Bedford's camping options extend beyond established campgrounds to include rustic, dispersed sites within a 30-mile radius. Located in the rolling hills of southwest Iowa near the Missouri border, this region features elevations between 900-1,200 feet and seasonal temperature variations that can drop below freezing in fall and winter months. Primitive tent campsites near Bedford, Iowa typically don't require reservations and many operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Ross County Park, visitors can access multiple fishing ponds for recreation. One camper noted, "Multiple ponds. People also go out there and shoot off guns on the upper pond... I fucking love this place. One of my favorites to go fishing and drink a few...." (Jayson H., Ross County Park).
Disc golf courses: The area around Mozingo Lake County Tent Campground offers recreational activities beyond basic camping. A reviewer mentioned, "if you like disc golf than this is the place to go, there is a brand new 18 hole course right next to the camp!" (Sayler O.).
Playground access: Families with young children can take advantage of playgrounds near campsites. "There are walking paths and a couple of playgrounds around the lake close enough to walk to but far enough away they wont ever be a bother," notes a camper about Mozingo Lake facilities.
What campers like
Privacy from tree cover: Unlike many developed sites, tent camping near Bedford often features natural screening. A visitor to Kokesh Co Park appreciated that it's "Nice ring of trees around the outside so protected from the wind. Cute grass well maintained."
Low visitor traffic: Many campers value the solitude available at less-developed sites. One reviewer appreciated that Ross County Park is a "Nice out of the way location... nice place to get away from people" (Kory K.).
Off-season camping: Fall camping presents opportunities for greater privacy. At Mozingo Lake, a camper reported staying "on a friday night in October and the campground was not too busy at all.. maybe only 5 other groups there" (Sayler O.).
What you should know
Limited level parking: Some campgrounds in the area present challenges for RVs and campers. A visitor to Pioneer City Park mentioned it was "Impossible to park a small camper van flat, though I completely would have stayed and done some exploring in the area, but literally impossible to get flat."
Service limitations: Many sites offer minimal or no amenities. At Ross County Park, there are "no services of any kind, there is a shelter house, and trash barrel" (Kory K.).
Site types vary widely: Tent campsites near Bedford range from primitive to semi-developed. At Kokesh Co Park, you'll find "Three spots with electric tiny playground area and some spots for tents. Pit toilet electric water, those are the services" (Teresa T.).
Tips for camping with families
Best age-appropriate sites: When camping with children, choose locations with appropriate infrastructure. Ross County Park may be better suited for older children as one camper noted it's "not so much for camping. Its more of a day trip kinda place" (Jayson H.).
Maintain supervision: Some camping areas permit activities that require parental awareness. At Ross County Park, "People also go out there and shoot off guns on the upper pond" (Jayson H.), suggesting the need for extra caution with children.
Consider seasonal timing: Fall camping can offer less crowded experiences for families. A camper who visited Mozingo Lake "with my 5 year old" found that "Showers and bathroom were all fine, campsite was clean and well maintained" during their October visit.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Many tent campsites near Bedford aren't suitable for larger vehicles. A camper at Kokesh Co Park warned, "This is also not for big rigs. If you're gonna come, you gotta come with something small enough to fit into the spaces" (Teresa T.).
Prepare for uneven terrain: Even small RVs may struggle at some locations. At Kokesh Recreation Area, a reviewer with a camper van found it was "completely would have stayed and done some exploring in the area, but literally impossible to get flat" (Teresa T.).
Limited hookup availability: Most primitive sites near Bedford lack substantial RV amenities. While some parks like Kokesh offer electric hookups, many like Ross County Park provide no utilities whatsoever, making them better suited for self-contained camping.
