Best Camping near Estherville, IA

Estherville is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Estherville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Estherville, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Estherville, IA (75)

Showing results 1-10 of 75 campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Estherville

128 Reviews of 75 Estherville Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park
    Oct. 30, 2024

    Island Park

    Nice Overnight Stop

    There are 4 camping spots here, all with electric hook-up. Although the website states $10 fee, there is nowhere to pay. In Oct, the bathrooms are closed already. Park is very close the the main road and you will likely hear trains at night. The campsites are right next to a creek with kayak access. It’s a nice place to stop for a night.

  • Chloe T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kilen Woods State Park Campground
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Kilen Woods State Park Campground

    Very Quiet | No On Site Payment Available

    First thing to know is that you cannot pay for anything there directly... no cash, no checks, no credit cards, no tap, nothing. You need to use the Yodel app to purchase firewood and, even if there is staff present, you'll need to pay for your site on the MN State Park reservations system. What's nice is that there is no convenience charge when you are on site. This totally threw us as we are used to pulling up and paying with cash or card to a human. And, they have no wifi. So you'll have to use your phone or, like I did, use your phone as a hotspot to use your laptop/tablet.

    Once that was all finally taken care of, we got to enjoy our spacious site. It was HOT, but there is a tree in the center of Site 7 that offered shade and lots of bushes and trees around that offer shade. We just had to keep moving to get it. Each site has a firepit and picnic table. Site 6 has a trail going through it on the edge while Site 7 had a trail on the other side but it was several feet from the actual site. I'm not sure it ever gets busy there, but if it did, you may have people around your site if you choose those edge sites.

    This place was SO quiet! I know that also has to do with the other campers, so thank you to our fellow campers that weekend who kept it quiet. No road noise at all. There are fields nearby, so if it's plowing season I imagine it would be quite noisy and quite dusty.

    At the end of September, along with the heat, there were tons of what we later learned were Asian Lady Beetles, which actually do sting. Surprise! Then when they started slowing down, here came the midges/no-see-ums. So I came away with a lot of stings. Boo! My spouse did not. So I guess they just liked me a lot.

    I would totally recommend Kilen Woods SP! It was a total surprise to use as we were looking for a last minute place to camp, so that was wonderful. If you're driving along I90 in Minnesota or I26 in South Dakota and need an easy overnight, check this place out.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Point Park
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Sandy Point Park

    Beautiful, quiet spot

    We struck out 4times before finding this place and we are so happy that we did! What a great little gem - lakeside, crickets chirping and perfect

  • Jim L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Earth City Campground
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Blue Earth City Campground

    Clean And quiet

    Didn’t realize it was on the fairground. Very small. Very clean. Host family was very friendly and helpful. Free firewood was nice. Enjoyed our stay. Great for a one day stop

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Goose Campground & Resort
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Flying Goose Campground & Resort

    Nice campground on nice lake

    Large campground with a play park and other sporting area. Lake to swim in - no lifeguard offered. Large sites with water/electric hook up - some full hook sites and big rig friendly. The site we were put in was not set up well for the connections however it was a large site. Very muddy site but they offered to let us use a rug so we didn’t get ours all Muddy.

  • Jenni C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Olson City Park
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Olson City Park

    Great Spot

    Though we didn’t stay long, this campground was tidy, well marked, and a perfect stop for the night. The campsites were clean, facilities were top notch, and the park and walking path provided a great spot to wear kids out before continuing on.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Goose Campground & Resort
    May. 30, 2024

    Flying Goose Campground & Resort

    Just beautiful

    Very quiet and clean, goid WiFi. Gary was very helpful. This campground is just beautiful. There is a lake you can fish,swim,rent kayaks and canoe. Laundry and showers.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Everett Park
    May. 29, 2024

    Everett Park

    Beautiful, peaceful, not too far out of the way.

    It was serene and beautiful. The sunset over the water was absolutely amazing. Breathtaking scenery. There is a shower and toilets. And it costs $20 for a tent sight, $25 for a power hookup sight. We'll worth the stop, I almost didn't want to leave. I would stay here again!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Marble Beach State Rec Area
    May. 21, 2024

    Marble Beach State Rec Area

    Van camping here was just okay

    Camped in Site #59 on Oct. 6-7, 2023. Our site had a fire ring, table, as well as electric & water. Spirit Lake is behind the site, although there was no lake access from there. Nice hearing the water lapping on shore. Registering for a site was a little confusing. There was a friendly host in the campground. Our site sloped down toward the lake; had to use our traction boards to level the van as best we can. No privacy between sites. The 6 room restroom/shower was clean. Overall, the campground was large and well maintained. It had an RV park feel to it, which is not our preferred type of camping. I believe folks in larger rigs will be comfortable here.

