Best Campgrounds near Johnston, IA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Johnston. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Johnston, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Johnston, Iowa (107)

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Showing results 1-10 of 107 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Johnston, IA

504 Reviews of 107 Johnston Campgrounds



Guide to Johnston

Camping near Johnston, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy fishing and boating at Lake Anita State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Great spot! $13 full hook up. Stayed 4 nights on a beautiful lake."
  • Wildlife Watching: Check out Rock Creek State Park Campground for some wildlife sightings. One reviewer noted, "Clean place very open and gorgeous and peaceful."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A visitor at Jester County Park said, "Showers are hot every time; it's a wonderful place to be."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large, well-spaced sites. A camper at Yellow Banks County Park remarked, "Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday stated, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A camper at Iowa Ledges State Park noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy Seasons: Expect crowds during peak summer months. A visitor at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground was busy when we camped."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. A reviewer at Jester County Park mentioned, "CG has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course, and nature center."
  • Group Sites: Consider campgrounds that offer group camping areas for family gatherings. One camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area said, "The sites are well spaced, and it gets busy with a lot of fishing."
  • Nature Activities: Engage kids with nature activities like hiking and fishing. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground noted, "The lake is pretty, and boat rentals seemed reasonable."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level pads for easier setup. A camper at Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Hookups Available: Many campgrounds offer electric and water hookups. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday shared, "Sites require some leveling, but the facilities were clean and private."
  • Dump Stations: Check for dump stations on-site for convenience. A camper at Lake Anita State Park Campground noted, "Clean latrines and park all around."

Camping around Johnston, IA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Johnston, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Johnston, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.4-star rating from 27 reviews.

  • What parks are near Johnston, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Johnston, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.