Best Campgrounds near Gilbert, IA
State parks and county recreation areas surround Gilbert, Iowa, offering a range of camping experiences within a 30-mile radius. Ledges State Park, located near Madrid, stands out with its unique sandstone formations and hiking trails with elevation changes uncommon in Iowa's typically flat landscape. Little Wall Lake County Park in Jewell provides year-round camping with both electric and primitive sites, while Hickory Grove Campground near Colo offers a lakeside setting with boat access. Accommodations vary from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, cabins, and even yurts at select locations. Most campgrounds maintain operating seasons from April through October, though several parks like Little Wall Lake and Briggs Woods remain open year-round.
Campground reservations are recommended during summer months, particularly for weekend stays when facilities reach capacity. Many sites offer electric hookups ranging from 30-50 amp service, with prices typically between $11-18 per night depending on amenities. As one camper noted about Ledges State Park, "What I enjoy most about this park compared to others in Iowa are the sandstone ledges and the slopes on the trail. There are some excellent views." Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons frequently mentioned in visitor reviews. According to one camper at Ledges: "Beware of the raccoons. They're plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the carton without disturbing anything else."
Proximity to water features distinguishes many campgrounds in the area. Several sites offer access to lakes, rivers, or streams for fishing, paddling, and swimming. Highway noise affects some locations, particularly those near Interstate 80 or major state routes. Campers seeking quieter experiences should consider more remote options like Eagle City County Park, described as "quiet camping in the middle of nowhere" with primitive facilities along the Iowa River. Bicycle enthusiasts appreciate Swede Point Park's proximity to the High Trestle Trail. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting good coverage. Shade availability varies significantly between locations, with established state parks typically offering more tree cover than newer county facilities.
