Campgrounds near Homestead, Iowa provide access to eastern Iowa's rolling countryside and river valleys. Located within Iowa County at approximately 800 feet elevation, the region experiences typical Midwest seasonal variations with summer highs reaching 90°F and humidity levels up to 90%. Campgrounds typically remain open from April through October, though some parks like Lake Iowa County Park maintain year-round availability for hardy campers.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Lake Iowa County Park offers excellent wildlife encounters with many campers reporting regular deer sightings. One visitor noted, "Saw lots of deer and rabbits right outside our door" while staying at the park's accommodations.
Paddle sports on local waters: Lake Iowa County Park provides lake access for water activities. A visitor mentioned, "If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake," highlighting recreation options beyond hiking.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) connects to extensive single track trails. As one reviewer explained, "The best thing about this campground is it's access to the squaw creek man bike single track. The sites are nice, and easy access to town if you forgot stuff."
Fishing access points: Matsell Bridge Natural Area offers direct river fishing opportunities. A camper shared, "Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site."
What campers like
Spacious and private sites: Wanatee Park receives praise for its site layout. A recent reviewer commented, "There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
Clean facilities: Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area maintains well-kept amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting" are available at this 675-acre recreation area.
Affordability: Wakpicada Natural Area offers budget-friendly primitive camping with scenic settings. One camper noted, "Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren't right next to each other."
River access: Matsell Bridge Natural Area sits along the Wapsipinicon River. A reviewer explained, "Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River...beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge."
What you should know
Seasonal humidity challenges: Summer camping requires preparation for high humidity. One Lake Iowa visitor warned, "We were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August. Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didnt expect the humidity to affect us as it did. Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees."
Primitive site limitations: Matsell Bridge Natural Area offers basic facilities without running water. A camper advised, "Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water" but appreciated the "rustic peacefulness of this 'best kept secret' for primitive and inexpensive camping sites."
Insect preparation: Bug protection is essential during summer months. One Matsell Bridge camper reported, "Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness."
Flooding potential: Riverside campgrounds can experience closures due to high water. At Saulsbury Bridge, a visitor encountered "the trail leading into the campground was under water, which also meant the river campground was closed as well."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Iowa County Park offers family-friendly facilities. A visitor commented, "This place is huge. We pulled in very late on a Weds night / Thursday morning. Self registration at the front" with amenities including "picnic benches everywhere and fire pits."
Fishing with kids: Keokuk County Belva Deer Park provides accessible fishing opportunities with comfortable facilities. A camper noted, "$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance."
Nature exploration opportunities: Lake Iowa Park offers natural areas for family activities. One visitor mentioned, "Not too far off the highway. Very clean and quiet. The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake" and appreciated the "nice woody area behind our campsite."
Weather contingencies: Pack for variable weather conditions. A Wanatee Park camper noted the area has "a mixture of mature and young trees" providing moderate shade, but sites vary in their sun protection.
Tips for RVers
Site leveling requirements: Wanatee Park offers spacious RV sites but preparation is needed. A visitor mentioned, "Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. The sites are very spacious with some shade, a fire ring, and picnic table provided."
Hookup options: While dedicated equestrian facilities are limited near Homestead, RV sites with utilities are available. At Wanatee Park, campers appreciated that "Half of the campgrounds is first come first serve, the other half is reserve only" with full hookup options.
Campfire smoke considerations: Lake Iowa County Park's site layout can affect air quality. One RVer warned, "Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed" due to sites being "pretty close together."
