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Best Campgrounds near Eldora, IA

291 Reviews

Campgrounds near Eldora, Iowa include a mix of state parks, county facilities, and riverside recreation areas that provide tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Pine Lake State Park Campground serves as the area's primary developed camping destination, featuring electrical hookups, modern restrooms, and shower facilities. Within a 15-mile radius, visitors can find additional options like Tower Rock County Park with cabin accommodations, Eagle City County Park offering free dispersed camping along the Iowa River, and Pine Ridge Park in nearby Steamboat Rock.

Access to most campgrounds remains open throughout the warm season, with several facilities operating from April through October or November. Pine Lake State Park Campground stays open year-round, while Prairie Bridges Park and Dakins Lake County Park maintain seasonal operations from spring through fall. Road access generally requires no special equipment, though Eagle City County Park sits at the end of a maintained gravel road. Flooding can impact riverside camping, particularly at Pine Ridge Park where the Iowa River may rise quickly after heavy rainfall. "If it rains heavily, the campground can flood quickly when the river rises," noted one camper at Pine Ridge Park.

The Iowa River corridor shapes the camping experience throughout the region, with several campgrounds providing direct water access for fishing, paddling, and riverside relaxation. Campers frequently mention the paddling opportunities, with Eagle City County Park serving as a popular put-in or take-out point for kayakers and tubers. Pine Lake State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its lakefront sites and recreation options. "Lovely views, great walking paths, quiet and picturesque lake. Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean," reported one visitor. The region balances developed facilities with more primitive options—Eagle City County Park provides free camping with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, while facilities like L. Brandt's Crazy Acres offer full hookups and cabin rentals for those seeking more creature comforts.

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Best Camping Sites Near Eldora, Iowa (86)

    1. Pine Lake State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 858-5832

    $12 - $90 / night

    "This campground is near home so I know it well. The campground itself is nice, with some decent sized campsites, many having a great view of upper Pine Lake. There are flush toilets and showers."

    "Quiet campground near Upper Pine Lake. Facilities are well maintained. The town of Eldora, just outside the park has groceries, gas and some low grade restaurants available."

    2. Eagle City County Park

    11 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 648-4361

    "This park is located on 172 acres of land. It has an enclosed picnic shelter, hand pump well, vault rest rooms, primitive camping, and 2 swing sets."

    "We go to Eagle City a least once a year to just get away from it all, it's close to home but feels cut off which is what I look for when camping."

    3. Tower Rock

    4 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 648-4361

    "While camping is no longer allowed in Tower Rock park, you can still enjoy a walk down to the river or bicycling on the paved bicycle trail."

    "The cabins were perfect, with lots of places to hike all around the area."

    4. Pine Ridge Park

    4 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 971-1095

    $10 - $15 / night

    "It is right on the Iowa river near a takeout, so you can put in upstream and paddle down, or do as I do and paddle upstream and then back down (works when the water flow is not too swift)."

    "Tucked out of the way along the iowa river. My kids love this campground and it's cheap. They have a shower house, bathrooms, and a playground."

    5. Prairie Bridges Park

    3 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 485-1623

    "Great place to take long walks with great paths and scenery. Small town Iowa with convenience store close by."

    "U can walk there or golf cart it up son. It's all good"

    6. Dakins Lake County Park

    4 Reviews
    Roland, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 487-7477

    $17 - $24 / night

    "Close to i35, but not to close. Make reservations, facilities this good are full by Friday."

    "The shelter is very nice and overlooks Dakins Lake.  The camp host was very responsive and helpful."

    7. Cross Ford River Access

    1 Review
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 648-4361

    8. Stoehr Fishing Area

    2 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 345-2688

    9. L. Brandt's Crazy Acres Campground & Cabin Rental

    1 Review
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    15 miles
    +1 (641) 485-4106

    10. Wolf Creek Rec Area

    3 Reviews
    Gladbrook, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 345-2688

    $10 - $17 / night

    "Wolf Creek is a nice little campground near Beaman, IA (Beaman is very small, near Conrad as well which has a grocery store)."

