Camping near Lanesboro, Iowa offers several options within Greene, Carroll and Sac counties where flat farmland transitions to rolling river valleys. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, often humid summers and cold winters that can limit camping options from November through March. Most campsites are positioned along waterways that serve as central recreation features for visitors exploring this rural region.
What to do
Hiking trails around lakes: Swan Lake State Park Campground features a 3-mile paved trail circling the entire lake, suitable for both walking and biking. "Great trail all the way around the lake, we took a bike ride around it was about 3 ish miles," notes a visitor to Swan Lake State Park Campground.
Roller skating on weekends: Spring Lake County Park maintains a unique open-air roller skating rink operating from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "There is a roller rink and a concession stand. This is a very busy campground in the summer," explains one camper at Spring Lake County Park. The skating rink has been a long-standing tradition for families camping in the area.
Disc golf course access: Multiple parks offer disc golf courses for campers seeking recreational activities beyond water sports. "There is a playground and disc golf. There is a roller rink and a concession stand," reports a reviewer about the amenities at Spring Lake County Park.
Kayaking on calm waters: Several campgrounds provide boat rentals for paddling on the small lakes. "Nice area to spend some time on the water, fish, and enjoy a natural setting," notes a visitor to one of the county parks, with rentals typically available from May through September when weather permits.
What campers like
Lakefront camping spots: Many campgrounds offer sites positioned directly on the shoreline. At Hagge County Park, one visitor comments: "Nice shaded areas. There are some primitive sites too. It also has 1 cabin for rent at a reasonable price." These waterfront sites are typically the first to fill, especially on summer weekends.
Well-maintained shower facilities: Campers frequently mention the cleanliness of bathroom facilities at parks in the region. "Clean RR and showers. Nice area!" remarks a visitor at Thirty Acres Campground — Black Hawk State Park.
Fishing access: The region's lakes and rivers provide ample fishing opportunities directly from campsites. "We love hiking the trails there & almost always observe fisherman along the river," states a Hagge County Park visitor, indicating the popularity of this activity in the area.
Camp host hospitality: Several reviewers mention the friendly service from camp hosts. "Camp host was a gem," notes one visitor to Swan Lake State Park Campground, highlighting the personal connections that enhance the camping experience at many parks in the region.
What you should know
Limited tent-specific camping areas: RVs dominate many campgrounds in this region, with tent campers finding fewer dedicated spaces. At Swan Lake State Park, a reviewer notes: "We were the only tent campers there, it seemed more like a permanent RV home site."
Seasonal restrictions: Many smaller campgrounds close completely from November to March. "We stayed in late October, the weekend before closing," reports a camper at Swan Lake, highlighting the limited cold-weather camping options in the area.
Varying site layouts: Campground designs differ significantly across the region. At Ledges State Park Campground, "If you want to tent camp, bring a cart or something to haul everything with. The parking lot is a LONG WAY from any private tent site."
Concession availability: Several parks operate concession stands during peak season. "Ice Cube Consessions and the skating rink from Memorial Day through Labor Day every year," reports a Spring Lake visitor, providing campers with food and ice access without leaving the park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment suitable for various ages. "We loved our stay here! Beautiful campground and well maintained... Lots of trails to choose from and spacious campsites," writes a visitor about Spring Lake County Park.
Swimming beaches: Designated swimming areas provide safe water access at many parks. "There is a playground, swim beach, fisbee golf, paved trail, many fishing bars, and more," notes a Swan Lake visitor about the range of activities available for children.
Weekday visits for quieter experience: Family campers report less crowded conditions during weekdays. "We were not very crowded but was mid week," observes a camper at Swan Lake, suggesting families seeking a calmer experience should consider non-weekend bookings when possible.
Multiple activity options: Parks offering diverse recreational opportunities prove popular with families. "We stayed one night, beautiful park! Great trail all the way around the lake... Great view of the lake," reports a visitor to Ledges State Park Campground, which provides hiking opportunities and water access from a single location.
Tips from RVers
Electric-only sites provide better settings: Many campgrounds separate full hookup sites from more scenic electric-only options. "Those in campers that need water and electricity are regulated to gravel 'parking lot' sites," notes a tent camper about the RV areas at Swan Lake, while "Electric only sites are small and spaced out well."
Fresh water fill stations: Several campgrounds offer water access but not direct hookups. "Recently updated two-way fresh-fill/santiary dump station," reports a Spring Lake visitor, noting the improvements to RV service facilities at this popular park.
