88 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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."
from $34 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
from $16 - $48 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
from $16 - $90 / night
Check Availability
LegendNice 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. The RV sites are very packed in with little to no privacy.
LegendPulled in from the main entrance on Stage Coach road - saw signs for tent sites to the right, so continued straight to RV sites. Found the little site with about 10 sites and only 2 other campers there. Found a nice place by the water and parked, hooked into electric.
Later took my bike for a ride and realized how many other sites there are around this lake. So many of them right on the water. A beautiful little spot. I was thinking of staying two nights, but discovered 2 ticks on my cat and decided to pull out.
Over night big rain came in and my power pedestal and fire pit were submerged in water! Choose your site wisely if there's a storm coming!
GuideThis little camp ground is part of the Iowa River Trail system. There is a good sized parking / turn around area. It was well kept and it costs about $10 a night and is in Hardin County.
The gravel road is fairly busy, but it could just be due to planting season starting. There were quite a few annoying gnats / mosquito's. There is a ramp for access, but it is dirt and gravel, so not something you can back a boat down in there easily.
I spent a night here and it was a pleasant experience, other than the flying bug annoyances.
GuideArrived at Reece Memorial Park in the early afternoon. I stopped by the Octagonal shelter at the south entrance of the park. This is a large shelter house with a fireplace in the middle of the building with several picnic tables.
I then drove down the road and entered into the west entrance of the park and followed it around the loop. There is a wide open area with a small slide and Merry-go-round, along with a couple of picnic tables.
I found, what I think, the best campsite in the park, and it was open. It sits along the creek and there was a fire ring there. This park is all primitive campsites, and so be prepared for that, although the description of the campground mentions vault toilets, I did not see them.
It was a very nice relaxing campsite, and the fact that there was no cell service, made it even better! There were a few vehicles drive through, and a little road noise, but I enjoyed my stay there. The creek was up, and it looks like part of the park might still be closed on the South side.
To primitive camp, the cost is $10.00 a night, and registration is with a QR Code, but since there is little to no cell service, it was difficult to get registered, so you may want to pay before you go.
TravelerComing in from the west there is a large u-shaped pull-off to the left just before a gate that is used to close the road for flooding. There are no signs. The lot area appears to be mowed annually. I parked along the lake/river shore without issues and popped up my truck tent. Over 40 bird species and a curious bald eagle dropped in and observed me through sunset.
GuideEverything is the same as reported in previous reviews. Good facilities and low price. Easy in and out.
ScoutCampground Hosts were amazing. We were short on some food the first night, Chuck was gracious to lend us some food and a 30amp extension cord. We had some nasty weather that first night also and we received a call from the host asking how we were doing!
Very clean park and very family friendly! Also has an excellent pond for fishing.
Will absolutely be coming back
GuideJust spent one night. It’s self pay, and only $20per day, for water, electricity, picnic tables, and fire ring. They’re good sized spaces. There’s clean bathrooms
ScoutVery friendly and clean! The bathrooms and showers are very nice. We enjoyed our short stay and will be back.
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 88 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.
Keep Exploring
