Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Forest City, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Forest City campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$10 - $28 / night
"There is the town of Forest City just a few miles away and it has pretty much everything you need for a stock up for your next adventure!!"
"Located by New Ulm, MN this campground has plenty of activities in the park or very near the park."
$17 - $35 / night
"We love coming to Clear Lake! The campgrounds are always very well kept, bathrooms very clean! Easy access to the lake, and the town has so much to do during the summer months!"
"Clear lake state park is a nice campground. It does get very busy during peak season and traffic is continuous. It is clean and close to the beach. Down town and other shopping is a short drive away."
$12 - $60 / night
"Sites arranged in a circle around a clean shower house. Potable water. Only 2 non-electric sites. Most sites level. Sites are close to each other, not offering much in the way of privacy."
"Beautiful shaded campground near the lake, not far from town if you forgot something. We stayed in one of the two yurts- bunk bed plus a futon and table/chairs inside. Picnic table and grill outside."
"Great fishing lake. A beach for the kids. Great family campground"
"Nice and quiet, many families around. Had a great overnight and a lazy morning before a 2 PM checkout. Would stay again when we're back this way."
"There is a boat launch and paths down each side of the launch you could fish. On the way in, you'll see a deck to the left, providing a scenic overlook."
"Nice fire pit and located right next to the lake. Only downside was the site was electric only. No option for full hookup but water was located between the sites."
"There are plenty of walking and biking trails and there are walk-in tent camp sites. However, you cannot see the lake from the campground and there is no access to the lake from the campground."
RangerI really enjoyed my stay here. I had planned for one night but I enjoyed it so much I stayed for 3. The fairgrounds are dead quiet when there is not an event going on. The locals come through on walks because the fairgrounds are so pleasant. There is a nice walking path with gardens and artwork, and a playground as well.
There is a very clean bath house that has one shower. There are water hydrants throughout the fairgrounds but none at the camp sites. There is no dump station on the property. The sites are paved and most require some leveling. They are pretty short, my motorhome is 25 feet long and when I parked the back of my rig was over the grass. Some of the other sites might be a little longer.
There is a cell tower right next to the fairgrounds. I had excellent T-mobile (5G) and Verizon (4G) signal & speeds here.
There is a train track nearby, I heard trains once or twice a day. I did not hear any horns at night, but some during the day. It was not too loud.
The downtown part of Northwood is about a 15 minute walk. There you'll find a handful of restaurants and a very nice, very small, coffee shop. There is a grocery store in town, as well as a hardware store and a pharmacy. All within a 10-15 minute walk from the fairgrounds.
There is a very nice city park with bike paths, located right on the river, in the Southwest part of town. It's about a 20 minute walk.
ScoutBig grassy field surrounded by huge (walnut) trees. There a gravel track that goes along a large river. Trees everywhere so bring bug spray. Quiet, peaceful. Not private but worth it. Free, 3 day max stay
GuidePulled in one evening on our way to Texas from Minnesota. Large, open spaces equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. Electric hookups and water also available. Reasonable rates (I think we paid $15) for one night.
TravelerGreat place to stay.
RangerThere were 3-4 sites with three fire rings, two 20 amp hookups, and one picnic table. Cost was $15.
TravelerFirst time camping of the season here! Brian in the office was SO nice and generous. It was pretty quiet there, he upgraded us to a nicer spot and threw in an extra bundle of wood. The facilities were clean, graveled pull through spots were so nice. Other campers there were very nice. It’s pretty close to the interstate, so just be aware you’ll hear that noise, it might be better once the trees have leaves on them. Would stay again!
ScoutI was exhausted when I arrived but couldn’t find a way to drive to the campground due to gates saying hiking, horseback, and walking only.
ScoutFriendly owners. Level cement pads with hookups. Short walk to the lake and playgrounds. Bar and grill 1/4 mile away.
TravelerSites are approximately 2 miles from parking and the hike it relatively easy with minimal elevation change. You have a choice between a grassy walk or walking mainly on tar and gravel as part of the Blazing Star Trail. They are also accessible by boat.
There are 4 backpacking sites and they are well-spaced so you each have privacy. #3 and #4 are close enough that you could be in a group together but #1 and #2 are pretty isolated. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, wood cabinet/fish cleaning table, at least 1 flat spot for a tent, and a nearby porta potty.
Views of the lake are amazing with a variety of birds making appearances. Harvesting season may bring some farm sounds but otherwise, aside from the occasional train, you'll mainly hear the sounds of nature around you.
If you can make the walk carrying everything, including water, on your back, definitely check out one of these sites.
Camping near Forest City, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Forest City, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Forest City, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 71 campgrounds and RV parks near Forest City, IA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Forest City, IA is Pilot Knob State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 12 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Forest City, IA.
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