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Best Campgrounds near Garwin, IA

274 Reviews

Central Iowa offers several mixed-use campgrounds within a short drive of Garwin, providing options for tent, RV, and cabin camping. Union Grove State Park Campground, located near Gladbrook, features mostly RV sites with a handful of smaller tent sites at the back. Other popular camping areas include Hickory Hills Park and Pine Lake State Park, which offer multiple accommodation types including cabins. The region is characterized by small lakes, fishing opportunities, and recreational trails that connect many of the camping areas.

Campgrounds in this part of Iowa typically operate seasonally, with most facilities fully open from April through October. "This is one of our go to parks. Even when we don't camp, we love to swim here," notes one visitor about Union Grove State Park. Several campgrounds close or reduce services during winter months, though some like Hickory Hills Park remain open year-round with limited amenities. Tent and RV sites at county parks like Wolf Creek Recreation Area ($10-15 per night) and T.F. Clark Park ($10 per night) provide economical options, though facilities are often basic with vault toilets rather than shower houses. Many campgrounds require reservations for weekend stays during summer months, particularly for electric sites and cabins.

Campers consistently mention fishing as a primary attraction at camping areas throughout the region. Union Grove is recognized for good lake fishing and paddling opportunities, while Wolf Creek Recreation Area provides creek fishing and access to the Comet Trail for hiking and biking. One visitor described Wolf Creek as having "well maintained campground sites suitable for small to midsize RVs and a tent area." Privacy varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering spacious, well-separated sites and others placing campers in closer proximity. Road noise can be a factor at certain locations, particularly at Riverview Park Campground and Timmons Grove County Park, which are positioned near highways. For those seeking quieter experiences, T.F. Clark Park receives positive reviews for its solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Map showing campgrounds near Garwin, IowaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Garwin, Iowa (87)

    1. Union Grove State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Garwin, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 473-2556

    $18 - $90 / night

    "A few trails to hike and a horse camp that I didn’t have time to explore. Nice lending library as well. Bathroom/shower combos are nice (1 is ADA). Not far off the interstate."

    "Union Grove is known for having good lake fishing. The lake is also a great place for kayaking or canoeing."

    2. Otter Creek Lake and Park

    3 Reviews
    Garwin, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 484-2231

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Hidden gem in Iowa"

    "This is a very nice quiet campground close to a nice small lake. We stayed in space 30 and this area has just had the electrical updated and the are adding some new spots right by the lake."

    3. Wolf Creek Rec Area

    3 Reviews
    Gladbrook, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 345-2688

    $10 - $17 / night

    "Wolf Creek is a nice little campground near Beaman, IA (Beaman is very small, near Conrad as well which has a grocery store)."

    "A nice campground located on the comet trail."

    4. Outback Campground & Resort

    3 Reviews
    Garwin, IA
    9 miles
    +1 (641) 484-3611

    "Jump into the nearby water and let the kids have a blast! Enjoy a nice fun night away from home!"

    5. Riverview Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Marshalltown, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 754-5715

    6. Rock Creek State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 236-3722

    $12 - $40 / night

    "Stopped overnight on our way home from Iowa City. No reservations & took our chances on finding an electric site. Score! Neighbors were friendly."

    "The RV section of campground was nearly full but the tent/non-hook up section had lots of space. One can camp on lakeside but be aware that these spots have a slope, not comfortable for my van."

    7. Timmons Grove County Park

    3 Reviews
    Marshalltown, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 752-5490

    "There are good hiking trails, including a walk through some wildflowers. Bird watchers will love this place. Also expect to see deer and turkeys."

    8. T. F. Clark Co Park

    1 Review
    Gladbrook, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 484-2231

    $10 / night

    "I did not check the water hydrant, or even try to locate it, since I brought my own water for one night of camping."

    9. Pine Lake State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 858-5832

    $12 - $90 / night

    "This campground is near home so I know it well. The campground itself is nice, with some decent sized campsites, many having a great view of upper Pine Lake. There are flush toilets and showers."

    "Lovely views, great walking paths, quiet and picturesque lake. Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean. Campground is well kept. We will definitely be back."

