M
Mikayla E.
Traveler
TravelerDiamond Lake County Park
Quiet and variety of sites
The campsite was great. There were campsites near the water and trees and then there were some on top of the hill.
Camping near Kalona, IA
106 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
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.
Best Campgrounds near Kalona (106)
1. F. W. Kent Park
"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 Availability2. West Overlook Campground
"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 Availability3. Sugar Bottom Campground
"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 Availability4. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
"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 Availability5. Windmill Ridge Campground
6. Hills Access Campground
"Awesome place by the Iowa river.. clean and quiet, no drinking water..."
7. Marr Park
"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 Availability8. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park
"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 Availability9. River Junction
"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."
10. Linder Point Campground
"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
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 15 min from Iowa City, IA
- 36 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 12 min from Davenport, IA
- 1 hr 24 min from Waterloo, IA
Recent Camping Photos near Kalona, IA
75 Photos of 106 Kalona Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Hills Access Campground
Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
F. W. Kent Park
Cottonwood Campground/Coralville Lake (COE)
West Overlook Campground
Tailwater East CampgroundK
Sugar Bottom Campground
Macbride Nature Recreation Area
Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State ParkP
Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State ParkM
Tipi Camp a Walking Stick Adventures Farm
Recent Reviews near Kalona, IA
427 Reviews of 106 Kalona Campgrounds
Andy M.
LegendSugar Bottom Campground
Nice clean campground. With a great view.
Nice clean single room bathroom/showers. Big enough grounds to find a great spot.
- RRussell H.Traveler
Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
Very nice basic campground
Driving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35
- AAriel
GuideBuffalo Shores County Park
Great spot to camp with a view of the Mississippi
We just stayed a quick night on the way driving across country. We pulled up in the dark, and were awakened the next day by an amazing view of the Mississippi River. Some camping spots have water, They all have electricity, and there is one bathroom with showers. Portapotties and dumpsters are situated throughout. There is a slightly confusing registration process of a QR code on you camping spot. Overall, a great place to stop.
Tripp F.
ScoutLake Darling State Park Campground
Primitive camping
Lake Darling is by far the best, cleaners, friendliest campground I hand every stayed at.... Traveling all the way from New Mexico they really make everything easy and welcoming thanks Iowa for welcoming us
- Tripp F.Scout
Marr Park
Marr park
Has bathrooms that are clean... Beautiful landscape and quiet
Maria Mercedes M.LegendFairport State Recreation Area Campground
Boats, Barges & A Front-Row Seat to the Mississippi
There’s something wonderfully mesmerizing about camping beside the Mississippi River, where you can sit together and watch everything from great blue herons to enormous towboats slowly make their way past your campsite, and tiny Fairport State Recreation Area gives families a front-row seat to it all. Located about seven miles east of Muscatine and roughly 20 miles from Davenport, this intimate 42-site campground is decidedly more about the river than resort-style recreation, with every back-in campsite offering 20/30/50-amp electric service and many providing beautiful views across the water. Families will find modern restrooms and showers, accessible water, a dump station and small playground, while two boat ramps with docks make getting onto the Mississippi wonderfully EZ for an afternoon of boating or fishing for walleye and catfish. One of my favorite little pleasures here is simply pointing the chairs toward the river as evening arrives and watching the barges glide silently past while everyone tries to spot one more bird before darkness settles over the water. At Fairport, the Mississippi isn’t something you drive somewhere to see - it becomes part of your campsite. From what we saw, the best campsites are 37–42, where the western row puts you closest to the Mississippi and provides some of the campground’s prettiest river views. We would definitely recommend Fairport for families who love boating, fishing and life along the water because it’s small, wonderfully convenient and beautifully positioned on the Mississippi - just know that the nearby railroad provides last minute surprising loud sirens, including during the night, so light sleepers might want to pack earplugs along with the marshmallows.
Alison P.GuideTailwater West Campground
Nice, but some issues
The campground is nice and clean, with level campsites. We arrived and there was no power - it took several hours for them to fix. Someone else mentioned that it was the 2nd time to happen in the last few days. The bathrooms are just ok. The views are beautiful!
- Alexandria V.Traveler
West Overlook Campground
Arrived late
Booked online and arrived late. No kiosk but you check in the morning.
We found site fairly easy. Could use more signs for campgrounds but it’s to the left of the day use just can’t see it at night.
Great spot for family by water and close to bathrooms with playground
Guide to Kalona
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
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?
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?
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.
Keep Exploring