Best Campgrounds near Hawarden, IA
Campgrounds near Hawarden, Iowa include a mix of county, city, and state park facilities offering varied camping experiences. Newton Hills State Park, located about 20 miles northwest in Canton, South Dakota, provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and modern amenities. Closer to town, Hawarden City Park Campground offers basic RV and tent sites with electric hookups and water access. Several campgrounds in the area feature shaded sites, including Oak Grove Park with its Turkey Ridge and Deer Run campgrounds, which provide electric hookups and accommodate both tent and RV camping.
Access to campgrounds in the Hawarden region remains consistent throughout much of the year, with several facilities operating seasonally from April through October. Rivers Bend Campground in Rock Valley, approximately 15 miles northeast of Hawarden, maintains a May to October season with full hookup sites and cabin options. Most campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups, though water and sewer connections vary by location. The terrain is generally flat with some wooded areas, particularly along the Big Sioux River which forms the border between Iowa and South Dakota. "Decent size spots with lakefront views at just about all of them. There is a swimming hole with a little beach and walking/bike trail," noted one visitor about Rivers Bend Campground.
Campers report high satisfaction with water-adjacent sites throughout the region. The Big Sioux River corridor provides scenic camping opportunities with several parks situated along its banks. Oak Grove Park features nature trails and educational facilities near its campgrounds. Most developed sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water. Public restrooms and shower facilities are available at larger campgrounds like Newton Hills State Park and Rivers Bend, while smaller facilities may offer more basic amenities. Proximity to small towns means supplies are generally accessible, though cell service can be variable in more remote areas. Several campgrounds provide reservable sites, which is recommended during summer weekends when regional parks see higher visitation.
