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Best Campgrounds near Dunlap, IA

265 Reviews

Camping options around Dunlap, Iowa include both established county parks and state recreation areas within a short drive of town. Schaben County Park, located just 2 miles from Highway 30, provides 15 level camper sites with 30/50 amp electrical service and water hookups. Other nearby options include Nelson Park in Dow City and Prairie Rose State Park Campground near Harlan. The region supports multiple accommodation types, with tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals available at several locations. Mixed-use campgrounds predominate in the area, with most facilities designed to accommodate both tent and RV campers.

Most campgrounds in the Dunlap area operate seasonally, typically opening in April or May and closing in October or November. Schaben County Park welcomes campers from April 1 to October 31, while nearby Nelson Park operates from May 15 to October 15. Winter camping opportunities are limited in this region due to seasonal closures. Several campgrounds offer electric hookups, water access, and sanitary dump stations, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Primitive camping with minimal facilities can be found at Preparation Canyon State Park, which features hike-in tent sites. As one camper noted, "If you're looking for a relaxing backcountry retreat for a little backpacking adventure then this is a great weekend option."

Visitors to campgrounds near Dunlap frequently mention the peaceful rural setting and natural attractions. The area's county parks typically feature fishing ponds, hiking trails, and picnic facilities. Many developed campgrounds include shower houses, flush toilets, and recreational amenities. Preparation Canyon State Park receives consistently high ratings from backpackers seeking solitude in the distinctive Loess Hills landscape. A recent review described it as "the quintessential example of the diversity that Iowa has to offer," highlighting the unique geology and hiking opportunities. Prairie Rose State Park Campground stands out for its lake access and water recreation possibilities. Most tent and RV sites in the region are spacious, with picnic tables and fire rings, though availability can be limited during summer weekends and holidays.

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Best Camping Sites Near Dunlap, Iowa (82)

    1. Nelson Park Crawford County Park

    2 Reviews
    Dunlap, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 643-5426

    "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."

    2. Nelson Park

    1 Review
    Dunlap, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 263-2748

    "There’s trails to walk and fishing right on site."

    3. Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Moorhead, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-2829

    $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."

    4. Schaben County Park

    1 Review
    Dunlap, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 647-2785

    5. Willow Lake Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Woodbine, IA
    11 miles
    Website

    "The lake is small and meant for non. Motorized boats. There's a ton of trails around the outside of the park. If you follow the far outside one, it's almost three and a half miles."

    6. Loess Hills Hideaway

    1 Review
    Moorhead, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 551-0690

    7. Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Harlan, IA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 773-2701

    $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!"

    8. Arrowhead Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 485-2295

    "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!"

    9. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    30 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 328-5833

    $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."

    10. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Onawa, IA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-2829

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Dunlap, IA

31 Photos of 82 Dunlap Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dunlap, IA

265 Reviews of 82 Dunlap Campgrounds

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2025

    Littlefield Rec Area

    Very nice park

    Lots of spots with water and electric and right on the lake. Very friendly staff. 20 bucks a night. They were winterizing it during my stay and came by to tell me the services still open.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    Elkhorn Creek Recreation Area

    Rustic but quiet. A trip to town is awesome

    We are here on a tuesday in november, so we don't expect to see very many people. There are at least 10 spots. Half of that, with electricity and several primitive areas further up the hill where the sites are very pretty. I don't think this is a heavily used park. Probably mostly by hunters. It is connected to a preserve which has a myriad of trails as well as there being trails in the park. The bathroom in the main campground is closed and the water is off. Looks like the water hasn't been used in a while and there are landscaping flags about so im guessing renovations are planned. But the electricity is working. There is a pit toilet at the top of the hill where frankly the cutest camp spots can be found.

