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Best Campgrounds near Marion, IA

417 Reviews

Camping near Marion, Iowa encompasses a mix of county parks, state recreation areas, and riverside campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) in Marion provides tent and RV camping from April through mid-October, while nearby Palisades-Kepler State Park offers additional options including cabins and glamping opportunities. The area features several Army Corps of Engineers facilities around Coralville Lake and the Iowa River, including Sugar Bottom Campground and the West Overlook campground. Lake Macbride State Park, approximately 20 miles south of Marion, contains both modern and primitive camping areas with varying levels of amenities.

Most campgrounds in the Marion area operate seasonally, with the primary camping season running from April through October. Pinicon Ridge Park and Matsell Bridge Natural Area remain open year-round for those seeking winter camping options. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures between 50-75°F. Flooding can occasionally affect riverside campgrounds, particularly in spring. According to reviews, "spring camping is quieter; fall camping is also quiet, and the fall leaves are beautiful." Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during peak summer months.

The camping options around Marion accommodate various preferences and needs. RV campers will find numerous sites with electric hookups (30/50 amp), water connections, and dump stations at locations like Morgan Creek County Park and Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area. Tent campers can choose between developed sites with amenities or more secluded options at places like Primitive South Campground at Lake Macbride. Many campgrounds feature water recreation opportunities, with one visitor noting that Sugar Bottom Campground offers "nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing." Family-friendly amenities include playgrounds, beaches, and hiking trails, while most locations welcome pets with standard leash requirements.

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Best Camping Sites Near Marion, Iowa (118)

    1. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    6 Reviews
    Marion, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    $23 - $33 / night

    "We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance.  Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "

    "There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."

    2. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ely, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 895-6039

    $15 - $80 / night

    "Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place."

    "Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done. Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations."

    3. Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    Central City, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 438-6616

    "Dump available on entrance/exit.  The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table.  Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. "

    "Great county campground with water and electric sites, dump at exit. Bathrooms on loop B are dirty and dated. I suggest going up to the Plains loop and use it's facilities."

    4. Sugar Bottom Campground

    24 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2102

    $14 - $240 / night

    "Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."

    "Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."

    5. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    15 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2200

    $25 - $35 / night

    "My niece who lives nearby recommended this place to stay when we went to visit her since was a short drive from where she lives. "

    "Close access to boating and town"

    6. Linn County Park Morgan Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Atkins, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    "Trails close by and only about 5 min from expressway."

    "Morgan Creek has amazing trails and the location is fantastic if you are looking for the camping expirence but still have work or other things to get done."

    7. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    5 Reviews
    Shellsburg, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 436-7716

    $17 - $60 / night

    "We stayed here for the easy access to the water for the Scouts to get out in canoes and fishing.  I have been camping here off and on for the last 25 years.  I have not had any issues at all. "

    "It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground, tent camping is a breeze with very secluded sites, and well water very close to each site and a trail that leads to a large dumpster."

    8. Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    10 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    18 miles
    +1 (319) 624-2200

    $12 - $25 / night

    "You may also be able to take the dam trail with a bike, but I'm not totally sure about that."

    "This is for the primitive southern camp site at lake macbride, iowa. Their is a modern campsite on the north side as well. This one is spacious, beautiful and peaceful."

    9. Morgan Creek County Park

    3 Reviews
    Palo, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 396-2363

    $23 - $40 / night

    10. Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    3 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    "Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."

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Recent Camping Photos near Marion, IA

106 Photos of 118 Marion Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Marion, IA

417 Reviews of 118 Marion Campgrounds

Guide to Marion

Camping near Marion, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. With stunning landscapes and plenty of activities, it's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

What to do:

  • Explore the caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, you can hike through unique caves. One visitor said, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous."
  • Fishing and boating: Shady Creek is right on the Mississippi River, making it perfect for fishing and boating. A camper noted, "Nice boat launch. Right on the Mississippi."
  • Hiking trails: Backbone State Park has great hiking options. One reviewer mentioned, "There are tons of trails, specifically the spot we camped at was right by the trail."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "Clean bathrooms and good Starlink north clearing."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at F. W. Kent Park shared, "A nice out of the way campground. Very quiet."
  • Spacious sites: Campers often mention the spaciousness of the sites. One camper at Sugar Bottom Campground noted, "I was pleased with the size of our site and how it was positioned among the others on our loop."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes can be a problem: At George Wyth State Park Campground, one camper warned, "There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground during our visit."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Some campgrounds, like Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A visitor mentioned, "There are no water hookups."
  • Train noise: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds, such as Shady Creek, are near train tracks. One camper noted, "There’s a train track upon entering the park."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring bug spray: Given the mosquito issue, it's smart to pack insect repellent. A camper at George Wyth State Park Campground suggested, "Insect repelling incense and spray kept us comfortable."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to check out the local attractions. One family at Backbone State Park enjoyed the naturalist station, saying, "Several activities that would be good for families."
  • Check site amenities: Before booking, look into what each site offers. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "Only about 2-3 of the walk-in-only sites can fit bigger campers."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Sugar Bottom Campground noted, "The entry on this app says big rig friendly, but it might be hard to fit a big rig on the electrical only sites."
  • Use leveling blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A visitor at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park mentioned, "We had to use all our blocks to get us as level as possible."
  • Bring a fan for bugs: To keep bugs away, consider using a fan at your site. A camper at Shady Creek shared, "We used a fan at the campsite which really kept most of them away."

Camping around Marion, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Marion, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Marion, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Marion, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Marion, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marion, IA is Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

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

What parks are near Marion, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Marion, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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