Top Tent Camping near Exira, IA

Looking for tent camping near Exira? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Exira, Iowa's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Exira, IA (4)


Recent Tent Reviews In Exira

225 Reviews of 4 Exira Campgrounds


  • Gudrun C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Adair City Park

    Convenient Spot

    No frills spot for an easy stop off I-80. Only 2 other campers the night we stayed. Great Mexican restaurant 2 blocks away.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Lenon Mill Park

    Pretty basic, great for an overnight

    I stayed here one night while I was traveling. It was a Saturday so the campground was kind of busy. People shouting and loud music. Lots of trucks with noisy exhausts coming and going all day. I'm sure it's more quiet during the week.

    Some of the sites are well shaded, and you can access the water. It looked like people had been finding clams (they left the shells all over the picnic table). People were fishing here.

    The power pedestals are far back from the parking pad for some reason. If you back all the way into your spot or if you have a long cord you should be fine. There was only a 50A outlet so I needed to use an adapter for my 30A camper.

    There is one water spigot, and no dump station.

    There are bathrooms, but no showers.

    I had great T-mobile signal here (5G, 160 down and 20 up). And a somewhat decent 4G Verizon signal (70 down, 12 up).

    The Guthrie County Historical Village& Museum is a 5 minute walk away. It's not open evenings or weekends but there is interesting stuff to walk around and see even when closed. The railroad cars are very cool.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Sportsman Park

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  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Lake Anita State Park

    Nice

    We only stayed here for the night but everything was perfectly fine. A little off I80 but not too far. Nice lake and incredible harvest moon the night we were there

  • Deb M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Winterset City Park

    Great city park on a cute town

    Nice city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see. The sites are pretty well spaced with lots of grass and some trees in between. It was a good value for full hookup sites. The bathroom was decent, and phone service was adequate. We just spent one night here on our way home from Colorado, but will be returning in the fall to explore more and see some colors.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Valley State Park
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Green Valley State Park

    Timing is everything!

    Pretty grounds with woodland coverage on all sides in addition to the lake. We visited in August and realized it was prime family vacation time before school starts up again, so a little crowded and noisy. Spots are pretty close together too. But the grounds are quite lovely and the facilities were super clean. We plan to go back when Autumn arrives, mid week. Bonus easy shore fishing access.

  • Alika T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Adair City Park

    Awesome little campsites!

    $15 full power / $6 tents / $5 dump only. They have 110 power as well as regular hookups. Playground, tennis / pickleball courts, little zip line, and covered picnic area.

  • Thomas P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Campground
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Beaver Lake Campground

    Simple for overnight

    This campground is on the side of a lake. You hear beavers at night, see rabbits are on the sides of the lot. We came late around 8pm and the owner helped us fill the form and pick our spot. The only drawback are the restrooms which were ok but smelly.

  • Madison H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park

    10 out of 10

    This was the perfect place for us — just passing through on our way out to Wyoming. This camp ground is awesome all around — especially for tent campers. Absolutely beautiful views of the lake and so many open camp sites even on the 4th of July. I wish we could have spent more time here.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park

    Perfect getaway

    Perfect place to get away for the weekend. Grounds are clean bathrooms are clean. Shout out to Dave the park ranger for being very generous. We drove from Davenport to stay here for Father’s Day weekend and we will definitely be back. You also can tent camp right next to the water as well. Love it!

  • George H.
    Camper-submitted photo from University 40
    May. 17, 2024

    University 40

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  • Danni A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Icaria Co Park
    Apr. 9, 2024

    Lake Icaria Co Park

    Beautiful Views

    This campground has beautiful views of the lake. The sites are very close together. Everything was very clean when we were there.

  • Cire C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds
    Mar. 2, 2024

    Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds

    Overnight or Long Term

    We have been coming to this campground every year. They have recently open during the winter which is great because not many campground are open during this time. Steve is such a great guy who is always looking out for you.

  • RN P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Swan Lake State Park
    Oct. 21, 2023

    Swan Lake State Park

    Perfect

    Tented camped in late October, the weekend before closing.  I was only tent camper in the electric only sites.  If there was a tent only location, I didn't see it.  Those in campers that need water and electricity are regulated to gravel 'parking lot' sites.

    Beautiful park with playgrounds, swim beach, fisbee golf, paved trail, many fishing bars, and more.  

    Electric only sites are small and spaced out well.  Most have level drive perfect for sm camper or suv camping. Grass has slope, but I think you can find a good enough place for tent, I did.  Bathroom clean enough, I didn't use showers. I enjoyed the privacy of lake-front site J.

  • Ryan S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Botna Bend County Park
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Botna Bend County Park

    Another great Iowa county park

    Iowa has many great county parks, and this one is no exception. There are three campgrounds in the park. The South campground, Middle campground, and North campground.

    The South campground is closed for renovations. I read they are adding full hookups to this campground. The Verizon signal at this campground is usable for calls& text, but internet speeds are slow. Streaming will probably work but a video call will probably not. 

    The middle campground has nice level spots, and a nice shower house with warm water. There are 4 individual bathrooms, each with a shower. This campground had about the same Verizon signal as the South campground- good enough for calls and texting.