    Just 3 miles away is the town of Elk Horn. You really need to go see it. I added some pictures and there is just an awesome amount of things to see there. Have fun.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Willow Lake Recreation Area

    Pretty lake, lots of trails, nice campground spots

    This is a very nice recreation area with about fifty spots. They all seem to have electric and water. And it's twenty five dollars a night. The spots are first come. First serve, there's a very nice bathroom with showers. The lake is small and meant for non. Motorized boats. There's a ton of trails around the outside of the park. If you follow the far outside one, it's almost three and a half miles.

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground

    Mosquitos and undrinkable water.

    Mosquitos are a given in a wetland refuge, but since this was just an overnight stay, I wasn't especially concerned. What DID concern me was:

    1. The camp host was present, but not at all helpful. A bad storm was moving in, and so I asked about tornado shelters in the area...he said there were none. Funny as the ranger station was within walking distance, but nobody was attending.

    2. It's a state park, and so the water stations are sprinkled throughout the camping areas. I was going to fill my kettle and was stopped by one of the campers who said that the water was bad and that if I needed water, she had extra. The camp host didn't mention the contamination issue, nor were the spigots marked. I did see a weathered "boil notice" on the door to the showers that evening. 

    It has the potential to be a nice park, but is unkept and all but neglected by the camp host.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    loess hills state forest

    Loess Hills State Forest

    Really impressed with this location. Incredible hiking just outside your door.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Onawa-Blue Lake KOA

    Convenient and quiet

    Conveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet.

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    Road to Mackinac

    Just an overnight on our way to Michigan. Yeah it's a parking lot! Visited family just in the NE side of the river. Water and electric, not a bad price. Interstate was RIGHT THERE..... but the noise of our AC downed it out! 😎 Showers were low pressure and could have been better maintained.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • sparkleblaster ✨.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Moorehead Pioneer County Park

    Safe and lots of trees

    I stayed on the picnic loop at one of three designated camp spots (according to the map posted at the end of the picnic loop). There was a nice shade structure, picnic table, fire pit, and grill. Pit toilets and trash bins nearby and a water spigot that wasn't working. I got in late on a Sunday. I saw some fishermen around the pond on my way in but no one else. There's a playground and a couple small pavilions across from where I camped, so I imagine it can be busy on the weekend.

    It's not really a campground. It's a county park with a few camp spots. If I hadn't found the sign with tent symbols I would have doubted it was a legitimate place to camp.

    The coordinates in the description here took me to a boat launch. This is the coordinate to the camp spot I stayed at: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BziGswnzeFVjgVxV6

Guide to Dunlap

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Hitchcock County Nature Center. One camper mentioned, “Camping here also gives you access to the playground and nature trails into some beautiful countryside.”
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Anita State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A visitor shared, “Great spot! $13 full hook up. Stayed 4 nights on a beautiful lake.”
  • Wildlife Watching: The Lewis and Clark State Park Campground is perfect for spotting local wildlife. One reviewer noted, “The campground is set in an Aspen glade. Very nice.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Hitchcock County Nature Center stated, “Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Lake Anita State Park Campground. One camper said, “Nice campground, clean, beautiful lake with bike path/walking trail around the entire lake.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. A visitor at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground remarked, “Great sites right on the water. Easy back in for my rig. Hot showers were a plus :)”

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center warned, “The only downside is bring several bottles of bug spray; the mosquitoes are terrible!”
  • Cash Only: Some campgrounds, like Arrowhead Park Campground, require cash payments. A reviewer reminded, “Friendly reminder to bring CASH. FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A visitor at Two Rivers State Recreation Area mentioned, “For the tent sites, I wish there were more amenities.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. Hitchcock County Nature Center has a playground that families enjoy.
  • Nature Trails: Choose campgrounds with easy access to trails. A family at Lake Anita State Park Campground appreciated the “lots of hiking trails and even hiking sticks.”
  • Safety: Always check in with campground hosts about safety. A camper at Arrowhead Park Campground felt uneasy and said, “The energy there was so off and it did not feel safe.”

Tips from RVers:

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

What camping is available near Dunlap, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dunlap, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 82 campgrounds and RV parks near Dunlap, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Dunlap, IA?

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.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Dunlap, IA.

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