Tent campsites near Klemme, Iowa typically experience harsh winter conditions, with winter temperatures often dropping below 0°F. Summer camping season runs May through September when temperatures range between 65-85°F. The region's topography features glacial formations with kettles and moraines creating a unique landscape with small lakes and wetlands that attract diverse wildlife.
What to do
Fishing access points: Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area provides boat launch access and shoreline fishing opportunities along both sides of the launch. A scenic overlook deck near the entrance gives visitors additional viewing opportunities of the lake's wetland ecosystem.
Frisbee golf course: Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground offers a complete disc golf course through oak woodland. A camper noted, "Park is very nice with hiking trails and a Frisbee Golf course."
Duck hunting: Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area attracts waterfowl hunters during season. As one visitor observed, "There is people here who hunt ducks."
Hiking trails: Several parks maintain walking paths through native Iowa ecosystems. At Ambrose A. Call State Park, "The park itself is pretty nice with several trails and a small campground. There is an enclosed stone shelter house you can rent for gatherings."
What campers like
Free firewood: Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground provides complimentary firewood for campers. According to one review, "Free firewood is provided. Nice oak trees."
Quiet locations: Many camping areas around Klemme offer peaceful settings away from busy roads. One camper at Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area mentioned, "It's a nice spot off of the main road. It's pretty quiet."
Cost-effective options: Devine Wildlife Area offers primitive camping without fees. A camper noted, "Dispersed camping really. No really prepared sites. Maybe 5 places you could set up. No water, no electric, no toilet. Swampy area nearby so bring mosquito repellent. But the price is right."
Accessible wildlife viewing: Multiple wildlife management areas provide opportunities to observe native species in their natural habitat. Big Wall Lake serves as a stopover for migratory birds, though conditions vary seasonally.
What you should know
Limited developed facilities: Most tent camping opportunities require self-sufficiency. At Devine Wildlife Area, camping is described as "Free and fairly primitive" with no prepared sites or facilities.
Mosquito preparation: Wetland proximity means insect protection is essential. One camper at Devine Wildlife Area advised, "Swampy area nearby so bring mosquito repellent."
Weather impact on conditions: Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area conditions fluctuate with water levels and temperatures. A camper reported, "This place was really bad probably because of the low water levels. In very hot temperatures the lake would have a smell."
Shared water access: Even at more developed campgrounds, resources may be communal. At Ambrose A. Call State Park, "Sites have electricity, but water spigots are shared."
Tips for camping with families
Shelter rental options: Ambrose A. Call State Park provides an enclosed stone shelter available for larger gatherings or rainy day activities. This facility can be reserved for family events.
Campsite accessibility: At Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area, the entrance design accommodates various camping setups. One visitor noted, "There's enough room that virtually any size camper could navigate into this spot, but if there are other people, that will really complicate your life."
Site navigation awareness: Families should understand site layouts before arrival. At Rice Lake, "When you come in on the dirt road, it hooks to the right, and you'll come upon a dirt cul-de-sac. On the right, you'll see a grassy area set into the woods where you could camp. Other than that, your parking in the perimeter."
Limited privacy between sites: Most campgrounds feature open layouts without natural barriers. One camper at Ambrose A. Call State Park observed, "No privacy between sites. Pit toilets. No showers."
Tips from RVers
Site capacity limitations: Large rigs may find navigation difficult at most wildlife management areas. At Devine Wildlife Area, a camper noted, "You can bring a big rig in" but with minimal prepared areas for setup.
Overnight convenience stops: Some campers use these areas for quick stays during longer journeys. One visitor to Big Wall Lake shared, "We stopped here when we drove from NY to CO and it was fine. We got here late and left early in the morning so we never saw the place in light. For what it was it worked for us."
Electric hookup availability: Colwell County Park provides developed sites with amenities suitable for both tent and RV camping during the May to September season.
