Best Campgrounds near Duncombe, IA

Campgrounds near Duncombe, Iowa provide a variety of developed options for outdoor recreation in central Iowa. The area features several established state and county parks including Brushy Creek State Recreation Area with multiple campgrounds, Dolliver Memorial State Park, and Briggs Woods Park. These sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with many offering electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through December, though Briggs Woods Park remains open year-round for campers seeking winter options.

The majority of campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Full hookup RV sites are available at several locations, with some campgrounds offering 50-amp service for larger rigs. Accessibility varies between the different camping areas, with Beach Campground and North Equestrian Campground at Brushy Creek providing more open spaces, while Dolliver Memorial offers more wooded sites. Cell service can be limited in some areas, particularly in the valley areas of Dolliver Memorial State Park. A visitor noted, "Cell service cuts out as you drive down into the park, and does not resume until you come back up and out."

Campers consistently praise the recreational opportunities available throughout the region. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area offers extensive hiking and biking trails, a swimming beach, and fishing opportunities. Several reviews mention the quality of hiking at Dolliver Memorial State Park, with one camper describing it as having "beautiful views, wonderful trails." Equestrian camping is available at both North and South Equestrian Campgrounds at Brushy Creek, featuring hitching posts behind each site for those traveling with horses. The campgrounds vary in shade coverage, with some providing well-established tree cover while others offer more open sites. For those seeking cabin accommodations, both Dolliver Memorial State Park and Briggs Woods Park offer cabin rentals as alternatives to traditional camping, providing more comfort during inclement weather.

Best Camping Sites Near Duncombe, Iowa (75)

    1. North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Lehigh, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 543-8298

    $19 - $37 / night

    "Camped here in order to be close to Fort Dodge first thing in the morning.  I stayed in the Beach Campground.  It's not on the beach, but close to it.  There are 3 total campgrounds in the park. "

    "Hitching posts behind each site which we enjoyed seeing. The roads inside the campground were all asphalt so lots of bikers enjoying rides around the grounds."

    2. Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lehigh, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 359-2539

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Nice clean park, if passing through Iowa it's a nice overnight. A little loud if tent camping. Area not large enough to separate hard shell campers and tent campers."

    "We LOVE the hiking trails. Some can be a pretty good workout & steep for a 61 year old, but they are do-able & have resting benches a long the way."

    3. Briggs Woods Park

    8 Reviews
    Webster City, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 832-9570

    "Brigs Woods is close to Webster City, IA.  There are several campsites, cabins, golf course, access to canoeing or kayaking on the Boone River, along with hiking trails, swimming and fishing. "

    "that hold 4 campers good for groups (friends, Family) upper camp ground has more single sites. as of 2020 more sites under construction both upper and lower area. they have some cabins and a couple walk"

    4. South Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Lehigh, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 543-8298

    $19 - $54 / night

    "Walking, hiking and exploring. People are here camping with their horses but the campground is still nice and quiet."

    5. Beach Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Lehigh, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 543-8298

    $25 - $50 / night

    6. Kennedy County Park

    4 Reviews
    Badger, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 576-4258

    $20 - $100 / night

    "I can't say enough about Kennedy Memorial County park in Fort Dodge Iowa. Its beautiful well taken care of has a nice playground and access to a beautiful golf course! And FREE WIFI!"

    "Multiple kids parks, beach area, fishing areas with boat ramps, trails, kids butterfly garden."

    7. Bells Mills County Park

    2 Reviews
    Lehigh, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 832-9570

    8. Hamilton County Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Webster City, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 832-1443

    9. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $17 - $35 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    10. Lizard Creek Ranch Camping

    1 Review
    Fort Dodge, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 890-3758

    $25 / night

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Recent Reviews near Duncombe, IA

244 Reviews of 75 Duncombe Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lake Cornelia Park

    Great County Park

    Love Lake Cornelia. We’ve camped there a couple times with hammocks and tents. It can get pretty busy on the nicer weekends, so showing up before dawn to stake out your spot isn’t unheard of. The entire park is first come, first served.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Siems County Park

    Nice little campground

    Mix of sites. Some have electric and water. Some have electric but have to share a water spigot. Small lake. Public restrooms and shower. Frisbee Golf. Well kept.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground

    Mixed bag

    Small campground. Not busy while I was here. Sites have electricity, but water spigots are shared. Free firewood is provided. Nice oak trees. No privacy between sites. Pit toilets. No showers. Park is very nice with hiking trails and a Frisbee Golf course. $18 per night.

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Devine Wildlife Area

    Free and fairly primitive

    Dispersed camping really. You can bring a big rig in. No really prepared sites. Maybe 5 places you could set up. No water, no electric, no toilet. Swampy area nearby so bring mosquito repellent. But the price is right.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lotts Creek Co Park

    Camping in the shade of tall oaks

    Nice little campground. 5 sites. Water, electricity, picnic table and fire pit with grilling grate at each one. Flush toilet and sink in bathroom. Old style playground. Shelter with more picnic tables. First come, first serve. $15 per night. Nicely set up for a multiple family campout.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Smith Lake County Park

    Good value camping

    This is a pretty quiet campground in my experience. For $15 you get water/electric sites with access to bathrooms and showers. Dogs are allowed on leash. Pretty nice playground. The beach area has been taken over by geese though.

  • Kristy E.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lake Cornelia Park

    Beautiful place

    This is a beautiful county park with lots of camping sites with great views and generous camping spots. It is on a small lake that has good fishing, full hookups, and very nice swimming b each beach. We also enjoyed walking on the many trails.


Guide to Duncombe

Camping near Duncombe, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Spring Lake County Park, you can enjoy fishing and rent kayaks or paddle boats. A reviewer said, "You can pull your rig right up to the lake; there is fishing and hiking."
  • Disc Golf: Check out the disc golf course at Spring Lake County Park. One camper noted, "There’s a playground and disc golf. This is a very busy campground in the summer."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the clean restrooms and showers at Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Clean restrooms & shower stalls. Water. Playground. Friendly & helpful campground host."
  • Secluded Spots: Many enjoy the secluded sites at Ledges State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Secluded spots in the trees."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Spring Lake County Park are great for families. A camper said, "Great long-term hosts really make this park feel like going home."

What you should know

  • Cell Service: Be prepared for limited cell coverage at places like Ledges State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy Seasons: Expect crowds during peak summer months at popular spots like Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months."
  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Spring Lake County Park, have reservable sites. A visitor advised, "There are reservable sites on mycountyparks.com."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Spring Lake County Park. A reviewer said, "There is a playground and disc golf."
  • Family Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. One camper at Spring Lake County Park mentioned, "Bike/hiking trail, disc golf, kayak/paddle boat rentals, swimming beach."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campgrounds with helpful hosts can make a big difference. A visitor at Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground noted, "The park staff were friendly and very helpful."

Tips from RVers

  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Briggs Woods Park. A camper shared, "We had water/power but no sewer hookup."
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites to avoid feeling cramped. One visitor at North Equestrian Campground said, "Great for tent camping, very spacious and grassy sites."
  • Dump Stations: Make sure the campground has a sanitary dump station. A reviewer at Spring Lake County Park mentioned, "Recently updated two-way fresh-fill/sanitary dump station."

Camping near Duncombe, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Duncombe, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Duncombe, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 75 campgrounds and RV parks near Duncombe, IA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Duncombe, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Duncombe, IA is North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Duncombe, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Duncombe, IA.