84 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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."
from $9 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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!"
from $16 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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."
from $10 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Really impressed with this location. Incredible hiking just outside your door."
"It took a lot of driving to get back in here, but the payoff was a lovely little isolated, three or 4 acres of grass and hardwood trees by a sweet little cemetery of the hill."
TravelerIt took a lot of driving to get back in here, but the payoff was a lovely little isolated, three or 4 acres of grass and hardwood trees by a sweet little cemetery of the hill.
GuideWe were coming into town for the College World Series and intended to stay at Arrowhead. I called ahead and talked to a kind gentleman who let me know that Arrowhead would likely be full, but the fairgrounds would surely have space. With 24-hour self check-in, it was a perfect solution. Twenty-five minutes from Omaha and full, pull-through hook ups made this a solid stop over.
GuideCamp spots are close together and not private. But it's a beautiful spot with lots of hiking trails. Bathrooms are spotless and the host is super nice.
LegendI was here on a very hot June day. Grateful for the electricity so I could run my A/C. Would have been much nicer if there were some actual trees for shade. No privacy between sites.
You need a code to get inside the park. I saw camp hosts drive by in golf carts, but did not interact with them.
All the pads look like they're very new. Cement and level.
While this park is right on the lake, there is no easy access to the lake from the campground. A few of the sites back up to the lake, but even those you'd have to bushwack to get to the water. I did find a spot that I had to practically trespass on another camper's site to get to. It was a small opening between weeds and down some treacherous rocks to launch my paddleboard.
There's a beach a few hundred yards down the path that you have to pay $5 to enter.
The lake does not look very clean. I wouldn't swim in it.
The shower was one of those push button ones and it was fine. Lots of kids running around and being loud past 11pm. Looks like people come here to spend the night and spend the day someplace else.
ScoutNew pads. Grills. Fishing Lake. Tennis Courts. Basketball. Sand Volleyball. Pool.
ScoutI called because there was no link to book and the RV park has closed. There is RV parking if you want to stay in the hotel, but the park with hookups is closed.
GuidePreparation Canyon has multiple hike-in sites available, in different distances (1/4 to 1 mile) from the trail head. The sites are each provided with a picnic table and fire ring, and are situated a little distance back from the main trail. I camped for three nights around site #4 which was secluded and had great privacy from those hiking nearby. The site seemed well maintained and was mostly level.
Lots of wildlife to view and spots to explore. If hiking in the area remember to bring bug spray, the flies and mosquitoes were thick at my camp spot! I think it was the result of the standing water in the creek, which is the result of a small dam.
GuideGood hiking. Slightly over grown in areas, lots of ticks, pulled at least 20 off my dog.
GuideThis is a nice city maintained campground, with level grass pads, electric hookups, shower house, fresh water fill, and dump station. There is also a new playground for the kids and a large picnic shelter as well. Could be a hidden gem, there was only one other camper present on Memorial Weekend! Lots to do in the area, especially with the State Forests nearby. Be warned however, the showers are cold water only, so don't expect a hot shower at the end of the day! Prices are $10 a night for non-electric and $20 for electric.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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?
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?
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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