nice" but noted "there were a lot of ticks."
Budget-friendly options: Some campgrounds offer special promotions. Ashley P. shared about Pollmiller Park: "They had a weekend that u could stay there for free! It was very nice... they have a good swimming area where u can rent canoes and different things which isnt very expensive!!"
Multi-activity parks: Look for campgrounds with diverse offerings for children. According to Dave N., Indian Lake Park "has something for everyone. They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent."
Playground accessibility: Some campsites are positioned near recreational facilities. Gretchen F. noted about Nauvoo State Park Campground: "There are a couple of close playgrounds you can walk to. Right across the street from the historic sites."
Outdoor shelter options: For rainy day activities, check for covered facilities. Frank H. mentioned Hickory Haven has a "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."
Site surfaces: Different campgrounds offer varying pad materials. Brian E. noted about Wilson Lake Park: "Nice concrete slabs and all hook ups" making it easier to level RVs.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow roads that can be difficult for larger rigs. Ann C. cautioned about Nauvoo State Park: "I felt you might have trouble in long rigs getting around. The drives are not clearly marked and it was a little confusing!"
Campground hosts: Several locations have on-site staff to assist with setup. Andrew P. shared about Wilson Lake Park: "Campground host is super friendly! They ran over when we pulled in and helped guide us into our site."
Off-season considerations: Year-round campgrounds may have limited facilities during winter. Kimberly B. emphasized about Hickory Haven: "Open all year here which is very important to us!" when stopping during their journey south.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Donnellson, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Donnellson, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 90 campgrounds and RV parks near Donnellson, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Donnellson, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Donnellson, IA is Wilson Lake Park with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Donnellson, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Donnellson, IA.
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