Looking for the best campgrounds near Dunlap, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"I wanted a weekend away from the craziness so chose to go "home" for my first solo trip in quite awhile."
"Has a descent size lake good for kayaking and fishing."
"There’s trails to walk and fishing right on site."
$9 / night
"Located directly adjacent to the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest; the flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America."
"Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded."
$12 - $50 / night
"These Iowa state parks are extremely clean and well taken care of. The lake is huge with multiple trails that the kids loved. Playground was directly behind us which is a plus for us."
"Reserved electric unit 090 for the weekend, which had a scenic corn field for a backdrop - this is Iowa!"
"Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site."
"I like that you can tent camp anywhere in the Camp area down by the lake with all your friends close by. the trails and playground equipment is nice and the fishing is great!"
$10 - $50 / night
"I pulled in late at night easy to navigate stayed the next day and did some trails apparently the land formations are 1 of only 2 in the world how about that Iowa."
"We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."
"Very quiet and peaceful place I have been there few times and I never see anyone else around. There is no bathroom or drinking water so make sure you are ready for that."
$15 - $40 / night
"Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa!"
"There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers."
GuideWe stayed one night, beautiful park! Great trail all the way around the lake, we took a bike ride around it was about 3 ish miles. Camp host was a gem. Bathrooms were very clean! Great view of the lake. Was not very crowded but was mid week.
LegendOur confirmation email included precise directions from I-29, with an interstate sign confirming the turn for Lake Manawa State Park, and provided the gate code for access. We proceeded to back-in site 28 with full hookups; the back-in was easy, and the site was level, with utilities located toward the rear and a slight uphill grade to the sewer connection. The campground (CG) features well-spaced, spacious sites with no trees nearby great for satellite access. We had a bit of a water view through the trees, and connectivity was decent with 2 bars on Verizon and 3 on T-Mobile; water pressure was around 40 psi. We arrived on a Thursday for a four-night stay, and the CG filled up over the weekend. About 150 yards from our site was the popular Dreamland playground, which draws families with young kids to that side of the CG next time, we'd choose a site farther from the playground for more quiet.
GuideEssentially a parking lot with electric and water hookups, but only 9 minutes from downtown Omaha. Check-in at security window at Horseshoe. $40 weekday rate and $50 weekend rate. There’s a building that has bathrooms, showers and laundry.
TravelerDidn’t have any issue finding a spot around 8pm in early May, and it was made way with a spot to register and deposit money on your own. Bathrooms were okay. Very pretty view of the water and the stars were bright!
GuidePlace is well maintained with plenty of hookups, a nice view to the park, picnic tables and a dump station. Price is now 25 dll per night. Besides the traffic noise because it's close to the hwy, the train passed at night like 4 or 5 times, so have that in mind if you light sleep.
GuideNot to far from the Interstate and Lewis and Clark State Park in Iowa. The gravel site we were on fit our 40 ft fifth wheel without a problem but was slightly off level. Amy and Ed are very helpful and friendly, the bathrooms/showers are beautiful and immaculate. Pool and family area won’t open until May, but look inviting to guests. We were able to look in one of the 3 silos for rent. One word to describe: WOW! We will be back!
GuideDay <1>Lots of spots to pick from, and I could guess why… middle of nowhere, the bathrooms are dirty as all heck and heard from a local that management can be a bit "Tight" will continue to update, ……
Day <2> Late last night, I mean Late…. we had some company someone else decided to camp at this camp of solitude… granted it is the middle of the week, but we had seen the news article about the campground opening for the season i would imagine that there would be others, like most though we are glad there isn't.
Day <3> Friday is here and with it comes the visitors, this park comes alive Friday afternoon and seems to be about 25% of capacity, everyone is grilling or fishing or even flying their drones... the bathrooms however are still as dirty as ever and no sign of an old grouchy park manager... definitely a nice secluded stay during the week with a lot more activity starting Friday evening. I would also just say no "useable" public restrooms.
GuideI arrived February 28 to visit the casino and friends in town. I couldn’t figure out where to check in so I called the number on the website. Turns out the RV parking is closed for the winter. Oops. But the gentleman on the phone was very nice and said I could park overnight in the North Lot. It’s just a giant parking lot but it is level. I would definitely stay here again but I feel bad. There is truly nowhere near Omaha to camp in the winter.
ScoutI have stayed several times. Quiet. Nice. Close to town, stores, food. $15. Night in 2025. Fair. Good place for quiet, inexpensive nights. Quite a good deal.👍
Camping near Dunlap, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene nature trails to well-maintained facilities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Camping near Dunlap, Iowa, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Whether you’re in an RV or tent, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dunlap, IA is Nelson Park Crawford County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Dunlap, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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