92 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"There's a nice shower and bathroom and close proximity there's four and inside each one is a modern toilet sink and shower and lockable."
"all the tent sites are nicely in the woods but the main road goes pretty close to them. has some pretty decent trails too. shower house is very nice"
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability"The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city."
"Love this place very close to the major city of anything is needed. Nature and trails all around, lake for fishing and swimming, love to come out during the summer with the dogs!"
"Clean lake with boating. Private lake so no fishing license required."
"I believe you can even rent or request a golf cart to make getting around easier. The only regret I have is not staying longer. Truly a wonderful place.
Sprint/T-mobile data was around 56 Mbps down."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Larger CG has terraced sites with hard pads, tables, fire rings/ firewood, shaded spots, electric, horseshoes, nature center nearby."
from $27 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
Check Availability"There is a swimming hole with a little beach and walking/bike trail. They have tent sites that you have to walk to but they are right on the water away from all of the RV sites."
"Only 4 stars due to neighbors leaving their dog outside barking constantly until they returned. Against park rules so maybe a one off. Water front on 80% of spots."
"We enjoyed all the trails that the city of Le Mars offers. The shower house was exceptionally clean. The campground itself was clean and well kept."
"The lake is clean and very pretty. The shower house is newly renovated and very nice. One of our favorite places to stay at!!!!"
TravelerI spent one night at Split Rock on my trip back to Colorado from Minnesota. I had a spot right on the river. The views and scenery were amazing. This is an oasis on the plains. There is an active train track that runs behind the campground that did cause a few wake-ups during the night but overall I had a great stay.
GuideFully shaded park right in town. Convenient to grocery store, a few restaurants, and gas. Also a gym in town, a gun range, and during the summer, a town pool. The owner is great here, and the front staff are wonderful. Very accommodating and helpful. All the spots are level, and last I was here they were adding more ground cover to level even more. Great pit stop on your way to Sioux Falls ( 30 mins north), or on the way to the Black Hills...o. the other side of the state. Lots of great parks nearby for hiking, exploring...and the Missouri is about 40 mins south. Only detractor is the bath house. They keep it clean, just a little dated. But the hot water works...so what else do yoh really need. Laundry always works well, as well.
TravelerTight. Each space has two RVs parked inline with each other. Tail of one RV is parked touching the tail of the other RV
TravelerThis is a wonderful city park. It has electricity only at most of the sites. There's a choice of fifty amp or thirty amp. No water , except from a community pipe , which you can reach with a hose to fill your r v or camper from the road as you drive in. No dump station here in the park , but just two blocks outside of the park is a free one. Lovely shade trees lots of birds. For powered site , it's $20 a night , so much more affordable than the r v parks! Garretson's website has reservation details. There's also a boat , ramp and a lovely children's playground.
TravelerLocated off the interstate with easy access to everything. Staff was super friendly and loves dogs. Dog run clean. So nice stayed an extra night.
TravelerCould be a bit better maintained as the pads were grown over with grass. Still a nice place with water and electricity, we used to charge our TC. But it turns out that when we visited the bathroom before bed it was a complete mess. Someone had just left it in terrible shape. It was so bad we ended up leaving.
TravelerCampfires, hiking, superb interpretive center, live animal viewing, river access
TravelerVery nice place. Swimming, fishing, hiking, geocaching, campfires, and beautiful spots
ScoutHot shower, clean bathroom, playground, close to town and I 90
Camping sites near Hawarden, Iowa encompass the northwest region of the state and neighboring areas of South Dakota. Located in Sioux County where the average summer temperature reaches 85°F, the area's landscape features rolling hills along the Big Sioux River watershed with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 feet. The camping season typically runs April through October, with many locations closed during winter months due to Iowa's harsh winter conditions.
Hiking trails: Newton Hills State Park offers several hiking options through wooded terrain. "This beautiful park set just 9 miles south of Canton, SD has something for everyone. If you enjoy water activities, spend some time at Lake Lakota swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing! If land is more your style, enjoy the multiple hiking trails," notes Lisa H. from Newton Hills Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Many camping areas near Hawarden provide fishing access without requiring additional permits. At Sandy Hollow Park Campground, visitors can enjoy "a swimming lake, fishing lake, and hiking trails through the prairie. Less than three miles from town," according to Miranda M.
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with beach amenities. "The lake is clean and very pretty. The shower house is newly renovated and very nice," writes Kaila about Willow Creek Campground, which features a swimming pond separate from fishing areas.
Modern facilities: Many campgrounds have updated their amenities in recent years. Union Grove State Park Campground impressed visitors with its "immaculate" facilities, as one camper noted: "Definitely one of the cleanest most well kept campgrounds I've seen in a while. Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice."
Family-friendly layouts: Rivers Bend Campground arranges sites to maximize lake views. "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. They have tent sites that you have to walk to but they are right on the water away from all of the RV sites," shares Kaitlin B.
Recreational diversity: Many locations offer multiple outdoor activities in one setting. James M. describes Sandy Hollow Park Campground as having "standard sites, fire rings, tables, firewood, swimming beach, fishing, boating, hiking including access to Sioux Center's trail system, shelters, lodge, archery range. Playground, canoe/kayak rentals."
Site spacing varies significantly: While some campgrounds offer privacy, others place sites close together. At Willow Creek Campground, Mallory S. found that "Site 42 is on the beach side which is the newer part of the campground, it's one of the full hookup ones by the sidewalk. It was level and had some shade; sites are average size."
Shade availability: Tree coverage differs between campgrounds and even within the same park. "Many campsites are almost full sun—so have your shade structure ready. Evenings very peaceful," advises Sally C. about Newton Hills State Park.
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate on first-come basis. Sandy Hollow has "3 Reservable full hook ups, otherwise first come," according to Donald N.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Union Grove State Park Campground, campers have "Site was perfect for both an RV or a tent. They offer tent, back in, or pull through. We tent camped at a back in site across from both the play area and the shower rooms."
Swimming amenities: Many locations have developed beach areas with additional features. Lazy H Campground offers unique water attractions as Bryan R. describes: "The beach has giant floating lily pads that the kids loved. There are showers on the beach to wash off feet after you're done swimming."
Nature education: Oak Grove Park provides environmental learning opportunities near its camping areas. Both Turkey Ridge and Deer Run campgrounds offer access to the nature center, and James M. notes the park has "terraced sites with hard pads, tables, fire rings/ firewood, shaded spots, electric, horseshoes, nature center nearby."
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric, but full-service sites are limited. Rock Valley BiCentennial Park Campground provides "full hookups" though it's a small facility with "only 6 spots," according to Tiffany K.
Site dimensions: Concrete pads and pull-through sites are available at some locations. Charles M. found Willow Creek Campground to be "a real find in the middle of corn and soybean country" with power, water and WiFi for $20 in the old section.
Seasonal considerations: Most RV parks in the area operate between April and October. Willow Creek Campground runs from "April 15 to October 15" and offers 62 RV spots with concrete pads; half have electric and water while the other half include sewer hookups as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hawarden, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hawarden, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 92 campgrounds and RV parks near Hawarden, IA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hawarden, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hawarden, IA is Union Grove State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hawarden, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Hawarden, IA.
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