c
carolyn N.
Traveler
TravelerLake Manawa State Park Campground
Overpriced for a very basic level amenities.
Stopped here for the night. Property has concrete pads, but shower rooms are inadequate. Won't stay here again.
Best Campgrounds near Dunlap, IA
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Dunlap, Iowa (84)
1. Nelson Park Crawford County Park
2 ReviewsDunlap, IA6 milesWebsite+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 ReviewDunlap, IA6 milesWebsite+1 (712) 263-2748"There’s trails to walk and fishing right on site."
3. Preparation Canyon State Park Campground
6 ReviewsMoorhead, IA16 milesWebsite+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 ReviewDunlap, IA5 milesWebsite+1 (712) 647-27855. Willow Lake Recreation Area
1 ReviewWoodbine, IA11 milesWebsite"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 ReviewMoorhead, IA13 milesWebsite+1 (402) 551-06907. Prairie Rose State Park Campground
18 ReviewsHarlan, IA27 milesWebsite+1 (712) 773-2701$16 - $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 ReviewsHoney Creek, IA29 milesWebsite+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
31 ReviewsHoney Creek, IA33 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsOnawa, IA32 milesWebsite+1 (712) 423-2829$15 - $52 / 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."
Recent Camping Photos near Dunlap, IA
27 Photos of 84 Dunlap Campgrounds
Kyle L.
Nelson Park Crawford County Park
Christopher S.
Preparation Canyon State Park Campground
Megan M.
Prairie Rose State Park Campground
SteveFagerhaug
The Hausbarn Heritage Park
Sarah H.
Arrowhead Park Campground
Jack C.
Lewis and Clark State Park Campground
Allison J.
Hitchcock County Nature Center
Frank B.
Botna Bend County Park
Christopher W.
Hildreth Lighthouse Campground
Steve D.
Lake Cunningham Campground
Benjamin P.
Little Sioux Park Campground
Deb W.
Littlefield Rec Area
Recent Reviews near Dunlap, IA
274 Reviews of 84 Dunlap Campgrounds
John C.
RangerMineola Trailhead Campground
Not bad, but not worth paying for.
Another for-profit patch of dirt that doesn’t have much to offer. It has all the inconveniences of camping in an urban areas with none of the advantages. You have the noise from the road and trail, the numerous people coming through the site…yet no grocery stores or other services in the town. The port-o-potty was disgusting and full of wasps, the trash was full, there is no water, and there weren’t even any envelopes for paying the fee. Not sure what campers are paying for.
Ashley S.
ScoutPrairie Rose State Park Campground
Super cute place!
Love this place. They have have the racks on their firepits for cooking!
Bethany M.ScoutHitchcock County Nature Center
Not family friendly
If you love back packing and hiking this is definitely for you! I feel as if I was a little misinformed about this camping spot. You have to hike kind of a long way to get to your campsite, there are no bathrooms near the campsite and its definitely not family friendly. I definitely should have done more research about this location. The view was beautiful though!
- John C.Ranger
Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
Worst canp I've ever paid for.
Tried this place twice. Horrible both times. They failed to mention this last time that the campground was going to become a parking lot for a nearby event at 0600.
- John C.Ranger
Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
Nice park; not great for tents.
This is a nice and well maintained park, though some amenities were still closed for winter in mid-April. It is a popular spot for locals to fish and hang-out, which means there is a lot of noise at all hours. Most of the tent sites are near a large gravel parking lot, so it gets inconvenient. Otherwise, it is a nice place for the price - when everything is available.
- CCurious Compass B.Ranger
loess hills state forest
Quiet with hiking
Easy access down and packed gravel road. When you get to the end of the road turn left. You will be looking at ‘Little Cemetery’. There aren’t any obvious spots but it looks like you can set up on either the left or the right. It is a field so you will need to do a little work leveling. Other than the coyotes it was very quiet and dark and a hiking trail starts at your back door. @TKCompass on YouTube
Emily F.ScoutCottonwood Cove Marina & RV Resort
Feels like home after a few years
We’ve been seasonals at Cottonwood for a while now. We keep coming back to our spot along the Missouri River. A lot has changed through the years (mostly upgrades). Watching this place grow has felt a bit like watching a hometown reinvent itself. Our site is along the river. We love The Lodge (restaurant). They always have good live music in the summer. The pools and swim-up bar areas are great. The marina stays busy with boaters but never feels overcrowded. It’s the kind of place where you actually get to know people. Sure, every campground has things that come and go, but Cottonwood has always kept its heart. It’s peaceful, friendly, close to Omaha, but still quiet enough to feel like you’re on vacation. If you’re looking for a long-term spot or want a weekend hang out with river views, good food, and a great community vibe, Cottonwood Cove will treat you right. Darcy the manager is fantastic. We’re excited for next season.
