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Best Campgrounds near Ely, IA

441 Reviews

Campgrounds near Ely, Iowa provide diverse options for outdoor recreation with several established facilities in the surrounding area. Lake Macbride State Park, located within a short drive of Ely, offers both modern and primitive campgrounds with accommodations for tents and RVs. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground, situated along the Cedar River, provides additional developed camping options including cabins and glamping facilities. The region includes a mix of county and state-managed properties with various levels of amenities, from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots with 50-amp electrical service, shower facilities, and sanitary dump stations.

Most developed campgrounds in the Ely area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. "Very nice campground. Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place," noted one visitor about Palisades-Kepler State Park. Access to most campgrounds requires driving on paved roads, though some primitive sites may have rougher approaches. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and occasional thunderstorms. Winter camping is limited, with only select campgrounds like West Overlook Campground operating year-round, though with reduced services.

Campers frequently mention the water recreation opportunities as highlights of the area. The Cedar River and Lake Macbride provide fishing, boating, and paddling options adjacent to several campgrounds. Scales Pointe Camping and Boating receives positive reviews for its lakeside location and social atmosphere. A camper described it as "definitely the most fun place I've stayed over the years. They have great food at the bar that's on the water." Privacy varies significantly between campgrounds, with some visitors noting that Lake Macbride sites can feel crowded on weekends due to their proximity. Hiking trails are available at several locations, particularly at Palisades-Kepler State Park, which features scenic bluff overlooks. Many campgrounds offer mixed-use facilities that accommodate various camping styles, from tent-only areas to full-service RV hookups, allowing visitors to choose their preferred camping experience.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ely, Iowa (119)

    1. Sugar Bottom Campground

    24 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    8 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."

    2. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

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

    $20 / 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"

    3. West Overlook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 338-3685

    $22 - $28 / night

    "The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay."

    "LuLu and I stayed for 10 days while visiting family in Iowa City. The campground hosted mainly locals but it’s only a couple of miles off the I80."

    4. F. W. Kent Park

    18 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 645-2315

    $20 / night

    "We stayed during an Iowa Football weekend, attended the game in nearby Iowa City, and then enjoyed the rest of our weekend exploring the ponds and trails in the park."

    "It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City."

    5. Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

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

    $10 - $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."

    6. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

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

    $12 - $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."

    7. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    6 Reviews
    Marion, IA
    10 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."

    8. Scales Pointe Camping and Boating

    4 Reviews
    Coralville Lake, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 665-3474

    "The couple downfalls is the shower and bath house is outdated and there's no swimming area on this side of the lake. Other than that I had a blast."

    "Just looking for a layover spot after a long day of driving. Couldn't figure out where to register so we walked into the bar/restaurant, Bobber's Grill. The owner was at the bar."

    9. Amana RV Park & Event Center

    10 Reviews
    Amana, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 622-7616

    $25 - $42 / night

    "Relatively wide open, sites adjacent to one another. Utilities all worked fine, decently maintained."

    "Campground is a nice bike ride away from the Amana villages and overall a great base camp"

    10. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    13 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 628-6900

    $45 - $65 / night

    "Given its proximity to a busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped the busy hustle and"

    "Given its proximity to the busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor being EZ on- and off-, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped"

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Recent Camping Photos near Ely, IA

104 Photos of 119 Ely Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ely, IA

441 Reviews of 119 Ely Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Central Park

    Late Season Camping

    Great weather.. The sites were clean.. Small lake to fish and kayak!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Linder Point Campground

    Well designed and maintained small RV campground j

    Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites. Electricity only, with fresh water and a dump station nearby. Modern and clean bathhouse. Open sky at most sites for Starlink. No other amenities at this campsite for children, but there are hiking trails and activities at the nearby reservoir recreation areas.

  • Emily B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Junction

    Great views and location, but not private and not well-marked

    This was our first time camping here. We pulled in around 8pm when it was already dark and there was another car that had just entered the campground in front of us. After driving down the hill, he saw the basic “welcome” and “Pay here” signs next to a 4-car parking area. There were no signs marking where the bathroom was or any directions on how to choose a site. The group ahead of us chose to camp next to the boat ramp, so we circled around the loop and chose a dirt pad on the right side of the loop next to the river. We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen. It was getting late, so we set up the tent and went to bed. It wasn’t until the morning that we had discovered that we weren’t camping in one of the marked sites! As it turns out, all 4 sites were walk-in sites on grass behind the parking area that had been occupied by 2 cars when we pulled in. The signage didn’t clarify this and we couldn’t see the marked sites when it was dark! The marked sites were pretty close together and they offered no privacy between groups. Additionally, upon leaving we discovered that the toilet was on the top of the hill right by the entrance. Due to the lack of signage and privacy in between the official campsites, I rate 3 stars. It was very beautiful and peaceful, but it was very confusing in the dark.

