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Kalona, Iowa and the surrounding rural landscape provide a mix of county parks, state recreation areas, and private campgrounds accommodating various camping styles within short drives of town. Windmill Ridge Campground, located directly in Kalona, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations, with operations running from April through November. Several miles north, F.W. Kent Park in Oxford and Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow feature additional mixed-use campgrounds with varied site types and amenities. Sugar Bottom Campground and Lake Macbride State Park offer additional options within 30 miles, providing campers with both water recreation access and wooded settings.
Eastern Iowa's seasonal weather patterns significantly influence camping conditions throughout the year. Most campgrounds in this agricultural region operate primarily from April through October, with limited winter accessibility. "Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers," notes one visitor about Windmill Ridge. Campers should prepare for uneven terrain at several locations, as reviews frequently mention sloped sites requiring additional leveling blocks. Water systems at some county parks may have quality or reliability issues, with reviews mentioning periodic outages or strong mineral content, making additional water supplies advisable.
Developed campgrounds near Kalona typically offer electric hookups, with many providing water and sewer connections for RVs. Campers looking for more rustic experiences can find primitive tent sites at River Junction Access, approximately 15 miles from Kalona, which one visitor described as having "great views and location, but not private and not well-marked." Several campgrounds in the area feature fishing ponds or lake access, with Beyonder Getaway and Lake Macbride offering swimming beaches during summer months. Marr Park, south of Kalona, provides a balance of natural surroundings with accessibility, featuring paved walking trails that accommodate visitors with mobility concerns while maintaining proximity to natural areas. Most campgrounds in the region maintain moderate pricing between $15-25 per night for standard sites.
"We stayed during an Iowa Football weekend, attended the game in nearby Iowa City, and then enjoyed the rest of our weekend exploring the ponds and trails in the park."
"It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay."
"LuLu and I stayed for 10 days while visiting family in Iowa City. The campground hosted mainly locals but it’s only a couple of miles off the I80."
from $22 - $28 / night
Check Availability"Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."
"Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."
from $14 - $260 / night
Check Availability"Given its proximity to a busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped the busy hustle and"
"Given its proximity to the busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor being EZ on- and off-, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped"
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Awesome place by the Iowa river.. clean and quiet, no drinking water..."
"Close to major highway. Gravel sites. Clean campground. Many paved and grass walking trails surrounded by trees and natural areas. Bath/shower house is under construction. Child’s play equipment."
"There are trails and fishing ponds, play grounds and picnic shelters. It is nice for group camping, but you are so close to other campers."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"My niece who lives nearby recommended this place to stay when we went to visit her since was a short drive from where she lives. "
"Close access to boating and town"
from $26 - $38 / night
Check Availability"24 years ago River Jct Lone Tree Iowa was Just stumptown. Outhouse at the top. Just a spot by the river. A lone camper. How things have changed . Still primitive tent campgrounds there."
"This is one of around 4 campgrounds near/around Lake Coralville."
"Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites."
from $26 - $30 / night
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TravelerI rolled in on a Tuesday with no reservation and got a fantastic site. It was easy to reserve online after I picked one out. The site is really clean and there is easy access to the water in just a short walk. The shower house and facilities are nice and it is cheaper than most state parks I stopped at on this trip. I would stay here again!
ScoutThe campground was very nice and clean. Rangers made several loops around so we felt safe. Saw plenty of wildlife. Campsites were big but not level. We thought they only had outhouses until we discovered a modern bathhouse at the other end of the campground. Showers were big but very shall rustic. We only stayed one night as we were passing through but definitely could be an option in the future for other stays.
GuideGood spacing between spots that have oversized cement slabs. The bath/shower rooms are the cleanest I have even witnessed.
There is a bike trail running just outside the campground.
Hills, trees and water.
TravelerWe really liked the nearby trails and the beach area was lovely. Our dogs lived hiking to the spillway and laying down for a soak. Our site (35) was slanted and wished we had more shade since it was in the upper 80s while we were there. Site 38 would be great for full shade and more privacy. Next time.
ScoutI would give it a zero if I could. Uneven pads for camper, right next to interstate and loud, neighbors so close it is unreal. Do not believe the pictures online posted those are campsites for permanent seasonal campers in the back. I was told the cost was $650 a month then charged $718 on my card. Campers are placed tongue to the back of your neighbor in front of you camper. so if one wants to move out you have to pack up your camper and move yours to a temporary spot for a couple of days so they can get out then pack up your camper again and move it again. They broke the contract doing that with us so instead of signing a new contract on a new spot we went ahead and went to another campground. Owner (which you never see, never picks up phone or has an office you can go to) continually tries to charge my credit card a large sum of money because she is mad. Update three weeks later still trying to charge my credit card various amounts. We didn’t even complete the whole month we paid for and did not ask for a refund for the days not stayed so technically they owe us money. Also you are not allowed to have any mail sent to you if renting monthly' and there was a lot of trash and illicit drug use going on in the campground.
TravelerInexpensive but poorly maintained. Parking is unlevel and no dump station. Sites were slightly bigger than needed and rock driveway barely had rock. Clean and well mowed. Caves were small and visited in about 30 minutes.
GuideSite 12. June 11. Good for a night if driving I-80. Nice view of the river from this site. It had rained and there were many puddles making tent camping impossible, so I didn't bother setting up my "mandatory" tent and slept on the cot in my SUV. Standing water, so mosquitoes were active. This campground caters to RVs. Trains at night are loud. Bring ear plugs. Restrooms were old and not clean. I had stayed here before a few years ago, and they were very clean, so it just depends on the host.
