Best Tent 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 Tent Sites Near Estherville, Iowa (9)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Estherville, IA

2 Photos of 9 Estherville Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Estherville, IA

145 Reviews of 9 Estherville Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    Island Park

    Small waterfront campground

    Nice little park to stop at for a night on a trip. Only stayed here for a night on my way out west in 2024. Arrived a bit before dark and decided to sleep in my car rather than my tent just due to the timing and being tucked away by the river by myself. Never did figure out where a bathroom was unfortunately. There was a gas station right down the road for any conveniences you may need. There is a kayak launch right by the campsites that I would've put my inflatable into if I'd had more daylight/time here.

    Not sure how larger campers would set up given the layout and how small the pads look, but there was plenty of room in front and behind the pads.

  • Clint  G.
    Jul. 20, 2021

    Korte's Checkers Welcome Campground

    Great value as Passport America member

    This is a small private campground that offers a quiet nights stay.  Site size was moderate with some shade, a fire ring, picnic table, on a level gravel pad.  $20 per Passport America members for FHU is sweet.  The grounds were well cared for and was not to far from the interstate but far enough away that there was little noise.

  • Evan W.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Watona City Park

    Perfect Stop On a South Dakota RoadTrip

    We pulled into this place at 2:00 AM so we weren't really able to see much of the environment. In the morning though we awoke to a beautiful park with good shade coverage from the trees. Our group only hammock camps so we were glad to see the abundance of trees between each camp slot. The only downside to this place was the gnats. Although not that bad we woke up with tiny bites on us. That being said if we would have brought a bug net or been in a tent we would have had no problem with them. Overall this camp site was a great place to stop while we were driving to the Badlands.

  • Matthew  H.
    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.

  • Meg W.
    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’.

  • Lord J.
    Jun. 26, 2021

    Kilen Woods State Park Campground

    Secluded slice of paradise.

    Stayed in the walk-in section of the campground. Just a short walk from the parking and vault toilet. Beautiful Oaks surround you as does the sumac, raspberries and mosquitos. Even though it rained it was a superb experience 🙏

  • Jen A.
    Aug. 28, 2019

    memoirs park

    Great Campground

    This is a great campground in Mankato, MN.  The sites are huge and offer water and electric.  The shower house/bathrooms were decent - a little outdated, but not too bad.  There was also a portable toilet near our site.  We wish there was sewer, but we understand that being so close to the river this may not be possible.  We will definitely stay here again if we are in the area.

  • 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.


Guide to Estherville

Tent camping near Estherville, Iowa, offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With several campgrounds featuring essential amenities, campers can enjoy a comfortable and memorable experience.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Iowa Lake Co Campground provides drinking water and a vault toilet, making it a convenient choice for those on a bike tour or seeking solitude.
  • Bright Lake Co Park features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for family gatherings and enjoying evenings by the fire.
  • Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground offers reservable sites and access to several trails, ideal for those who enjoy hiking and exploring.

Tips for tent camping near Estherville

  • Be prepared for limited amenities at places like Oneota Little Sioux Access, which lacks firewood and trash disposal, so plan accordingly.
  • If you're looking for a lively atmosphere, Cenla Campgrounds can be a fun spot, especially if you enjoy mingling with fellow campers.
  • For a more rustic experience, consider Devine Wildlife Area, where you can truly disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Tent campers should check out Bright Lake Co Park

  • The stunning views at Bright Lake Co Park make it a favorite for sunset watchers and photographers alike.
  • With options for boat-in access, Bright Lake Co Park is perfect for those who want to combine camping with water activities.
  • This campground allows pets, making it an excellent choice for families who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Estherville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Estherville, IA is Bright Lake Co Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Estherville, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.