The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Harlan. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Harlan, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
Stay overnight in one of two camping cabins or at the East and West campgrounds at Prairie Rose. Each cabin is equipped with heating and air conditioning, a microwave, a small refrigerator, table and chairs, two twin-over-full-sized bunk beds, a picnic table, grill and fire ring. The East Campground contains electric and full hook-up sites with a modern shower and restroom. The West Campground contains electric and non-electric sites. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and advance cabin and campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Prairie Rose State Park.
$11 - $14 / night
Welcome to Arrowhead Park Campground! Nestled near Neola, IA, this spot is a gem for anyone looking to escape into nature without straying too far from civilization. The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, making it a versatile choice for different camping styles.
One of the standout features here is the extensive network of mowed trails. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike, these trails are a hit with visitors, especially those with dogs. The campground also boasts clean pit toilets and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay even if you're roughing it a bit.
For those traveling in RVs, you'll find electric hookups and a sanitary dump station conveniently located near the entrance. The sites are spacious, giving you plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your surroundings. If you're into fishing or boating, the nearby lake is a great spot to cast a line or paddle around.
Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. And if you need to stock up on essentials, there's a market on-site. Fires are allowed, so you can enjoy a cozy evening around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories.
Visitors have praised the friendly management and the overall cleanliness of the campground. Whether you're just passing through or planning a longer stay, Arrowhead Park Campground offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of amenities to make your visit enjoyable.
Welcome to Hitchcock County Nature Center, nestled near Honey Creek, IA. This campground is a gem, especially if you're into hiking and enjoying nature. Open from April to November, it's a great spot for both short stays and longer getaways.
The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. If you're bringing an RV, you'll appreciate the electric and sewer hookups. Tent campers will find spacious sites, many shaded by trees, providing a good amount of privacy. There's even firewood available for those cozy campfires.
One of the standout features here is the cleanliness. Visitors consistently rave about the spotless bathrooms and hot showers. Even the pit toilets are kept in good condition, which is a pleasant surprise. If you're planning to stay, remember to bring cash as it's first-come, first-served, though you can also pay by card if the camp store is open.
Hitchcock County Nature Center is a hiker's paradise. There are numerous trails right at your doorstep, ranging from easy to challenging. Some campers have even mentioned friendly cows along the way, adding a bit of charm to your hike. And if you're into stargazing, the clear skies here offer a great view, especially if you have a Starlink setup.
For those who like a bit of convenience, there's a market on-site, and pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. The campground also allows alcohol, so you can enjoy a drink by the fire.
In short, Hitchcock County Nature Center is a fantastic spot to unwind, explore, and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're here for a night or a week, you'll find plenty to love.
$10 - $50 / night
Welcome to Lake Anita State Park Campground, a gem nestled near Anita, Iowa. This spot is perfect for those who love a mix of relaxation and outdoor activities. The campground operates from April 1 to December 31, giving you plenty of time to enjoy its offerings.
One of the standout features here is the beautiful lake, which is a hub for boating, kayaking, and fishing. There's a four-mile paved trail that circles the 171-acre lake, ideal for walking, running, or biking. If you're into scenic views, you'll love the sunsets over the water—absolutely breathtaking.
The campground itself offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, and even some glamping options. Many sites come with electric hookups, and there are full hookup options as well. The facilities are top-notch, with clean showers, flush toilets, and drinking water readily available. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.
Visitors have mentioned that the campground is spacious with plenty of shade and soft grass in the tent areas. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful, making it a great place to unwind. There's also firewood available for purchase, so you can enjoy a cozy campfire in the evening.
For families, there's a playground that kids will love, and several picnic shelters scattered throughout the park. Wildlife is abundant, so keep an eye out for some timid critters during your stay.
In summary, Lake Anita State Park Campground offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a great choice for your next camping trip. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, you're bound to have a memorable experience.
Botna Bend Park is a favorite for campers who enjoy a small town atmosphere. Park visitors will love this quiet, beautiful park that is located next to the Nishnabotna River. While at Botna Bend, anglers commonly catch flathead catfish and carp. Another huge draw to Botna Bend is the bison and elk herd that resides in the park's pasture areas.
The Elkhorn Creek Recreation Area is a multiple use area, and is the ideal setting for a family on an outing, or for a person looking for solitude. With it's groomed trails and unique wildlife, the adventures are never ending. The upper picnic area contains what is believed to be the original site of the pioneer village of Elk Horn. Many building foundation blocks remain to mark the site. Petersen Preserve is roughly 32 acres and also part of the park - it has many grass walking trails. No firearms are allowed in either area but archery hunting is allowed. Onsite features include: -7 electrical sites with full electrical hookup, grass pads. -several tent camping sites available as well. -Picnic sites with grills, rural water and sanitary facilities, (pit and flush toilets). The sanitary facilities in the camping area are ADA accessible. -One picnic shelter. -Hiking trails. -Two areas with playground equipment Camping rates: -$16.00 for electric sites -$14.00 for non-electric/tent sites
$14 - $16 / night
Preparation Canyon State Park, in the heart of the Loess Hills in western Iowa, encompasses 344 acres, including what used to be the town of Preparation. Today, Preparation Canyon is a quiet enclave offering backcountry hiking, picnicking and beautiful views of the unique Loess Hills.