  • Matthew  H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kilen Woods State Park Campground
    Feb. 13, 2024

    Kilen Woods State Park Campground

    Great Campground! Conveniently located!

    Great Campground. The park Ranger on Duty was very helpful. Campsites were generous in space. Well kept. Fire Ring and picnic table on site were kept up well. Trails and scenery through the back hills are well kept and maintained.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Earth City Campground
    Sep. 19, 2023

    Blue Earth City Campground

    Great Stop Near I-90

    We stayed here per the recommendation of a friend and had a great experience. The camp host, Denise, was very nice upon arrival. The grounds were quiet and bathrooms were clean. Fast wifi and free firewood were great added benefits that made our night after a long day of driving.

  • Dean G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown County Park
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Brown County Park

    Brown County

    This place is HUGE. We were shocked at the size of the state park and how many many campsites there were. We were back on Taylor Ridge so we had a noticeable drive in/out anytime we went anywhere. Bathrooms were clean and maintained. Sites had ample space. Because it is all on the ridges of the park, there is a significant decline after the campsite “flat area”

  • Meg W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kilen Woods State Park Campground
    Sep. 17, 2023

    Kilen Woods State Park Campground

    Peaceful Prairie Spot

    Chosen at the last minute for its proximity to the Twin Cities area, the drive was about 2 hrs 45 minutes. Park is quiet, clean and very easy to hike. Entire park can easily be hiked in a day, with prairie, river and oak savanna views. The park rangers were not at the station at any point while we visited, meaning payment for firewood and parking must be done online. Really nice facility with flush toilets and showers sits between the two campground loops. Camped in Walk-In Site #1 and the seclusion from the electric sites was great. The walk-in sites are nestled in the woods and fairly private. From the parking spot to the campsite was an easy ~100’.

  • Pam H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Grotto Campground
    Sep. 5, 2023

    Grotto Campground

    Nice quiet camping

    Stopped for the night , so I could see the Grotto in the morning. 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. You pay at the gift shop across the street. $20 for RV and $10 for tent.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ludlow Park
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Ludlow Park

    Not a camping site

    Contacted the office that manages these campgrounds and was told that the Olson Park campground is the only park with camp sites in Worthington…

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Robertson Park
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Robertson Park

    DO NOT GO

    We decided to camp here after a long day on I-90. We got here at 3am and the first thing we saw was a “historic cemetery”. After setting up camp an old mini van kept driving by us, with no one there. He had stopped for a second to look at us and drove away. 10 minutes later he was back and we PACKED up and left. This place is suspicious, take caution.

  • Wade G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ludlow Park
    Aug. 16, 2023

    Ludlow Park

    Not what it says

    There doesn't seem to be any overnight camping at this spot. There is no indication that there is any spots to do any camping. Don't stop here.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Voss Park City Campground
    Aug. 13, 2023

    Voss Park City Campground

    Beautiful campground

    I tent camped but looks great for rv. Reasonable priced tent $15, modern clean showerhouse. Large amount of trees for shade. Very nice camp host

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Goose Campground & Resort
    Aug. 5, 2023

    Flying Goose Campground & Resort

    Well kept campsite

    Well maintained campground with fishing piers and a swimming beach. A lot of seasonal/permanent sites. Transit spots were a little tight but owners did what they could to space you out. Very accommodating.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Earth City Campground
    Jul. 12, 2023

    Blue Earth City Campground

    Kind Host, quiet and quaint RV park

    The host is very kind, helpful. This was our first stay at an RV park. Although we did not realize this coming in, we were pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness and quiet surroundings in this cute little RV park. For an incredibly low price, we were able to connect to water, dump, and electricity. Neighboring RV’s were equally kind and helpful to provide helpful hints with hookup. Thank you for making our last stay from South Dakota before we reached home in Wisconsin, very pleasant and safe.

  • Amy B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Earth City Campground
    Jun. 24, 2023

    Blue Earth City Campground

    Perfect overnight stay

    Great location right off I-90! Camp host was very friendly and the facilities are clean! It’s right by the 60’ Green Giant statue! Pretty buggy this time of the year as one would expect!

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park
    Jun. 22, 2023

    The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park

    Nice place to stop while visiting the Grotto

    We stayed at the Grotto of the Redemption RV park for two nights. We were in our class C while slowly making our way across the country. We had no problems getting a spot here. There are two areas. 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. This is in good condition. There is fresh water and a dump station available. Each site has a nice grassy area and there are plenty of large trees. Staff was very friendly and helpful. There was a park nearby with a playground. 

    The RV park is near the Grotto. The Grotto is a fascinating achievement worth a look if you are in the area.

    We had 2 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well. Campground wifi was not available.

