Top Tent Camping near Elma, IA
If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Elma, look no further. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Elma. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Iowa camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Elma, IA (19)
1. River Ranch Camping
1 Review•1 Save- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Picnic Table
2. Chickasaw Park
1 Review- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Little Turkey Campground
1 Review•2 Photos•5 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4. Schmidt Farm by Forestville
2 Reviews•15 Photos•1 SaveQuiet, remote tent camping under dark skies for the minimalist. One mile hike-in to site. Direct access to more remote areas of the NE side Forestville State Park and 50 acres of wooded private trails. Sites are located on the lower area of our property. Approximately 100 yards between sites and each are not within site of each other. All sites are located directly on a main trail circling a walnut grove. A shared centrally located compostable outhouse is located within 50 yards of each site.
This is a beautiful, remote property nestled between our organic Century Family Farm and Forestville State Park. We offer these limited campsites to a very specific demographic, minimalists looking for a quiet experience in nature. Years have gone into the making of these sites to be in balance with nature and our farm. These sites will be only open during spring and fall months. Camping does not include access to our other agritourism opportunities on our farm.
Please read through our description carefully and be sure this is the right fit for you prior to booking. Please contact us with questions. I would much rather leave the site open/unbooked than not meet your expectations. You must check in at our office prior to going to your campsite.
Additional items that will be delivered to your site. Plan ahead. $5 fee per delivery trip.
- Firewood is available for purchase from Schmidt Farm for $8/bundle
- Each site has a table and 2 chairs. 2 additional chairs can be requested
- Tripods and cooking grates are available upon request
- Bring your own container for water refills
- Lockable totes for food storage are available upon request.
- Plan ahead with your requests. Each delivery trip to your site will be $5.
No hunting on property and no hunting groups.
Know before you go. Our outhouse has a dry compostable SunMar toilet. Instructions are located inside the outhouse. There is a solar motion detected light inside the outhouse.
Up to 2 dogs are allowed per site. Dogs must be vaccinated and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other animals. Dogs must be leashed and supervised at all times. For the safety of your pets and our livestock, visiting dogs are not allowed on the private trails. Hiking with your dog is available on and off trail in Forestville.
Please meet us at a pre-arranged time at our farm store/camping office at least one hour prior to sunset. You will be given parking instructions and directions to hike in to your site at that time. Please pack and plan accordingly to be able to carry/pack in all of your personal items. Additional items (listed above) are available on loan to check out for your camping experience. These items will be brought to your campsite for you.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Market
$35 / night
5. Chimney Rock County Park
1 Review•1 Save- Tents
- Toilets
9. Echo Valley State Park
2 Reviews•4 Photos•10 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$5 / night
10. Colwell County Park
Be the first to review!•1 PhotoThis peaceful primitive campground includes a picnic shelter, pit toilet and fishing access to the Little Cedar River. Purchased in 1966, this park is managed for camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Elma
235 Reviews of 19 Elma Campgrounds
- R
Ryan S.
Guide
Cedar View Park
Beautiful park, gross bath house
This is a lovely park. It is fairly quiet, you can hear some highway noise in the distance. The lake is lovely and clean. The spots are gravel, most sites will require some leveling but are not too bad.
Each site has a newer electric pedestal with 30 and 50 amp service, and each site has a water spigot, as well as a picnic table and fire ring.
There are a few sites that back up directly to the lake. There is a swimming beach and a dock. There is a city park adjacent to the campground with a playground and picnic shelter.
I had 3 bars on on T-mobile which got me 64 down and 18 up. On Verizon I had 3 bars which got me 65 down and 12 up.
The shower house was pretty bad though. It was older, which doesn't bother me, but it was dirty. There are camp hosts on site but I guess their duties do not include ever cleaning the restroom. There was food trash in there all week, and if you look around you'll find feces, blood, and personal hygiene trash including used condoms.
I would stay in this campground again because I have a self contained unit and do not need to use the on-site shower house.
- RRyan S.Guide
Oelwein City Park
This is a beautiful city park campground
I enjoyed my 5 night stay at Oelwein City Park Campground. It's located on the south end of town, there is only one business within walking distance. It's a great restaurant (Oelwein Family Restaurant) and it's about a 15 minute walk.
