B
Bob B.
Guide
GuideHitchcock County Nature Center
A Hidden Gem
Camp spots are close together and not private. But it's a beautiful spot with lots of hiking trails. Bathrooms are spotless and the host is super nice.
Camping near Honey Creek, IA
104 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Campgrounds near Honey Creek, Iowa range from developed RV hookups and cabin rentals to primitive tent sites throughout the Loess Hills region. Hitchcock County Nature Center, situated approximately 3 miles from Honey Creek proper, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The center features hiking trails through the distinctive Loess Hills formations, recognized as one of only two such geological formations worldwide. Nearby Arrowhead Park Campground provides additional tent and RV camping options with electric hookups, making the area suitable for both traditional camping and visitors seeking modern amenities.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with most facilities operating from April through November. Hitchcock County Nature Center specifically maintains an April to November season, while Arrowhead Park remains open year-round. Several campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than reservation systems, requiring campers to arrive early during peak periods. Roads to campgrounds are generally well-maintained, though some tent sites at Hitchcock require walking gear down moderately steep terrain from parking areas. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal variations, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. A recent review noted: "The road up gets a little narrow and windy, but nothing an experienced traveler can't handle. It's worth driving a little further off the road for this campsite."
Campers consistently highlight the extensive trail systems and unique landscape views as primary attractions. Hitchcock Nature Center's trails traverse varying difficulty levels, making them accessible to different hiking abilities while providing spectacular views of the Missouri River valley. Wildlife observation opportunities abound, with hawk watching platforms and butterfly gardens mentioned in visitor reviews. The natural setting balances proximity to urban areas with a sense of seclusion. According to one visitor: "When I think of 'nature center' I think of a stuffy little cabin with taxidermy. This site is far far more than that, with hiking trails, educational programs, a museum, event halls, and of course camping." Many campgrounds maintain clean facilities, with visitors frequently noting well-maintained bathrooms and showers, particularly at mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV campers.
Best Campgrounds near Honey Creek (104)
1. Hitchcock County Nature Center
"I pulled in late at night easy to navigate stayed the next day and did some trails apparently the land formations are 1 of only 2 in the world how about that Iowa."
"We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."
from $10 - $50 / night
Check Availability2. Arrowhead Park Campground
"Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site."
"I like that you can tent camp anywhere in the Camp area down by the lake with all your friends close by. the trails and playground equipment is nice and the fishing is great!"
3. Lake Cunningham Campground
"The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."
"Lake Cunningham is a fun destination for getting outside if you only have an afternoon to escape! The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing!"
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability4. Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground
"It is true that the campground is a big open space with little tree cover, but it is part of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, and there is a ton of trees, trails, and wildlife around the refuge."
"Nice smaller park with good tent sites on Missouri River and next to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge."
from $16 - $24 / night
Check Availability5. Lake Manawa State Park Campground
"Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean."
"Our confirmation email included precise directions from I-29, with an interstate sign confirming the turn for Lake Manawa State Park, and provided the gate code for access."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. Missouri Valley City Park
"It is right next to a busy railroad, but we cranked up our fans and barely noticed the trains and their horns."
"Besides the traffic noise because it's close to the hwy, the train passed at night like 4 or 5 times, so have that in mind if you light sleep."
7. Cunningham Lake Dam Site 11 Campground
"Great location, not too close to the lake so not a lot of bugs to bother."
"Each site is equipped with a fire ring and many of the locations have a picnic table. There are a couple of the spots right along side the lake."
8. Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino
"Very convenient location close to lots of shopping and the convention center."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
"There are two small camping areas near the entrance and two larger areas on the far side of the lake. We stayed in Site 20 on the far side."
"Nice setting close to I80 without highway noise. It is first come so is probably busy in summer. Bathhouse was so clean and nice. Stop by office first to see if there are sights available."
10. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area
"This is a nice campground located on the edge of Papillion, Nebraska. There are several trails nearby, some paved and others grass. The main trailhead is easily accessible from the park road."
"There is a large paved path that goes all the way around the lake, while also connecting to the greater trail system in the Omaha metro area. There are singletrack trails available too. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 14 min from Omaha, NE
- 1 hr from Lincoln, NE
- 1 hr 4 min from Sioux City, IA
- 1 hr 44 min from Des Moines, IA
Recent Camping Photos near Honey Creek, IA
70 Photos of 104 Honey Creek Campgrounds
Matt S.
Hitchcock County Nature Center
Steve D.
Lake Cunningham Campground
Sarah H.
Arrowhead Park Campground
John K.
Haworth City Park
Matt S.
Pony Creek Co Park
T K.
