Best Campgrounds near Hamburg, IA

Camping in the Hamburg, Iowa region includes both state park and private options within a short drive. Waubonsie State Park Campground, located right in Hamburg, serves as the area's primary camping destination with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations available year-round. The surrounding area encompasses several established campgrounds across Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri, with sites generally situated along rivers or small lakes. Most facilities offer electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, while amenities like showers and flush toilets vary by location.

Seasonal considerations play a role in the camping experience near Hamburg. The area experiences typical Midwestern weather patterns with hot, humid summers and cold winters. While most campgrounds operate year-round, spring flooding along the Missouri River can affect access to some riverside locations. A recent review noted, "It appears not many people camp in Iowa in February. We had the campground to ourselves." Winter camping is possible but requires preparation for potentially harsh conditions. Many campgrounds in the region offer both reservable and first-come, first-served sites, with peak season running from late spring through early fall. Cell coverage varies throughout the area but is generally available at established campgrounds.

The landscape around Hamburg provides scenic views and recreational opportunities centered around the Loess Hills and nearby rivers. Water access represents a common feature at many area campgrounds, with fishing opportunities at locations like Duck Creek Recreation Area. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Been coming to this lake for years. It's a beautiful setting, right in the middle of Loess Hills in SW Iowa." Several campgrounds offer hiking trail access, though trail conditions and maintenance can vary significantly. Train noise affects multiple camping areas in the region, with tracks running close to several campgrounds including Louisville State Recreation Area. Visitors seeking quiet may prefer more remote locations away from transportation corridors. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering specialized amenities like horse corrals or dedicated tent-only areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Hamburg, Iowa (82)

    1. Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    20 Reviews
    Nebraska City, NE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 873-6866

    "Centrally located and walkable. There is a small lake close by that we walked the dogs too. Also 20 minute bike ride to GSR Casino. I appreciated the free filtered water dispenser in the office."

    "Easy access to highway."

    2. Waubonsie State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Hamburg, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 382-2786

    $12 - $110 / night

    "It appears not many people camp in Iowa in February. We had the campground to ourselves. We missed the crazy cold and snow by a day but it was 20 degree with the wind when I hiked the prairie."

    "This also gave us time to really explore those trails I was drooling over. We took one of the more scenic trails and took us over the top of some of those beautiful Loess Hills."

    3. Charity Lake

    8 Reviews
    Watson, MO
    10 miles
    +1 (816) 271-3100

    "It is close to the highway and you can certainly hear it but it didn’t bother me, it’s kinda handy to have a place close to the highway when you’re just stopping for the night."

    "This site is $0 is nice quite area right off main highway camp sites are first come first serve"

    4. Hackberry Hollow Campground — Indian Cave State Park

    25 Reviews
    Shubert, NE
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 883-2575

    $25 - $30 / night

    "Lots of hiking trails with different levels of difficulty and elevation. Most drive up camp sites have outhouses nearby."

    "We stayed at a walk-in spot that was hidden behind some trees. It was secluded and amazing! There are lots of trails and activities here too!"

    5. Duck Creek Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Watson, MO
    11 miles
    Website

    $27 / night

    "This park is a beautiful lake. We saw white pelicans and blue herons on this visit but it is not uncommon to see hawks, owls, and eagles in the area."

    "Lots of sites but majority are on top of the hill away from the water."

    6. Ash Grove Campground — Indian Cave State Park

    24 Reviews
    Shubert, NE
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 883-2575

    $30 / night

    "The camping spots that are the walk up sites are amazing - you can do sites surrounded by trees and private, or ones near the playground. All great sizes and partially shaded."

    "We stopped at the closest tent area from the park entrance. It has flush toilets and showers (.50/3 minutes)."

    7. Riverview Marina State Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Nebraska City, NE
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 873-7222

    "No more than a 1/2 mile outside the city, but still feels isolated. Great Lewis and Clark interactive museum and hiking about a 5 min drive away."

    8. Brownville Riverside Park

    5 Reviews
    Nemaha, NE
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 883-2575

    9. R U Lost - RV Lots

    4 Reviews
    Nemaha, NE
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 209-3301

    "We were in Site 2 and enjoyed the plush green scenery around us! Aside from a vegetable garden, there is a beautiful garden of flowers and plants that you can walk through. It smells so nice!"

    "This year is an Outage shut down so the Campsite and others around the plant is very minimal. You need to call if anything is open for your stay."

    10. Rock Port RiversEdge Campground

    2 Reviews
    Watson, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 744-5485
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Recent Reviews near Hamburg, IA

404 Reviews of 82 Hamburg Campgrounds


  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Hackberry Hollow Campground — Indian Cave State Park

    Beautiful state park in the middle of nowhere

    Gas up when you can! This beautiful state park is in the middle of the Nebraskan Ozarks, and is seriously one of the most beautiful state parks in the Midwest. Clean, spacious sites...mostly level. Bring your levellers because it's very, very hilly. I didn't use the shower or restrooms, but the surrounding facilities were clean and well kept. Park staff were helpful and kind. There is a small gift shop at the ranger's station. 

    Great hiking just walking through the campground...very hilly...great workout! Would stay here again in a heartbeat.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ash Grove Campground — Indian Cave State Park

    Quiet stay

    Stayed at sites 46 and 47, electric no water or waste. Water was nearby as was a bathhouse. It is nice and quiet, good size sites. Downside is cost, runs about $45 a night with the car fee.

