F.W. Kent Park offers spacious campgrounds with electric hookup sites at $20 per night and a sewer dump at the entrance. Located 10 miles west of Homestead, this 1,082-acre park features a diverse landscape of forest, prairie, and wetland habitats with hiking trails that connect directly to camping areas. The park's rebuilt lake provides multiple recreational options for campers looking to stay near Homestead.
What to do
Hiking around the lake: At F.W. Kent Park, visitors can walk a two-mile trail that circles the entire lake. "There is about a two mile trail circumventing the entire lake. The large lake is beautifully landscaped with walking bridges made from recycled iron and memorial trees of many varieties," notes Lisa S.
Fossil hunting: The Devonian Fossil Gorge near West Overlook Campground offers unique geological exploration opportunities. "This campground is close to the dam and the Devonian Fossil Gorge," explains Carolyn M. The gorge contains fossils exposed during the 1993 flood, creating an educational outdoor experience.
Kayaking and canoeing: Lake Iowa County Park provides water access via a short trail from the campground. "The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake. If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake," shares Ken G. The park's layout offers both water recreation and woodland camping.
What campers like
Off-season tranquility: Fall and spring camping at Lake Macbride State Park offers a quieter experience than summer months. "Spring camping is quieter; fall camping is also quiet, and the fall leaves are beautiful then," notes Janet R., who appreciates the less crowded conditions outside peak season.
Affordable camping options: The primitive South Campground at Lake Macbride keeps costs low while maintaining basic amenities. "Clean sites right on the lake. Peaceful nights with other friends & other campers. Good place to launch kayaks from. $9.00/night!!!" shares Jeff A. about the non-modern camping area.
Wildlife encounters: Campers regularly report wildlife sightings at many dog friendly campgrounds near Homestead. "We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through," reports Leslie P. from Lake Iowa County Park. These natural encounters enhance the camping experience throughout the region.
What you should know
Limited tent sites: While RV camping is abundant, dedicated tent sites can be limited at some locations. At Amana RV Park & Event Center, "This is an RV park with tent sites on the lawn around the perimeter. A bit of a walk to the bathroom and showers, but the sites were level with short grass," explains Kimberly B.
Uneven terrain: Many campgrounds in the area require leveling equipment. "Bring a lot of leveling blocks. Most sites are slanted in both planes," warns Warren W. about Beyonder Getaway. The rolling Iowa landscape creates naturally sloped camping areas throughout the region.
Shower facilities vary: Some campgrounds have modern facilities while others have basic or no showers. "There are shower houses throughout the CG. Compared to other COEs we've stayed at, the sites here are closer together," notes MickandKarla W. about Sugar Bottom Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When camping with kids, choose sites near play areas. "There were also a few playgrounds that my grandkids loved. We were there on a lovely night and had a great campfire," shares Sue K. about F.W. Kent Park, highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming areas for kids. "Great amenities including hot showers and nice bathrooms and a cleaning station with sink basin for camping dishes. Great beach swimming area. Fun for all," notes Steve T. about West Overlook Campground.
Campsite spacing: For families needing more space, research sites that offer better separation. "The sites down by the boat launch have electric only and tent sites. Compared to other COEs we've stayed at, the sites here are closer together," observes MickandKarla W.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through accessibility: Many campgrounds accommodate larger RVs with pull-through sites. "Wide open park with very very easy access. The roads and pads are gravel so I could see it becoming an issue during weather but we didn't have much trouble leveling," explains Ash B. about Amana RV Park.
Electric hookup options: RVers have multiple choices for powered sites. "The modern side on the north end of the park with full hookups, and the primitive side on the south side of the park with no electricity or water hookups," notes Jacob B. about the options at Lake Macbride State Park.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal needs ahead of time. "They have a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions," explains MickandKarla W., providing practical information for RVers visiting Sugar Bottom Campground.
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