Best Campgrounds near Grinnell, IA

Join the fun near Grinnell. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Grinnell, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Grinnell, Iowa (93)

    1. Rock Creek State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 236-3722

    $12 - $40 / night

    "Very nice state park campground on a lake. Well kept grounds, clean bathrooms no wifi but cell service is available. 20 min from Grinnell"

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

    2. Kellogg RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 526-8535

    "Simple campground behind a Philips 66 gas station that totes they have Iowa’s best burger. They have recently updated shower building along with a laundry building"

    "I can’t tell you if they are actually Iowa’s best burger because this is the only burger I’ve had in Iowa.

    Nice people, everything is clean. Spots are pull thru. No issues at all."

    3. Diamond Lake County Park

    8 Reviews
    Montezuma, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 623-3191

    "While it was our first time camping in Iowa, we were extremely lucky to land upon this slightly hidden fresh water centered campground just a 20 minute drive south of Route 80 near Montezuma, wherein one"

    "Very nice camping place very laid back and good people around, decent sized lake for fishing , shower houses and restrooms are clean and amazing they even have old style outhouse restrooms at one side"

    4. Newton KOA

    10 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 792-2428

    "Newton KOA

    This is the primary location for camping in Newton. It’s right off interstate I-80 and is very close to the Iowa Speedway."

    "In fact, this campground outpost is so close to the highway that you’ll be hard pressed not to see or hear it during your entire stay."

    5. Mariposa Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Kellogg, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 792-9780

    "The lake has been drained and dredged and is slowly filling back up. It’s pretty spacious and has lots of room for tent camping. I wouldn’t bring an RV here."

    6. Anderson Campground

    1 Review
    Montezuma, IA
    10 miles
    +1 (641) 990-5178

    8. Outback Campground & Resort

    3 Reviews
    Garwin, IA
    18 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!"

    9. Camp Lake Pla-Mor

    Be the first to review!
    Kellogg, IA
    7 miles
    +1 (641) 526-3169

    10. Whitebreast Campground

    8 Reviews
    Lake Red Rock, IA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-7522

    "Our site had a great view of the lake, as well.   The campgrounds are a drive away from the beach and most boat ramps. "

    "Can walk down to the dock. We love to camp there every Fourth of July. It is a great place for all ages to enjoy."

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Showing results 1-10 of 93 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Grinnell, IA

324 Reviews of 93 Grinnell Campgrounds



Guide to Grinnell

Camping near Grinnell, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have trails for hiking. For example, at Jester County Park, one reviewer mentioned, "Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV. CG has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course and nature center."
  • Water Activities: If you enjoy being near water, Lake Macbride State Park Campground is a great choice. A visitor noted, "The campground area is clean. Showers and toilets are clean. The RV section of campground was nearly full but the tent/non-hook up section had lots of space."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Sugar Bottom Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One camper shared, "This campground is awesome. Very clean, for me the star attraction here was the solo bathroom & shower both together with lockable door for extreme privacy when needed."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and showers. A review for Lake Macbride State Park Campground highlighted, "Clean bathrooms, good Starlink north clearing (site 13), right next to trails, quiet."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. At Prairie Flower Recreation Area, a camper mentioned, "The whole campsite was paved and our site (#81) had a beautiful lake view."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. One visitor at Bob Shelter Recreation Area said, "Friendly hosts & Rangers."

What you should know

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A review for F. W. Kent Park noted, "Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. At Rock Creek State Park Campground, a camper pointed out, "The biggest downside: hard to tell until you see your site if you have water pump close enough!"
  • Wildlife: Be aware of local wildlife. A visitor at Yellow Banks County Park mentioned, "Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night because teenagers come through sometimes looking for stuff to steal."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. At Jester County Park, one review highlighted, "Camped in the upper CG site#145. Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds with activities for all ages. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "My niece who lives nearby recommended this place to stay when we went to visit her since was a short drive from where she lives."
  • Safety: Keep an eye on kids near water. A review for Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "The beach was a plus for the kids as well."

Tips from RVers

  • Site Size: Check the size of the sites before booking. One RV user at Walnut Woods State Park Campground noted, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Electric Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A review for Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with convenient dump stations. A visitor at Bob Shelter Recreation Area said, "Dump station and water fill in the back."

Camping near Grinnell, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Grinnell, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Grinnell, IA is Rock Creek State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 20 reviews.

What parks are near Grinnell, IA?

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