Best Campgrounds near Gilbert, IA

Gilbert, Iowa camping areas include several great options within easy driving distance. Ledges State Park Campground sits just 14 miles away with wooded hiking trails and an impressive gorge with natural water features. Rock Creek State Park Campground gives campers access to fishing and boating, along with well-kept facilities and nice lake views. You'll likely spot deer, raccoons and many bird species in both parks, so store your food properly and follow the rules about wildlife. The Iowa High Trestle Trail runs nearby and makes for good biking and walking with views of the Des Moines River Valley. The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is worth checking out if you're interested in local history. Many campsites provide good privacy and shade, with larger sites available if you're bringing an RV. Spring and fall camping works best around Gilbert when the weather is mild. Summers get hot and humid, while winters bring cold temperatures and snow. Always check the weather forecast before heading out. The Gilbert area has both quiet and active camping spots depending on what you're looking for.

Best Camping Sites Near Gilbert, Iowa (91)

    1. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $12 - $25 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    2. Jester County Park

    29 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"

    "Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit."

    3. Little Wall Lake County Park

    5 Reviews
    Story City, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 832-9570

    "Close to the interstate and easy to get to."

    "We went when the wind was blowing in typical Iowa summer fashion. The grounds are peaceful and there's lots of great plant and flower spotting."

    4. Swede Point Park

    13 Reviews
    Madrid, IA
    19 miles
    Website

    "We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that. Nothing fancy, but has plenty of sites, flush toilets and showers available."

    "Nice little camp ground with easy access to the high trestle bike trail"

    5. Hickory Grove Campground

    5 Reviews
    Collins, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 232-2516

    $17 / night

    "Lots of trees for shade but the lake has trails and a swimming beach with watercraft rentals. Truly a hidden gem in central Iowa!"

    "Got to the campground around 6pm on a Friday and no one was at the primitive campground which was nice. The picnic table and fire ring were clean and in good condition."

    6. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $20 - $336 / night

    "The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."

    "Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites. Varying levels of shade. A25, had a good amount of shade and was near the nice playground and nice bathrooms. No view of the lake from loop A."

    7. Dakins Lake County Park

    4 Reviews
    Roland, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 487-7477

    $17 - $24 / night

    "Close to i35, but not to close. Make reservations, facilities this good are full by Friday."

    "The shelter is very nice and overlooks Dakins Lake.  The camp host was very responsive and helpful."

    8. Don Williams Park

    4 Reviews
    Ogden, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 353-4237

    $12 - $20 / night

    "Went kayaking on lake and then on Des Moines River (close by). Nice wildlife areas, hiking, fishing, etc. Pleasant staff."

    "Very quite and nice campground, we camped on top of the hill in tents it was awesome view and potable drinking water next to camp, bathrooms and shower facilities was clean and nice"

    9. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 964-8792

    $24 - $26 / night

    "Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service."

    "Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."

    10. Briggs Woods Park

    8 Reviews
    Webster City, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 832-9570

    "Brigs Woods is close to Webster City, IA.  There are several campsites, cabins, golf course, access to canoeing or kayaking on the Boone River, along with hiking trails, swimming and fishing. "

    "that hold 4 campers good for groups (friends, Family) upper camp ground has more single sites. as of 2020 more sites under construction both upper and lower area. they have some cabins and a couple walk"

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Showing results 1-10 of 91 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gilbert, IA

467 Reviews of 91 Gilbert Campgrounds



Guide to Gilbert

Camping near Gilbert, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy the water at Rock Creek State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities."
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Check out Jester County Park for family-friendly fun. One camper shared, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area said, "Clean shower house and restrooms."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites. A review for Cherry Glen Campground mentioned, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often highlight the helpful staff. One camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday remarked, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you're relying on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A visitor at Iowa Ledges State Park noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded in the summer. One reviewer at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground area is clean... but the RV section of campground was nearly full."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, so booking ahead is smart. A camper at Bob Shetler Recreation Area advised, "If we ever stay here again we would choose a site closer to the dam."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for Playgrounds: Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One camper at Jester County Park mentioned, "CG has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground said, "Found a great trail to hike, also the opportunity to rent a boat or paddleboard."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone happy with easy snacks. A camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday enjoyed the "small store with Hunt Brothers pizza to order."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park noted, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Leveling Gear: Bring blocks for leveling your RV. One camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground appreciated, "Dump station is at the entrance of the CG."

Camping around Gilbert, IA, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gilbert, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gilbert, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 91 campgrounds and RV parks near Gilbert, IA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gilbert, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gilbert, IA is Ledges State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Gilbert, IA.

What parks are near Gilbert, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Gilbert, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.