Top Tent Camping near Guttenberg, IA

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Guttenberg, look no further. Find the best tent camping sites near Guttenberg. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Guttenberg, IA (19)

Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Guttenberg

377 Reviews of 19 Guttenberg Campgrounds


  • Brian O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park
    Oct. 2, 2024

    Maquoketa Caves State Park

    Nice campground, fun caves, older established state park

    My mom remembers visiting this park in the 40's. Not a surprise since Grampa was a Geologist.
    This is a small campground for such an old park, only 34 sites, walk-ins included. All sites are along one road with a turnaround at the end. There is only one building with toilets, showers and no pit toilets. These are clean and well maintained.
    There is a playground near the entrance that is shared with the caves entrance area, a bit of a walk.
    The caves themselves are down a long hill from the campground. There are facilities there too, and a concession stand with limited hours/ days. The caves are fun to explore, but not ADA accessible. Bring flashlights and in some areas watch your head.
    The Visitor's center at the park entrance is staffed by volunteers and only open on weekends.
    Once you've done the caves, there's not much else to see within the park. But visit the Hurstville interpretive center for a nice nature center and trails.

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nelson Dewey State Park
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Nelson Dewey State Park

    Great place for a short trip

    I’ll begin by saying this is by far the cleanest campground I have stayed at. The facilities were well kept including the vault toilet houses. We stayed in a walk to site and the views were incredible. Our tent pad was quite rocky so I would recommend sleeping pads or you will be very uncomfortable. Our site was also extremely dusty which wasn’t a problem at all just be prepared to be a little dirty. The campground was quiet except for the occasional train that rolled through those are quite loud due to how close they are to the campground. I would definitely come back to Nelson Dewey and stay again. There was not a ton to do in the area so a short weekend stay was perfect. A highlight is that the park provided cart to use to haul all your stuff to the walk to sites. There is 1 designated parking spot per walk to site as well. The walk to sites are small and only accommodated our one (6 person) tent which was not a problem for us as we knew this ahead of time.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oelwein City Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Oelwein City Park

    This is a beautiful city park campground

    I enjoyed my 5 night stay at Oelwein City Park Campground. It's located on the south end of town, there is only one business within walking distance. It's a great restaurant (Oelwein Family Restaurant) and it's about a 15 minute walk.

    There is one shower house, and several vault toilets throughout the park. The shower house is old and a little run down but was very clean. I had no problems using it.

    The city park is adjacent to the campground and has picnic shelters, a playground, and a dog park.

    There are electric and water hookups at most sites, and there is a dump station. The park was pretty full on the weekend as you would expect, but very quiet during the week.

    I had great Verizon and T-mobile service here.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Elkader City Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Elkader City Park

    Close to town, nice facilities, not quiet

    I had good Verizon signal here (70 down, 20 up) but zero T-mobile signal.

    The campground is close to down, there are two museums within walking distance (just steps from the campground entrance). Across the street is a walking & biking trail that will take you straight to downtown, where you'll find a coffee shop, a few restaurants, and other shopping. It's less than a 5 minute bike ride to get there, and very scenic as it follows the river.

    The facilities are newer and pretty nice. The showers are the single-button kind with no temperature adjustment. If you wait a while, the water does get barely warm enough for a comfortable shower.

    This is not a quiet campground, it has a well traveled highway on one side, and a city main street on the other side that semi trucks use during the day. Sometimes there are highschool football games at the stadium next to the campground. Late at night it does get quiet.

    The sites are grass or gravel. There are electrical hookups at most sites, with water faucets spread throughout the campground. The sites are mostly shaded.

    I enjoyed the George Maier Rural Heritage Center and Museum ($5 admission) and the Elkader Depot Museum (free) which are located right next to the campground.

    The downside to this campground is the dump station. It is just a hole in a manhole cover. It's in a dirt/weedy area and smells terrible. It's located across the street from the campground.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from River of Lakes Campground
    Sep. 20, 2024

    River of Lakes Campground

    Ok. Great checkin - however..

    Nice campground with many sites on the Mississippi backwaters and decent fishing stayed two days and opted on a third. However, after we paid for the third night we noticed a campsite on the other side. Of course the first amendment is everyone’s freedom but really ,do campers need to put out “2024 No More Bulls***” AND how about 2024 Fu** your Feelings” that was in front of their welcome sign. These phrases were on massive flags nailed to trees. Of course we all have freedoms but because these vulgar, in your face phrases were seen every time we left the campground we did not feel comfortable. Good thing I did not have my grandkids along. We all have our beliefs, but is offensive language regarding politics have a place in campgrounds have a place? I say “No!” those folks were out of line and it is wrong. We will never return to this campground again.

