Best Tent Camping near Donnellson, IA

Tent camping options near Donnellson, Iowa include several established and dispersed camping areas across southeastern Iowa. Spring Lake Campground in Burlington offers dedicated tent sites with amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and showers, making it suitable for campers seeking more comfortable primitive tent setups. In contrast, Eldon Wildlife Management Area provides a more rustic backcountry tent camping experience with minimal facilities but greater seclusion.

Most tent campsites in the region have basic amenities, though facilities vary significantly between established and dispersed areas. Spring Lake provides essential services including drinking water, toilets, and showers, while dispersed areas like Eldon Wildlife Management Area lack such conveniences. Brinton Timber offers fire rings and picnic tables but no showers or running water. Campers report its composting toilets are functional but primitive. During summer months, insect activity increases substantially throughout all camping areas, making proper tent setup with bug protection essential for comfortable overnight stays.

Areas farther from main roads provide deeper wilderness immersion for tent campers seeking solitude. The Eldon Wildlife Management Area features secluded tent spots accessible via both drive-in and walk-in routes, with locations that offer quieter experiences away from road noise. One camper noted, "We drove 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." Brinton Timber provides access to hiking trails and proximity to Skunk River, though reaching the water requires additional hiking from the main camping area. Some sites previously listed in directories may no longer exist or have changed substantially, as visitors to Upper Augusta Skunk River Access discovered the camping area appears to have been converted to a roadside stop with a pavilion but no designated camping facilities.

Best Tent Sites Near Donnellson, Iowa (7)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Donnellson, IA

167 Reviews of 7 Donnellson Campgrounds


  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2021

    Big Hollow Recreation Area

    Nice stay at primitive site

    Stayed at the primitive section of the campground. Site C was level for our camper van. Large, spacious site. Wooded. Fire ring. No table st this site, but other sites in this area has tables. Vault toilets a short walk away. Campground host was very helpful. Inexpensive firewood. Enjoyed our stay here. Paid $10 for site.

  • Frank H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Hickory Haven Campground

    Great Tent Camping

    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.

  • Jessica H.
    May. 19, 2018

    Snively Access

    Snively Campground Wapello, IA

    Snively Access Campground is located off of County Road X61 in Wapello, IA. The access road is a steep, well-maintained, gravel drive that takes you directly to Lake Odessa and the campsites. Note: the entrance sign to the campground is a little difficult to see from the road, and the campground does sometimes close due to high water. Gates will be shut with a High Water sign on them if that's the case. It's best to call ahead to Louisa County Conservation if you're planning to camp in the spring/summer when flood season tends to be most prevalent in this area.

    There are two separate campgrounds, all are electrical sites, (no dump station) except for one tent-only site which is situated up on a hill by itself with a round about road off to the right as you drive down the main access road. The second campground is to the left, with no bathrooms, and also butts up to a community of seasonal/year round cabins. This means it may be a bit more noisy during the warmer months. We chose the second campground and only one other site was in use. All was quiet by 10:00pm. We did wake up once or twice to the sound of barred owls calling back and forth in the night which only added to the ambiance of tent camping. This area is known as a hub for migratory birds, so if you're a bird person, it's a prime location. We saw red-headed woodpecker, yellow warblers, and a handful of other birds. About 5 minutes north of the campground is Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge which offers an interpretive center, modern restroom facilities, hiking trails and bird watching.

    Each campsite has a graveled drive, picnic bench, fire ring and garbage can with lid. There is a public parking area and dock to put in boats on the lake and fish. All campsites have a lake view, and several are in shaded spots along the timber line. This is a dog-friendly campground and dogs must be leashed at all times. These sites are first-come-first serve and are $12/night. You are required to self-register within 30 minutes of your arrival time. There is a registration kiosk to the right, at the bottom of the main access road.

    This was a nice, smaller campground with a water front view that felt secluded and slightly more primitive.

  • Jessica H.
    Nov. 7, 2018

    Langwood Education Center

    Ranger Review: Rom Pack at Langwood Education Center

    Campground Review:

    Surrounded by hardwood forests and native prairie, Langwood Education Center, located in rural Wapello, Iowa is the perfect spot for nature retreats, family gatherings, outdoor education classes, and more.

    With rates starting as low as $99 per day/$194 per overnight for up to 100 people, Langwood provides a quiet and serene setting for camping, hiking, canoeing, and reconnecting with nature.

    There is plenty of space for individual tents, as well as 5 electrical hookups for RVs for $10 per night per RV. An A-frame bunkhouse is also available. The bunkhouse is a split level with a total of 21 single beds on the first and second level. Campers will need to bring their own bedding. While Langwood is open through the winter months, water is shut off, so campers will need to bring their own water supply. Check in time is after 1:00pm and check out time is 11:00am.

    Campfire rings and outdoor picnic tables are available. Langwood’s 92 acres houses a lodge with a full kitchen, and ample seating including tables and chairs. There is a separate, modern restroom within short walking distance of the bunkhouse and lodge.

    For an additional fee, campers can use the ropes course located by a large pond on the property. Six canoes are also on site for use. There is no additional fee for the canoes, but a waiver must be signed in order to use them.

    For the women's outdoor retreat weekend I attended, I chose to bring my tent and camp out rather than utilize the bunk house. The area for tent camping is quite large with a variety of shade trees, and offers a fair amount of privacy.

    With hiking trails throughout the property, the woods offer prime area to see migratory birds such as kingfishers, herons, and a multitude of warblers. At night, great horned and barred owls can be heard calling back and forth.