There is one shower house, and several vault toilets throughout the park. The shower house is old and a little run down but was very clean. I had no problems using it.
The city park is adjacent to the campground and has picnic shelters, a playground, and a dog park.
There are electric and water hookups at most sites, and there is a dump station. The park was pretty full on the weekend as you would expect, but very quiet during the week.
I had great Verizon and T-mobile service here.
- AAmos K.
Traveler
Schmidt Farm by Forestville
A very peaceful camping experience
If you're looking for a simpler camping experience focused on getting away from everything and solitude, then this is the place for you. You can tell that the hosts have put a ton of work and love into their property and I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know them. The campsites are large and kept up and I picked campsite two so that I could hear the creek behind me and I enjoyed hearing it the whole time I was there plus the Forestville State Park was just across the creek. The peace and quiet allowed me to have one of the best nights of sleep while camping that I've had, I didn't hear a person or a vehicle the whole night and the crickets, frogs, and occasional hooting owl just added to the nighttime experience.
Karen S.GuideSchmidt Farm by Forestville
A quiet, back to nature experience under dark skies.
This location offers the opportunity to explore both private trails and less traveled areas of Forestville State Park. Secluded campsites so you are not camping side by side with others. Site locations offer ample space for multiple tents. The native wildflowers are a special treat.
- RRyan S.Guide
Klocks Island Park
Crowded and quiet
This seems like a quiet campground. It's just off the highway but there was almost zero traffic on this small highway. I drove through here on a Saturday in mid September. All spots were taken. I had barely usable Verizon service here and no T-mobile service. I was not able to camp here. The restroom building looked fairly new.
- JJanet K.Guide
Clear Lake State Park
Nice but crowded campground
Nice campground with grassy pull thru sites. But very close together. If full, you would have no privacy. Fortunately, it was 1/4 full, so no problem. Bathrooms clean, nice warm showers! Nice beach, lots to do. Would be a fun place if you don’t mind camping next to neighbors!
Nate H.
Scout
Oakwoods Trails Campground
Really Great Campground
The owners Jan and Brian are super nice. The campground is a ways from their home and quite secluded and quiet. There weren’t any kids when we were there though, I imagine they could change the quiet aspect. The bathrooms and showers are very nice as are the sites. Well worth the $25 we paid!
- JJordan M.Scout
Oakwoods Trails Campground
Late weekend excellence
Arrived Sunday evening and found the campsite mostly empty, (season pass members had campers here but there was only one other active camper). Staff was very friendly and helpful. TOILETS FLUSH! Showers clean, basketball court, horseshoes, and volleyball all provided. Could see the sites being kind of close and it being a little pricey but more than worth it in my mind. Site 6&7 were perfect for hammocks
- TTracy B.Guide
Riverside Co Park
Great little city/county park!
Beautiful large sites along the river so you can fish as well as has a pond that you can swim in with three beach entry areas. Large bath house with restrooms and showers and a little free library inside. Very long parking pads- big rig friendly and very roomy sites. Nice walking trails on the east and south side of the park. Very creative natural play park for children to play on. Full hook up sites with a very reasonable nightly rate. It appeared that some of the campsites were seasonal but couldn’t confirm that.
- Niki S.Scout
R Campground, Inc
Very clean, friendly owners, great co-campers
Randy was amazing and very attentive to my questions. Check in was super easy and the directions for check in were clearly spelled out. Everything was mapped out and the website was easy to use as well. The pond itself was pretty to look at and made for great photos, however it was loaded with geese which made it not user friendly. I would recommend this campground, and I will definitely go back to camp again!
- SSteve S.Scout
Maple Springs Campground
WiFi intermittent
WiFi intermittent At far end of campgrounds. Very clean showers and bathroom near office
Heather S.Scout
Hidden Bluffs Resort
Babbling Brook and Hosts Activities!
This campground became our favorite site in quite a while! Minimal bugs, very nice staff, beautiful sites with lots of nature! Dog friendly. Playground, mini golf, and pool all complimentary! 2 trails and babbling brooke were peaceful. They had kid and adult activities scheduled for Friday and Saturday which was a cool surprise when we checked in!
Eugene O.Scout
Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
Good campground, rude and unprofessional management
If you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.