Pacific Providence Farm
Frank B.
Botna Bend County Park
Annie C.
Glenwood Lake Park
Shannon G.
Cottonwood — Two Rivers SRA
Rick J.
Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA
Jeff L.
Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA
Cynthia K.
West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
Recent Reviews near Honey Creek, IA
520 Reviews of 104 Honey Creek Campgrounds
Kathy B.
LegendLake Manawa State Park Campground
Needs some Shade!
I was here on a very hot June day. Grateful for the electricity so I could run my A/C. Would have been much nicer if there were some actual trees for shade. No privacy between sites.
You need a code to get inside the park. I saw camp hosts drive by in golf carts, but did not interact with them.
All the pads look like they're very new. Cement and level.
While this park is right on the lake, there is no easy access to the lake from the campground. A few of the sites back up to the lake, but even those you'd have to bushwack to get to the water. I did find a spot that I had to practically trespass on another camper's site to get to. It was a small opening between weeds and down some treacherous rocks to launch my paddleboard.
There's a beach a few hundred yards down the path that you have to pay $5 to enter.
The lake does not look very clean. I wouldn't swim in it.
The shower was one of those push button ones and it was fine. Lots of kids running around and being loud past 11pm. Looks like people come here to spend the night and spend the day someplace else.
- EErica H.
ScoutPine Grove RV Park & Campground
BLUE COLLAR WORKERS BEWARE
•Turned of my water off in the winter time while it was in the negatives outside which froze my water and busted my water heater.
•quiet time is after 9 but we’re trying to make guests leave before 6
•their water line busted and they refused to reimburse multiple people for the 5 days we all went without water
•You can’t sit your trash out AT ALL, not even in the bed of your truck cause the dozens of stray cats will rip it apart and scatter it everywhere. They will also tear up your camper underneath looking for warmth
•owner saw me taking the trash out one day and offered to take it then turned around and told me I was to lazy to take it
•had 2 friends and their 3 kids come join us for a cookout and the owners pulled up in their golf cart, freaking out about how loud our “party” was and that the our new neighbors complained. Went to go apologize the next day and the neighbors said they didn’t even hear us.
•kept trying to up charge me on rent and electricity, one month my electric was $53 and the next month it was over $300 (the same month I wasn’t even there for 2 weeks)
•multiple blue collar workers left because the owners were treating them the same way
•they have a nice pool. If you want to invite anybody make sure you got extra money cause they’ll charge you whatever they feel like charging you that day. Went from $3 a person to $5 a person in just 2 days
•claim they’re Christians but refuse to you help in any way and will try to get as much money from you as they can
•••••••CHECK YOUR METER••••••••• when I left they tried saying my electric bill was higher than my deposit of $300 but when I told them I took a picture of the meter and how their price didn’t match the amount of kilowatts I had used (15 cents per kw) they sent me my deposit back
All this coming from someone who stayed here for 6 months and finally had enough
- Dani P.Guide
Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area
Well maintained campground
This was a beautiful little spot in town. All the spots were decently spaced out so you had your privacy, and it was surprisingly quiet. It is on the edge a housing area, so you can see people's porches across the street, but it wasnt bad. The price is very reasonable especially if you're just spending the night while driving through. Its very green, well maintained and pretty, we even saw some fireflies! It has electric hook ups and a dump station as well.
- Boyd A.Scout
Island Park Campground - Lyons City Park
Great RV Park
New pads. Grills. Fishing Lake. Tennis Courts. Basketball. Sand Volleyball. Pool.
- SStacey M.Scout
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground
So much to offer!
This park offers something for everyone! Although the campsites are average this big beautiful park makes up for it in other ways. From the aquatic park, to the stables, hiking and biking trails, a small marina with fishing and paddle boats, and a nature center, you won’t have to leave to be entertained. Recommend staying at the lakeside campground for better views.
Heather P.ScoutBluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino
No longer at the hotel - closed
I called because there was no link to book and the RV park has closed. There is RV parking if you want to stay in the hotel, but the park with hookups is closed.
- WWayne F.
TravelerWalnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area
Great Little Campground!
Beautiful city owned campground. 50 and/or 30 amp electric at all sites. No water hookups, but spigots are located throughout the park. No shower house, only pit toilets. However, at $20 a night a steal!
- SSean J.Guide
Preparation Canyon State Park Campground
Secluded Hike-In Camping
Preparation Canyon has multiple hike-in sites available, in different distances (1/4 to 1 mile) from the trail head. The sites are each provided with a picnic table and fire ring, and are situated a little distance back from the main trail. I camped for three nights around site #4 which was secluded and had great privacy from those hiking nearby. The site seemed well maintained and was mostly level.