    Langwood provides quiet walks through Iowa prairies and clear, star-gazing nights. This spot is perfect for larger gatherings, offering privacy and a quiet space away from the busyness of everyday life.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. This time around I had the opportunity to test out the three-in-one RōM Pack from RōM Outdoors. https://romoutdoors.com/product/rom-pack/

    I’m always up for giving a new backpack a try. I was really interested to see how the RoM Pack compared to my other daypacks and backpack. The RoM Pack is unique as it offers a twist on the traditional pack; a three-in-one pack, blanket, rain poncho combo.

    I took the RoM pack with me on the recent women’s outdoor retreat at Langwood Education Center. It seemed like the perfect weekend to test out the versatility of this pack. From prairie seed collection, to orienteering, to night hikes, the pack offered something useful throughout the retreat. The pack includes two detachable, smaller saddlebags; great for throwing a water bottle and snacks in for the prairie seed collection hike.

    Between sessions, we had the opportunity to wander the grounds and take time to relax. This presented the perfect opportunity to break the pack down and try out the blanket. It was a cool autumn day, and lounging in the sun was a nice reprieve from the busy morning activities.

    While it didn’t rain during my stay, I did decide to try on the poncho to see how it fit. It was a little bulky, but would definitely help repel rain. It was easy enough to take off and flip back over to blanket mode.The outer material is meant to resist water, so whether you’re wearing it at as a poncho or using it as a blanket, you’ll stay dry. Another plus is the removable stuff sack located inside the pack. I used it specifically to store my dirty clothes from the first day of the retreat.

    The pack itself is made of a durable, water resistant material, and includes two mesh side pockets good for stowing water bottles, and bug spray. While the pack is slightly heavier than my other daypacks, 4.6 lbs, I would consider using it for shorter day hikes, but will get the most use out of it to store and carry clothes and gear on camping and fishing trips. I’m also a shorter individual, so the pack was a little big on me. I was able to adjust the straps enough to get a fairly secure fit.

    The RoM Pack also comes with a small booklet with step by step directions on how to put the pack back together after breaking it down. The booklet also includes information on identifying poison ivy, oak, and sumac as well as different ways to build a campfire; a nice addition to the pack itself.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Welter Recreation Area

    Primitive Campsite

    This campsite appears to not be well maintained it may even be closed. There is no electricity and one vault toilet. Weeds are overgrown, and fallen trees have not been cleared. However, it has a wonderful view of the river and is directly on the banks. Because there are fallen trees, firewood is plentiful :).

  • Amanda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2024

    Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

    Peaceful Paradise

    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.

  • Dave N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Spring Lake Park

    Great Boating/Fishing

    Well kept campground on a lake. Spots are all on grass. Most are level. Lots of shady spots. Picnic table and fire ring. Seems like most of the sites are seasonal campers. Very quiet for how many campers are here. Restrooms and hot showers, fairly clean. This would be lots of fun for boaters. Rates were $20/night w/electric 7/20

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2021

    Twisted Oak Campground — Argyle Lake State Park

    Rustic camping in large sites with a free exercise plan!

    We were surprised to discover this state park in Illinois but searching on the Dyrt App helped us have a great visit. There are 4 different camping areas within this park. There are electric sites near the showers. Another loop of electric sites is down the road. Keep going and you find a small loop of nonelectric sites ($8! It’s hard to beat that price). A mile further and there is a gravel road where you can find walk-in sites (some didn’t look cleared but others were stunning).

    In our loop of rustic campsites, it filled up on the first night. There isn’t as much greenery between sites so this was a bit of a struggle noise wise. The rest of the weekend only had a couple other sites filled. We were well distanced and this ended up being a really enjoyable campground. There are vault toilets near the road. Garbage cans are almost at every other site. While they weren’t emptied out while we were there, they didn’t really fill up with just a few of us.

    Recent storms brought trees down and even damaged the road around the lake. Cars are only able to go halfway around - but you can go halfway and then drive back around to see it all. The camp host recommended hiking the road. The 5 mile journey was popular even though it is a series of steep climbs and descents. We loved it and our dog loved meeting all the other dogs walking their owners around the lake. This hike became our morning ritual as it was cooler temps and shady.

    There is a small restaurant at the lake. It’s near the boat launch. We saw many boats and even people fishing from shore. This man-made lake is a popular spot.

    Having looked at some other campgrounds in the area, this one appealed to us the most. Even hearing a train once or the sound of distant shooting didn’t take away much from our experience. We’re glad we discovered it!

  • Greg K.
    May. 5, 2024

    Bentonsport

    17$ Bentonsport campground

    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.


Guide to Donnellson

Tent camping near Donnellson, Iowa offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. With well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

Tent campers should check out Spring Lake Campground

  • At Spring Lake Campground, families can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and canoeing on the lake, making it a great spot for both kids and adults.
  • This campground features amenities like electric hookups, drinking water, and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • With an outdoor skating rink next to the lake, there's plenty of fun to be had year-round.

Tips for tent camping near Donnellson

  • Make reservations early at Spring Lake Campground as it fills up quickly, especially during the summer months.
  • Bring your own firewood, as some campgrounds like Upper Augusta Skunk River Access do not provide this essential camping resource.
  • Be prepared for basic amenities at places like Grays Landing, which lacks facilities like showers and trash disposal.

Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Donnellson, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Donnellson, IA is Spring Lake Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Donnellson, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Donnellson, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.