Best Camping 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, IA (83)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park

    1. Lake Anita State Park

    24 Reviews
    84 Photos
    103 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA

    2. Des Moines West KOA

    22 Reviews
    33 Photos
    44 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park

    3. Ledges State Park

    39 Reviews
    57 Photos
    207 Saves

    Millions of years before the plains of Iowa were inhabited by the Sauk, Fox and Sioux peoples, much of the American Midwest was covered by a shallow inland sea. It was at this time that the area’s sandstone deposits began forming. Fast-forward to just 13,000 years ago, with the inland sea now long gone, Ice Age glacial meltwater raced across the dry plains, carving and scouring channels and canyons into the sandstone terrain. One of these canyons can be found in Iowa’s Ledges State Park. This 1,000-acre nature preserve and recreation area is located on a wide bend on the Des Moines River, and is just 40 miles north of the city of Des Moines. The park is subject to frequent flooding when the river breaches its banks, but is otherwise a popular year-round outdoor recreation destination. Visitors to Ledges can enjoy a variety of hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities, as well as explore a prehistoric river canyon that showcases nature’s ability to sculpt the landscape. The campground at Ledges State Park features 94 tent and RV sites situated among deciduous woods not far from the Des Moines River. Campers can choose from full-hookup, partial-hookup, or primitive tent sites. Most sites are back-in; only a few are pull-through for larger vehicles. Tent sites are located in both in the main camp area, and in a secluded walk-in area. There is also a youth group site. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills, and all have access to water faucets, flush restrooms, showers, and trash receptacles; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The campground also features a kids’ playground, outdoor amphitheater, and is within walking distance of trails and picnic areas. Some roads and/or facilities may not be open or available in the winter. Reservations are accepted, however the park saves about half of the sites for first-come, first-served campers; sites are $11–$19/night.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park

    4. Springbrook State Park

    9 Reviews
    42 Photos
    33 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park

    5. Adair City Park

    9 Reviews
    37 Photos
    20 Saves
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park

    6. Jester County Park

    27 Reviews
    45 Photos
    100 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park

    7. Lenon Mill Park

    5 Reviews
    23 Photos
    8 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Littlefield Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Littlefield Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Littlefield Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Littlefield Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Littlefield Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Littlefield Rec Area

    8. Littlefield Rec Area

    6 Reviews
    7 Photos
    20 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Nations Bridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nations Bridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nations Bridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nations Bridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nations Bridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Nations Bridge Park

    9. Nations Bridge Park

    4 Reviews
    30 Photos
    32 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake County Park

    10. Spring Lake County Park

    9 Reviews
    9 Photos
    31 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 83 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Guthrie Center

Recent Reviews In Guthrie Center

361 Reviews of 83 Guthrie Center Campgrounds


  • Gudrun C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Adair City Park

    Convenient Spot

    No frills spot for an easy stop off I-80. Only 2 other campers the night we stayed. Great Mexican restaurant 2 blocks away.

  • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Don Williams Park
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Don Williams Park

    Quite and nice

    Very quite and nice campground, we camped on top of the hill in tents it was awesome view and potable drinking water next to camp, bathrooms and shower facilities was clean and nice

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Lenon Mill Park

    Pretty basic, great for an overnight

    I stayed here one night while I was traveling. It was a Saturday so the campground was kind of busy. People shouting and loud music. Lots of trucks with noisy exhausts coming and going all day. I'm sure it's more quiet during the week.

    Some of the sites are well shaded, and you can access the water. It looked like people had been finding clams (they left the shells all over the picnic table). People were fishing here.

    The power pedestals are far back from the parking pad for some reason. If you back all the way into your spot or if you have a long cord you should be fine. There was only a 50A outlet so I needed to use an adapter for my 30A camper.

    There is one water spigot, and no dump station.

    There are bathrooms, but no showers.

    I had great T-mobile signal here (5G, 160 down and 20 up). And a somewhat decent 4G Verizon signal (70 down, 12 up).

    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. The railroad cars are very cool.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Sportsman Park

    JJSploit

    This piece of writing is certain to attract the interest of readers from a wide variety of backgrounds due to the abundance of insightful content and topics that are pertinent to the topic at hand. JJSploit Official

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Lake Anita State Park

    Nice

    We only stayed here for the night but everything was perfectly fine. A little off I80 but not too far. Nice lake and incredible harvest moon the night we were there

  • BENdejo ~.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Flower Recreation Area
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    Large, level, clean, quiet, cheap

    Large level gravel pad driveways surrounded by beautiful prairie grass. Fantastically clean & well maintained facilities. Nice beach down the road and some Greenway trails. One of the NICEST public campgrounds I've stayed at. Reserve online at rec.gov. America the Beautiful National Parks Pass pays your day use fees at the beach.

  • Deb M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Winterset City Park

    Great city park on a cute town

    Nice city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see. The sites are pretty well spaced with lots of grass and some trees in between. It was a good value for full hookup sites. The bathroom was decent, and phone service was adequate. We just spent one night here on our way home from Colorado, but will be returning in the fall to explore more and see some colors.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Valley State Park
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Green Valley State Park

    Timing is everything!

    Pretty grounds with woodland coverage on all sides in addition to the lake. We visited in August and realized it was prime family vacation time before school starts up again, so a little crowded and noisy. Spots are pretty close together too. But the grounds are quite lovely and the facilities were super clean. We plan to go back when Autumn arrives, mid week. Bonus easy shore fishing access.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Valley
    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

  • Alika T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Adair City Park

    Awesome little campsites!

