Best Camping near Farmington, IA
Searching for the best camping near Farmington, IA? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Farmington. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.
Best Camping Sites Near Farmington, IA (73)
1. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
Keosauqua, Iowa8 Reviews•18 Photos•33 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Indian Lake Park
Farmington, Iowa4 Reviews•7 Photos•30 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$8 - $50 / night
3. Bentonsport
Keosauqua, Iowa5 Reviews•38 Photos•8 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
4. Hickory Haven Campground
Montrose, Iowa6 Reviews•11 Photos•12 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
5. Wilson Lake Park
Donnellson, Iowa4 Reviews•4 Photos•8 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
$15 - $26 / night
6. Nauvoo State Park Campground
Nauvoo, Illinois6 Reviews•1 Photo•27 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
7. Lick Creek Unit - Upper Campground — Shimek State Forest
Farmington, Iowa2 Reviews•1 SaveThe Lick Creek Unit contains two nonmodern equestrian campgrounds with nonelectric campsites. Facilities include pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, gravel parking pads, water hydrants, hitching rails and shade for horses. There are also stalls for overnight stabling.
Shimek State Forest is located in Lee and Van Buren Counties in southeast Iowa near the town of Farmington. Although the forest's original and most important function is to serve as an example of forest management for Iowas citizens, recreational opportunities abound in the forest. Visitors come from a wide area to hunt, fish, hike, ride the equestrian trails, mountain bike, camp, picnic, study nature and enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can expect to find oak-hickory forests and bottomland hardwood timber forests but will also find several areas where native prairie plants can be found and about 1,000 acres which have been planted to conifers. In this extremely varied habitat wildlife is abundant. Bring your camera or spotting scope! The forest is managed by the Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau and is comprised of five separate units with a total of 9,148 acres. The forest headquarters is located about one mile northeast of Farmington on county road J56. The four lakes in the Farmington and Donnellson Units are stocked with bass, channel catfish and panfish. There are no designated swimming areas. The entire forest is open to hiking and hunting (except in the camping areas).
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
8. Battle of Athens State Park Campground
Farmington, Iowa2 Reviews•6 Photos•12 Saves- Electric Hookups
- RVs
- Tents
9. Geode State Park Campground
New London, Iowa5 Reviews•6 Photos•27 Saves- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
10. Lee County Pollmiller Park
West Point, Iowa3 Reviews•14 Photos•6 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
Popular Camping Styles near Farmington
Pet-friendly camping near Farmington
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
33 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
Hickory Haven Campground
12 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
Nauvoo State Park Campground
27 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
Recent Reviews in Farmington
152 Reviews of 73 Farmington Campgrounds
Travis R.
Guide
Wilson Lake Park
Nice campground
I didn't stay here as it was winter. The campground is nice with cement pads as well as primitive campsites and cabins.
- Travis R.Guide
Lee County Pollmiller Park
Nice campground
I didn't stay here, just visited. Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs.
- Travis R.Guide
Louisa County Fairgrounds
Typical Fairground Camping
A small number of electrical sites was all that I saw. I'm sure there are bathrooms somewhere in one of the fairground buildings, but I didn't see any signage for them.
- Travis R.Guide
Virginia Grove Rec Area
Small and quaint
This is a small campground with electric camper spots. I didn't see any dump station. It features a playground and has vault toilets. There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks. Online only reservations.
- Travis R.Guide
Big Hollow Recreation Area
Full Featured Camping
This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.
- Travis R.Guide
Big Hollow Recreation Area
Really excellent campground
Lots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range.
- Travis R.Guide
Welter Recreation Area
Primitive Campsite
This campsite appears to not be well maintained it may even be closed. There is no electricity and one vault toilet. Weeds are overgrown, and fallen trees have not been cleared. However, it has a wonderful view of the river and is directly on the banks. Because there are fallen trees, firewood is plentiful :).
- Travis R.Guide
Lower Augusta Skunk River Access
Great campsite
Campsite is directly next to the river. Most sites have power but there are a few tent sits as well (those are right on the river). We'll maintained vault toilets. Site has a shared spicket.
