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Best Campgrounds near Kalona, IA

388 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Kalona, Iowa (99)

    1. F. W. Kent Park

    18 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 645-2315

    $20 / night

    "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."

    2. Sugar Bottom Campground

    24 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2102

    $14 - $240 / night

    "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."

    3. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    13 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 628-6900

    $45 - $65 / night

    "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"

    4. West Overlook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 338-3685

    $22 - $28 / night

    "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."

    5. Windmill Ridge Campground

    1 Review
    Kalona, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 656-4488

    6. Hills Access Campground

    3 Reviews
    Riverside, IA
    11 miles
    Website

    "Awesome place by the Iowa river.. clean and quiet, no drinking water..."

    7. River Junction

    2 Reviews
    Riverside, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 645-2315

    "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."

    8. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    15 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2200

    $25 - $35 / night

    "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"

    9. Marr Park

    4 Reviews
    Washington, IA
    15 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "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."

    10. Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    10 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    23 miles
    +1 (319) 624-2200

    $12 - $25 / night

    "You may also be able to take the dam trail with a bike, but I'm not totally sure about that."

    "This is for the primitive southern camp site at lake macbride, iowa. Their is a modern campsite on the north side as well. This one is spacious, beautiful and peaceful."

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Recent Camping Photos near Kalona, IA

70 Photos of 99 Kalona Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kalona, IA

388 Reviews of 99 Kalona Campgrounds

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Linder Point Campground

    Well designed and maintained small RV campground j

    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. Electricity only, with fresh water and a dump station nearby. Modern and clean bathhouse. Open sky at most sites for Starlink. No other amenities at this campsite for children, but there are hiking trails and activities at the nearby reservoir recreation areas.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Campground Diamond In The Rough

    Following up on my review from over a year and a half ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this county park campground gem in a very rural part of Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) EZ access and just a 20 minute / 9 mile drive due south from I-80 via Exit 201; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (4) The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond; (5) The hiking trails and bountiful fishing spots make this a simply wonderful campground; (6) Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you; (7) While basic, the bathhouses were in pretty good condition and very clean; (8) Kid’s playground is fantastic and nearly brand new; (9) Reasonably priced bundles of pre-cut firewood; and (10) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic in here, although you are so far out in the boondocks, it’s not really much of a concern; (2) The newly minted RV area slopes down to the lake, but as you park perpendicular, it shouldn’t be an issue; (3) Also, because the RV area is new, there’s no trees or brush, which creates a lack of privacy between sites; (4) Nearly all of the RV slots – save the few that are right next to the lake - have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings, at least in the tent camping areas, are worn-out and in pretty poor condition and should be replaced or refurbished; (7) The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don’t recommend swimming here

    Happy Camping!

  • Emily B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Junction

    Great views and location, but not private and not well-marked

    This was our first time camping here. We pulled in around 8pm when it was already dark and there was another car that had just entered the campground in front of us. 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. The group ahead of us chose to camp next to the boat ramp, so we circled around the loop and chose a dirt pad on the right side of the loop next to the river. We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen. It was getting late, so we set up the tent and went to bed. It wasn’t until the morning that we had discovered that we weren’t camping in one of the marked sites! As it turns out, all 4 sites were walk-in sites on grass behind the parking area that had been occupied by 2 cars when we pulled in. The signage didn’t clarify this and we couldn’t see the marked sites when it was dark! The marked sites were pretty close together and they offered no privacy between groups. Additionally, upon leaving we discovered that the toilet was on the top of the hill right by the entrance. Due to the lack of signage and privacy in between the official campsites, I rate 3 stars. It was very beautiful and peaceful, but it was very confusing in the dark.

  • Michael P.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

    Host not friendly very rude woman would not recommend staying here at all

    Would not recommend fairport camping  in muscatine iowa at all the host is rude and non caring personality more like two faced   i would recommend  shady creek  or one of the others on the same hwy if looking for nice and great host

    On the note dnr are great thou

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Diamond lake

    Clean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.

  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “This place became my wife’s and daughters’ favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive.”

  • Steve T.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground

    Enjoyable Stay

    The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River. If you camp on the riverside campground be sure to bring a bike or extra vehicle if you camp on the far end because the bathrooms are bit of a walk. And bring a grate with you for your fire ring as some have them and some don’t. All and all it was an enjoyable stay with a fantastic view, even caught a few fish since our campsite was literally on the river edge

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shady Creek

    Beautiful View

    Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Bennett Park

    Nice smaller County CG with small lake

    CG has newer RR/shower house. Sites have electric, fire rings, gravel pads. There is a Play area, shelter , host site, dump station. Park has small lake for paddling and fishing.

Guide to Kalona

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

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms. A review for Sugar Bottom Campground stated, "Very clean, for me the star attraction here was the solo bathroom & shower both together with lockable door for extreme privacy when needed."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A visitor at Scott County Park mentioned, "The sites themselves are HUGE and some of them would accommodate the largest camping rigs you could imagine."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One review for F. W. Kent Park said, "The park staff were very friendly and helped me get to the campsite I needed."

What you should know:

  • Noise from trains: Some campgrounds are near train tracks. A camper at Clarks Ferry noted, "If it weren’t for the trains going by constantly, it would be a five-star place."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores nearby. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "There’s no place to buy firewood nearby so come prepared."
  • Seasonal access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Iowa Shady Creek is open from May 2 to October 26.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with play areas for kids. One review for Scott County Park mentioned, "There are playgrounds for your kids to play in."
  • Activities for all ages: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. A visitor at West Lake Park - Park Terrace Campground said, "The park has hiking trails, world-class disc golf course, playgrounds, picnicking, shelter rentals."
  • Safety: Ensure the campground has good lighting and is well-patrolled. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground noted, "There were rangers checking out the area every so often."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The higher up the hill you are, the flatter the campsite is."
  • Electric hookups: Look for campgrounds with adequate power options. A visitor at F. W. Kent Park stated, "Electric hookups with 120-volt power outlets."
  • Dump stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station for convenience. A camper at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "They have a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions."

Camping near Kalona, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

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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