Camping areas near Earlham, Iowa range from fully serviced grounds to primitive sites with elevation changes throughout the area. The region sits at approximately 1,200 feet above sea level with rolling hills and valleys formed by local waterways. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October with weekend temperatures averaging 75-85°F during summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails and lookout points: At Ledges State Park Campground, trails offer distinctive sandstone formations and elevation changes. "The leafs were just starting to change and the weather was perfect. We really had fun on all of the trails around the park. They were easy to hike and well marked," notes camper Cj C. The park includes notable viewing platforms and natural formations.
Water recreation options: Cherry Glen Campground provides direct access to Saylorville Lake for boating and fishing. A camper notes, "Went in without a reservation. No problem. Pleasantly surprised to find out it's an Army Corps of Engineers park; meaning if you have a annual National Parks pass, you get a discount." The campground includes boat launch facilities with parking.
Cultural attractions: Winterset City Park serves as a base to explore local history with the John Wayne Museum and covered bridges nearby. "The bridges of Madison County, Clarke Tower, cute local ice cream shop, John Wayne Museum! So much fun in a cute Iowa community!" says Adam. The museum opens daily 10am-5pm with a $15 entrance fee.
What campers like
Full-service amenities: Lake Anita State Park offers comprehensive facilities for extended stays. "This is hands down one of the best campgrounds we've been to in the U.S. Everything is beautifully maintained from the grass covered campsites to the clean bathrooms and free showers," reports camper E.H. The park maintains 171 acres of lake area with multiple access points.
Year-round accessibility: Some campgrounds like Jester County Park remain open during winter months. "Now open year round. Office is open until 7pm which was very helpful as we arrived a little later than expected," states a visitor. The park offers proximity to winter wildlife viewing areas including bison enclosures.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Earlham, Iowa, Timberline Campground provides year-round structures. "Great, safe, and quiet campground. Beautiful site on a pond, clean bath houses, cool weekend amenities, and since we came in October, pretty empty after Labor Day during the week," notes Paul C. Yurt reservations typically require 2-night minimum stays.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Many campgrounds in the area have varying degrees of site spacing. At Timberline Campground, a camper observed, "The park looked nice, only thing some spots looked really close together. Our spot was big right by the park area." Sites numbered in the 400s at Jester Park offer better separation from neighboring campers.
Weekday vs. weekend crowds: Popularity varies widely between weekdays and weekends. "Cherry Glen is very clean and well managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. It is one of the main campgrounds that service Saylorville Lake. I highly suggest visiting during the week because on the weekends the local boaters invade," advises Matt S.
Seasonal closures: Most parks have defined operational seasons. Winterset City Park typically operates from April 1 to November 15, while Lake Anita remains open from April through December. Verify current status before arrival as facilities may close early depending on weather conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid activities: Multiple sites offer dedicated play areas. "We stayed at the West Des Moines KOA for the Nationals Softball Tournament for my daughter in July. There were 6 families that stayed there with us. The pool was refreshing for the girls and all of the activities kept them busy and having fun!" reports Christina N.
Educational opportunities: Families can combine camping with learning experiences. "Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit. In addition to the water access ways, there is a sweet pond to fish in, several hiking trails, a brand new Nature Center," describes Larissa C.
Safety considerations: Some sites require additional planning. At Pammel County Park, a camper advised, "If you are over 12 ft, have to come in the back way." The park features a low tunnel that requires alternate routing for larger vehicles, an important consideration for family RVs.
Tips from RVers
Hookup accessibility: Access to utilities varies significantly between sites. At Pammel County Park, one camper noted, "There are water hook ups, I just had to use 75 feet of hose to get to it. And the electric I had to use a 30 ft extension cord. Funny, I didn't have either and had to drive 24 miles to Walmart on a holiday to get them."
Leveling challenges: Many Iowa campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Sites are gravel base and fairly level," reports a visitor about Winterset City Park. Bring leveling blocks as site conditions vary throughout the region, especially in parks with rolling terrain.
Specialty yurt camping: For RVers looking to try alternatives, the yurt camping options near Earlham, Iowa provide a unique experience. Structures typically include beds, electricity, and climate control systems but require visitors to bring their own bedding and cooking supplies.
