Best Tent Camping near Harpers Ferry, IA

Recent Tent Reviews in Harpers Ferry

423 Reviews of 18 Harpers Ferry Campgrounds

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  Tori K.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 1, 2025

  Pikes Peak State Park Campground

  Waterfall and mounds

  Pikes Peak State Park has an attractive campground with electric and non-electric sites, modern shower and restroom facilities, as well as a trailer dump station. October is one of their busiest times of the year due to the fall colors, which peak around Oct 9-15th. Most notable hike: a half-mile wooden boardwalk to one of the park's glens to the picturesque Bridal Veil Falls. On your way to the falls, just north of the main overlook, you will notice Bear Mound, an effigy built by ancient American Indians who inhabited the area from 800-1200 A.D. There are 63 mounds in the park, most of them conical or linear in shape.

• 

  Connor M.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 30, 2024

  Wyalusing State Park Campground

  Nice views, good hiking, cool rocks

  Took my 5 year old son camping here in early April of 2024 and it was fun. We were at site #125 which has fantastic views of the river and surrounding area's, but the wind is stronger at this spot because it's open. The entire campground is situated on top of a bluff so this compounded our wind issue. I also need to note that the majority of these campgrounds don't have much privacy or lack it entirely. This site was very open and I would opt for a little more tree coverage in the future.

  There's some really nice trails and cool rock formations, couple this with the playground and nice bathrooms it makes for an ideal campground for families with younger children. Just keep in mind that it's on a bluff so there are some steep drop-off points that children could take a pretty nasty fall from. Cellphone coverage wasn't a problem either.

  It was a Colder night as we camped in 30 degree weather and freezing rain came into our campground. This along with the wind made our situation feel pretty cold and we left early in April. We would stay here again but probably opt for a slightly more warm month. Over-all it's a good campground for the area.

  On a side note, I bet this place looks tremendous in the fall with the changing colors.

• 

  Stuart O.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 13, 2024

  Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

  Good late season option for the self-contained camper

  Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective. However, the park is situated on the valley bottom of the Yellow River Forest with beautiful tall trees, and there are fire rings. Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March.

• E

  Ethan B.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 2, 2024

  South Bear Creek

  Pretty location

  Remote and nice.

• D

  Daniel R.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 28, 2024

  Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground

  Cozy hideaway

  A great place for a weekend camping trip. We had an excellent spot (35). One of the only sites with grass. Great hiking and trout fishing.

• 

  Dave B.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 12, 2024

  Veterans Memorial Park & Campground

  Super Large and Gorgeous Campground

  Bike trail access. River runs through it. Tons of oak trees. Lots of playgrounds. Clean rest rooms with showers. Decent cell coverage.

• 

  Ashley F.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 24, 2024

  Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

  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.

• R

  Ryan S.

  Guide

  

  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.

• L

  Lonnie C.

  Scout

  

  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.

  Guide

  

  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.

• J

  John B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 20, 2024

  Wyalusing State Park Campground

  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.

• T

  Tom

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 19, 2024

  Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground

  Beautiful & peaceful

  Very nice QUIET park! RV Campsites are gravel with fire ring and picnic table. The sites are fairly level. There is also a cabin to rent. Many electric sites.

  Very nice hiking trails, make sure to check the map to plan easy hike up and steep hike downhill! Beautiful vistas on the Switchback trail.

  The Mossy Seep trail has interesting plants and unique growth.

  Big Spring Trail boarders the campground, easy walk to see the Spring. Tried to dip feet in the water but couldn’t leave them in the COLD water for long! Water is crystal clear and flowing fast.

  Bathroom (men’s) if functional, has running water at the sinks and showers work well.

  NO PHONE SERVICE which we appreciated.

  The Restaurant “Good Times” is 4 miles away and has good food and service. Also a grocery store in town in case you need more supplies.

  Leaves are just starting to change in September.

• R

  Ryan S.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Tanner D.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 26, 2024

  Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground

  Great place to get away

  My wife and I went there for the weekend and it was great. Clean and spacious sites. The bathrooms were even clean. They also provided free showers. The wood was a reasonable price and easily available at any time of the day. It was also pet friendly. I do wish that they hadn't cleared away so many trees. A little more shade would have been nice since we were in a tent. But other than that was was perfect.

• 

  Dj Y.

  Traveler

  

  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

• 

  Jarrett G.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 7, 2024

  Veterans Memorial Park & Campground

  Very nice campground

  Large campground with many amenities. Playground for kids and a very nice dog park. Right off the river. Will definitely be back!

• 

  Jarrett G.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 15, 2024

  Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

  Sweet place

  Very cool secluded walk in sites, pet friendly, awesome trails.

• 

  Kenneth M.

  Scout

  

  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!!!

• J

  James W.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 15, 2024

  Alana Springs Lodge and Campground

  Very quiet rural campground

  We stayed here in our tent. This is a rural campground, somewhat dated, but very pleasant. It is true that the bathrooms were an older style but they were clean and functional and we found no fault with them. Most of the residents are seasonal and we had nice shady and grassy areas for tent camping, This campground is not near a busy highway, lake, or either area where there is a lot of noise. It is nice and quiet. The hostess was very nice and welcoming. We would certainly stay here again.

• 

  Kelsey G.

  Scout

  

  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!!

• N

  Noah V.

  Scout

  

  May. 29, 2024

  Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground

  Decent Camp Ground

  Book this campground last minute over the phone for a weekend of trout fishing in the driftless area. Fishing was great. The upper ridge campground did not have hardly any grass so it got muddy fast when it rained. The pit toilets were kind of dirty though toilet paper was always stocked so that’s a plus. I explored the other 3 campground at sidie hollow while I was there and this is my take. The main campground had nicer facilities and a play ground for kids. The boat landing campground is convenient if you have a boat. The upper ridge campground has the most shade out of all 3 campgrounds (cooler in the summer). The locals sell firewood for $5 a bundle which is awesome. I would stay at this campground again.

• 

  Tori L.

  Scout

  

  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.

  Guide

  

  May. 20, 2024

  Pikes Peak State Park Campground

  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.

  Guide

  

  May. 14, 2024

  Pikes Peak State Park Campground

  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

• c

  corey

  Traveler

  

  May. 3, 2024

  Twins Campground

  Serene

  Serenity, nature at its best, birdsong all day long wildlife at every turn our campsite was level the owners and manager were great hosts. We stayed several weeks the price was very reasonable, honey wagon service was included ; riding/ hiking trails from campsite.

• 

  Greg K.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 13, 2024

  Twins Campground

  Twins campground- cresco,Iowa.

  Very friendly and helpful owner. He even drove to town so we could follow him in. Has playground community area fire pit and a structure built to cover picnic tables. atv trails. Turkey river right there was 20 feet from my site. Porta potty and shower water is hot. 30/50 amp power with water on each site. Water fill station and dump station. Garbage .

• 

  Pat F.

  Guide

  

  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