  • Jeff and Linda L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant River Recreation Area
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Grant River Recreation Area

    Feet from the Mississippi

    The park is on the beautiful might Mississippi river. It’s 2 miles from Potosi, WI with a large brewery with good food as well. Army Corps so half price with America The Beautiful senior discount card. If you like trains you will see many, close and going fast.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Wyalusing State Park

    Nice Park

    Nice sites, trails and facilities. Stayed during the week in mid September. Beautiful sites overlooking the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. Great hiking with clean bathrooms and toilets. Private with plenty of room from neighbors for our teardrop.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fontana County Park
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Fontana County Park

    New, clean, no trees

    There is a brand new campground here with full hookups. There are no trees so I decided to pass and not camp here. Evidently there is an "old" campground somewhere in this park also that I did not find. The signs will direct you to the new campground.

    I had good T-mobile and Verizon service here.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Klocks Island Park
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Klocks Island Park

    Crowded and quiet

    This seems like a quiet campground. It's just off the highway but there was almost zero traffic on this small highway. I drove through here on a Saturday in mid September. All spots were taken. I had barely usable Verizon service here and no T-mobile service. I was not able to camp here. The restroom building looked fairly new.

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Ridge
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Riverview Ridge

    Unique River and Trail Access Campground

    Two hour float trips on the North Fork Maquoketa River are available directly from the campground. There is a mix of permanent and temporary campers. The tent sites, nearest the river, are well spaced with flush toilets. Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean.

  • Dj Y.
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant River Recreation Area
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Grant River Recreation Area

    Sandy and Gentleman worker=AMAZING

    I was hitchhiking thru, was dropped off by a ride that said he was buying a $14 tent site for me, come to find out he never did, I just was honest with sandy and the gentleman worker and offered the only 8$ I had, no sir, they said please stay for free and just enjoy. WONDERFUL PPL THAT CARE ABOUT OTHERS!! THANKS YALL

  • Kenneth M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clayton Hills Campground
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Clayton Hills Campground

    Best Owners Ever

    I was looking around for a place and being the weekend after the 4th of July, I knew there wouldn't be many options. This place is literally a hidden gem and should get more focus!!! The owner had a spot for my family and me!!! When he found out that I was only tent camping, he even lowered the price!!! He didn't have to do that at all and it wasn't expected. Grassy locations everywhere. Wonderful water and electric hookups!!! A little piece of heaven here. JJ is an AMAZING host!!!

  • Robert P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Inn Campground
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Blue Inn Campground

    Reservations

    I made a reservation back in April 20 q24 June 26th 6 days before vacation I received a refund notice from them not in the full amount I paid less than a half

  • Charles M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Maquoketa Caves State Park

    Beautiful State Park

    This park is beautiful and perfect for an adventurous hike. The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous. It proved to be tons of fun for me, my son and his friends. We would definitely go back.

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Baileys Ford
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Baileys Ford

    Excellent campground

    What more can I say than this place was stellar. We were tent camping the site we picked was big (there were smaller sites if that’s what you need). Access to the trout stream directly from our site! The facilities were clean even for a vault toilet (regular toilets and showers available at the main building which were extremely clean) the showers had hot water and real on and off handles NOT the push to start ones. Access to the river was available and there was a boat launch site. Staff we encountered were all friendly. Firewood available to purchase on site (only available Friday and Saturday night it was $10 a bundle during our stay). Plenty of things for kids to do volleyball ball court, softball field, and several playgrounds! Many shelters available for larger gatherings. This place even had an outdoor chapel. Baileys Ford exceeded my expectations for a county campground and I will be returning 100% my only complaint was spotty service (Verizon) but then again the point of camping is to disconnect so this was not a big deal. Minimal bugs considering how close we were to the water as well!

  • Kelsey G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetail Bluff Campground LLC
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Whitetail Bluff Campground LLC

    Very clean,Well kept up, Lots of things for kids to do

    This is a really nice and clean campground! The sites are very spacious and the food is good!! Really good Friday night fish fries! We will definitely be back!!