    "A nice campground located on the comet trail."

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Recent Camping Photos near Eldora, IA

31 Photos of 86 Eldora Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Eldora, IA

291 Reviews of 86 Eldora Campgrounds

  • Karla J. B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    George Wyatt City Park

    Small town overnight

    We stayed for one night so we could go fossil hunting at nearby Fossil and Prairie park. This campground has full hookups and gravel pads in what is basically a small town park. It was perfect for our needs -a place to stay. There are no reservations, just pay cash in an envelope at the info sign. There were 2 bigger RVs there the night we were. Bathrooms were adequate, with running water, soap and paper towels.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lake Cornelia Park

    Great County Park

    Love Lake Cornelia. We’ve camped there a couple times with hammocks and tents. It can get pretty busy on the nicer weekends, so showing up before dawn to stake out your spot isn’t unheard of. The entire park is first come, first served.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Black Hawk County Park

    On the bike trail

    Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp...

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

  • Kristy E.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lake Cornelia Park

    Beautiful place

    This is a beautiful county park with lots of camping sites with great views and generous camping spots. It is on a small lake that has good fishing, full hookups, and very nice swimming b each beach. We also enjoyed walking on the many trails.

  • Isaac H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Deerwood Park

    Cash Only

    Good place to camp. Seems safe and friendly. Only down side is that it's cash only. Who carries cash these days?!

Guide to Eldora

Camping near Eldora, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Ledges State Park Campground, have scenic trails. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Rock Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy a no-wake lake perfect for fishing and kayaking. A reviewer noted, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities."
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Campgrounds like Jester County Park have playgrounds for kids. One camper shared, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area said, "Clean shower house and restrooms. Would we go back? That's a definitely yes."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Yellow Banks County Park mentioned, "Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. At Bob Shelter Recreation Area, one camper noted, "Friendly hosts & Rangers."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A camper at Iowa Ledges State Park mentioned, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded in summer. A visitor at Clear Lake State Park Campground said, "If full, you would have no privacy."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Cherry Glen Campground advised, "We made our reservations online."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for spots with playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. At Jester County Park, one reviewer said, "Camped in the upper CG site#145. Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for added fun. A camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Found a great trail to hike, also the opportunity to rent a boat or paddleboard."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A visitor at Swede Point Park noted, "Great little hideaway of a campground, very reasonably priced and clean."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground said, "Campground has some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites."
  • Look for Dump Stations: Ensure there are facilities for waste disposal. A reviewer at Bob Shelter Recreation Area mentioned, "Dump station and water fill in the back."
  • Arrive Early for Best Spots: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. A visitor at Clear Lake State Park Campground advised, "Check in and out was simple."

Camping near Eldora, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Eldora, Iowa?

Pine Lake State Park Campground is the premier camping destination in Eldora, with spacious sites overlooking Upper Pine Lake, electric hookups, flush toilets, and well-maintained shower facilities. For a quieter alternative, Prairie Bridges Park offers a peaceful small-town camping experience with great walking paths and scenic views. Both campgrounds provide easy access to amenities in Eldora, including groceries and gas stations.

Are there RV rental options available in Eldora, Iowa?

Direct RV rental services aren't available in Eldora itself, but several options exist in the region. The closest dedicated rental services are in larger towns within an hour's drive. If you're looking for RV-friendly campgrounds in the area, Kellogg RV Park and Beed's Lake State Park Campground offer excellent facilities for RVs, including hookups and spacious sites. Call ahead to confirm availability and any size restrictions for larger RVs.

How far is Eldora, Iowa from Des Moines for camping day trips?

Eldora is approximately 75 miles northeast of Des Moines, making it about a 1.5-hour drive each way—ideal for weekend camping but a bit far for daily commuting. For campers planning Des Moines day trips, Ledges State Park Campground offers a great halfway point about 45 minutes from Des Moines with beautiful hiking trails and shaded campsites. Alternatively, George Wyth State Park Campground provides affordable camping with kayak and canoe rentals, and is closer to urban amenities.

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