    $15 full power / $6 tents / $5 dump only. They have 110 power as well as regular hookups. Playground, tennis / pickleball courts, little zip line, and covered picnic area.

  • Nancy C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Valley
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Acorn Valley

    Amazingly Quiet

    We lived our time there. It was quiet and we loved listening to the wildlife at night. My only complaint is that they left people in to camp after 10. Which kept me awake for a bit.

  • Thomas P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Campground
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Beaver Lake Campground

    Simple for overnight

    This campground is on the side of a lake. You hear beavers at night, see rabbits are on the sides of the lot. We came late around 8pm and the owner helped us fill the form and pick our spot. The only drawback are the restrooms which were ok but smelly.

  • Matt M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Iowa State Fair Campgrounds
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Iowa State Fair Campgrounds

    Nice campground!

    We've stayed here a number of times now in the past 2 years (not during fair weeks.) Campgrounds are located on the east side of the actual fairgrounds. There are hundreds of sites here. Some are flat, some are no where near flat, but there are so many, you can find one that will work for you! Almost all of the sites are full grass sites. The main shower house is the only one we've ever used and have no complaints. They are clean and bright and well kept.

    The sites are $32/night.

  • Brian M.
    Camper-submitted photo from CAB Campground
    May. 21, 2024

    CAB Campground

    I gave 5 stars. There are no frills here!

    There are no frills here just quiet and the essentials, elec, water and sewer for $25/night. Great communication. If you're traveling near it's an inexpensive place to get some rest.

  • George H.
    Camper-submitted photo from University 40
    May. 17, 2024

    University 40

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  • Amanda W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Apr. 13, 2024

    Jester County Park

    camping

    we love it here people are great price is Right Showers are hot every time it a WOnderfull place •to be .

  • Danni A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Icaria Co Park
    Apr. 9, 2024

    Lake Icaria Co Park

    Beautiful Views

    This campground has beautiful views of the lake. The sites are very close together. Everything was very clean when we were there.

  • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Swede Point Park
    Apr. 8, 2024

    Swede Point Park

    Great little gem

    Great little hideaway of a campground, very reasonably priced and clean , fresh drinking water with dump stations and hot water showers and modern toilet facilities,

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenhouse Camping
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Greenhouse Camping

    Nice laid back overnight stay.

    This turned out to be a very easy overnight stopover on our way north to Minnesota. My niece lives in Desert Moines and it was a short drive for her to come for a visit and bring some local, delicious tacos for dinner. We will definitely consider this spot next time through!

  • Cire C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds
    Mar. 2, 2024

    Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds

    Overnight or Long Term

    We have been coming to this campground every year. They have recently open during the winter which is great because not many campground are open during this time. Steve is such a great guy who is always looking out for you.

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenhouse Camping
    Mar. 1, 2024

    Greenhouse Camping

    New to the Dyrt!

    Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!

  • RN P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Swan Lake State Park
    Oct. 21, 2023

    Swan Lake State Park

    Perfect

    Tented camped in late October, the weekend before closing.  I was only tent camper in the electric only sites.  If there was a tent only location, I didn't see it.  Those in campers that need water and electricity are regulated to gravel 'parking lot' sites.

    Beautiful park with playgrounds, swim beach, fisbee golf, paved trail, many fishing bars, and more.  

    Electric only sites are small and spaced out well.  Most have level drive perfect for sm camper or suv camping. Grass has slope, but I think you can find a good enough place for tent, I did.  Bathroom clean enough, I didn't use showers. I enjoyed the privacy of lake-front site J.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Swede Point Park
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Swede Point Park

    Nice Quiet place to spend the weekend

    Great place to stay. Just a few minutes drive to High Trestle Bridge and right off the river. People were accommodating and friendly. Right between Madrid and Woodward with small town conveniences…

  • Ryan S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Botna Bend County Park
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Botna Bend County Park

    Another great Iowa county park

    Iowa has many great county parks, and this one is no exception. There are three campgrounds in the park. The South campground, Middle campground, and North campground.

    The South campground is closed for renovations. I read they are adding full hookups to this campground. The Verizon signal at this campground is usable for calls& text, but internet speeds are slow. Streaming will probably work but a video call will probably not. 

    The middle campground has nice level spots, and a nice shower house with warm water. There are 4 individual bathrooms, each with a shower. This campground had about the same Verizon signal as the South campground- good enough for calls and texting.

    The North campground has grass sites with more space between them than at the other two campgrounds. This North campground does not have a shower house, but it has a two room bathroom with running water. The Verizon signal at this campground is a strong 5G signal with great speeds. I also tested T-mobile and AT&T at this campground, and they were plenty usable but no where near as fast as Verizon.

    There is a meat shop and a sports bar restaurant within walking distance from the park. The walk within the park is a long walk. From the North campground to the registration box at the entrance is about 1 mile.

    While at the park I saw deer, raccoons, turkeys, and a 4 inch caterpillar crossing the road. There are also bison and elk in a fenced in area.

  • Benjamin L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park
    Sep. 16, 2023

    Walnut Woods State Park

    Nice park, convenient to Des Moines

    We stayed 2 nights, the park was nice and well maintained with walking trails. It is wooded so there is a lot of shade. The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine.



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 Lake Anita State Park with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.

  • What parks are near Guthrie Center, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Guthrie Center, IA that allow camping, notably Saylorville Lake and Lake Red Rock.