TravelerIf you’re looking for a quick stop on your travels with full hookup and a bonus pool this is perfect! The host is very friendly and accommodating. Easy on and off of I80. There is not a lot of shade but if you have AC and an awning, you will be just fine
ScoutExcellent campground and site with 50 amp electrical
Eastern Iowa's farmland surrounding Kalona features gently rolling terrain between 650-850 feet elevation with scattered wooded areas and several river valleys cutting through the agricultural landscape. Campgrounds near Kalona typically sit on small elevation changes that can create challenges for leveling RVs, as most sites require blocks for proper stabilization. The Iowa River and its tributaries provide fishing opportunities at several camping locations within 20 miles of town.
Lake activities: F.W. Kent Park offers a central lake with multiple recreation options. "Paddling, fishing, hiking, swimming, to name a few. Firewood available. Conservation education center open seasonally with programs offered. Forest, prairie, wetland habitats," notes James M.
Fossil hunting: West Overlook Campground provides access to the Devonian Fossil Gorge, a geological feature exposed in the 1993 flood. "This recreation area also includes campgrounds and river recreation downstream of the dam, including a gorge of geologic interest that is filled with Devonian fossils exposed in the flood of 1993," explains Janet R.
Walking trails: Marr Park features accessible paved paths that accommodate diverse mobility needs. "Close to major highway. Gravel sites. Clean campground. Many paved and grass walking trails surrounded by trees and natural areas," writes Renee H.
Budget-friendly stays: The Primitive South Campground at Lake Macbride offers exceptional value. "Clean sites right on the lake.. Peaceful nights with other friends & other campers.. Good place to launch kayaks from.. We had cell service.. Free firewood for campers was a plus!!! $9.00/night!!!" reports Jeff A.
Spacious sites: F.W. Kent Park provides ample room between campsites. "Nice quiet place during the week. Lots of space between sites," mentions Shelton A. Another camper adds, "Unique mix of RV and tent sites in a variety of sizes. Some close together would be good for groups and some remote."
Seasonal quiet periods: West Overlook Campground experiences different crowd levels throughout the year. "Its a popular location, so Spring camping is quieter; fall camping is also quiet, and the fall leaves are beautiful then," notes Janet R.
Water quality issues: Several campgrounds experience water challenges. "Bring plenty of bottled water for consumption. The water has an awful smell," warns Donna H. about Marr Park. At Beyonder Getaway, one reviewer noted "a really bad poop smell" during their visit.
Campground access: River Junction Access has limited signage that can create confusion after dark. "After driving down the hill, he saw the basic 'welcome' and 'Pay here' signs next to a 4-car parking area. There were no signs marking where the bathroom was or any directions on how to choose a site," explains Emily B.
Shower availability: Primitive campgrounds may require driving to access shower facilities. "Shower house 8 miles away at north campsite, may need your own toilet paper as not always restocked quickly," notes April W. regarding Lake Macbride's primitive campground.
Playgrounds: Hills Access Campground provides both camping and recreation amenities. "A great place Hills Access Campground. We have a great spot for our tent. The firepit & extra rack for charcoal coffee from the teapot. Quiet days and nights," says Bear & Sue about this family-friendly location.
Swimming options: Sugar Bottom Campground features beach access for children. "Great campground, cheap sites with electric and water even for tent campers. Fantastic amenities including hot showers and nice bathrooms and a cleaning station with sink basin for camping dishes. Great beach swimming area. Fun for all," reports Steve T.
Wildlife viewing: Lake Macbride State Park offers nature observation opportunities. "Expect the usual run ins with raccoons, coyotes, and other wild life and guard your food from them," advises April W. about the primitive campground.
Leveling requirements: Sugar Bottom Campground sites vary in evenness. "Our site was somewhat level, but we did have to put blocks under the passenger-side tires. We could back far enough in our site to park our F-450 in front of our rig at an angle and still put our back deck out," shares MickandKarla W.
Reservation timing: Plan ahead for weekend stays at the best places to camp near Kalona. "This campground was very handy for an overnight while driving cross-country on I-80. We didn't have a reservation but found that there were several," notes Thomas B. about West Overlook Campground, though others mention "If you want to reserve a campsite online, do so at least 2 days ahead."
Dump station access: West Overlook Campground offers efficient waste disposal. "They have a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions. This large COE has a variety of sites, with the 300 loop being full hook-ups," explains MickandKarla W.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Windmill Ridge Campground in Kalona?
Windmill Ridge Campground offers water hookups and toilet facilities for campers. The campground is big-rig friendly, making it suitable for larger RVs and motorhomes. For those seeking additional amenities in the general area, campsites like Sugar Bottom Campground in the region typically offer beautiful settings with wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking trails, and access to recreational activities. Many Iowa campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to nearby natural attractions.
Where is Windmill Ridge Campground located in Kalona, Iowa?
Windmill Ridge Campground is located just outside Kalona, Iowa. While not directly referenced in reviews, this campground is situated in the scenic Kalona area, known for its Amish community and rural landscape. Kalona is approximately 20 miles southwest of Iowa City, making it easily accessible for visitors traveling through eastern Iowa. The area provides a peaceful setting with rolling hills and agricultural surroundings typical of this region.
Are there RV rental options available in Kalona, Iowa?
While Kalona itself has limited RV rental options, the surrounding area offers alternatives. Nearby Iowa City and Coralville provide more rental possibilities. Visitors can also consider overnight parking options like Walmart — Coralville Supercenter, which has a large parking lot convenient to I-80 if you're bringing your own RV. For longer stays with rentals, Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow is family-friendly and located just minutes from I-80, making it accessible for those with rental RVs from larger nearby cities.
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