Top Tent Camping near Forest City, IA

Looking for the best Forest City tent camping? Find the best information on tent camping near Forest City, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Forest City, IA (8)


Recent Tent Reviews In Forest City

170 Reviews of 8 Forest City Campgrounds


  • Chloe T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Myre State Park Campgrounds
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Myre State Park Campgrounds

    Beautiful and easy to get to backpacking sites

    Sites 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dows Pool Park & Campground
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Dows Pool Park & Campground

    Shady, quiet campground with electric & water hookups and a dump station

    I only drove through here I did not camp. It was quiet and the sites were shaded. I saw water, electricity and a picnic table at every site. The pads are gravel and very level.

    You can easily bike into town.

    There is a dump station.

    I had 3 bars of Verizon 4G which provided 70 down and 12 up.

    On T-mobile I had 5 bars of 5G and 100 down and 7 up.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake State Park
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Clear Lake State Park

    Nice but crowded campground

    Nice campground with grassy pull thru sites. But very close together. If full, you would have no privacy. Fortunately, it was 1/4 full, so no problem. Bathrooms clean, nice warm showers! Nice beach, lots to do. Would be a fun place if you don’t mind camping next to neighbors!

  • James P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White Fox - Myre-Big Island State Park
    Aug. 13, 2024

    White Fox - Myre-Big Island State Park

    Wooded hideaway

    Roomy gravel sites. A mix of electric and non-electric sites. Commercial fire rings. Electrical needs refreshing. We had an issue with the 30A breaker not resetting on site 46E; eventually relocated to 47E. Park employee Noah was very accommodating and pleasant to deal with. He came out to the site to discuss options with us and eventually made some site reservation changes to resolve the situation. Close to town, nice historic district.

  • Nate H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oakwoods Trails Campground
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Oakwoods Trails Campground

    Really Great Campground

    The owners Jan and Brian are super nice. The campground is a ways from their home and quite secluded and quiet. There weren’t any kids when we were there though, I imagine they could change the quiet aspect. The bathrooms and showers are very nice as are the sites. Well worth the $25 we paid!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Oakwoods Trails Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Oakwoods Trails Campground

    Late weekend excellence

    Arrived Sunday evening and found the campsite mostly empty, (season pass members had campers here but there was only one other active camper). Staff was very friendly and helpful. TOILETS FLUSH! Showers clean, basketball court, horseshoes, and volleyball all provided. Could see the sites being kind of close and it being a little pricey but more than worth it in my mind. Site 6&7 were perfect for hammocks

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Co Park
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Riverside Co Park

    Great little city/county park!

    Beautiful large sites along the river so you can fish as well as has a pond that you can swim in with three beach entry areas. Large bath house with restrooms and showers and a little free library inside. Very long parking pads- big rig friendly and very roomy sites. Nice walking trails on the east and south side of the park. Very creative natural play park for children to play on. Full hook up sites with a very reasonable nightly rate. It appeared that some of the campsites were seasonal but couldn’t confirm that.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Myre State Park Campgrounds
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Myre State Park Campgrounds

    We loved it

    We were here mid week and pretty much had the place to ourselves. Beautiful old growth forest with lots of shade. For July the bugs weren’t bad. After traveling across South Dakota and dealing with 100 plus temperatures with no shade this was a welcome change. The rangers and hosts were welcoming and helpful. The bathrooms and showers are ultra modern and clean. We are planing on stopping back here on our way home.

  • Emelia O.
    Camper-submitted photo from White Fox - Myre-Big Island State Park
    Jun. 15, 2024

    White Fox - Myre-Big Island State Park

    Early Spring Camping

    We visited in early April so the sites were quite exposed, I can imagine they would be more private in the summer. Water and showers were not open yet as it was too cold but the vault toilets were well maintained.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Myre State Park Campgrounds
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Myre State Park Campgrounds

    Nice Campground

    Ok cell coverage for Verizon, no issues web surfing. Site 7E was larger with a good size and distance from others. Not the fault of the campground, bugs were in full force. Tons of tree coverage and very humid making it a great place for the little buggers. Would probably visit October/November when cold gets rid of them and the tree coverage. Hard to see the amazing views in the summer. Again, no fault of campground, just a consideration. Also, no real potty spots for pups. Either weeds/woods or muddy spots attempting to be grass/weeds. Best was around the showers/restrooms. Those were by far the shining gem of this campground. Fantastic bathing facilities. We’re self contained, so didn’t need it but my spouse did go use the restroom there instead of waiting. We peeked in the showers and they were really nice looking.

  • 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.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp At The Woods
    May. 3, 2024

    Camp At The Woods

    Open year round

    Very accommodating super nice people helped us back in and set up in middle of winter after dark after we had drove 2 days from the east coast. Our spot was on an incline but the water worked when temp was below freezing the camp was nice with new park for kids new basketball court new pavilion wish we could have been there in the summertime I’m sure the pool is nice when uncovered. I saw laundry and bathrooms by the river.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area
    Mar. 30, 2024

    Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area

    Good spot, but not exactly private

    It's a nice spot off of the main road. It's pretty quiet, but there aren't many spots to camp. When you come in on the dirt road, it hooks to the right, and you'll come upon a dirt cul-de-sac. On the right, you'll see a grassy area set into the woods where you could camp. Other than that, your parking in the perimeter. There's enough room that virtually any size camper could navigate into this spot, but if there are other people, that will really complicate your life.