    The North campground has grass sites with more space between them than at the other two campgrounds. This North campground does not have a shower house, but it has a two room bathroom with running water. The Verizon signal at this campground is a strong 5G signal with great speeds. I also tested T-mobile and AT&T at this campground, and they were plenty usable but no where near as fast as Verizon.

    There is a meat shop and a sports bar restaurant within walking distance from the park. The walk within the park is a long walk. From the North campground to the registration box at the entrance is about 1 mile.

    While at the park I saw deer, raccoons, turkeys, and a 4 inch caterpillar crossing the road. There are also bison and elk in a fenced in area.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds

    Super easy I80 stop

    We made a one night stop as we traversed I80. Clean with shaded park like area. Electric, water and sewer available. Bathroom and shower were clean. But old style, so small and well worn.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Des Moines West KOA

    One of our favorites !

    Have stayed here several times, one of our grandkids favorite KOA's. Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered.

  • Ashley M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
    Jul. 26, 2023

    Sportsman Park

    Awesome

    Great camping sites! Can’t beat the price. Showers and toilets that were clean. Very peaceful. Best place we camped from Michigan to Washington!

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Botna Bend County Park
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Botna Bend County Park

    Great Campsite

    Good facilities (flushing toilets, good shower, spigot for drinking water). Spacious and shady tent area. Quiet and peaceful. Friendly and helpful campground staff. Overall, a great campground

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Lake Anita State Park

    Great Campsite and Location

    Great location, good facilities (shower, spigot with drinking water, restroom with flush toilets). Plenty of space in tent area - shade and soft grass. A bit noisy when I stayed (people playing loud music into the evening). Overall a good place to stay

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Lenon Mill Park

    Good Campsite but expensive compared to other similar sites

    I’ve maked this down to 3 stars purely on the basis of the fee - it’s a $20 flat fee whether in an RV with a hookup, or a tent with no hookup, and for that, you get a restroom and a spigot with drinking water, but no shower. Apart from that, the location is quiet and peaceful. Lots of space in the tent area, with some shade and soft grass. Close to town, with restaurants and a grocery store.

  • Frank B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Schildberg Recreation Area
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Schildberg Recreation Area

    Hidden gem

    The trees at the campsites aren't mature enough for shade, but the ponds and trails more than make up for that. Full hookups, shower house and huge dog park are also onsite making this a Cass County hidden gem. Camp host is great and and you're close to old downtown.

  • Les W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Des Moines West KOA

    Unbelievable !

    Stayed here for five nights attending a family reunion. First time staying at a koa and it was awesome. From the site service firewood and food delivery, to the location and people who stopped here in their travels. I will definitely stay at a KOA again!

  • Charity T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Des Moines West KOA

    Very laid back

    QUIETEST KOA IN AMERICA. no hiway no traintracks or airport! Well kept.. bathrooms are a little scarce and WET.. but very nice little campground and VERY friendly staff.

  • Frank B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Botna Bend County Park
    Jul. 1, 2023

    Botna Bend County Park

    Love this place

    Love camping at Botna Bend. Been coming here for years as a Scouter and non-scouting. You can drop into the Nishna Botna with a fishing line or kayak/canoe, hike or check out the wildlife on site.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Winterset City Park

    Beautiful setting and quiet

    Wonderful setting and quiet place to stay. Beautiful views with quick access to Bridges of Madison County. Great hook ups and utilities!



Guide to Exira

Camping near Exira, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking Trails: Enjoy scenic hikes at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Lake Anita State Park Campground, you can fish or take a boat out on the lake. A camper shared, "Great location, good facilities... Plenty of space in the tent area - shade and soft grass."
  • Exploring Covered Bridges: The area is famous for its covered bridges. A reviewer at Winterset City Park said, "Nice city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One happy camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center noted, "Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday remarked, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Jester County Park. One reviewer said, "Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer."

What you should know

  • Cell Service Issues: If you rely on your phone, be aware that some campgrounds have poor reception. A camper at Iowa Ledges State Park mentioned, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at Hitchcock County Nature Center reminded others, "Friendly reminder to bring CASH."
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Lake Anita State Park Campground is open from April 1 to December 31.

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds Available: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. One camper at Walnut Woods State Park mentioned, "The campground has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course and nature center."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for families. A reviewer at Jester County Park said, "Campgrounds amazing views airsoft gun and archery ranges snowshoeing equestrians and cross-country skiing."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Choose campgrounds that are known for being peaceful. A visitor at Swede Point Park noted, "It’s very quiet here and the few guests that are here are friendly."

Tips from RVers

  • Leveling Sites: Some sites may require leveling. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Dump Stations: Make sure to check for dump stations. A camper at Walnut Woods State Park pointed out, "There is a bathroom, trash dumpsters, and a dump station with both potable and tank cleanout water spigots."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups for convenience. A visitor at Prairie Rose State Park Campground shared, "All sites have a concrete pad, but not all concrete pads are created equal."

Camping near Exira, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Exira, IA is Kuehn Conservation Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Exira, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.