Hampton, Iowa sits amid the fertile farmland of Franklin County at an elevation of approximately 1,136 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds near Hampton remain open from April through October, with a few offering year-round access despite the region's average annual snowfall of 32 inches.
What to do
Hiking trails: Pine Lake State Park Campground offers multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. "Great walking paths, quiet and picturesque lake. Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean," notes one visitor about the well-maintained pathways that circle both upper and lower Pine Lakes.
Water activities: Clear Lake State Park Campground provides access to Clear Lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. "Paved roads are great for bike riding. Great shaded spots. DNR cruises the park daily which is nice to see," mentions a camper who appreciated the safety measures in place.
Wildlife viewing: George Wyth State Park Campground offers excellent opportunities for nature observation. "We were only there for a night but there is so much to do. Fishing, kayaking, boating, swimming and camping," reports one visitor who enjoyed the park's natural amenities.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Visitors to Pine Lake State Park Campground frequently mention the comfortable camping spaces. "Quiet campground near Upper Pine Lake. Facilities are well maintained. The town of Eldora, just outside the park has groceries, gas and some low grade restaurants available," shares one camper.
Clean facilities: Pilot Knob State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Nice level sites with electric hook ups, clean restrooms and showers. Gave us the opportunity to unload our car and figure out our new motorhome without feeling like we were being watched," notes a visitor who appreciated the privacy.
Affordable rates: Many rv parks near Hampton, Iowa offer excellent value. "For $12/night on a 30AMP hookup, I really can't complain. This is my first of many stops in the new RV," mentions one camper about Pilot Knob's reasonable pricing structure.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Summer weekends fill quickly at most campgrounds in the region. "It can get busy on the weekends but if you camp mid-week you may be the only folks around. Very peaceful," advises a regular visitor to Pine Lake State Park.
Site layouts: Beed's Lake State Park Campground features an unusual parking arrangement at some sites. "Over half of the campsites are parallel parking. That means if you don't know the person camping across from you, you'll be staring at a stranger just a few feet away during your stay," warns one camper.
Weather considerations: Most campgrounds in the Hampton area close partially or completely during winter months. "We camped in mid April and park was not very busy which was nice. Full hook up sites and W/E only sites," notes a visitor to Clear Lake State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds near Hampton provide dedicated play areas. "There is a nice playground in the middle and we've rarely had any noise problems. If you plan it right you can get a site right next to the Cedar River," shares a family who regularly visits George Wyth State Park.
Swimming options: Inglebretson Park County offers family-friendly amenities. "They have a dump, clean bathrooms with hot showers (which super clean), a playground for the kids and a couple of walking/hiking trails nearby," reports a visitor who found it ideal for families.
Budget-friendly activities: Many Hampton area rv parks provide low-cost recreational options. "Nice place to spend the weekend or a week! Came in late and a resident helped me find a great spot. When driving to my site two fawns were laying near the playground," notes a camper at Pilot Knob State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers recommend checking site dimensions carefully. "This is primarily a long-term RV site with a few transient sites. People are friendly, bathrooms and showers are well-maintained," advises a visitor to Three Fingers Campground & RV Park.
Hookup availability: Full-service RV sites can be limited at state parks. "There are only 6 full hook up sites and the care taker made sure we got one. The rest of the sites are beautiful with electric hook up," reports a camper at Clear Lake State Park.
Arrival timing: For the best site options at Hampton area campgrounds without reservations, midweek arrival is recommended. "Very inexpensive, convenient, nice place to stay for a layover. It's a first come basis with I believe 22 RV sites," advises a visitor to Inglebretson Park about this camping option near Hampton, Iowa.