    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. There's also a spot there you could potentially park, but you'll be very exposed if there is any foot traffic.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Myre State Park Campgrounds
    Dec. 6, 2023

    Myre State Park Campgrounds

    Great Campground, Even in 20° Weather

    We arrived after dark last night so we weren't able to see the gorgeous view until the sun rose! Luckily we woke up early and went for a walk right as the sun was coming up. It was quite cold, a little over 20°, but that meant the lake was frozen solid so we got to walk around on it! Tons of fun. Unfortunately the bathhouse, water spigots, and dump station were closed. That is not a super big deal since we have a camper. And it was publicized on their website about the dump stations being closed. The sites were spacious, the one we were in was non electric and a back-in site. But for $24 a night it was pretty nice! Especially would be worth it if more of the amenities had been open, but with how cold it is, it's very understandable that they would have them closed. There was still an outhouse with a vault toilet that was open. Unsure if there is a working sink because we did not use it. We had to call to make a same day reservation which was a tad bit annoying but the man on the phone was very helpful and nice so not bad at all.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Springs RV Resort
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Crystal Springs RV Resort

    Nice Campground

    As the campground(CG) is right off the interstate, it was easy to get to. Our check-in package was ready when we arrived at the little self-registration building at the entrance. We had requested site 40, where we had stayed two years ago, but they gave us back-in site 41 instead on the little lake. The utilities are in the middle of the site and worked well with water pressure near 45 psi. The sites are decently spaced for this type of CG. They have WiFi, but their info packet states it's not good enough for streaming but okay for email, etc. We got 3 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi since we were only here for two nights. The CG is right off I-35, so you do get some highway noise. This CG is very well kept, with mostly seasonal and permanent parties. We came in with two other 5th wheels and had no problem getting sites, but we did reserve well before our arrival. There was not a formal dog park, but there was plenty of area to walk your dog. We noted that this CG was featured in RV Life’s 2023 Discover The Best RV Parks& Resorts In Every State with this narrative:"This family-owned campground prides itself on cleanliness; there is an owner on-site around the clock to ensure it stays in top condition. The park is beautifully landscaped and has both pull-thru and back-in sites. All sites(some are waterfront) are level and offer full hookups and free Wi-Fi. There are onsite restrooms and laundry facilities that are kept sparkling clean. They also offer a lending library of books and movies. There is a large pond on the property that is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and other water sports, and there is a walking path that circles the pond." Check out the Spam Museum in Austin, MN. We thought the museum would be cheesy, but it was a nice facility and a great experience. The CG deserved this praise, and we again enjoyed our stay.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Oakwoods Trails Campground
    Aug. 29, 2023

    Oakwoods Trails Campground

    Lovely campground with lots of trees!

    This is a great campground with lots of shade and spacious tent pads! The large oak trees throughout the campground made for beautiful scenery and nice spots to string a hammock up. My site was right next to the bathroom building which did have a light on all night, but I had an eye mask so that didn’t bother me. $25/night for a tent site

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Myre State Park Campgrounds
    Aug. 22, 2023

    Myre State Park Campgrounds

    Great spot in SE MN

    We stayed at the Big Island Campground in the beginning of August. The sites seemed pretty large to us. My kids loved skipping rocks at the little shore at the entrance to the big island. You cannot swim in the lake but there are canoes and kayaks to rent. We really enjoyed our time here. Rangers were super nice and helpful. We hiked about 5 miles, saw a few deer and other animals. Bathrooms were very nice and clean. All of us that remembered to reapply bug spray didn't have any bites.

  • Jason H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Interstate Co Park
    Aug. 10, 2023

    Interstate Co Park

    Empty but lovely.

    Here on a Wednesday (which is the only night the nearby restaurant is closed). It was empty. It's on a lovely river with swimming. Mostly people here for day use putting boats in.

    Showers have hot water.

    They don't take reservations. Would definitely stay here again if I'm in the area.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from White Fox - Myre-Big Island State Park
    Aug. 5, 2023

    White Fox - Myre-Big Island State Park

    Quiet private campsites

    Great spot for nature seekers. Great bike trails. Well spaced, quiet sites. Electric hookup for RV and easy dump station. Showers were what you can expect but good pressure and hot water. No where to swim in the lake.

  • 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 Albert Lea-Austin KOA
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Albert Lea-Austin KOA

    Day 4 of cross country trip

    People are nice small campground. Not much for kids to do but if your staying overnight it’s fine for travelers.



Guide to Forest City

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the well-maintained trails, with one reviewer noting, "The trails were in great shape and beautiful with past-peak grasses and developing colors in the trees" at Myre-Big Island State Park.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: Spend a day on the water. One visitor at Beeds Lake State Park mentioned, "Nice trails to hike or bike, beautiful small lake, great for kayaking and fishing."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Pilot Knob State Park shared, "We saw several deer and other animals."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Blue Earth City Campground said, "The bathroom/showering area was very clean."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their hospitality. One camper at Riverview Campground noted, "The staff was very helpful & friendly."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Briggs Woods Park mentioned, "We stayed in the back. We had water/power but no sewer hookup. Very quiet park."

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Beeds Lake State Park remarked, "Many of the RV sites are very close together."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Eagle City County Park pointed out, "There is no pit toilet."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Clear Lake State Park Campground operates from April 1 to December 31.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. A family at Riverview Campground enjoyed, "Lots of activities for kids and teens."
  • Space for Play: Choose sites that offer enough space for kids to play. One camper at North Equestrian Campground mentioned, "There was also a nice playground for the kids surrounded by a well-maintained, large, grassy area."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Big Island Campground noted, "Bugs were in full force."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area advised, "If you need 50 amps, you're going to want to head to the Beach Camp."
  • Level Sites: Look for level sites to make your stay more comfortable. A visitor at Pilot Knob State Park mentioned, "Not all sites are level."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure a peaceful experience for everyone. A camper at Riverview Campground noted, "Neighbors decided movie night was important with surround sound."

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

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Forest City, IA is Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Forest City, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.