Best Campgrounds near Emmetsburg, IA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Emmetsburg, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Emmetsburg. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Emmetsburg camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Emmetsburg, Iowa (74)

    1. memoirs park

    6 Reviews
    Whittemore, MN
    11 miles
    Website

    $15 - $25 / night

    "We went on a weekday so we were the only ones around. We had site C14. Bathrooms were decent. Playground is kind of small and old."

    "Has one in central location so luckily I had just enough hose to fill up the camper. Close to state park with trails and bison so had a great weekend!"

    2. Kearny Park

    1 Review
    Emmetsburg, IA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 852-4030

    3. Siems County Park

    3 Reviews
    Whittemore, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 295-2138

    "I drove in and saw the beautiful lake and the campground so I talked to the camp host, told him I just needed a primitive spots I didn't need electricity or water is it all good just grab a tent site,"

    "Small lake. Public restrooms and shower. Frisbee Golf. Well kept."

    4. The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Whittemore, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 887-2371

    "Two adjacent camping areas are partially shaded and will accommodate rigs of all sizes. I counted (8) 50 amp and (16) 30 amp sites. Rest rooms, showers, fresh water and a dump station are provided."

    "One is very close to a train line, which runs infrequently. Sites are grass, level, and reasonably well maintained. All sites are pull through. Only electrical hookups are available at the sites."

    5. Wolden Recreation Area & Campground

    1 Review
    Wallingford, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 867-4422

    "Good sized park with easy access to a swimming beach and multiple playgrounds for children. Also includes a sand volleyball court and a basketball hoop."

    6. Grotto Campground

    2 Reviews
    Whittemore, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 887-2371

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Doesn’t feel quite like the middle of nowhere and located right next to nice trees and train tracks. Recommended for a nice, easy spot to sleep."

    "Next to train tracks but only one train came by and it wasn’t loud. Definitely recommend if you’re in the area. You pay at the gift shop across the street. $20 for RV and $10 for tent."

    7. Wild Rose Casino RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Emmetsburg, IA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (877) 720-7673

    $25 / night

    8. Fort Defiance State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Estherville, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $10 - $16 / night

    "A hidden gem in Northwest Iowa. It is Memerial Day Weekend and on Friday night we had one other tent camper on Friday. None on Saturday. 

    The bathrooms are the old hole going down into a pit."

    "Fort Defiance is a forresty natural state park in Iowa. There is Electrical Hook ups a picnic Table and a charcoal Grill already at the camp site."

    9. Smith Lake County Park

    2 Reviews
    Algona, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 295-2138

    "This campground has RV sites along the edge with all the tents on a hill by the lake. Every time we go camping here we make a new friend, get some great camping recipes."

    "For $15 you get water/electric sites with access to bathrooms and showers. Dogs are allowed on leash. Pretty nice playground. The beach area has been taken over by geese though."

    10. Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Algona, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 581-4835

    $10 - $18 / night

    "The park itself is pretty nice with several trails and a small campground. There is an enclosed stone shelter house you can rent for gatherings."

    "Park is very nice with hiking trails and a Frisbee Golf course. $18 per night."

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Recent Reviews near Emmetsburg, IA

143 Reviews of 74 Emmetsburg Campgrounds


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

    Siems County Park

    Nice little campground

    Mix of sites. Some have electric and water. Some have electric but have to share a water spigot. Small lake. Public restrooms and shower. Frisbee Golf. Well kept.