Camp in one of ten hike-in camping sites, which are some of the only hike-in sites in the Iowa state park system. The trailhead to the hike-in sites is located in the southeast corner of the park. The sites each have a table and fire ring, but no bathroom facilities. Registration is on a first-come first-served basis with self-registration in the east parking lot.
$9 / night
Stay overnight in one of two camping cabins or at the East and West campgrounds at Prairie Rose. Each cabin is equipped with heating and air conditioning, a microwave, a small refrigerator, table and chairs, two twin-over-full-sized bunk beds, a picnic table, grill and fire ring. The East Campground contains electric and full hook-up sites with a modern shower and restroom. The West Campground contains electric and non-electric sites. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and advance cabin and campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Prairie Rose State Park.
$11 - $14 / night
Welcome to Arrowhead Park Campground! Nestled near Neola, IA, this spot is a gem for anyone looking to escape into nature without straying too far from civilization. The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, making it a versatile choice for different camping styles.
One of the standout features here is the extensive network of mowed trails. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike, these trails are a hit with visitors, especially those with dogs. The campground also boasts clean pit toilets and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay even if you're roughing it a bit.
For those traveling in RVs, you'll find electric hookups and a sanitary dump station conveniently located near the entrance. The sites are spacious, giving you plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your surroundings. If you're into fishing or boating, the nearby lake is a great spot to cast a line or paddle around.
Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. And if you need to stock up on essentials, there's a market on-site. Fires are allowed, so you can enjoy a cozy evening around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories.
Visitors have praised the friendly management and the overall cleanliness of the campground. Whether you're just passing through or planning a longer stay, Arrowhead Park Campground offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of amenities to make your visit enjoyable.
Welcome to Hitchcock County Nature Center, nestled near Honey Creek, IA. This campground is a gem, especially if you're into hiking and enjoying nature. Open from April to November, it's a great spot for both short stays and longer getaways.
The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. If you're bringing an RV, you'll appreciate the electric and sewer hookups. Tent campers will find spacious sites, many shaded by trees, providing a good amount of privacy. There's even firewood available for those cozy campfires.
One of the standout features here is the cleanliness. Visitors consistently rave about the spotless bathrooms and hot showers. Even the pit toilets are kept in good condition, which is a pleasant surprise. If you're planning to stay, remember to bring cash as it's first-come, first-served, though you can also pay by card if the camp store is open.
Hitchcock County Nature Center is a hiker's paradise. There are numerous trails right at your doorstep, ranging from easy to challenging. Some campers have even mentioned friendly cows along the way, adding a bit of charm to your hike. And if you're into stargazing, the clear skies here offer a great view, especially if you have a Starlink setup.
For those who like a bit of convenience, there's a market on-site, and pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. The campground also allows alcohol, so you can enjoy a drink by the fire.
In short, Hitchcock County Nature Center is a fantastic spot to unwind, explore, and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're here for a night or a week, you'll find plenty to love.
$10 - $50 / night
Welcome to Lake Anita State Park Campground, a gem nestled near Anita, Iowa. This spot is perfect for those who love a mix of relaxation and outdoor activities. The campground operates from April 1 to December 31, giving you plenty of time to enjoy its offerings.
One of the standout features here is the beautiful lake, which is a hub for boating, kayaking, and fishing. There's a four-mile paved trail that circles the 171-acre lake, ideal for walking, running, or biking. If you're into scenic views, you'll love the sunsets over the water—absolutely breathtaking.
The campground itself offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, and even some glamping options. Many sites come with electric hookups, and there are full hookup options as well. The facilities are top-notch, with clean showers, flush toilets, and drinking water readily available. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.
Visitors have mentioned that the campground is spacious with plenty of shade and soft grass in the tent areas. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful, making it a great place to unwind. There's also firewood available for purchase, so you can enjoy a cozy campfire in the evening.
For families, there's a playground that kids will love, and several picnic shelters scattered throughout the park. Wildlife is abundant, so keep an eye out for some timid critters during your stay.
In summary, Lake Anita State Park Campground offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a great choice for your next camping trip. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, you're bound to have a memorable experience.
Botna Bend Park is a favorite for campers who enjoy a small town atmosphere. Park visitors will love this quiet, beautiful park that is located next to the Nishnabotna River. While at Botna Bend, anglers commonly catch flathead catfish and carp. Another huge draw to Botna Bend is the bison and elk herd that resides in the park's pasture areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Harlan, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Harlan, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 85 campgrounds and RV parks near Harlan, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Harlan, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Harlan, IA is Prairie Rose State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Harlan, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Harlan, IA.
What parks are near Harlan, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Harlan, IA that allow camping, notably Saylorville Lake and Lake Red Rock.