- Travis R.Guide
Upper Augusta Skunk River Access
Does not exist
I don't think this camp site exists anymore. There is a roadside stop next to it with a Pavillion but no campground
Stuart O.Guide
Nauvoo State Park Campground
Late season option
We stayed in mid-November when a lot of places are closed. They had electricity and the dump station was operating, but the water hookups were shut off and the bath house was closed for the winter. Water was available at a hydrant across from the bath house, but lacked a garden hose thread, so you could only fill water jugs. The roads are very narrow and in need of repair. Fee was $18.
James M.
Legend
Fishback & Stevenson Cider House
Boondocking at Cider House
Camping bookdock style, no restrooms. Awesome sunset views, cider, near food, fuel, etc.
- TTiffany M.
ScoutHalstead Hideaway Campground
Amazing
We have stayed here multiple times and it is super peaceful, the host are great and help with anything you need!
Rebecca W.
Traveler
Eldon Wildlife Management Area
Quiet and Secluded
We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors.
- KKevin B.Scout
Updog RV & Camping
TERRIBLE
Worst place I have stayed in my 6 years of traveling as an RN. Yes, they had shade. Made cell service very hard to receive. ONLY other thing they has was geese and fishing. No picnic table, no firepits. I had a 30amp space. With slide out on each side, and not superslides either, I had EXACTLY 1 foot left on each side of my slides. I could not put out my awning as it would hit the camper next to me. No zero space behind camper as it went to a steep slope from my spare wheel. If I walked behind camper, I had to hang on to spare wheel or fall down the slope. Barely enough room in from of camper to park pickup at an angle. I have never seen anything like this place before. And hope I never do. Pictures you see of campground are SO VERY MUCH deceiving !!!!!. I rate it a one star only because it will not allow me to go any lower.
- RRoger M.Traveler
Driftwood Campground & RV Park
Nice campground.
Clean bathrooms, friendly staff, nice park across street for walking dog. Very cool old metal playground equipment.
Chunk S.TravelerLake Showme Campsites
Nice spot, lots of activity
Great spot, $20 for RVs and campers. Free if primitive camping. All spots have power and water. Waste and sewage dump can be found on campgrounds. One showering station on grounds. Bathrooms within walking distance. Even have a pistol and rifle range. Bathrooms could be cleaned more, but only complaint.
- Chunk S.Traveler
Eldon Wildlife Management Area
Public Hunting Spot
Small lot for hunters to park and go. For a secluded spot, good enough to camp. As long as you don't need any utilities.
Frank H.Guide
Hickory Haven Campground
Great Tent Camping
Level grass tent sites. Shade of trees. Electric outlets at sites. Water accessible. Bath house kept very clean. Plenty of hot water for showers. Picnic table & fire ring at site. Economical. Laundry. Ice bags available. Picnic shelter with sides, 3 picnic tables, small mini fridge, electric lights & outlets, ceiling fan, portable fan, water and deep sink available for campers to use.
- Jim C.Traveler
Updog RV & Camping
Great small park⁰
Very nice park small but great the way I like them. The bath house looks like my bath room at home. Next time in Mount Pleasant will stop again.
- JJames W.Traveler
Driftwood Campground & RV Park
Nice family owned csmpground
At one time this campground was a KOA campground so if you are familiar with KOA, you know the basic layout. We stayed here in our tent and while the tent area was closed for receding new grass the owner let us stay in a grassy area under the trees near the office. It was a great stsy and the restrooms and pool were nice and clean. We enjoyed ourselves and cooled off in the hot weather.
- KKeith B.Scout
brinton timbers park
Great park no showers though
I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.
- Greg K.Guide
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
Beautiful park
Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice. Cheap too. Walking trails nearby.
Amanda B.Traveler
Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest
Peaceful Paradise
Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.
