Best Tent Camping near Honey Creek, IA

Tent campsites in the Honey Creek area of Iowa include notable options like Preparation Canyon State Park, where primitive walk-in tent sites provide a secluded backcountry experience. Located in the unique Loess Hills region, this park offers eight designated tent-only campsites with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Several campgrounds in the broader region, including those within a 30-minute drive across the Nebraska border, accommodate tent camping with various levels of accessibility.

Preparation Canyon State Park requires campers to hike in to reach tent sites, with trails ranging from under a mile to more remote paths. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, though no drinking water is available on-site. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "There are about 8 sites dispersed around the area so camping is always private." Nearby creeks provide water sources that require treatment before use. Campgrounds at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area in Nebraska offer more developed options with drinking water and restroom facilities, though reviews note these sites typically have limited shade.

The Loess Hills region provides a distinctive backdrop for tent camping experiences with unique topography rarely found elsewhere in North America. At Preparation Canyon, tent campers can access nearly eight miles of hiking trails directly from their campsite. One camper noted that "Site 3, which seems to be the crown jewel, is a small trek up a hillside and looks out across the general area, with a phenomenal star gazing opportunity." Wildlife observation opportunities include deer, turkey and various bird species. Most primitive tent sites in the area offer good separation between campsites, providing privacy even during busier summer weekends. Fall camping offers particularly scenic views with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

Best Tent Sites Near Honey Creek, Iowa (9)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Honey Creek, IA

460 Reviews of 9 Honey Creek Campgrounds


  • J
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Peaceful Serenity

    I arrived just in time to see the beautiful sunset over the small lake near the primitive campground closest to the Park Office. It only cost $10 for tent camping and $3 for a vehicle pass. Campground and vault toilets were pretty clean. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each tent campsite and there are plenty to choose from near the water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe and even fish here. We had a nice encounter from the campground employee who explained how to put the stake out to claim our campsite. Right away, I saw abundant wildlife, including turkey, deer, black squirrels, woodpeckers, geese, ducks and bats. Come prepared for the mosquitoes but overall I would highly recommend this place!

  • D
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    Camping Right on the Lake

    It is a nice spot a bit off of the main roads. Many of the tent sites allow you to camp right next to the lake. It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

  • C
    May. 5, 2024

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Great first come first serve campground

    This is a nice small campground that is well taken care of. We stayed at site number 8 which may be one of the more unlevel spots. The passenger side of our 5th wheel was about 7" lower than driver side and rear of fifth wheel was about 3" lower than front before we levelled out. 

    Pros:

    -Well maintained walking trails that are perfect for dogs

    -Most sites have 30 and 50 amp hookups

    -Fire rings and picnic tables at most sites

    -$18 a night for electric hookups

    -Quiet

    Cons:

    -Some sites are very unlevel  

    -No water or dump station

  • Kyla B.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Peaceful

    Has fishing, kayaking, hiking, 3 covered picnic areas with electricity, wildlife watching, no-wake boating, 11 (50 amp) RV/tent pads/sites at $20 per night, 3 free non-electrical RV/tent pads/sites, & free tent camping area by the dock. No park permit required. Can pay for pads/sites with cash or with mobile phone. Sites have trash cans, picnic tables and fire rings. Primitive bathrooms available. Water spigots available and working. No dumpsite. Dogs welcome but must be leashed.

    May be difficult parking for larger rigs (35ft+) due to the one way entrance and curvature of the campground. Also note that you will need to bring leveling blocks for nearly every site since the campground is build on a hill.

    https://lpnnrd.org/outdoor-recreation/czechland-lake-recreation-area/

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • Sarah H.
    Aug. 7, 2016

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Easy Family Camping Near Omaha

    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. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Nice and peaceful

    Great spot for an overnight! Restroom is clean w/ pit toilet and tp. Wifi is only accessible in the upper area of the grounds. Site number 13 is the most cozy as there’s no one next to your rig. Firewood is at the right of the entrance. Potable water available!

  • Jerry B.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    One of my favorites

    Tent camping sites. No electrical hookups but you can still camp in campers if you want. Beautiful Campground with lots of trees and shade. Very nice Lake with fishing available. There appears to be an option for canoe rentals available. Boat ramp and dock. Multiple bathroom locations within the campground. Picnic tables near the water. I’ve kayaked the lake! So much fun.

