Best known for its rich farming history, Iowa is also rich and diverse in nature, with a multitude of destinations to camp and hike. If you’re planning on camping in Iowa, you’re in luck.


Effigy Mounds National Monument is situated on the bank of the Mississippi River at the eastern border of Iowa. Part of the “driftless” region of Iowa that was left untouched by the passing glaciers thousands of years ago, the area’s bluffs, forests, and other habitats host diverse ecosystems to explore and admire.


More than that, Effigy Mounds is notable for its historic settlement by the Native American Effigy Moundbuilders, who build massive sets of mounds that, from a bird’s eye view, form the shape of animals such as bears, cats, and birds. These nature-inspired monuments blend well with the natural scenery, making it an ideal site for camping.


Another excellent site for camping in Iowa is Maquoketa Caves State Park. Located next to the eastern Iowa town of Maquoketa, the 370-acre park contains amazing caves weaving throughout the limestone bedrock of the bluffs. Spelunkers and nature-enthusiasts alike will enjoy exploring the caverns, such as the 800-foot long Dancehall Cave.


Even if you’re not up for venturing into the caverns, there are plenty of other things to do at Maquoketa Caves. Hikers can walk along six miles of trails throughout the park, passing by habitats ranging from bluffs to woodlands to prairies. Unfortunately, the campgrounds are closed until October 2018 for renovations to the camping facilities, but when it is open again you should definitely consider a visit.


Camping in Iowa is diverse and plentiful, there are countless campsites and trails that you may wish to consider. Once you start exploring Iowa’s natural ecosystems, you’ll begin to see the true beauty of the vibrant state.

Iowa

The Best Camping in Iowa | 100+ IA Campgrounds

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Indianola, IA has a lot to offer. Indianola is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Indianola, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Indianola

The Best Camping Near Indianola, Iowa

The charming natural beauties and it's healing powers! We have prepared 4 beautiful view campsites the quiet peaceful campground that has 3 private ponds with fish and 10-acre all nature tree areas in the fenced 40 acres hilly land. It is about 50 miles in the capital city Des Moines. The site has good cell phone signal from most providers. We recently built a 20ft diameter geodesic dome tent for those who want more climate controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent nature's gift.

**We are open year around for you to enjoy four seasons world excitement**: Springs, Summers, Falls and of course winters!!

All of 4 campsites have plenty of space and is apart from each other with good privacy. Each site has a fire pit with a tripod for food cooking, a "picnic table" and a solar light. Drinking water tap is near the entrance, not at each site. For RVs, you can add water before you get in the gate. Site 1, site 2 and site 3 are on top of the hills with a beautiful view of ponds and lake, and site 4 is in woods with has full shade in summer and walking trails in woods.

The are also a lots to do nearby the red Rock lake areas. The Whitebreast camping and swimming Beach, Red rock lake boat ramp, Historic Coal Ridge Church, Stu Kuyper hiking trail and Youth park are within one mile from our camping site.

Tri-Pond camping sites are the perfect campsites for family relaxing camping, Van-camping, road trip stops, friends gathering, or come and stay for local events in the nearby cities, such as in Des Moines, Newton, Pella, Knoxville, Oskaloosa, Monroe, Pleasantville, Indianola etc.. TulipTime, hot balloon Festival, car race…

Notes: four wheel vehicle recommended since the campground is hilly here and there. You will need bug repellent during summer. We do not use any chemicals on site. Ticks are common during earlier spring and summer in grassy areas and woods, but not usually found during Fall and Winter. There may be hunting gun sounds near or far during hunting seasons, these are from public land nearly. we do not allow any kinds of hunting or trapping on our camping ground.

The site has plenty of space for big rig boondocking near the gate.

Questions? Text to Anna at: (530)309-9885. Or

Email to: fengyuwang62@gmail.com

Notes to campers:

1\. Hilly road. Drive less than 10 m/ h, carefully some area near pond has Steep slopes.

2\. Quiet time: 10:00pm to 6:00am

3\. Need bug repellent during summer. Ticks are common in the grassy area and woods, but not usually find on area grass been mowed. We do not use any chemical on site.

4\. Possible coyotes in the property, take care of small children, especially during night

5\. Watch out the dead trees in the woods.