    10. Hickory Hills Park

    3 Reviews
    Evansdale, IA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 342-3350
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Recent Camping Photos near Garwin, IA

49 Photos of 87 Garwin Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Garwin, IA

274 Reviews of 87 Garwin Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Campground Diamond In The Rough

    Following up on my review from over a year and a half ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this county park campground gem in a very rural part of Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) EZ access and just a 20 minute / 9 mile drive due south from I-80 via Exit 201; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (4) The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond; (5) The hiking trails and bountiful fishing spots make this a simply wonderful campground; (6) Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you; (7) While basic, the bathhouses were in pretty good condition and very clean; (8) Kid’s playground is fantastic and nearly brand new; (9) Reasonably priced bundles of pre-cut firewood; and (10) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic in here, although you are so far out in the boondocks, it’s not really much of a concern; (2) The newly minted RV area slopes down to the lake, but as you park perpendicular, it shouldn’t be an issue; (3) Also, because the RV area is new, there’s no trees or brush, which creates a lack of privacy between sites; (4) Nearly all of the RV slots – save the few that are right next to the lake - have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings, at least in the tent camping areas, are worn-out and in pretty poor condition and should be replaced or refurbished; (7) The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don’t recommend swimming here

    Happy Camping!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Black Hawk County Park

    On the bike trail

    Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp...

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Diamond lake

    Clean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.

  • Isaac H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Deerwood Park

    Cash Only

    Good place to camp. Seems safe and friendly. Only down side is that it's cash only. Who carries cash these days?!

  • Clifton B.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Very nice campground off the beaten path

    Wife and I met friends here in August 2025.  This was the middle between us & them as we live in CO and they live in NY.  The campground was very well maintained.  Shower rooms & restrooms were very clean and all were functional.  We really enjoyed the long weekend here.  Be advised tho, we were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August.  Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didnt expect the humidity to affect us as it did.  Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees.  Wife and I will likely return and see more of the Amana communities in the fall.

Guide to Garwin

Camping near Garwin, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the many trails available in the area. Campers have enjoyed the “numerous shade trees, gravel pads, and hiking trails” at Jester County Park.
  • Water Activities: If you love being near the water, check out Lake Macbride State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “The campground area is clean. Showers and toilets are clean. The RV section of the campground was nearly full but the tent/non-hook up section had lots of space.”
  • Fishing and Boating: For those who enjoy fishing or boating, Rock Creek State Park Campground is a great spot. A reviewer noted, “Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities. Campground has some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One camper at F. W. Kent Park said, “Very quiet and clean, with lots of amenities and space to spread out.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. A visitor at Bob Shelter Recreation Area shared, “Friendly hosts & Rangers.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites available. A review for Prairie Flower Recreation Area highlighted, “The spaces are large and open with a nice balance of trees for shade.”

What you should know

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Thomas Mitchell County Park mentioned, “Even though there were several empty spaces, turns out they were reserved.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground noted, “Showers had to be continually pushed to keep rolling.”
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially if you’re camping with pets. A camper at Yellow Banks County Park warned, “Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night because teenagers come through sometimes looking for stuff to steal.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds Available: Many campgrounds have playgrounds for kids. One family enjoyed the “kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course, and nature center” at Jester County Park.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for all ages. A camper at George Wyth State Park Campground mentioned, “This park has hiking (on path or off), fishing in multiple lakes and the cedar river, and a beach!!!”
  • Quiet Times: Choose weekdays for a quieter experience. A visitor at F. W. Kent Park said, “It’s a great place for a quick getaway. Quiet and not a million sites.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground noted, “The biggest downside: hard to tell until you see your site if you have water pump close enough!”
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A reviewer at Cherry Glen Campground appreciated the “electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets.”
  • Dump Stations: Ensure there’s a dump station nearby. A camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area mentioned, “Dump station and water fill in the back.”

Camping near Garwin, Iowa, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to friendly communities. Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, you’ll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Garwin, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Garwin, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Garwin, IA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Garwin, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Garwin, IA is Union Grove State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Garwin, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Garwin, IA.

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