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Best Tent Camping near Greenfield, IA

362 Reviews

Tent campsites near Greenfield, Iowa include several established options within a short drive. Kuehn Conservation Area offers primitive tent sites along the Raccoon River with a 4-star rating from visitors. Middle River Forest Area provides basic tent camping with minimal amenities, while Otter Creek Park has historically offered tent camping options, though recent reports indicate it may be temporarily closed for camping.

Tent camping facilities vary significantly across these locations. Kuehn Conservation Area provides drinking water, picnic tables, and toilet facilities, making it suitable for campers seeking basic amenities while maintaining a natural experience. Sites typically feature designated tent pads and fire rings where permitted. Middle River Forest Area offers a more primitive experience without amenities like picnic tables or trash service, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Most locations enforce quiet hours from approximately 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and campers should check current fire restrictions before arrival.

The tent camping experience in this region offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation in a relatively quiet setting. Kuehn Conservation Area provides access to hiking trails and paddling opportunities on the Raccoon River, with both upper and lower campground options. The area is open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise until 10:30 p.m. According to one visitor, Kuehn offers "nice quiet sites along the Raccoon River" with activities including "hiking, fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife" and access to the small Bear Creek nature center. Backcountry tent camping enthusiasts appreciate the walk-in access options at Kuehn, which help maintain the peaceful atmosphere even during busier periods. Tent-only camping areas generally provide more seclusion than mixed-use campgrounds in the region.

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Best Tent Sites Near Greenfield, Iowa (7)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Greenfield, IA

2 Photos of 7 Greenfield Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Greenfield, IA

362 Reviews of 7 Greenfield Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Lenon Mill Park

    Good Campsite but expensive compared to other similar sites

    I’ve maked this down to 3 stars purely on the basis of the fee - it’s a $20 flat fee whether in an RV with a hookup, or a tent with no hookup, and for that, you get a restroom and a spigot with drinking water, but no shower. Apart from that, the location is quiet and peaceful. Lots of space in the tent area, with some shade and soft grass. Close to town, with restaurants and a grocery store.

  • A
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Jester County Park

    Solid campground

    Stayed at this campground for 3 nights while visiting Des Moines.  We stayed in Loop 1- site 138 because we wanted electrical.  The electrical box has 2 standard household plugs which is nice.  This loop was mostly RVs due to the electrical hook ups.  There aren't really trees between the sites, but it is in a wooded area which is nice and there is some space between the sites so you don't feel like you are right on top of the other people.  Generally, people were pretty quiet, especially once it got dark.  Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate.  Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up.  There is a grassy area all around the gravel with plenty of room for multiple tents.  2 bath/shower houses within a short walk from the site- they were both clean and solid to use.  There are some short trails within the park which are generally well marked, but just 1 trail is longer than about 1/2 a mile.  Didn't check it out, but there is also a large lake.  Lots of picnic areas throughout the park.  There's also a volleyball court and free lending library near one of the bathhouses.  Overall, I'd recommend this campground as long as you don't mind seeing your neighbors.  Quick drive into Des Moines too.

  • C
    Oct. 23, 2019

    Nations Bridge Park

    Great spot

    This was a great spot for our overnight stay while traveling I-80. Its about 6 easy miles off the interstate, and well marked. The lower camp zone looks like it floods easily and was pretty muddy, so we opted for a nice level spot in the upper section. 50 amp plug in, fire rings, picnic tables, great park for our 3 year old. Our review would be 5 stars, but all the restrooms were locked for the season, and the only signage was on the doors of the facilities. No signage about the closures at the self registration. We probably should have checked the restrooms prior to setting up. Still, a very nice place and we would definitely visit again.

  • K
    Mar. 24, 2021

    Union County Park Thayer Lake Park

    Not a real campground.

    5 pedestals around new unfinished shelter. No water at all, no dump, no trash, no fire ring, lots of litter. Long winding single lane access road, be a big problem if 2 rigs met. Someone would have tough back up. Pond did look promising for fish cover. Main Amtrak RR line and highway on north border. Town of Thayer on otherside of highway is in a very bad way. Very small camper, tent for fishing only.

  • Matt S.
    Jul. 15, 2017

    Thayer Lake Rec Area

    Skip Thayer Lake and go to Three Mile SP

    This is a really small campground with a few electric boxes to park your camper on the outside of the parking lot next to the lake and one average tent site with a fire ring and picnic table.

    The lake is a good local spot for fishing but I would go to Three Mile State Park to camp with my family, it's just an extra 10 or 15 minute drive away.

  • M
    May. 9, 2021

    Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    Gorgeous in the fall!

    We stayed during the campground's last weekend in October, and loved it. It was so gorgeous with all the fall colors, and it's really a gem of a campground.

