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."
$10 - $50 / night
"Bathroom was clean, lit, and stocked - even had hand sanitizer! RV loops had flush toilets and showers, but we didn’t stay long enough to make the trek worth it."
"Best campground shower I've ever had in my life, both in water pressure, heat and cleanliness of facilities. Be aware that it's first come first served."
"It is right next to a busy railroad, but we cranked up our fans and barely noticed the trains and their horns."
"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."
"Just a few mins off I-80 but no noise or signs of heavytraffic. Cute, quaint little town. All pull through spots and all sites are level."
"Electric, water and sewer available. Bathroom and shower were clean. But old style, so small and well worn."
"Nice bath houses. Clean area. Good for the family."
"It’s right by a small truck stop, but the noise was not bothersome at all. There is a small dog park for the pups. Bathrooms and showers are clean."
"Great location. Very nice campground. Large spacious pull thru sites. Extremely clean bathrooms and showers. We stayed twice, westbound and eastbound. Very friendly, nice people."
$15 - $40 / night
"The entire park is well maintained, has a large lake stocked with fish, tent sites are close together, but tolerable. Occupancy depends on the time of year. "
"On a beautiful lake with many recreational possibilities - kayaking, sailing non power boating - some for rent. 10 miles of paved bike trails and ALL paved campsites level and clean!"
"Close to town, stores, food. $15. Night in 2025. Fair. Good place for quiet, inexpensive nights. Quite a good deal.👍"
GuideWe tent camped in the modern loop. Bathroom was clean, lit, and stocked - even had hand sanitizer! RV loops had flush toilets and showers, but we didn’t stay long enough to make the trek worth it. The walk down to the tent sites was annoying at worst, but plenty doable. Campsites were level enough, and there were a few sites with pads. Lots of ticks to look out for. There’s an airfield nearby so plane noise was regular but not frequent. Wifi didn’t quite reach the tent campsites; nor did Verizon service, but T-Mobile was good. All around a fine campground.
RangerThis state park camp site close to Carroll, Iowa was nice, but we were the only tent campers there, it seemed more like a permanent RV home site. The bathrooms while nice had no working showers, they had showers but no way to turn on the water. There was a cute frisbee golf on property, a beautiful lake, and a nice paved walking path.
GuideIf half of a star was an option, I’d probably lean towards 3.5 stars.
I’d classify this as an above average county run park/campground. All sites are first come first serve. We arrived on a Saturday evening around 5:30pm and found a site no problem. There are two loops. One has electric only sites and the second has electric/water sites. One concrete pad ADA site.
Small beach area for swimming. Two playgrounds. Very nice field of wild comb flowers blooming near the shower house.
The shower house was less than than stellar. IMO it’s cleanliness kept this review from being considered near 4 stars. Usable bathrooms and shower stalls…yes, but definitely lacked attention.
GuideGreat campground! Best campground shower I've ever had in my life, both in water pressure, heat and cleanliness of facilities. Be aware that it's first come first served. Sadly did not make it to the interactive nature center, but heard that its super cool. Lower RV spots are on a hill, be prepared to level out farther than usual. Staff was amazing and very helpful. We def camped next to a butterfly/moth garden. They were everywhere!
GuideWe 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. Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell. The hosts went around several times a day collecting trash and even mopping the pit bathrooms. Camping here also gives you access to the playground and nature trails into some beautiful countryside. The only downside is bring several bottles of bugspray, the mosquitos are terrible!
RangerAs a family we go to Hitchcock a few times a year for the hiking and the archery range they have on-site. Both are excellent and a nice escape from the city! This spring/summer I am planning to take our boys for a nice hike in camp!
ScoutTented camped in late October, the weekend before closing. I was only tent camper in the electric only sites. If there was a tent only location, I didn't see it. Those in campers that need water and electricity are regulated to gravel 'parking lot' sites.
Beautiful park with playgrounds, swim beach, fisbee golf, paved trail, many fishing bars, and more.
Electric only sites are small and spaced out well. Most have level drive perfect for sm camper or suv camping. Grass has slope, but I think you can find a good enough place for tent, I did. Bathroom clean enough, I didn't use showers. I enjoyed the privacy of lake-front site J.
TravelerI grew up swimming and camping at Nelson Park but moved away roughly 30 years ago. I wanted a weekend away from the craziness so chose to go "home" for my first solo trip in quite awhile. The grounds and facilities at the park were in excellent shape even though many of the buildings were still the same ones that I had known from childhood. Could not have asked for better weather after storms rolled through in the morning pulling the heat and humidity from the air later in the day. I will definitely be returning again.
ScoutHidden gem. Just a few mins off I-80 but no noise or signs of heavytraffic. Cute, quaint little town. All pull through spots and all sites are level. Not all spots have picnic tables or fire rings but there were very few campers so we had our pick of spots. Playset for younger kids. Golf course and pool in town. Nice shade trees. Bath house had flushing Toilets. Showers weren't very clean but we didn't need to use them. Perfect for a quick stop and very affordable at $20 for full hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Dunlap, IA is Nelson Park Crawford County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 13 glamping camping locations near Dunlap, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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