The western Iowa region surrounding Dunlap features rolling hills and prairie landscapes with elevations ranging between 1,100-1,400 feet. Located in the Loess Hills formation, the area experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F and cold winters that can drop below 10°F. Campgrounds typically operate from April through October with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Hiking in the Loess Hills: Hitchcock Nature Center offers extensive trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "This is one of our favorite places to camp. It's beautiful and there's plenty of hiking. The campgrounds are a little way away from the road and more secluded so they're very quiet," notes Karen W. about Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Fishing opportunities: Nelson Park provides access to stocked lakes suitable for various fishing techniques. "It's a good place for camping not perfect. Has a descent size lake good for kayaking and fishing," according to Edger G. who visited Crawford County Park Nelson Park.
Educational programs: Participate in nature programs at local parks. "When I think of 'nature center' I think of a stuffy little cabin with taxidermy. This site is far far more than that, with hiking trails, educational programs, a museum, event halls, and of course camping," explains Lynn G. about Hitchcock Nature Center.
History exploration: Visit the Lewis and Clark State Park Campground where you can learn about the famous expedition. "They have a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago. They will also occasionally take it out and give rides. They also have a history museum to accompany the boat," shares Katie S.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Very nice campground. Large spacious pull thru sites. Extremely clean bathrooms and showers," reports Maureen A. about On-Ur-Wa RV Park.
Family-friendly amenities: Parks frequently offer playgrounds and recreational areas. "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," says Morgan K. about Lewis and Clark State Park Campground.
Convenient locations: Several options provide easy highway access. "This is a nice, quiet spot. Lots of trees. The sites are easy to access, and it was not full despite being a Friday in July. It is a good price for full hook up, restrooms and showers," notes Paul M. about Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds.
Small town charm: Camping near local communities offers unique experiences. "It surrounds a city park and there is plenty of room to spread out in their well manicured park. With 30/50 electric and water this place is well worth the $15 they charge," reports Kelly R. about Missouri Valley City Park.
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. "Place 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," warns marisol G. about Missouri Valley City Park.
Seasonal water activities: Many lakes offer swimming but with limited seasons. "We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground. We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water," shares N K. about Lewis and Clark State Park.
Glamping alternatives: For those seeking upscale outdoor accommodations in Dunlap, Iowa, glamping options range from yurts to cabins. "The sites for tent/van was $15. The bathroom/showers were super clean. The established trees all over was fantastic," reports G M. about Lake Cunningham Campground.
Self-registration: Several parks operate on honor systems. "It is all on an honor system so make sure to bring some cash. That way this place can be here to stay for everyone to enjoy," mentions Kelly R. about Missouri Valley City Park.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple play areas: Crawford Creek County Rec Area offers various recreation options. "Multiple play areas for kids. Water good for fishing, kayaking and swimming. Nice cabins for rent," advises Megan H. about the family-friendly Crawford Creek County Rec Area.
Educational opportunities: Schedule visits around nature center programs. "We love doing their extra classes," Karen W. notes about Hitchcock Nature Center, which offers regular educational programming suitable for various age groups.
Water activities: Many parks feature lakes with swimming areas and boat rentals. "We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water. Short walk to the very clean restrooms with flush toilets & showers," N K. shares about Lewis and Clark State Park.
Seasonal events: Some campgrounds host special activities during holidays. "When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too!" mentions Morgan K. about Lewis and Clark State Park.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Multiple campgrounds offer complete services. "Night 1 of a 42 moves trip. You can find a few decent youtube videos that show the park and it was like living a dream. Pulled in, John came into the office, asked if I was a Good Sam member and charged me $43.34 for a full hook-up, extra long pull thru on the outside of the trees," shares andrew about On-Ur-Wa RV Park.
Site spacing considerations: Some parks have tighter layouts than others. "RV camping is also available for $15 per night with electric, showers/bathrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, etc. They also offer a couple cabins for rent," explains Pat V. about Hitchcock Nature Center.
Dump stations: Most parks provide sanitary facilities. "Water and dump site on 11th st on the left pasted the ball field. $10 a night 10% discount for eligible people. We stayed 2 nights and would stay again," notes Always C. about Tekamah Memorial Park.