  • Allison J.
    Jul. 8, 2016

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Loess hills getawayg

    The park has cabins, rv sites, tent camping and backcountry hike in camping. The nature center is a nice place to cool down the the summer and learn about the loess hills. The backcountry campsite have pads with pea gravel for tents and fire rings. Nice and quiet.


Guide to Honey Creek

Tent camping near Honey Creek, Iowa offers access to the unique Loess Hills region, characterized by wind-deposited silt formations up to 200 feet high that extend along western Iowa's border. This area represents one of only two major loess deposits globally, with hiking elevations ranging from 1,020 to 1,430 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall camping provides milder conditions with temperatures between 55-75°F.

What to do

Paddling opportunities: Two Rivers State Recreation Area provides access to the Platte and Elkhorn Rivers. "The river is decently safe and a good place to tube. There were not any other campers but I could see it getting pretty busy on the weekends," notes Emily M. about Riverside Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Early morning offers the best opportunities for spotting deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. "The park has deer and turkey and many birds. There is also fishing," shares Robin E. about the Two Rivers area, where wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk.

Night sky observation: The Loess Hills region offers excellent stargazing due to minimal light pollution. Christopher S. experienced this at Preparation Canyon State Park: "You will not regret staying here. The other sites are mostly in the woods and line said creek."

What campers like

Secluded tent sites: At Preparation Canyon, the primitive camping experience includes well-separated sites. Alison D. reports, "I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded."

Creek access: Many sites feature proximity to seasonal water sources. Aaron A. mentions: "This is a nice hike in only camping area. The trails are well maintained as are the campsites." Finding campsites near active creeks provides both scenic value and practical water collection opportunities.

Day trip variety: Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area offers multiple activities beyond camping. "Impressive recreation area. Campsites on and off of the water, all very nice. Lots of walking and bike riding," according to Anji L., who also notes the bicycle trail that extends to the Platte River.

What you should know

Site preparation: Pack for variable weather conditions typical of the Midwest. Tony M. advises about Preparation Canyon: "If you're looking for a relaxing backcountry retreat for a little backpacking adventure then this is a great weekend option. Beginner to intermediate level trails that are good for the whole family."

Water treatment: All natural water sources in the area require filtration or treatment. Christopher S. notes, "The creek just to the North was still flowing and provided our water source," but campers should bring purification methods for all creek water.

Limited amenities: Most primitive tent sites lack facilities. Pelican Point State Recreation Area demonstrates this reality: "This campground is conveniently located at a boat ramp. It has 2 primitive campsites and a vault toilet. The campsites had signs that said $15," explains John A.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly options: For families new to camping, select sites with shorter access trails. Michael M. recommends Two Rivers: "A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds. I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground. Fun and quick trip if you're in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it."

Educational opportunities: Incorporate nature learning into your camping trip. "The park has many, many opportunities to earn badges. You can even take a short hike into a little outdoor nature classroom," Robin E. shares about Two Rivers SRA.

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise disruptions. Alyssa E. cautions about Fremont Lakes: "There is a very busy set of train tracks that run about every 20 minutes all day and all night. Didn't get any sleep, even with earplugs. Plus, it's right next to a busy highway."

Tips from RVers

Shower facilities: Loess Hills Hideaway offers more developed amenities for campers requiring facilities. Tyler S. confirms: "I've camped here a few times. They have cabins and R.V. spots for sure. Owner is very nice and the bathrooms if you need them are clean and well maintained."

Site selection factors: When selecting RV-friendly campgrounds, consider proximity to water recreation. Molly M. advises about Fremont Lakes: "The lake was awesome, not much shade on most tent sites. Make sure you ask when they dredged the lakes that you want to stay on."

Hookup availability: For those requiring full hookups, Lucian F. recommends Saunders County Fairgrounds: "Located near downtown Wahoo. $20 per night for full hookup. Appear to be approximately 40 sites." This provides an economical option for RVers seeking conveniences while staying near the Honey Creek region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Honey Creek, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Honey Creek, IA is Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Honey Creek, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Honey Creek, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.