Camping options near Kalona, Iowa range from public parklands to private RV facilities within 45 miles of town. Located in Washington County at 670 feet elevation, the area experiences humid continental climate with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows regularly below freezing. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October due to the region's cold winters and potential for spring flooding in low-lying areas.
What to do
Fishing on Mississippi River: At Shady Creek, campers enjoy prime fishing spots directly along the water. "Nice location to spend time fishing, watching sunsets, and paddle. Near Wild Cat Den State Park," notes James M. The campground provides electric hookups and access to multiple fishing areas.
Hiking woodland trails: F.W. Kent Park offers over 2 miles of hiking paths around a landscaped lake area. "The large lake is beautifully landscaped with walking bridges made from recycled iron and memorial trees of many varieties. There is about a two mile trail circumventing the entire lake," writes Lisa S. The park maintains forest, prairie, and wetland habitats.
Visit Amana Colonies: Located 1 mile from the historic Amana Colonies, Amana RV Park provides convenient access to this cultural destination. "Great place, 1 mile from Amana. Our second stay here, from Louisiana. Good food in Amana," shares Michael J. The colonies feature German-American heritage sites, shops, and restaurants.
What campers like
Level camping pads: Campers appreciate the concrete pads at many sites. "Never seen a park where every pad was level like this one. Electric was 30/50 at each site," reports Gary P. about Shady Creek. Similarly, at F.W. Kent Park, sites feature level spaces suitable for both tents and RVs.
Water access and swimming: Sugar Bottom Campground offers direct lake access for swimming and boating. "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," writes Steve T.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "Very clean friendly stay," mentions Donna T. about Shady Creek. Another camper at Sugar Bottom notes, "Clean shower houses and nice playground and beach for the kids!"
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. "Railroad tracks on one side, which came through at 3:30 am blowing his horns, and the Mississippi on the other, a couple during the night with their loud engines," warns Gary P. Similarly, at Crossroads RV Park, a camper cautions: "The issue is NOISE!! Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away."
Site spacing varies: While some parks offer spacious sites, others place units closer together. At Sugar Bottom, one reviewer notes: "Compared to other COEs we've stayed at, the sites here are closer together." Conversely, F.W. Kent Park features "Lots of space between sites."
Seasonal operation: Most RV parks near Kalona operate from April through October only. Cedar River Campground runs from April 15 to October 15, while Amana RV Park operates April 1 through October 31. Winter camping options are limited, with Sudbury Court Motel & RV Park being one of the few year-round facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment for children. "There were also a few playgrounds that my grandkids loved," shares Sue K. about F.W. Kent Park. Sugar Bottom similarly provides "nice playground and beach for the kids."
Swimming opportunities: Beach areas provide safe swimming for children. "[Sugar Bottom has a] great beach swimming area. Fun for all," notes Steve T. The lake access points are typically gradual and suitable for younger swimmers.
Educational programs: Conservation education opportunities exist at several parks. F.W. Kent Park offers a "Conservation education center open seasonally with programs offered," according to James M. Nearby attractions include the Iowa Raptor Project with walking tours and live bird exhibits.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup limitations: At Little Bear Campground, RVers find full hookup sites but should note the compact layout. "Full hookups and pull through site $33.00," reports Alan B. The campground accommodates large RVs despite its smaller footprint.
Access considerations: Many campgrounds feature gravel roads that can become problematic in wet conditions. "The roads and pads are gravel so I could see it becoming an issue during weather but we didn't have much trouble leveling," explains Ash B. about Amana RV Park.
Dump station availability: Even when individual sites lack sewer hookups, most campgrounds provide dump stations. Sugar Bottom offers "a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions." F.W. Kent Park provides "sewer dump at park entrance" though no sewer connections at individual sites.
