Best Campgrounds near Mingo, IA

Camping near Mingo, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore 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 enjoy a no-wake lake perfect for kayaking and fishing. A reviewer noted, “Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities. Campground has some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites.”
• Wildlife Watching: Prairie Flower Recreation Area is a great spot for spotting local wildlife. One camper shared, “Large level gravel pad driveways surrounded by beautiful prairie grass.”

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Walnut Woods State Park Campground said, “The bathrooms were modern and clean.”
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Cherry Glen Campground mentioned, “This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet.”
• Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One camper at Timberline Campground said, “Marta and crew were so friendly and helpful!”

What you should know:

• Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A visitor at Ledges State Park Campground noted, “Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected.”
• Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded in the summer. A reviewer at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “The campground area is clean... but the RV section of campground was nearly full.”
• No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. A camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area pointed out, “We didn’t use the bathroom/shower house, but I walked into one to check it out and it was outdated.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds Available: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. At Jester County Park, one reviewer said, “The campground has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course and nature center.”
• Plan for Activities: Choose a campground that offers various activities. A camper at Yellow Banks County Park mentioned, “Lots of shade, fairly level sites, clean bathrooms, right off river with boat access.”
• Safety First: Keep an eye on your belongings. A visitor at Yellow Banks County Park warned, “Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night because teenagers come through sometimes looking for stuff to steal.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park Campground noted, “The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine.”
• Look for Full Hookups: If you need them, check for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “Campground has some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites.”
• Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, try to arrive early. A visitor at Timberline Campground said, “We called ahead to see if they had sites available that night.”

Camping near Mingo, Iowa, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to friendly communities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.