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    Road to Mackinac

    Just an overnight on our way to Michigan. Yeah it's a parking lot! Visited family just in the NE side of the river. Water and electric, not a bad price. Interstate was RIGHT THERE..... but the noise of our AC downed it out! 😎 Showers were low pressure and could have been better maintained.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Waubonsie State Park Campground

    Over looking the Missouri River

    This is a very nice and clean spot to camp for a bit. They have great hiking and bike trails. If you go make sure you hike over to the sunset viewpoint that looks out to the West.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Humbolt City Park and Cancer Garden

    Great City Campground

    Very pretty city park great for an overnight stop. Amazing flower garden to walk through and a serene setting. Nice and quiet and a nice walking area.

  • Trav S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    Sewer Dump Available

    This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska!

    It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay.

  • Nicholas The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    H.F. Thurnau Conservation Area

    Great no frills dispersed campsite

    Great location close to the main road with easy access to town. There are about four gravel, graded spots to choose from.


Guide to Hamburg

Camping sites near Hamburg, Iowa provide access to diverse terrain where the Loess Hills meet the Missouri River valley. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 900-1200 feet, creating natural drainage during the region's frequent spring precipitation. The area receives approximately 35 inches of annual rainfall with summer temperatures averaging 85°F, while winter nights regularly drop below 20°F.

What to do

Hiking opportunities: Waubonsie State Park Campground offers well-maintained trails through the unique Loess Hills formation. "There are nice trails in this area. The campground on the south is more of a tent site... A lot of great trails on this side," notes Tarrah C. The park features both easy and moderate difficulty paths.

Fishing access: At Duck Creek Recreation Area, visitors can fish directly from the shoreline without needing a boat. "Fishing is great right off the bank. NRD permit required," explains A H. The lake supports multiple fish species including bass and catfish. A recent improvement project enhanced shoreline access points.

Wildlife viewing: Several campsites offer opportunities to spot native birds and animals. "We saw white pelicans and blue herons on this visit but it is not uncommon to see hawks, owls, and eagles in the area," reports Charles C. about Duck Creek Recreation Area. Early morning and dusk provide the best viewing times.

What campers like

Solitude and quiet: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at certain times. "It appears not many people camp in Iowa in February. We had the campground to ourselves," notes one visitor to the Hamburg area. Charity Lake offers particular seclusion: "This place is a private, and quiet area. You almost get a vibe at first that your somewhere you shouldn't be," writes Tony B.

Riverside camping: Riverview Marina State Rec Area provides direct access to the Missouri River. "We camped right by the river and woke up to a beautiful sunrise. No more than a 1/2 mile outside the city, but still feels isolated," says Sara B. The proximity to water creates cooling breezes during summer months.

Accessible amenities: Some campgrounds near Hamburg maintain modern facilities despite their rural setting. "The picnic tables, vault toilets, paved walking trails, playground equipment are all new and well laid out. Gravel slabs with electrical hookup are only $12 a night," describes Charles C. about Duck Creek. Accessibility features include "paved trail and wide gravel slabs with raised fire pits."

What you should know

Campground conditions vary significantly: Many Hamburg area camping sites have experienced flood damage in recent years. "The 2019 floods took a toll on this park. I am not sure if this place is in operation," notes Tony B. about Brownville Riverside Park. Always call ahead to verify current status, especially for riverside locations.

Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local wildlife interactions at certain campgrounds. "There are signs in the bathrooms warning of the raccoons. These signs are not exaggerating. We had a raccoon at our campsite trying to steal our food while we were there, like the raccoon was less than 10 feet from humans during mid-day," warns Danni A.

Transportation noise: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation routes. "Some highway and train noise whenever outside," reports Maggie C. when describing Victorian Acres RV Park. This can affect sleep quality at certain sites, particularly those closest to major roads or rail lines.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Very pleasant spot with a few camp sites as options. Beautiful lake. Bathroom was rough, hole in the ground style with a gate for a door. But over all the site was worth it," shares Donner N. about Charity Lake.

Safety considerations: Indian Cave State Park recommends specific precautions for families. "A giant raccoon tried to get into my cooler 10 minutes after we turned out our lights for the night. Lookout for ticks," warns Michael M. Secure food items in hard containers and perform regular tick checks after hiking.

Seasonal activities: Timing your visit can enhance family experiences. "Everyone should experience Halloween here... There is the decorating of the camp sites, pumpkin rolling, haunted hay rack rides, trick or treating for the young and old, and it's really an experience," shares Shannon G. about Indian Cave State Park's special events.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: RVers should carefully choose their sites based on equipment size. "Sites are nice with trees and vegetation but not very level," notes Maggie C. Most sites near Hamburg require some leveling equipment.

Seasonal preparation: Weather patterns affect RV camping comfort throughout the year. "Coming from MO, Nebraska is usually just a one night stop for us (as we head onto bigger and cooler states). We were happy to find this clean RV park near Nebraska City. Big, but quiet. Friendly staff. Homey. Green space. Great dog park," shares Lynn A. about Victorian Acres.

Utilities access: Electric and water hookups vary between campgrounds. "30 & 50 amp hookups and water for a great price," notes John A. about Rock Port RiversEdge Campground. Most sites with hookups near Hamburg range from $15-25 per night, with premium spots reaching $45 during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hamburg, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hamburg, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 82 campgrounds and RV parks near Hamburg, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Hamburg, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hamburg, IA is Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hamburg, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Hamburg, IA.