- AAlyce G.Scout
Cottonwood Cove Marina & RV Resort
Accidentally found my new fave campground restaurant
So we’re driving through Blair (kinda right outside Omaha, right on the Missourri River) and I did not expect the food at The Lodge to be this good... We wandered over because we didn’t feel like cooking and figured it’d be, you know, “campground food,” but wow. I got the wings and my husband got the burger and we both just kind of were like… wait, why is this so good? Also the patio is literally right on the river. Like you can sit there and watch the boats come in while drinking a beer. And the people working there were super nice, the kind that just make you feel like a regular even if it’s your first time. There was live music when we went—great energy & vibes.
Anyway, if you’re staying here or even just passing through anywhere near Omaha, go eat at The Lodge. It’s way better than you’d expect from a campground restaurant and the river view alone is worth it.
Guide to Dunlap
Campgrounds near Dunlap, Iowa showcase the unique landscape of western Iowa's loess hills and river valleys. The region sits approximately 1,200 feet above sea level with a continental climate marked by warm summers and cold winters. Most Dunlap area campgrounds close during winter months, typically reopening in April when overnight temperatures consistently remain above freezing.
What to do
Hiking in the Loess Hills: Preparation Canyon State Park Campground offers unique hiking opportunities through rare loess soil formations. As one camper noted, "Continuing our tour of the best Backpacking parks in our great state of Iowa, my comrade and I spent 2 nights at Preparation Canyon State Park. 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."
Kayaking on calm waters: Prairie Rose State Park Campground provides lake access for non-motorized boating. "This park surrounds the whole lake and you can explore everything thing by trail or water. Lots of fishing and swimming, we went looking for wildflowers along the lake trails," wrote one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse bird watching opportunities, particularly at Hitchcock County Nature Center. "When your done with your hiking, climb up to the top of the towering platform and bring your binoculars to checkout the visiting hawks and occasional eagle," recommended a regular visitor.
What campers like
Historical exhibits: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground offers educational displays about the famous expedition. A camper shared, "They have a great visitor center with amazing displays and exhibits that mark the history of Lewis and Clark and their travels around the area."
Quiet countryside setting: The best places to camp near Dunlap, Iowa often provide peaceful rural experiences. At Schaben County Park, visitors appreciate the pastoral surroundings. One camper noted, "Very quiet, only hearing a distant train horn and cattle. A small pond is here too."
Clean facilities: Arrowhead Park Campground maintains well-kept shower houses and restrooms. A visitor commented, "20$ is a really good deal for a nice site with electricity, a picnic table on a cement slab and a hot free clean shower."
What you should know
Variable site privacy: Campgrounds near Dunlap range from secluded to more social settings. At Preparation Canyon State Park, "There are about 8 sites dispersed around the area so camping is always private. There is a parking lot where envelopes are so you can pay and hike in."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Some locations offer minimal facilities. A Preparation Canyon visitor advised, "This is a nice hike in only camping area. The trails are well maintained as are the campsites."
Seasonal weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense. One camper reported from Preparation Canyon: "The weekend was blistering hot at 95° F and a 9/10 UV index, but we were conditioning for a larger trip this summer, so we welcomed the challenge."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Nelson Park Crawford County Park offers recreational facilities for children. "The bath houses are nice. Nice playground for the kids. There's trails to walk and fishing right on site," noted one family.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature nature programs and historical displays. Hitchcock County Nature Center provides regular educational events as one camper explained: "They have exceptional programs for all ages (and especially kids)."
Water activities: Children enjoy the swimming areas at several local lakes. At Prairie Rose State Park, a family mentioned, "Our family of four tent camped one night at an electric lake front site. The kids enjoyed biking and swimming."
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: Willow Lake Recreation Area offers well-maintained campsites. A recent visitor observed, "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."
Hookup options: Most RV campgrounds near Dunlap offer electric service, with some providing full hookups. At Lewis and Clark State Park, one RVer noted, "The rate was 19.00 for full 50 amp hookup. Beautiful state park in the water nice level sites paved."
Accessibility considerations: Some areas have limitations for larger rigs. While some parks like Schaben County Park accommodate big rigs with "lengthy back in sites that were very level," other locations have tighter access roads and smaller parking areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dunlap, IA?
What camping is available near Dunlap, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dunlap, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 84 campgrounds and RV parks near Dunlap, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Dunlap, IA?
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?
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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