Lots of wildlife to view and spots to explore. If hiking in the area remember to bring bug spray, the flies and mosquitoes were thick at my camp spot! I think it was the result of the standing water in the creek, which is the result of a small dam.
Guide to Honey Creek
Camping sites near Honey Creek, Iowa extend beyond the Loess Hills and include options along the Missouri River valley and into neighboring Nebraska. These campgrounds experience typical midwestern seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter lows frequently dipping below 20°F. While spring and fall offer more moderate conditions, many camping facilities maintain limited operations from April through October due to weather constraints.
What to do
Archery practice: Hitchcock Nature Center offers an on-site archery range that's popular with families. "As a family we go to Hitchcock a few times a year for the hiking and the archery range they have on-site. Both are excellent and a nice escape from the city!" shares Pat V. in his review of Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Water activities: Arrowhead Park Campground provides affordable boat rentals for lake exploration. "Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable," notes Sarah H. who visited with her family. Several reviewers mention the quality fishing at Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park, where "You can tent camp right next to the water as well," according to Alex R.
Wildlife observation: Beyond just hiking trails, campers can utilize specialized wildlife viewing areas. "Make sure to climb up to the top of the towering platform and bring your binoculars to checkout the visiting hawks and occasional eagle," recommends Matt S. about birdwatching opportunities at Hitchcock Nature Center.
What campers like
Educational programs: The nature centers offer structured learning activities beyond self-guided exploration. "Make sure to look at their events calendar, they have exceptional programs for all ages (and especially kids). I learned about this park from Pheasants Forever, a nonprofit," shares Lynn G. about Lake Cunningham Campground, which features "kayaking, sailing non power boating - some for rent," according to Steve D.
Affordable rates: Many campgrounds maintain reasonable pricing despite offering substantial amenities. "For only $10 dollars this campground has a lot to provided including free showers. First come first serve. Highly recommend," writes Jessica F. about her stay at Arrowhead Park.
Historical significance: Some camping areas feature connections to important historical events. Hitchcock Nature Center sits in "the Loess Hills that were explored by Lewis and Clark on their trek west," according to Pat V., providing educational context beyond just natural features.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Flooding has impacted several camping areas in recent years. Wilson Island State Recreation Area has been particularly affected, with Mark T. noting it was "underwater this year due to the floods in Iowa." Always check current conditions before planning trips to Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground.
Reservation requirements: Policies vary widely between campgrounds with some requiring advance booking while others operate on first-come systems. Hitchcock Nature Center has "no reservations (but supposedly they don't fill up completely?)" according to Lynn G., making it suitable for spontaneous trips.
Road conditions: Access roads to some sites may be challenging for certain vehicles. The road leading to Hitchcock Nature Center can be "narrow and windy" according to visitor reviews, though generally navigable for most vehicles. Some tent sites require short hikes from parking areas to reach camping spots.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature well-maintained play structures for children. At Missouri Valley City Park, "This is a place to come with your kids or grandkids. So much fun stuff to do. Water park. Playground. Open area," according to Don L., making it ideal for families seeking built amenities.
Kid-friendly trails: Look for paths specifically designed for younger hikers. "There's even a 1 mile hike on a boardwalk that's very easy. There's all levels of hikes," notes Karen W. about Hitchcock Nature Center, which also offers educational programs geared toward children.
Swimming options: While not all lakes permit swimming, several campgrounds offer designated beach areas. At Arrowhead Park, Andrew B. notes, "I like that you can tent camp anywhere in the Camp area down by the lake with all your friends close by. The trails and playground equipment is nice and the fishing is great!"
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete utility connections for longer stays. At Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area, Jim & Karen A. found a "Great back-in site w/30 amp electrical pulg in, no water at site. Site is overlooking a small lake. Very quiet, dump station. All for $20 a night."
Self-registration systems: Many campgrounds utilize honor-based payment methods. "We loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked," explains Abby W. about Hitchcock Nature Center, making late arrivals more convenient for travelers.
Site selection flexibility: Some RV-friendly campgrounds allow campers to choose specific sites upon arrival. At Arrowhead Park, "Once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops," notes Sarah H., allowing RVers to find the most level or convenient locations for their specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Honey Creek, IA?
What camping is available near Honey Creek, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Honey Creek, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 104 campgrounds and RV parks near Honey Creek, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Honey Creek, IA?
Which is the most popular campground near Honey Creek, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Honey Creek, IA is Hitchcock County Nature Center with a 4.6-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Honey Creek, IA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Honey Creek, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Honey Creek, IA.
Keep Exploring