Best Campgrounds near Guthrie Center, IA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Guthrie Center, IA has a lot to offer. Guthrie Center is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Guthrie Center, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Guthrie Center, Iowa (82)

    1. Springbrook State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Guthrie Center, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 747-3591

    $10 - $200 / night

    "Pros:

    -Not a far drive from Des Moines, but still quite remote

    -Lots of nice hiking trails

    -Easy access to large, mostly clean modern bathrooms

    -The lake is a peaceful spot to spend the early mornings"

    "You’ll love this little park if you want to really disconnect and get away from things as there was absolutely 0 cell reception where we were at."

    2. Lenon Mill Park

    5 Reviews
    Guthrie Center, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 755-3061

    "Turn of century museum within walking distance. National golf course, par 3 golf course at nearby lake panorama is open to the public."

    "The Guthrie County Historical Village& Museum is a 5 minute walk away. It's not open evenings or weekends but there is interesting stuff to walk around and see even when closed."

    3. Adair City Park

    10 Reviews
    Anita, IA
    15 miles
    +1 (641) 742-3751

    $6 - $15 / night

    "Based on other reviews we weren’t expecting much, but this spot is perfect for getting a good night’s rest when passing through Iowa."

    "Park was clean and close to highway. Husband said bathrooms were clean enough. Didn't use the showers. Arrived around 10pm on a Tuesday and there were 3 spots left."

    4. Lake Anita State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Anita, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 762-3564

    $12 - $20 / night

    "This campground has both RV full hookup and electric sites very close to the lake. Campsites offer a great view of lake and close access to docks."

    "Beautiful lake, great walking trail, close to town and I-80, but quiet and peaceful. Can’t beat it for $11 a night."

    5. Nations Bridge Park

    4 Reviews
    Stuart, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 523-1789

    "It was green, very clean, and in a nice location (just on the outskirts of Des Moines). We were there on a Wednesday, and there was barely anyone there."

    "It’s a little ways off the highway through the town of Stuart (Home to 1600 good eggs). There is an upper and lower campground and rumor has it that the lower sites can be a little muddy."

    6. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    22 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 834-2729

    "Roadside Oasis, a place to rest a weary head, food, showers, etc. Cabins always help get you in and get out early without setting up camp."

    "I love the beautiful surroundings here. Definitely worth the visit."

    7. Casey City Park

    4 Reviews
    Stuart, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 746-3315

    $10 / night

    "This is a small little park off the highway, we had been traveling for two days and needed to stop for the night."

    ".  clean accessible and a drive through a quaint little town. What else could you ask for?"

    8. Littlefield Rec Area

    7 Reviews
    Exira, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 268-2762

    "Nice campground and staff, town close by if you need more supplies, we like it here!"

    "Lots of space around your site. Fills up fast on weekends. Would recommend this park."

    9. Middle River Point

    2 Reviews
    Stuart, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 231-8904

    $15 - $32 / night

    10. Menlo City Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Stuart, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 524-2411
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Showing results 1-10 of 82 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Guthrie Center, IA

396 Reviews of 82 Guthrie Center Campgrounds



Guide to Guthrie Center

Camping near Guthrie Center, 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 Trails: Ledges State Park Campground has scenic hiking trails that are popular among locals. One visitor noted, "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: Lake Anita State Park Campground is a great spot for fishing and boating. A camper shared, "We loved staying there over the weekend... A lot of timid wildlife."
  • Playgrounds and Activities: Jester County Park offers a playground and various activities. One family mentioned, "We love it here; people are great, and the price is right."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the clean restrooms and shower facilities. A review from Prairie Flower Recreation Area stated, "Clean shower house and restrooms. Would we go back? That's a definitely yes."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Yellow Banks County Park, have large, spacious sites. One camper remarked, "Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, a visitor said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Some campgrounds, like Ledges State Park, have poor cell coverage. A camper noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds during summer months, especially at popular spots like Ledges State Park. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground was large but busy when we did."
  • No Water Hookups: Some campgrounds, such as Bob Shelter Recreation Area, do not have water hookups. A visitor pointed out, "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. Jester County Park is a great option, as one family said, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."
  • Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Anita State Park mentioned, "A bit noisy when I stayed (people playing loud music into the evening)."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Having games on hand can keep kids entertained. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area suggested, "There is something for everyone here and a great campground for families."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A review from Walnut Woods State Park noted, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, confirm availability. A camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs and also tent campers."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads and close sites. A visitor at Walnut Woods State Park said, "The road around the campground is paved, but very narrow."

Camping near Guthrie Center, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a mix of beautiful nature and friendly communities, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Guthrie Center, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Guthrie Center, IA is Springbrook State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

What parks are near Guthrie Center, IA?

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