Top Tent Camping near Ely, IA

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Ely and then fall asleep in your tent? Finding a place to camp in Iowa with your tent has never been easier. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Ely, IA (29)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride Campground

    1. Lake Macbride Campground

    25 Reviews
    86 Photos
    83 Saves

    From the website: UPDATE 10/5/2020: The north and south campgrounds, and day-use lodge will remain closed the remainder of the recreation season due to the August 10 severe weather event. Visitors are discouraged from using trails at this time due to hazard trees, with exception of the North Shore Trail and Beach to Dam Trail. The remainder of the park is now open. This recreation area is part of Coralville Lake

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $9 - $19 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground

    2. Cedar River Campground

    8 Reviews
    17 Photos
    32 Saves

    We are a seasonal campground open April 15 thru October 15. We have seasonal, monthly, weekly, and overnight rates. We have planned activities as well as many amenities. River frontage, canoe/ tube rental, mini golf, pool and so much more.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $35 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area

    3. Macbride Nature Recreation Area

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    5 Saves

    Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) is a 485-acre peninsula that has been leased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the University of Iowa since 1969. There are ten kilometers of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. MNRA is home to the Environmental Education Programs: School of the Wild, Wildlife Camps, and Iowa Raptor Project. MNRA is located 15 miles north of Iowa City at 3895 Raptor Ridge Road, near Solon, Iowa.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

    4. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

    1 Review
    13 Photos
    1 Save

    This is a primitive, pack-in campsite. Located northwest of the Learning Center, it features a fire ring with sitting stones, an ADA platform for a tent, and one replica Wickiup. This pack-in site is designed for youth groups and single family use only. It attempts to recreate what life was like for the woodland peoples who lived here hundreds of years ago. Renters will need to carry in/carry out all equipment and refuse. There is a pit vault restroom nearby.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $54 / night

    • No image available

      5. Wakpicada Natural Area

      1 Review
      11 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from River Junction
      Camper-submitted photo from River Junction

      6. River Junction

      1 Review
      2 Photos
      6 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
      Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm

      7. Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm

      1 Review
      13 Photos
      5 Saves

      Our private four acre site is now available for winter tent camping. Services include an outhouse, electricity, fire ring and wood is provided. There are trails to hike around the pond and in the prairie. Tents can be set up anywhere, however, you can use the tipi pad(outdoor carpet over sand} without stakes. Winter camp is open from January 1 to April 30. A great meeting place for families and friends willing to experience the outdoors throughout the year. 5 miles from Williamsburg and I-80, within 30 minutes of Amana Colonies, Outlet Mall, Fireside Winery. We also offer wildlife, historical or cultural hikes to the Amana/Iowa River Valley area.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Market

      $25 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park

      8. Wildcat Den State Park

      9 Reviews
      69 Photos
      63 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents

      $6 - $9 / night

      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
      Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews In Ely

      384 Reviews of 29 Ely Campgrounds


      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Pond
        Oct. 9, 2024

        Horseshoe Pond

        Nice smaller CG in City of Maquoketa, Iowa

        CG offers gravel pads, tables, fire rings, electric, sump station, water, small pond with fishing, paddling, dog park. Close to stores for supplies, dining, fuel.

      • Brian O.
        Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park
        Oct. 2, 2024

        Maquoketa Caves State Park

        Nice campground, fun caves, older established state park

        My mom remembers visiting this park in the 40's. Not a surprise since Grampa was a Geologist.
        This is a small campground for such an old park, only 34 sites, walk-ins included. All sites are along one road with a turnaround at the end. There is only one building with toilets, showers and no pit toilets. These are clean and well maintained.
        There is a playground near the entrance that is shared with the caves entrance area, a bit of a walk.
        The caves themselves are down a long hill from the campground. There are facilities there too, and a concession stand with limited hours/ days. The caves are fun to explore, but not ADA accessible. Bring flashlights and in some areas watch your head.
        The Visitor's center at the park entrance is staffed by volunteers and only open on weekends.
        Once you've done the caves, there's not much else to see within the park. But visit the Hurstville interpretive center for a nice nature center and trails.

      • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
        Sep. 23, 2024

        Lake Iowa County Park

        very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

        Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

        Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Sep. 19, 2024

        Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

        Very nice County cabin near Wapsi River

        Cabin sleeps 6, has all amenities including firewood at no cost! Education center onsite with live animals, trails, open year round, Wapsipinicon River below bluff offers paddling, fishing. Menke Observatory offers sky programs.

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Bennett Park
        Sep. 19, 2024

        Bennett Park

        Nice small County CG with pond

        Campground is nice with a few newer amenities, including shower house and handicap campsite. Gravel pads at sites include tables, fire, pits, electric,. There’s a dump station, play area, shelters for rent, and a pond that you can actually swim and fish and paddling.

      • Fred S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Langwood Education Center
        Sep. 5, 2024

        Langwood Education Center

        Great place!