    Pros:

    -Beautiful, huge lake with lots of pretty views

    -Primitive spots are separated from electric spots, which is great if you're looking for quiet, peaceful tent camping

    -Primitive spots are relatively private and generously sized, you don't feel like you're right on top of your neighbors

    -Decent portapotty in close distance

    -Plenty of picnic spots

    -Electric spots are right along the lake, which offers beautiful views

    -On-site firewood

    Cons:

    -Full modern bathrooms are a long walk/drive away

    -Not much for activities

    -Water hydrants are right in the middle of people's camping spots, so it feels awkward to grab water

    -The only hiking trail is EXTREMELY poorly marked and when it ends (it doesn't tell you it's ending) you either have to just turn around or walk a mile along the busy highway with very small shoulder. We mistakenly took the highway expecting the trail to continue, but it didn't and it was very scary, 0/10 don't recommend.

    -Not many walk-in spots

    -Lots of primitive spots are on a hill, so your tent is a little sideways

    -Not many dumpsters

    -No lights in the portapotty, so you'll need a headlamp at night

    EDITED TO ADD: We stayed again in May, and it was a great place to spend a weekend. Quiet, friendly but not a party crowd, and a nice, relaxing environment overall. Word on the streets (from the DNR warden) is that they’re looking into creating 2 more hiking trails too.

  • Abby G.
    Jul. 8, 2019

    Mormon Trail County Park

    Off the Grid

    Mormon Trail is absolutely beautiful. Myself and some friends tent camped there over the weekend and we were not disappointed! It is a very small state park with only a couple tent sites/camper sites, so it is not over populated. The drive there is easy and beautiful. Big RV’s/campers might have a difficult time getting there as the road turns into a one lane, curvy gravel road. AT&T has absolutely no service there, but US cellular does. No showers/clean bathrooms, just 2 waterless restrooms. The lake has a very large, mostly shallow, swimming area, the water is absolutely perfect, along with a big sandy beach area. You can boat and fish on the lake as well. The stars are also very bright and beautiful (we are from a city with the light pollution hides them). I would highly recommend visiting this campsite if you love off the grid camping and don’t need to shower/primp everyday. What a relaxing/fun weekend we had!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Lenon Mill Park

    River View!

    We settled into one electrical site and one tent site for our adventure. The tent section offers fairly large sites, and views of the river. Our electrical site was decent size and the"backyard" was right up to the river bank. We anticipated some rain so we set up a screen tent for shelter right along the river to enjoy the view while we waited out the rain. Electricity at these sites appears to be brand new. The dirt work that was done to accomplish this had not yet been smoothed out, so making sure your area is lit to avoid tripping and ankle sprains is essential. As it turns out we camped on the same weekend of a large group's annual camp out at this location. 2nd weekend in April every year. Several families with RVs, and while they were great neighbors, we came to understand the site we were in is usually a part of their group. There are no reservations at this campground, so setting up early is the only way to assure you have the site you want. The facility has running water by mid April, no shower, but a single flushing toilet and sink, no soap. The campground does not have a trash can or dumpster on site at all, so you must pack everything out. Really good stay

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Acorn Valley

    Nice playground , well maintained

    Nice and well maintained ! We parked at a site by the playground and bathhouse , and could sit at our camper and watch our son play at a safe distance

Guide to Greenfield

Tent camping near Greenfield, Iowa, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature enthusiasts can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from peaceful riverside sites to secluded parks, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Kuehn Conservation Area, campers can enjoy features like drinking water, picnic tables, and the ability to have fires, making it a comfortable choice for outdoor stays.
  • Otter Creek Park provides essential amenities such as toilets and a sanitary dump, along with the option to bring pets along for the adventure.
  • For those looking for a more rustic experience, Middle River Forest Area offers a simple setup with tent camping, though it lacks some modern conveniences.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $25

  • Camping at Kuehn Conservation Area typically falls within the $10 to $20 range, making it an affordable option for families and solo adventurers alike.
  • Otter Creek Park offers a budget-friendly experience, with prices around $15, perfect for those looking to save while enjoying nature.
  • For a unique experience, Kokesh Co Park provides tent camping at a similar price point, though it’s essential to check availability as amenities are limited.

Local activities to enjoy while camping

  • Campers at Kuehn Conservation Area can explore hiking trails along the Raccoon River, perfect for a day of adventure and wildlife spotting.
  • Fishing and paddling opportunities abound at Otter Creek Park, making it a great spot for those who enjoy water activities.
  • For a more tranquil experience, Lyons Park offers a peaceful setting ideal for relaxation and enjoying nature's beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Greenfield, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Greenfield, IA is Middle River Forest Area with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Greenfield, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Greenfield, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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