    We enjoyed our brief stay at this campground. We will stay again when traveling this way.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Korte's Checkers Welcome Campground
    Jun. 11, 2023

    Korte's Checkers Welcome Campground

    Worth a Stop

    Very polite staff. Roads are nice. Facilities are clean. Sites are pull through but are set up with utilities for back in sites. $40 a night. It looked like some campers were extended stays. Good Verizon signal and right off Interstate 90.

  • t
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Earth City Campground
    Jun. 9, 2023

    Blue Earth City Campground

    Blue Earth Campground

    Amazing campground, highly recommend! The facility is ran by a very nice and knowledgeable owner—you are greeted right away and given lots of information to make your stay enjoyable. Services were easy to hookup. Bathroom/showering area was very clean. The whole facility was great, nice and quiet and best of all dog friendly!

  • Gregory L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson KOA
    May. 21, 2023

    Jackson KOA

    Great little park!

    We stopped here for 2 nights on our way to South Dakota. The park is small, but very well maintained, and man, literally every person there was INCREDIBLY nice! I met the previous owner of the park and his wife, and told about some cool things to do in the area including the Jeffers Petroglyphs, a fort in the town of Jackson, and the town from Little House on the Prairie.

    Our site was level, easy to get into, and had a nice tree providing some shade. Water pressure was good, no issues with electric. One thing I noticed that I thought was really cool was they had a good sewer hose at the dump station for guests to use so they didn’t have to dig theirs out. That is the kind of thought the owners put into the experience at their park. Simple, nice perks that make the experience just that little bit extra good, and there were things like that throughout the park.

    There is a small grocery store about 5 mins south of the park, a Burger King right across the street, and a few gas stations. New Ulm is about an hour away and well worth the visit! Cool little downtown area with lots of history, great restaurants, and cool shops.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Marble Beach State Rec Area
    Oct. 9, 2022

    Marble Beach State Rec Area

    Great campground! Limited people for fall camping

    Easy to access- large site campground. Nice sites that back up to spirit lake with enough room for bigger rigs to get into easily and have tree coverage to feel wooded. Easy to check in and out of. Great price for a full hook up site. Plan to return again and again! We loved it.



Guide to Estherville

Camping near Estherville, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Explore local attractions: Check out the Jeffers Petroglyphs and the historic fort in Jackson. One camper mentioned, “I met the previous owner of the park and he told me about some cool things to do in the area including the Jeffers Petroglyphs” at Jackson KOA.
  • Enjoy outdoor activities: Go biking on the trails around Jackson. A visitor shared, “We unloaded our bikes and enjoyed the bike trails that encircle and go through Jackson” while staying at Jackson KOA.
  • Visit nearby towns: New Ulm is about an hour away and has a charming downtown area with great restaurants and shops. One camper noted, “New Ulm is about an hour away and well worth the visit! Cool little downtown area with lots of history” after their stay at Jackson KOA.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for Blue Earth City Campground states, “The grounds were quiet and bathrooms were clean.”
  • Friendly hosts: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the campground staff. One camper at Blue Earth City Campground said, “The camp host, Denise, was very nice upon arrival.”
  • Good amenities: Campers enjoy the amenities offered, like free firewood and fast Wi-Fi. A guest at Blue Earth City Campground remarked, “Fast wifi and free firewood were great added benefits.”

What you should know:

  • Limited hookups: Some campgrounds, like Marble Beach State Rec Area, do not have water hookups at each site. A camper noted, “Camp sites for tents are super tiny and irregular shaped.”
  • Bugs can be an issue: Depending on the season, mosquitoes can be a problem. A visitor at Gull Point State Park Campground mentioned, “The camp is near a swampy area so bugs kinda rough.”
  • Reservations recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, so it’s best to book in advance. A camper at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area advised, “This is a good place to stay for a few days if you want to explore all that Okoboji has to offer.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and activities for kids. One camper at Flying Goose Campground & Resort mentioned, “Large campground with a play park and other sporting area.”
  • Plan for outdoor fun: Bring bikes or outdoor games to keep the kids entertained. A family at Flying Goose Campground & Resort enjoyed the lake for swimming and fishing.
  • Check for quiet times: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Everett Park noted, “Kids screaming and people partying super late.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Choose big rig-friendly spots: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs, like Jackson KOA, which is noted as “big rig friendly.”
  • Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds have limited space for RVs. A camper at Gull Point State Park Campground said, “This park is a CCC built park. Lots of twists and turns for an RV to get to their spot.”
  • Check for electric hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Marble Beach State Rec Area mentioned, “The 6 room restroom/shower was clean,” but noted the lack of water hookups.

Camping near Estherville, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Estherville, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Estherville, IA is Jackson KOA with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

  • What parks are near Estherville, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 1 parks near Estherville, IA that allow camping, notably Saylorville Lake and Eau Galle Lake.