  • Tori L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    May. 26, 2024

    Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    Dream stay.

    Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.

  • Tiffany K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pikes Peak State Park
    May. 20, 2024

    Pikes Peak State Park

    Quaint Campground with River Views

    Loved this campground but it does have some drawbacks. Set up a lot for rv camping with site layout and connections. Some sites have the fire ring very close to the parking area and some spots have limited shade (compared to the majority of the campground that is in the trees). The bathrooms and showers are in good condition. The Mississippi River overlooks are a short walk away. There were lots of birds and spiders around the campground. There are a good number of hiking trails in the park.

  • Marci S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pikes Peak State Park
    May. 14, 2024

    Pikes Peak State Park

    Dramatic scenery, quiet campground

    This campground is a short hike away from beautiful trails that overlook the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. The boardwalk trails also lead to a small falls and more. Site 51, where we stayed, is near trailhead but on a slight slope. Showers, water, dump station available here, no playground

  • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Run County Park
    Apr. 8, 2024

    Bloody Run County Park

    An amazing weekend

    I went fishing and hiking and it’s very scenic and beautiful area , train blairing its horn in the middle of the night sucks since it’s right by train tracks, pit toilets and clear water stream in front of the campground fishing wasn’t the best 

  • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Springs Trout Hatchery Campground
    Mar. 20, 2024

    Big Springs Trout Hatchery Campground

    A slice of heaven

    This is a beautiful scenic view right next to the river and there are picnic tables fire rings and a trash can and porta potty with a water spigot for fresh water

  • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloody Run County Park
    Mar. 20, 2024

    Bloody Run County Park

    Amazing creekside

    It was a beautiful area with the creek running right next to it only problem was there was some trash in the firing which we had to take care of. People are so lazy.

  • Adria K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wapsipinicon State Park
    Feb. 22, 2024

    Wapsipinicon State Park

    Nice, quiet location

    It was cool little campsite with lots of trees. We were the only ones there, but it was in the middle of Feb. It was a nice stop.

  • Terry F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Gilbertson Conservation Education Area
    Nov. 1, 2023

    Gilbertson Conservation Education Area

    Great place!



Guide to Guttenberg

Camping near Guttenberg, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the numerous hiking trails available in the area. Campers have enjoyed the “great hiking” at places like Wyalusing State Park Campground, where one reviewer mentioned, “Awesome campground with lots of hiking trails.”
  • Kayaking and Fishing: The Mississippi River is perfect for kayaking and fishing. One visitor at Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground noted, “There’s a large lake with three boat launches,” making it easy to get out on the water.
  • Cave Exploration: For a unique experience, check out the caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground. A camper shared, “The caves make this a unique place to visit,” highlighting the fun of spelunking.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. At Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, one visitor said, “The sunset seemed to last for hours as the light danced in the storm clouds.”
  • Privacy and Space: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. A reviewer at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park mentioned, “The sites are all clean and most all are level,” which is great for families looking for comfort.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds like Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park have playgrounds and clean facilities. One camper noted, “The campsites are big and fairly private,” making it a good choice for families.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park mentioned, “The vibe here wasn’t for us,” due to loud music and children playing.
  • Site Selection: Not all sites are created equal. A camper at Pulpit Rock Campground said, “Very small campground with sites right on top of each other,” which might not suit everyone.
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. One camper at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground noted, “There were many annoying flies!” so bring some bug spray.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground, a reviewer mentioned, “Great beach, lots of space with picnic tables,” which is perfect for family outings.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. A camper at Wyalusing State Park Campground said, “Great hiking trails, overall a great place to stay,” which can keep the whole family entertained.
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along essentials like snacks and games. One visitor at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park appreciated the “cute little area with outside games like corn hole and yard checkers.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Dimensions: Make sure to check the dimensions of your site. A reviewer at Governor Dodge State Park advised, “Pay attention to the drive-in dimensions posted,” especially for larger rigs.
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. At Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park, one camper noted, “Easy access to the campsite,” which is a plus for RV travelers.
  • Plan for Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Backbone State Park mentioned, “TMobile strong 5G signal,” but this may vary by location.

Camping near Guttenberg, Iowa, has something for everyone, from scenic views to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, you'll find plenty to enjoy in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Guttenberg, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Guttenberg, IA is Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Guttenberg, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.