5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $18 - $90 / 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."
from $10 - $20 / 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."
from $10 - $17 / night
"Jump into the nearby water and let the kids have a blast! Enjoy a nice fun night away from home!"
"Nice Iowa State Park campground just outside of Grenell Iowa. On a lake. Hundreds of sites. So many of the non-electric test sites look amazing."
"Stopped overnight on our way home from Iowa City. No reservations & took our chances on finding an electric site. Score! Neighbors were friendly."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $40 / night
"There are good hiking trails, including a walk through some wildflowers. Bird watchers will love this place. Also expect to see deer and turkeys."
"I did not check the water hydrant, or even try to locate it, since I brought my own water for one night of camping."
from $10 / 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."
"The park is adjacent to Pine Lake and water based recreation is available including swimming beach and boating. The campground is off a paved road and is near to town."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $90 / night
"Some sites have great views of the lake. Nice walking trails. Wild life to watch. If you are camped under a hickory tree you will need to brush off the Hickory nuts off your slide outs."
ScoutKurt and Debbie are awesome. Couldn’t ask for better hosts. Campground has several ponds to fish and a small beach area. Being from Florida, I’ll say the beach is adorable! Dollar general is 2 minutes away. Has food side as well. Propane fill 2 minutes away. Several playgrounds, frisbee golf and shower houses. Lots of regular campers here on weekends so plenty of people to meet in season. I’m here for work so a bit different for me.
RangerLake Considine, IA. 5 out of 5. 10/28/26
Would recommend. Free. Friendly passerby’s. Gravel road no potholes. Fish galore. Pull in is nice and smooth. Quiet. Saw deer. Coyotes in distance. Fire pit area. Worn out table there. Boat load in. Beautiful scenery.
LegendVery nice state park campground. There are cabins as well as campsites. The park is adjacent to Pine Lake and water based recreation is available including swimming beach and boating. The campground is off a paved road and is near to town. There is a walking path to the boat launch from the campground. Biking/hiking trails are on property.
LegendSmall park with basic amenities along the river. There is a big event center at the entrance and keep going back and the campground is there along the river. This would be a great area for paddling the river. Seemed pretty quite and spaces are moderately spread out. There is a rifle range on the property if that interests you (negatively or positively- there is a photo of the rules in my review). No shooting while I was there.
LegendCute small park/campground in Iowa farm country. Inexpensive and quaint. Has a small creek nearby. Kids play area too. Basic amenities.
RangerNot free $10 a night.
RangerNot free. $10 a night. Haven’t been here yet just writing a review to let everyone know it’s not free.
RangerGreat little county park! Lots of back in sites; we found a pull-through that fit our 43' motorhome towing a truck with room to spare (site #20). $25 a night for water and elec is a fair price, and there's a dump station on the way out. My only reason for marking 4 stars is that trees could be trimmed back a bit more for big rigs to navigate without brushing up against them. (See couple pics). However it was late in the season -- we stayed Oct 22 and the park closes for winter on Oct 25, so maybe they'll be due for a trim next spring.
TravelerNice quiet campground. The front looks like more long timers and it was a little noisier up there but I drove to the back loop and it's nice and quiet back here. PLENTY of 50/30/20 amp hookups and the shower house in the back was nice. Water was just lukewarm but it was hot out so no problem. Might be less pleasant in colder weather though. Pull through spots available. I would stay here again for sure.
Central Iowa camping sites near Garwin provide diverse experiences ranging from lakeside stays to woodland retreats. The region sits within the rolling hills of the Iowa River Valley, with elevations between 850-950 feet above sea level. Seasonal camping typically runs April through October, though select parks like Hickory Hills remain accessible year-round with winter camping options.
Fishing opportunities: Lake and creek access at Union Grove State Park Campground is popular among visitors. "Union Grove is known for having good lake fishing. The lake is also a great place for kayaking or canoeing," notes Kerry M. The park offers rentals for those without equipment.
Trail exploration: Multi-use paths connect camping areas to scenic viewpoints. Otter Creek Lake and Park features nature trails with educational displays. James M. mentions, "Nature Center offers education displays and programs. Lake offers paddling, fishing, etc." The Comet Trail at Wolf Creek Recreation Area provides additional hiking and biking options.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities throughout the region. T.F. Clark County Park offers quiet spots for wildlife observation. Kerry M. reports, "There are opportunities to hike and view wildlife - my favorite outdoor activities."
Privacy levels: Varied site separation across parks. At Wolf Creek Recreation Area, Kerry M. appreciates that "the tent sites are spread out and it is fairly easy to find one without neighbors too close." The campground has 10 RV sites at $15/night and several tent/small camper sites at $10/night.
Quiet camping experiences: Less crowded options can be found at smaller county parks. According to Kerry M., T.F. Clark Park "offered much privacy when I went - I was the only person camping (tent camping). It was very quiet." Sites here cost $10/night for both non-electric and electric options.
Modern amenities: Updated facilities at Pine Lake State Park Campground receive positive reviews. Carolyn C. notes, "Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean. Campground is well kept." Many campgrounds offer electric hookups with water access points throughout the grounds.
Seasonal availability: Weather impacts operations. Most parks open fully April through October. Kerry M. notes about Pine Lake: "It can get busy during peak season!" Winter camping is limited but available at select locations.
Highway noise: Road proximity affects some campgrounds. At Riverview Park Campground, Kerry M. shares, "The downside is proximity. It is right next to the highway. When I was there in a tent, the hog trucks would drive by all night (loud and smelly)." Tent campers should select sites further from roads when possible.
Reservation requirements: Weekend planning needed for popular parks. According to PJ, Riverview Park Campground has "lot of room here on a Tuesday. The grounds are well kept." Many county parks like Wolf Creek operate first-come, first-served rather than reservations.
Playground access: Kid-friendly amenities available at several parks. Kerry M. mentions Wolf Creek Recreation Area has "a nice playground, which was a feature we enjoyed when my daughter was little." Similar facilities exist at other county parks.
Water recreation: Swimming options vary by location. At Outback Campground & Resort, Chrissy D. recommends: "This is a great place to camp and bring your kids! Jump into the nearby water and let the kids have a blast!" Brandon R. adds, "The pond isn't a far walk and had plenty of small fish for the kids to catch."
Educational opportunities: Nature programs at several parks. James M. notes that Otter Creek Lake and Park's "Nature Center offers education displays and programs," making it suitable for family learning experiences.
Site selection: Levelness considerations important at some parks. According to Maggie C. at Union Grove State Park, "Some sites are off with level & weird (ie stairs/door open on an incline and away from the table), and our picnic table was sloped. So pick your site carefully."
Hookup availability: Electric and water configurations vary. Diana T. describes Wolf Creek Recreation Area as having "well maintained campground sites suitable for small to midsize RVs." Most parks offer electric hookups, but full hookups are less common.
Size restrictions: Vehicle limitations at certain parks. Kerry M. explains that while Union Grove "has mostly RV sites, but there are a handful of smaller tent sites at the back." Other campgrounds like Wolf Creek accommodate small to midsize RVs rather than big rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Garwin, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Garwin, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 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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