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

    Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground

    Mixed bag

    Small campground. Not busy while I was here. Sites have electricity, but water spigots are shared. Free firewood is provided. Nice oak trees. No privacy between sites. Pit toilets. No showers. Park is very nice with hiking trails and a Frisbee Golf course. $18 per night.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Devine Wildlife Area

    Free and fairly primitive

    Dispersed camping really. You can bring a big rig in. No really prepared sites. Maybe 5 places you could set up. No water, no electric, no toilet. Swampy area nearby so bring mosquito repellent. But the price is right.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lotts Creek Co Park

    Camping in the shade of tall oaks

    Nice little campground. 5 sites. Water, electricity, picnic table and fire pit with grilling grate at each one. Flush toilet and sink in bathroom. Old style playground. Shelter with more picnic tables. First come, first serve. $15 per night. Nicely set up for a multiple family campout.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Smith Lake County Park

    Good value camping

    This is a pretty quiet campground in my experience. For $15 you get water/electric sites with access to bathrooms and showers. Dogs are allowed on leash. Pretty nice playground. The beach area has been taken over by geese though.

  • Dawn S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Relaxing

    This place offers cabins places for tent camping as well as places for dispersed free camping

  • A & D S.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Everett Park

    Quiet, off the beaten path.

    Friendly and helpful staff, very accommodating. Beautiful spot, close to the lake. Water fill station, 30A power, washroom & shower if needed. Great price $25 per night (20 if tenting). If you have kids, looks like a great playground, plenty of room to run & play. Sites are large and well spaced.

  • True I.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Camp site not recommended

    The lake is not too deep for boats. In the camping area there are people with motorcycles speeding and making unnecessary noise. I went to complain to the manager and he did nothing about it because the owners of the motorcycles are friends.


Guide to Emmetsburg

Camping near Emmetsburg, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A visitor at Jackson KOA remarked, "The park is small, but very well maintained, and man, literally every person there was INCREDIBLY nice!"
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. One camper at Blue Earth City Campground said, "The camp host, Denise, was very nice upon arrival."
  • Affordable Rates: Campgrounds like Pilot Knob State Park offer great value. A camper mentioned, "For $12/night on a 30AMP hookup, I really can't complain."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family-friendly activities. One camper at Flying Goose Campground & Resort shared, "There are three playgrounds, a mini golf course, and a sandy swimming beach."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food or check for nearby grocery stores. A visitor at Jackson KOA mentioned, "There is a small grocery store about 5 mins south of the park."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Everett Park noted, "Very quiet and peaceful here."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Blue Earth City Campground said, "For an incredibly low price, we were able to connect to water, dump, and electricity."
  • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that are big rig friendly. A visitor at Flying Goose Campground & Resort mentioned, "Large sites with water/electric hookup - some full hook sites and big rig friendly."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure there are dump stations available. A camper at Jackson KOA appreciated, "They had a good sewer hose at the dump station for guests to use."

Camping near Emmetsburg, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With clean facilities, friendly hosts, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Emmetsburg campground located in Iowa?

Emmetsburg is located in Northwest Iowa, part of the Iowa Great Lakes region. The primary camping option is Wild Rose Casino RV Park located within the city limits. For those seeking alternatives nearby, Five Island Lake offers waterfront camping opportunities just minutes from downtown. Emmetsburg sits approximately 25 miles from Spirit Lake and the Okoboji area, making it a convenient base for exploring popular recreation destinations in this part of Iowa.

Do I need reservations for camping in Emmetsburg, Iowa?

Reservations are recommended for camping in the Emmetsburg area, especially during peak summer season and holidays. Siems County Park offers reservable sites that can accommodate everything from tents to big rigs. For nearby alternatives, Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground also accepts reservations and can fill up quickly during summer weekends due to its popularity and proximity to Lake Okoboji. While some local campgrounds may offer first-come, first-served sites, securing a reservation in advance is the best way to guarantee a spot during busy periods.

What amenities are available at the Emmetsburg camping area?

Camping areas near Emmetsburg offer a variety of amenities. Iowa Lake Co Campground features lakeside camping with access to water and clean vault toilets, making it ideal for tent campers. For those seeking more amenities, the nearby Marble Beach State Recreation Area Campground provides paved roads, boat ramps, modern restrooms and shower facilities, and sanitation stations. Many campgrounds in the region also offer electrical hookups, picnic tables, and charcoal grills at individual campsites, with shaded spots available in wooded areas.