- EEugene O.Scout
Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
Management is beyond horrible. Very unprofessional.
If you want to experience very rude and unfair treatment where you will be mistreated and ripped off by the staff and ow era you must come to Eagle Cliff campground. Was double charged for the room without any options and negotiations and knees delivered to us after we already left the campground. Staff is very rude and unwilling to be reasonable, professional and understanding. Campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady and make non sense decisions. Stay away if you want nice peaceful stay and don’t want to be ripped off.
- ccoreyTraveler
Camp At The Woods
Open year round
Very accommodating super nice people helped us back in and set up in middle of winter after dark after we had drove 2 days from the east coast. Our spot was on an incline but the water worked when temp was below freezing the camp was nice with new park for kids new basketball court new pavilion wish we could have been there in the summertime I’m sure the pool is nice when uncovered. I saw laundry and bathrooms by the river.
- ccoreyTraveler
Twins Campground
Serene
Serenity, nature at its best, birdsong all day long wildlife at every turn our campsite was level the owners and manager were great hosts. We stayed several weeks the price was very reasonable, honey wagon service was included ; riding/ hiking trails from campsite.
- Greg K.Guide
Twins Campground
Twins campground- cresco,Iowa.
Very friendly and helpful owner. He even drove to town so we could follow him in. Has playground community area fire pit and a structure built to cover picnic tables. atv trails. Turkey river right there was 20 feet from my site. Porta potty and shower water is hot. 30/50 amp power with water on each site. Water fill station and dump station. Garbage .
Jon M.ScoutBig Joes Little Campground
Never Again
It is not meant for weekenders. The campground is 97% concrete pad sites for people who want to park their camper and ent for the year. The two "weekender sites they do have are over 100 yards away and the water smells like sulphur. The owner will also personally take the time to drive out and chew you out if you inadvertently park on the grass. Bottom line, they care about getting their cash and trying to make it look like Augusta National golf course. I will never go back.
Lisa T.Scout
George Wyth State Park
Good local camping
Easy in and out late fall camping. I got a great tent spot next to the river. This is a fine campground that I much prefer during the off season (it gets too busy during the warm season for my liking). The connection to hiking trails throughout the park is fantastic.
Terry F.ScoutGilbertson Conservation Education Area
Great place!
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Brian M.Scout
Waukon City Park
Great campground
Free firewood, free wifi, water and electric at each campsite. Found a nice shady site for tent camping.
- AAmyScout
Cedar Bend Park
Peaceful place
It was so clean and peaceful. Not overly crowded. The camp host was so friendly and helpful.
- vvickieScout
Cedar View Park
Wonderful Find!
Great find! We thought we would be dry camping because it was Labor Day weekend. We found this Park on the app and thought we would check it out. It’s first come first serve. I really never thought there would be any hookups because of what I had read, but they had electric and water! We found a spot right on the Lake! Very busy but wonderful view, location and was only $20.00!
- SSydneyScout
Oakwoods Trails Campground
Lovely campground with lots of trees!
This is a great campground with lots of shade and spacious tent pads! The large oak trees throughout the campground made for beautiful scenery and nice spots to string a hammock up. My site was right next to the bathroom building which did have a light on all night, but I had an eye mask so that didn’t bother me. $25/night for a tent site
Rose L.Scout
Randys Bluffton Store and Campground
LOVE THE BLUFFS & UPPER IOWA RIVER CAMPING!
Dre, the campground manager, is a stellar guy to talk to. Excellent customer service! Gorgeous bluffs and river to camp right next to! Can’t wait to go back!
Jason H.Traveler
Interstate Co Park
Empty but lovely.
Here on a Wednesday (which is the only night the nearby restaurant is closed). It was empty. It's on a lovely river with swimming. Mostly people here for day use putting boats in.
Showers have hot water.
They don't take reservations. Would definitely stay here again if I'm in the area.
Kellen W.Traveler
Lidtke Park & Campground
Quiet on the right wknd
Nice campground, well maintained. Has water and power. Shower house available but no firewood. Buy firewood at the Casey's gas station. No dump station on site and that is also that the Casey's. $25 a night.
Guide to Elma
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elma, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elma, IA is River Ranch Camping with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Elma, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Elma, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.