Tent campsites near Garwin, Iowa typically remain open from April through October, with most sites closing during winter months due to seasonal conditions. Summer temperatures average 80-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping offers cooler temperatures around 50-70°F. The terrain around Garwin features rolling hills and wooded areas with elevations ranging from 900-1,100 feet above sea level, creating natural drainage that helps campsites dry quickly after rainfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Stoehr Fishing Area provides excellent shore fishing on two ponds with black bass and bluegill as the main catch. "I live near Stoehr Fishing Area and fish there often. It has excellent shore fishing on the two ponds. The main species are black bass and bluegill, however I did catch a northern pike once," reports Kerry M.
Wildlife observation: The area campgrounds offer opportunities to view local wildlife including pheasants and songbirds. At Stoehr Fishing Area, campers can "enjoy the sound of pheasants and song birds in this area. It is not heavily wooded, but there are oaks, walnuts, and buckeye trees as well as a variety of aquatic plants."
Astronomy viewing: Ashton Wildwood Park features an observatory that opens on Saturday evenings (except the first Saturday of each month). As Willy W. explains: "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom."
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Tent campsites near Garwin offer generous space between sites, especially at Ashton Wildwood Park. "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents," reports Topaz G., while Michael K. adds that the "camp spot was clean and well-maintained."
Water access for recreation: Colfax Quarry Springs Park provides water access for fishing and kayaking. "This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing. There is a half mile portage with a campsite on the river which you must call to reserve," writes Willy W., noting it has "two places to launch kayaks."
Affordable rates: Most campgrounds in the area offer economical rates. Ashton Wildwood Park charges only $7 per night, while Colfax Quarry Springs Park sites are $10 per night with registration required. Christopher M. found Colfax Quarry Springs Park to be "awesome campground, clean and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good. Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Roadman Roadside Park offers flush toilets but no showers. As Annie C. notes: "It has flush toilets (but no showers). It is well maintained even if it is a bit older." At Ashton Wildwood, expect pit toilets at the campground with better facilities at the observatory: "There is only a pit toilet in the campground and it's nice enough for midnight runs. Drive up the road to the observatory and there is a bathroom with flush toilets and a hot shower."
Campfire restrictions: Several campgrounds prohibit fires entirely, including Stoehr Fishing Area. "There is a picnic shelter and grill, but no fire pit - campfires are not allowed," explains Kerry M. Check individual campground rules before planning to cook over an open flame.
Time limits on stays: Some camping areas restrict length of stay. Stoehr Fishing Area limits camping to 24 hours maximum, with Mitch confirming it's a "small park with maybe one primitive tent site no fire pit 24 hour is the length you can stay."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly trails: Mariposa Recreation Area offers family-friendly amenities. "There are hiking trails and one that goes to a back pond. There is a butterfly garden and playground for the kids to explore," says Willy W. about this recreation area near Kellogg.
Orienteering activities: Ashton Wildwood Park offers an orienteering course for older children and adults looking for a challenge. Willy W. mentions: "There is also a orienteering course but you have to walk in the woods to finish it."
Child-friendly recovery hikes: For families with varying abilities, Ashton Wildwood offers accessible trails. "There is a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement," notes Deb K., making it suitable for children and adults needing less strenuous paths.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent campsites near Garwin aren't suitable for larger recreational vehicles. At Roadman Roadside Park, Annie C. observed: "There are no hookups of any kind for RVs and I'm not really sure you can have an RV anywhere but in the gravel parking lot."
Neighborhood-like atmosphere: Twin Anchors Campground caters more to RVs but offers a different camping experience. "The campground was nice, but it seems more for RVs. This place feels more like a neighborhood verses camping in nature. Most people use this as a 'summer home'," explains Abby F.
Noise considerations: RV areas may have more activity and noise than tent-only areas. "Its 1130 pm and we r camping by the playground and there's about 10 children at the playground with no adults. And there's about 5 golf carts running around," reports Bill O. about Twin Anchors Campground.
