Camping opportunities abound within 60 miles of Lanesboro, Iowa, with most sites located between 800-1,100 feet elevation. The area features a mix of prairie and woodland environments with summer temperatures typically ranging between 60-85°F. Cell reception varies significantly between campgrounds, with several parks offering a complete digital detox in the valley areas.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground features scenic hiking with varying difficulty levels. According to one camper, "Some can be a pretty good workout & steep for a 61 year old, but they are do-able & have resting benches a long the way. There are some beautiful old bridges if you get on the right trails."
Water recreation options: The Des Moines River provides opportunities for kayaking at multiple parks, including Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "There is a kayak launch point off Lower Ledges Road. The water was calm." Several parks also have swimming areas for cooling off during summer months.
Digital disconnection: Some campgrounds offer a complete break from technology due to limited connectivity. At Dolliver Memorial State Park, "cell service cuts out as you drive down into the park, and does not resume until you come back up and out. There's no wifi," making it ideal for a true wilderness experience.
What campers like
Natural features: Springbrook State Park Campground receives praise for its landscape and wildlife. One visitor shared that "the lake is peaceful spot to spend the early mornings, a nice place to fish... and its beach is fun on the hot summer days, and tends to not be too busy."
Peaceful atmosphere: Campers appreciate the quieter campgrounds for relaxation. One Dolliver Memorial visitor noted, "I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service... I think we all need no phone time at some point to just set still and relax."
Family-friendly amenities: Several parks offer dedicated facilities for children. At Lizard Creek Ranch Camping, visitors find "a nice restaurant and many things to do in the area." Another camper described it as "very pretty and taken care of."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campsites require advance booking, especially during peak season. At Ledges State Park, tent camping requires planning as "the parking lot is a LONG WAY from any private tent site." Pack accordingly or bring transportation for your gear.
Seasonal limitations: Most RV sites near Lanesboro, Iowa have restricted winter access. Dolliver Memorial State Park operates from April 1 to December 31, while Ledges State Park follows a similar schedule.
Varying site privacy: Campground layouts differ significantly across parks. At Springbrook State Park, "Tent camping spots are clustered mainly in the middle of a loop, which feels a bit like a fishbowl with no privacy." Site selection matters for those seeking seclusion.
Tips for camping with families
Nature programs: Some parks offer educational opportunities for children. Springbrook State Park includes a nature center where, according to one visitor, "the nice lady opened it for my kids to go in and let them hold snakes and turtles! They were so excited!"
Swimming beaches: Several parks feature designated swimming areas. Springbrook State Park has "a cute little beach for swimming," making it a good option during hot summer days.
Playground access: University 40 in Lohrville and other campgrounds in the region provide dedicated play areas. Most family-friendly sites also offer picnic tables and basic recreation facilities, though quality varies by location.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up availability: Most RV sites near Lanesboro, Iowa offer electric hookups, but full-service sites are limited. Degroot's Backyard RV Park provides water and electric hookups with sewer connections, while Dolliver Memorial accepts larger RVs with both 30 and 50-amp service available.
Site selection: Choose carefully based on rig size and needs. At Dolliver Memorial State Park, "The RV parking area isn't really big, but all sites are great & feel private, especially the outer ones." Corner sites typically offer more space.
Dump station access: Not all parks with RV sites have on-site dump stations. According to a Springbrook State Park visitor, there's "1 dump, long wait," which can cause delays during busy checkout periods.
