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Best Campgrounds near Gladbrook, IA

257 Reviews

Central Iowa provides several established campgrounds near Gladbrook, including Union Grove State Park Campground just 2 miles south of town. This state park accommodates tent camping, RVs, and offers two rental cabins on its 282-acre property featuring a small lake. The campground network surrounding Gladbrook extends to nearby communities like Marshalltown, where Riverview Park Campground provides full hookup sites, and Beaman, home to Wolf Creek Recreation Area. Most campgrounds in the region support both tent and RV camping, while some properties like Pine Lake State Park in Eldora and Outback Campground in Tama also feature cabin rentals for those seeking more amenities.

Camping in the Gladbrook area follows typical Midwest seasonal patterns with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Union Grove State Park specifically operates from May 1 to September 30. "Great small town campground. Very quiet, especially on weekdays. Great place to take long walks with great paths and scenery," noted one visitor about nearby Prairie Bridges Park. The Iowa River influences several camping destinations in the area, with periodic flooding affecting riverside sites at locations like Pine Ridge Park in Steamboat Rock. Many campgrounds maintain electric hookups for RVs, while tent sites often have picnic tables and fire rings. Reservation requirements vary, with some state parks requiring advance bookings while county parks may operate on a first-come basis.

Water access represents a significant feature at most campgrounds near Gladbrook. Union Grove State Park offers fishing and non-motorized boating on its lake, while campers at Pine Lake State Park can enjoy both upper and lower lakes for paddling and fishing. A reviewer described Pine Lake as having "decent sized campsites, many having a great view of upper Pine Lake." Highway noise affects some locations, particularly Riverview Park in Marshalltown, where a visitor reported "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)." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, with several parks featuring hiking trails through wooded areas and along waterways. County parks typically offer more secluded camping experiences compared to the more developed state park facilities.

Map showing campgrounds near Gladbrook, IowaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Gladbrook, Iowa (89)

    1. Union Grove State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Garwin, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 473-2556

    $30 - $90 / night

    "Union Grove is known for having good lake fishing. The lake is also a great place for kayaking or canoeing."

    "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."

    2. Wolf Creek Rec Area

    3 Reviews
    Gladbrook, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 345-2688

    $10 - $17 / 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."

    3. Riverview Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Marshalltown, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 754-5715

    4. Otter Creek Lake and Park

    3 Reviews
    Garwin, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 484-2231

    $10 - $20 / 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."

    5. Pine Lake State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 858-5832

    $15 - $90 / 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."

    "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."

    6. Timmons Grove County Park

    3 Reviews
    Marshalltown, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 752-5490

    "There are good hiking trails, including a walk through some wildflowers. Bird watchers will love this place. Also expect to see deer and turkeys."

    7. Outback Campground & Resort

    3 Reviews
    Garwin, IA
    15 miles
    +1 (641) 484-3611

    "Jump into the nearby water and let the kids have a blast! Enjoy a nice fun night away from home!"

    8. T. F. Clark Co Park

    1 Review
    Gladbrook, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 484-2231

    $10 / night

    "I did not check the water hydrant, or even try to locate it, since I brought my own water for one night of camping."

    9. Rock Creek State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 236-3722

    $15 - $46 / night

    "Stopped overnight on our way home from Iowa City. No reservations & took our chances on finding an electric site. Score! Neighbors were friendly."

    "The RV section of campground was nearly full but the tent/non-hook up section had lots of space. One can camp on lakeside but be aware that these spots have a slope, not comfortable for my van."

    10. George Wyth State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Cedar Falls, IA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 232-5505

    $15 - $23 / night

    "**

    • Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.)"

    "On Cedar Valley bike trail (100+miles of interconnecting bike trial. major Hwy on two sides of park, sleeping in a tenet it was very noisy at night. and a train track close by (again at night)"

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Recent Camping Photos near Gladbrook, IA

44 Photos of 89 Gladbrook Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gladbrook, IA

257 Reviews of 89 Gladbrook Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Campground Diamond In The Rough

    Following up on my review from over a year and a half ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this county park campground gem in a very rural part of Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) EZ access and just a 20 minute / 9 mile drive due south from I-80 via Exit 201; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (4) The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond; (5) The hiking trails and bountiful fishing spots make this a simply wonderful campground; (6) Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you; (7) While basic, the bathhouses were in pretty good condition and very clean; (8) Kid’s playground is fantastic and nearly brand new; (9) Reasonably priced bundles of pre-cut firewood; and (10) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic in here, although you are so far out in the boondocks, it’s not really much of a concern; (2) The newly minted RV area slopes down to the lake, but as you park perpendicular, it shouldn’t be an issue; (3) Also, because the RV area is new, there’s no trees or brush, which creates a lack of privacy between sites; (4) Nearly all of the RV slots – save the few that are right next to the lake - have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings, at least in the tent camping areas, are worn-out and in pretty poor condition and should be replaced or refurbished; (7) The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don’t recommend swimming here

    Happy Camping!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Black Hawk County Park

    On the bike trail

    Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp...

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Diamond lake

    Clean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.

  • Isaac H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Deerwood Park

    Cash Only

    Good place to camp. Seems safe and friendly. Only down side is that it's cash only. Who carries cash these days?!

  • Clifton B.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Very nice campground off the beaten path

    Wife and I met friends here in August 2025.  This was the middle between us & them as we live in CO and they live in NY.  The campground was very well maintained.  Shower rooms & restrooms were very clean and all were functional.  We really enjoyed the long weekend here.  Be advised tho, we were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August.  Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didnt expect the humidity to affect us as it did.  Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees.  Wife and I will likely return and see more of the Amana communities in the fall.

Guide to Gladbrook

Camping near Gladbrook, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Scenic Views: Many campers enjoy the 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: At Rock Creek State Park Campground, you can rent boats and kayaks. A reviewer noted, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities. Campground has some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites."
  • Family Activities: Jester County Park offers playgrounds and hiking trails. One family shared, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing they have airsoft ranges or tree ranges snowshoeing cross-country skiing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at F. W. Kent Park said, "Clean restrooms & shower stalls. Water. Playground. Friendly & helpful campground host."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Prairie Flower Recreation Area, have large, level sites. One camper mentioned, "Campground with level pads, easy access and super friendly hosts."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views, especially at George Wyth State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "This park has hiking(on path or off), fishing in multiple lakes and the cedar river, and a beach!!!"

What you should know:

  • Cell Service Issues: If you rely on your phone, be aware that some areas, like Iowa Ledges State Park, have poor cell coverage. One camper remarked, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Popular spots can get crowded, especially in summer. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground area is clean...but the RV section of campground was nearly full."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bob Shelter Recreation Area, may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper noted, "There were electrical hookups, but no water."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds and family-friendly activities, like Jester County Park. A family shared, "Camped in the upper CG site#145. Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids engaged. One camper at Swede Point Park said, "Great place to stay. Just a few minutes drive to High Trestle Bridge and right off the river."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Cherry Glen Campground mentioned, "The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure the campground has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground noted, "Campground has some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites."
  • Arrive Early for Best Spots: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. A camper at F. W. Kent Park said, "A nice out of the way campground. Very quiet."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Shade: Some campgrounds may not have many shaded areas. A reviewer at George Wyth State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathroom were a little sketchy and the noise from the highway was quite loud."

Camping near Gladbrook, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gladbrook, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gladbrook, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 campgrounds and RV parks near Gladbrook, IA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gladbrook, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gladbrook, IA is Union Grove State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Gladbrook, IA.

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