Best Campgrounds near Elma, IA

Camping near Elma, 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: There are many trails to explore, like the ones at Backbone State Park. One camper mentioned, "The park has many hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty," making it perfect for all skill levels.
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground is known for its trout fishing. A reviewer said, "Good trout fishing here, some sites are primitive, some have electric and water."
• Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Myre-Big Island State Park provide opportunities to see various wildlife. One visitor shared, "We could hear the flow of the river... Lots of birds, butterflies, and squirrels visited our campsite daily."

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground noted, "The shower facilities were very clean, same story for the latrines."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Myre-Big Island State Park mentioned, "Great spot for nature seekers. Great bike trails. Well spaced, quiet sites."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One visitor at Eagle Cliff Campground said, "Rangers were super nice and helpful."

What you should know

• Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many areas. A reviewer at Whitewater State Park mentioned, "Spotty cell service."
• Mosquitoes: Some campgrounds can have a lot of mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. A visitor at George Wyth State Park Campground warned, "There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground during our visit."
• Seasonal Amenities: Check if amenities like water and showers are open during your visit. A camper at Myre-Big Island State Park noted, "Water and showers were not open yet as it was too cold."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds that are not overly crowded. A reviewer at Backbone State Park said, "Not overly crowded, clean showers and family friendly."
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. One camper at Pulpit Rock Campground mentioned, "Great camping for tent. Bike trails and good trout fishing."
• Pack Bug Spray: Since mosquitoes can be an issue, bring bug spray to keep everyone comfortable. A visitor at George Wyth State Park Campground suggested, "The bathroom were a little sketchy and the noise from the highway was quite loud."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Size: Make sure the site can accommodate your RV. A camper at Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground noted, "The electric sites are on the smaller side."
• Use Dump Stations Wisely: Be aware of the location of dump stations. A reviewer at Myre-Big Island State Park mentioned, "There was water and a vault toilet closer, about four campsites away."
• Plan for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities, especially in the off-season. A visitor at Eagle Cliff Campground said, "If you need bathroom or showers, I would have been disappointed at the port a pots and showers far away from my site."

Camping near Elma, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!