- Greg K.Guide
Bentonsport
17$ Bentonsport campground
Beautiful river views. Amazing camp hosts. Showers,toilets,30/50/110 power water on sites to share water and dump on property. Mid 1800's town right there and businesses open. There is a blacksmith, a Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon.
Renee H.
Ranger
Marr Park
Great place to spend a night or even a few days
Close to major highway. Gravel sites. Clean campground. Many paved and grass walking trails surrounded by trees and natural areas. Bath/shower house is under construction. Child’s play equipment. Bathrooms with flush toilets nearby. Dump station for a fee. All sites had water and electric. Water was off during our visit in March. Park connected to nearby town by paved trail, approx 1 mile away. Gas and convenience store nearby. Camphost on site. Park is in a quiet rural location. Payment is made at dropbox when entering the park. Cell signal was 2 bars with Verizon.
Sam H.Guide
Rodeo Park
Perfect for a work trip
I stayed at the RV section right next to the rodeo arena. Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box. I forgot to count but looked like maybe 20 spots max. I was here mid-November in town for work and there was no more than four other campers at any point. Pretty basic surroundings though. There's barrel trash cans, didn't see a dumpster. Didn't see any toilet or shower buildings. Hardly any trees near the sites. Decent playground close by though, and a heavily wooded park with trails beyond that.
John C.Traveler
Crossroads RV Park - Iowa
Nice RV Park … if you want NOISE
The rv park, itself, is very nice! Clean, well organized and spacious. The issue is NOISE!! Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away. And quite a bit of freeway noise, too! It's all by about location, location, location and this park doesn't have it. Spent three(3) sleepless nights. We would have moved on but we were visiting our son who lives in the immediate area. Next time, l'll drive 30 minutes more to find someplace quiet.
Guide to Farmington
Camping near Farmington, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to spacious campgrounds, there's something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.
What to do:
- Fishing: Many campgrounds have great fishing spots. At Thousand Hills State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Nice calm lake great for swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and small motored boats."
- Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. A visitor at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park noted, "Excellent hiking trails. Great area to explore around the park as well."
- Boating: Rent a kayak or canoe at places like Lake Darling State Park Campground. One camper shared, "The lake area offers great fishing and there are boat rentals available."
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Hickory Haven Campground highlighted, "The bathrooms and laundry were very clean."
- Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots for tents and RVs. A visitor at Wakonda Lake Campground mentioned, "Sites were spacious, clean, plenty of space between sites."
- Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful surroundings. One reviewer at Spring Lake Park - Macomb said, "Nice and quiet and convenient to the highway."
What you should know:
- Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell reception. A camper at Lake Wapello State Park Campground mentioned, "Generally limited cell signal might be better that way."
- Crowded during peak season: Some campgrounds can get busy in the summer. A visitor at Boulder Lake Campground noted, "During the summer it’s always full and kids running around."
- Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A camper at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park shared, "Bonus: the deer came out each evening to forage."
Tips for camping with families:
- Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One reviewer at Thousand Hills State Park Campground mentioned, "There are several playgrounds for kids."
- Swimming areas: Choose campgrounds with swimming options. A visitor at Wakonda Lake Campground said, "GREAT weekend! Vast sandy beach."
- Group sites: Consider campgrounds that offer group camping. A camper at Lake Darling State Park Campground noted, "We stayed on the primitive group side of the lake."
Tips from RVers:
- Full hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A reviewer at Crossroads RV Park stated, "The site was a full hookup- electric, water and sewer."
- Easy access: Choose campgrounds that are easy to navigate. A camper at Hickory Haven Campground mentioned, "Good level sites with full hookups, gravel."
- Quiet spots: Seek out campgrounds that are away from busy roads. One visitor at Crossroads RV Park noted, "Clean, well organized and spacious. The issue is NOISE!!"
Camping around Farmington, IA, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Farmington, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Farmington, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 73 campgrounds and RV parks near Farmington, IA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Farmington, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Farmington, IA is Lacey-Keosauqua State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Farmington, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Farmington, IA.
What parks are near Farmington, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Farmington, IA that allow camping, notably Rathbun Lake and Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.