        Langwood Education Center looks like a great spot for a weekend camping trip, especially if you’re into outdoor education. If you’re planning to camp there with kids, it could be a fun way to blend learning and adventure. Plus, it’s close enough to larger cities, making it convenient for a quick getaway. I’ve been planning something similar but also juggling a lot of writing assignments lately. For those who need help with academic papers or essays while on the go, https://99papers.com/essay-writing/ has been a great resource. They’ve saved me a lot of time when I’ve had deadlines looming. Anyway, has anyone visited recently and can share tips on the best trails or activities for families?

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sherman Co Park
        Aug. 28, 2024

        Sherman Co Park

        Scenic County park along Wapsipinicon River

        The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.

      • W
        Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Ridge
        Aug. 24, 2024

        Riverview Ridge

        Unique River and Trail Access Campground

        Two hour float trips on the North Fork Maquoketa River are available directly from the campground. There is a mix of permanent and temporary campers. The tent sites, nearest the river, are well spaced with flush toilets. Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean.

      • Evan G.
        Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
        Aug. 22, 2024

        F. W. Kent Park

        The perfect weekend get away

        My dad and I tent cramped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City.

      • Jim C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
        Aug. 18, 2024

        Little Bear Campground

        Great week of camping

        This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month. But they don't allow monthly stays

      • Evan G.
        Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
        Aug. 12, 2024

        F. W. Kent Park

        The perfect Amana colonies campsite

        Amazing experience with lots of amenities and space to spread out.

        Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets, lots of stuff to do, including: hiking, swimming, kayaking, easy to get to amenities and grocery stores. plenty of trails and overlooks with picnic benches. Fire pits With built in grill grates.

      • Kim F.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Ridge Campground
        Aug. 10, 2024

        Windmill Ridge Campground

        Hidden little gem

        Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.

      • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
        Aug. 9, 2024

        Lake Iowa County Park

        Great spot for a great price

        Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

        Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

        The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

        But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

        I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

        Other than that it was a great spot.

      • C
        Camper-submitted photo from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
        Jul. 26, 2024

        Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

        Great location and amenities

        I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park
        Jul. 10, 2024

        Wildcat Den State Park

        Lovely hidden space

        Found by hiking at the Wildcat Den State Park. Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees. Places are gras. Sorry for my english, Camp from Germany :-)

      • Robert P.
        Camper-submitted photo from Blue Inn Campground
        Jun. 26, 2024

        Blue Inn Campground

        Reservations

        I made a reservation back in April 20 q24 June 26th 6 days before vacation I received a refund notice from them not in the full amount I paid less than a half

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
        Jun. 24, 2024

        F. W. Kent Park

        Great County park with lake

        Park offers: lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails, education center. Sites offer: hard surface, table, fire rings, hosts, firewood for purchase, play areas, RR, storm shelters, views.

      • Nick B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Tailwater West Campground
        Jun. 16, 2024

        Tailwater West Campground

        Fishing excursion

        Very nice and clean. It is right at the base of a dam on one side and calm backwater on the other. Also very nice place to find fossils among the back rocks. Don't plan on using Verizon. I had 1 bar could get texts but not enough to have internet.

      • Charles M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park
        Jun. 13, 2024

        Maquoketa Caves State Park

        Beautiful State Park

        This park is beautiful and perfect for an adventurous hike. The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous. It proved to be tons of fun for me, my son and his friends. We would definitely go back.

      • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Baileys Ford
        Jun. 12, 2024

        Baileys Ford

        Excellent campground

        What more can I say than this place was stellar. We were tent camping the site we picked was big (there were smaller sites if that’s what you need). Access to the trout stream directly from our site! The facilities were clean even for a vault toilet (regular toilets and showers available at the main building which were extremely clean) the showers had hot water and real on and off handles NOT the push to start ones. Access to the river was available and there was a boat launch site. Staff we encountered were all friendly. Firewood available to purchase on site (only available Friday and Saturday night it was $10 a bundle during our stay). Plenty of things for kids to do volleyball ball court, softball field, and several playgrounds! Many shelters available for larger gatherings. This place even had an outdoor chapel. Baileys Ford exceeded my expectations for a county campground and I will be returning 100% my only complaint was spotty service (Verizon) but then again the point of camping is to disconnect so this was not a big deal. Minimal bugs considering how close we were to the water as well!

      • Nick B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Bluff County Park
        Jun. 6, 2024

        Wildcat Bluff County Park

        Quiet with good trails

        Very nice little park if you like hiking or Frisbee golf. There is not much to the park besides campsites and the Frisbee golf course. It has a small playground with just a few swings and a slide. Bathrooms were horrible. I would not suggest staying unless you have your own restroom. Also there is no dump station so be prepared to take your shit home with you.

      • K
        Camper-submitted photo from brinton timbers park
        May. 31, 2024

        brinton timbers park

        Great park no showers though

        I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.



      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

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ely, IA?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ely, IA is Lake Macbride Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 25 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Ely, IA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Ely, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.