Camping opportunities near Emmetsburg, Iowa can be found within a 30-mile radius across multiple county parks and recreation areas. Most campsites sit on flat, grassy terrain at elevations of 1,100-1,300 feet, with the camping season running from mid-April through October. Summer temperatures typically range from 60°F at night to 85°F during the day, with occasional thunderstorms that can create muddy conditions at some campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing access: Smith Lake County Park offers multiple fishing spots with easy shoreline access. "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," notes a camper at Smith Lake County Park.
Hiking trails: Fort Defiance State Park features forested paths alongside a creek. "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. The valley has a small river or a big creek, idk you tell me the difference, what you can cross over a few times on the trails," according to a visitor at Fort Defiance State Park Campground.
Frisbee golf: Multiple parks in the region offer disc golf courses, including Ambrose A. Call State Park. "Park is very nice with hiking trails and a Frisbee Golf course. $18 per night," shares one camper about their experience.
What campers like
Affordable rates: Siems County Park offers budget-friendly camping options. "I stumbled across this Park traveling through and looking for a place to spend the night. 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, they are $6 a night and 30 amp electric with water is 15 tonight," explains a visitor at Siems County Park.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Very clean restrooms/showers. Only one other camper here. Shaded spots, great Wi-Fi, good cell service. Next to train tracks but only one train came by and it wasn't loud. Definitely recommend if you're in the area," reports a camper at Grotto Campground.
Unique attractions: The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park offers camping adjacent to a religious attraction. "The Grotto is interesting and inspiring. Admission is free. Two adjacent camping areas are partially shaded and will accommodate rigs of all sizes. I counted (8) 50 amp and (16) 30 amp sites," states a visitor.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Many campgrounds offer basic services with shared water spigots. "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," notes a reviewer at Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground.
Seasonal access: Most campgrounds close from November through mid-April due to harsh winter conditions and to protect the grounds.
Pit toilets: Several state parks feature rustic bathroom facilities rather than modern plumbing. "The bathrooms are the old hole going down into a pit. They are very rustic," explains one camper about Fort Defiance State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational amenities: Wolden Recreation Area offers multiple family-friendly facilities. "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," shares a visitor at Wolden Recreation Area & Campground.
Swimming options: Several parks feature swimming beaches during summer months. "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. There is a beach near the camping area and another one for the park," notes a Smith Lake County Park camper.
Drive-through traffic: Be aware that some parks experience significant day-use visitors. "My only real complaint would be there is a lot of people just driving through," mentions a Fort Defiance State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Extension cords: Some electric hookups are positioned far from parking pads. "The electric hook ups are really far from the pad so bring an extension," advises an RV camper.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with electric hookups offer on-site dump stations. "We wish there was sewer, but we understand that being so close to the river this may not be possible," notes one RVer.
Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near rail lines, though trains typically run infrequently. "Thirty amp sites are on lush grass and include a view of a the grotto, a pond and surrounding residences. The 50 amp area offers more privacy, gravel pull through parking and more convenient shower and rest room access but a lightly used rail line runs by," explains a visitor to The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park.