  • Michael P.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

    Host not friendly very rude woman would not recommend staying here at all

    Would not recommend fairport camping  in muscatine iowa at all the host is rude and non caring personality more like two faced   i would recommend  shady creek  or one of the others on the same hwy if looking for nice and great host

    On the note dnr are great thou

  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “This place became my wife’s and daughters’ favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive.”

  • Steve T.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground

    Enjoyable Stay

    The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River. If you camp on the riverside campground be sure to bring a bike or extra vehicle if you camp on the far end because the bathrooms are bit of a walk. And bring a grate with you for your fire ring as some have them and some don’t. All and all it was an enjoyable stay with a fantastic view, even caught a few fish since our campsite was literally on the river edge

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shady Creek

    Beautiful View

    Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    Great campground

    Beautiful park. The campground has less than 30 sites, most of which have power. The walk in sites are very private but still less than 75 yards from your car. You are in thick forest and will hear lots of animal sounds at night.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    Very nice, quite, cabin surrounded by forest

    Cabin has all amenities for six. Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife. Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail.

Guide to Ely

Camping near Ely, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventurous family trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

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."
  • Hiking trails: Backbone State Park has extensive trails. A camper mentioned, "There are tons of trails, specifically the spot we camped at was right by the trail so we had easy access."
  • Fishing and boating: At Lake Macbride State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One reviewer noted, "The park offers lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails, education center."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground said, "This Campground is awesome. Very clean, for me the star attraction here was the solo bathroom & shower both together with lockable door for extreme privacy."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer large, well-spaced sites. A reviewer at Scott County Park mentioned, "The sites themselves are HUGE and some of them would accommodate the largest camping rigs you could imagine."
  • Natural beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One visitor at George Wyth State Park Campground said, "This park has hiking(on path or off), fishing in multiple lakes and the cedar river, and a beach!!!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes can be a problem: Some campers have reported issues with mosquitoes, especially at George Wyth State Park Campground. One camper noted, "There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground during our visit."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "There’s no place to buy firewood nearby so come prepared."
  • Busy during peak seasons: Campgrounds can fill up quickly during weekends and holidays. A camper at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground said, "We were dismayed when we arrived at 3 pm on a Sunday to find the place packed with day-use visitors."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring games and activities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and open spaces. A family at Scott County Park enjoyed the amenities, saying, "There are playgrounds for your kids to play in."
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds don’t have nearby markets. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground advised, "Make sure you know which campground you’re going to and bring your own food."
  • Check for family-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. One camper at Backbone State Park mentioned, "There was a naturalist station with several activities that would be good for families."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park 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: Many sites may not be perfectly level. A reviewer at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "We did have to put blocks under the passenger-side tires."
  • Stay connected: Some campgrounds have limited cell service. A camper at Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA said, "Verizon service was not great in the area but could still stay connected for the most part."

Camping near Ely, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Ely, MN for families?

Ely offers several family-friendly campgrounds with amenities perfect for kids. Fall Lake Campground provides spacious sites, playgrounds, and easy water access for swimming and fishing. Families also love Bear Head Lake State Park for its clean beaches, hiking trails suitable for all ages, and educational ranger programs during summer months. Both locations offer a mix of wooded and lakeside sites, clean facilities, and activities that keep children entertained while providing the authentic Boundary Waters experience that makes Ely famous.

What amenities are available at Ely, MN camping areas?

Ely camping areas offer varying levels of amenities depending on the location. Fenske Lake Campground provides vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Many campgrounds in the area feature boat launches, swimming beaches, and hiking trails. For those wanting more comforts, Whispering Pines Campground offers electric hookups, hot showers, and flush toilets. Most Ely campgrounds balance wilderness experience with necessary facilities, though cell service is typically limited. Campers seeking full hookups should look to private campgrounds closer to town, while those heading into the Boundary Waters will find minimal facilities at entry point campgrounds.

How much does camping near Ely, Minnesota typically cost?

Camping costs around Ely vary by location and amenities. National Forest campgrounds like Birch Lake Campground typically charge $14-22 per night for standard non-electric sites. State Park campgrounds, such as Bear Head Lake State Park, range from $15-35 per night, with electric sites at the higher end. Private campgrounds may charge $25-45+ depending on hookups and amenities. For Boundary Waters trips, you'll need a BWCA permit ($16 reservation fee plus $16-$32 per group depending on the season), with designated entry point campsites included in this fee. Most campgrounds also charge additional fees for extra vehicles, firewood, and dump station use.

Is tent camping available year-round in Ely, Minnesota?

Tent camping in Ely is primarily seasonal, with most campgrounds operating from May through September or early October. South Kawishiwi River Campground typically closes after the fall color season. During winter months, nearly all developed campgrounds close due to extreme cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. Winter camping is possible for experienced adventurers through backcountry permits in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, but requires specialized cold-weather gear and wilderness skills. Always check with the Superior National Forest office in Ely for current conditions and seasonal closures before planning a winter camping trip.

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