6\. Pay attentions to water safety. No swim in the ponds.

7\. No swim in the campsite ponds, just for fishing. You can go swim at the Whitebreast beach, which is less than a mile from the campsite. and the shower houses there are clean and well maintained.

8\. Please do not pick nor eat any mushrooms on site. The Mushrooms on site maybe poisonous.

9\. No hunting anytime.



Lake Red Rock Oasis

Enjoy our relaxing cabin on an 8-acre pond just a couple of miles outside of the city. Highway access to a secluded spot in this 266-acre property. The cabin is “off the grid” so it can be run by a generator or wood burning stove, lamps, etc. There is a waterfront deck, firepits, tree swing, dock, and many other ways to enjoy the peaceful scenery. A generator will be supplied for a “not so off grid” experience if preferred. UTV rentals are an option when available ($250/day) if you want to explore the property and have some fun.



Waterfront Cabin

Lake Ahquabi State Park

Welcome to River Oaks RV Park located on the Des Moines River in beautiful central Iowa. The park is full of fun things to do and is one of the premier campgrounds in Iowa. You can spend your day biking and hiking the miles of trails carved through the woods or enjoy the serene atmosphere throughout the park. You'll enjoy mature hardwood trees and large RV sites during your stay. Also, take advantage of our one-acre stocked fishing pond or cast a line out on the Des Moines River! Looking for RV storage near Des Moines? We offer RV storage during the winter months at an affordable rate. But wait, there's more! We also rent RVs! Come experience camping in one of our premium RV rentals. So, if you're looking at campgrounds in Iowa with full hookup RV sites, and primitive campsites nestled in central Iowa timber, come visit us at River Oaks RV Park!



River Oaks RV Park

Otter Creek Park

Yellow Banks County Park

**Grant Park campground is closed until further notice for improvements.**

Improvements include adding electric sites, shower house, and water station. All sites are first come first serve and will cost $20 per night. Registration is required upon arrival at the campground entrance. Campers may stay in WCCB campgrounds for 14 days out of any 30 day period.

Donated by Ferold and Dorothy Grant, this 150 acre park in northeast Warren County features a picnic shelter, a secluded pond, some wonderful woodland trails, and—new in 2018—10 primitive campsites!

The picnic shelter is available for reservation by calling the WCCB office at (515) 961-6169.

Grant Park has ten primitive campsites. There is a pit latrine in the campground. Water is not available. Reservations are not accepted. This campground is free of charge. Registration is required and is available at the campground entrance. Campers may stay in WCCB campgrounds for 14 days out of any 30 day period.


Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board) - TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS

Hickory Hills Park

Iowa State Fairgrounds

Walnut Woods State Park

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Jacksonville. Jacksonville is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Jacksonville and user-submitted reviews.

Jacksonville

The Best Camping Near Jacksonville, Iowa

Des Moines is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Des Moines campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Des Moines

The Best Camping Near Des Moines, Iowa

Are you in need of a campground near Cedar Rapids, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Cedar Rapids

The Best Camping Near Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Davenport is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Davenport, reviewed by campers like you.

Davenport

The Best Camping Near Davenport, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Sioux City, IA? Sioux City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Sioux City, reviewed by campers like you.

Sioux City

The Best Camping Near Sioux City, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Waterloo, IA? Waterloo is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Waterloo, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Waterloo

The Best Camping Near Waterloo, Iowa

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Iowa City, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Iowa City, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Iowa City camping trip.

Iowa City

The Best Camping Near Iowa City, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA? Council Bluffs is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Council Bluffs

The Best Camping Near Council Bluffs, Iowa

Ames is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Ames is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Ames, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Ames

The Best Camping Near Ames, Iowa

Dubuque is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Dubuque campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Dubuque

The Best Camping Near Dubuque, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Lake Red Rock, IA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lake Red Rock is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Lake Red Rock

The Best Camping Near Lake Red Rock, Iowa

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Rathbun Lake. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Rathbun Lake. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Rathbun Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Rathbun Lake

The Best Camping Near Rathbun Lake, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Coralville Lake, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Coralville Lake camping trip.

Coralville Lake

The Best Camping Near Coralville Lake, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Saylorville Lake, IA? Saylorville Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

The Best Camping in Indianola

Top Campgrounds in Indianola (115)

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