Lansing, Iowa provides access to several campgrounds along the Mississippi River Valley with facilities for different camping styles. Red Barn Resort and Campground in Lansing offers spacious tent and RV sites plus cabin and glamping options from April 15 to October 15. Yellow River State Forest, located approximately 15 miles south, features multiple primitive campgrounds with tent sites along trout streams. Across the Mississippi in Wisconsin, Blackhawk Park provides riverfront camping with electric hookups and boat access. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more amenities.
The camping season generally runs from April through October in this region, with most facilities closing for winter. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak summer weekends. "Sites are primitive with tables, fire rings/grates, pit toilets, self registration, ice/wood available across road at visitors station," notes one camper about Yellow River State Forest. Cell phone service can be limited in valley locations, particularly at Yellow River State Forest campgrounds where the terrain creates signal dead zones. River access is a defining feature of many campgrounds, with boat launches available at several locations. Road conditions are generally good with most campgrounds accessible by standard vehicles, though some primitive sites may have rougher access.
Trout fishing represents a significant draw for campers in this area, especially at Yellow River State Forest. The forest maintains stocked trout streams adjacent to several campgrounds, making it popular with anglers. One visitor remarked, "This campground is essentially just an open field with line of sight to all other campsites. Still, it was a lovely place with nice trails and great river access." Hiking trails traverse the forested hills surrounding many campgrounds, providing scenic views of the Mississippi River Valley. Campsites near water tend to fill first, especially during summer weekends. While some campgrounds offer full amenities including showers and electric hookups, others maintain a more primitive experience with vault toilets and no utilities. Most camping areas provide fire rings and picnic tables at individual sites, with firewood often available for purchase nearby.
$18 - $40 / night
"From our site (30) we had a nice view of the water which was about a 3min walk. Site was mostly level with gravel, picnic table and fire pit/grate."
"We had site 40west and it was larger, but too close to the smelly pit toilets. Showers nice, hot and clean. The tent sites looked spacious, but not very private."
$12 / night
"Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective."
"Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service."
$12 / night
"Who knew that Iowa has hills like this?! We did the backcountry camping (less than 0.5 miles walking), but did get to see the regular campgrounds."
"The 2nd site in has a small pond at Camp side. Potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk."
$15 - $35 / night
"A very nice park located close to the Iowa border. Close to Effigy Mounds & Pikes Peak! It has great trails & campsites & lots of geocaching! Come one New Years for the annual carp drop :)"
"Camp sites are far enough away from neighbors that there is some privacy. Need a state park sticker to access. Illinois Minnesota and Iowa are all short drives away."
$25 - $39 / night
$20 / night
"Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa’s state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!"
"It is within walking distance of the overlook of the magnificent Upper Mississippi River at the confluence of the Wisconsin River. There are other walking/hiking opportunities."
$12 - $20 / night
"Iowa only has a few state forests and this one has something the others do not... trout fishing."
"It is nestled in the woods not far from the Indian Mounds area in Iowa. I stayed at Little Paint Campground. There are pit toilets, but the water said not for drinking. "
"Wen I lived in Minnesota and my boyfriend was living in iowa, this was our go-to meeting place for our weekend getaways. "
"This campground is perfectly situated on the Upper Iowa River."
LegendThis is a very small campground in the middle of town across from the high school track/football field. It has a handful of grassy sites. River is behind the property. It is located off a fairly busy road. The bike trail and root river (paddling route) is close by. Pretty area.
LegendThis is a small primitive campground that has 1 vault toilet. (no shower) Horses are allowed. Fairly close together sites, but a beautiful area to get into nature or go camping at a reasonable price.
LegendThis area is getting more developed as the Owl Center will be moving here from the current location on Main Street. You do need to walk several hundred feet to the tent sites. Nature center, natural playground, biking trails, root river with paddling opportunities. This area is part of the drift-less region and known for its rolling landscape.
LegendLocated on state forest land there are 2 separate areas right next to each other. The first loop is for smaller vehicles and tents and the larger area should be reserved for larger vehicles with horse trailers. There are hiking and equestrian trails present into the state forest land. There is one vault toilet. No other amenities. Beautiful area!
LegendThis is a tucked away campground off a few miles of gravel near Spring Grove, MN. It has a pool and activities found at many KOAs. There is a beautiful creek going through the property and is a very beautiful area known as the driftless region.
LegendThis campground offers a few sites (on the smaller side) in a private area, but within town limits. There is a frisbee golf course present and it is just downhill from the football field. Spring Grove is a cute town with a strong German ancestry roots.
LegendA handful of rustic type sites in the town. This is directly across from the football field, a nice outdoor basketball court and a park.
LegendThis small campground is at the county fairgrounds in the city of Preston, MN. It has basic sites that are fairly good sized. Located within a few hundred yards of the river and the bike trail. Downtown businesses are walkable.
TravelerStaying in the Deerfield (?) loop provided quiet sites, some good wooded walks in the campground, and clean bathrooms. The park itself offers pretty, remote hiking along the bluffs and in the forests. You won't get bored camping here, although Wyalusing is a little too big to be walkable. Summers can be very hot, and swimming at Wyalusing is iffy/nonexistent.
The Lansing, Iowa area sits at the intersection of three state borders where the Mississippi River cuts through limestone bluffs up to 400 feet high. This driftless region wasn't flattened by glaciers during the last ice age, creating a landscape of steep valleys and cold-water streams. Cell service in riverside campsites near Lansing is often unreliable due to the surrounding bluffs and valleys.
Trout fishing access: Big Paint Campground in Yellow River State Forest offers direct access to stocked trout streams. "Big Paint is a couple miles from Little Paint, a larger campground with 70+ sites. There are two equestrian campgrounds (Creekside and Little Frontier with sites numbered 1 through 34) as well as hike in campgrounds for backpackers," notes one visitor to Big Paint Campground.
River access for multiple activities: Paddling, fishing, and wildlife watching are all available at Blackhawk Park. "Nice campground. Book the non-electric site to have a better opportunity of being right on the water," recommends a camper at Blackhawk Park. The park provides boat launches for direct river access.
Hiking opportunities: The trail system at Camp Glen Wendel offers varying difficulty levels for hikers. "There are some thin trails down steeper hillsides, so make sure to take it slower if the ground is muddy," advises one hiker at Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry. Multiple backpacking loops are available for day hikes or overnight trips.
Affordable camping options: Several campgrounds offer budget-friendly options with basic amenities. At Waukon City Park, "$15 tents. Includes electric and water and showers and firewood. Best value I have found yet. They have a bunch o pavilions and facilities. Pool, tennis, lake," shares one visitor to Waukon City Park.
Scenic river views: Wyalusing State Park provides elevated views of both the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. "If you're looking for a majestic view of both rivers and the quaint river town of Prairie du Chien, the sites you'll want to check out are 119, 127, 129, 122, 144, 146, 148 and 152," suggests a camper at Wyalusing State Park.
Historical connections: Many campsites near Lansing have connections to Native American history. At Pikes Peak State Park, "On your way to the falls, just north of the main overlook, you will notice Bear Mound, an effigy built by ancient American Indians who inhabited the area from 800-1200 A.D. There are 63 mounds in the park, most of them conical or linear in shape."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October. "I was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective," reports a late-season visitor to Big Paint Campground.
Primitive camping preparation: Many campgrounds have limited facilities. "Going in knowing that there were pit toilets and no potable water, I did not have high expectations for this campsite. I was pleasantly surprised to find it very well maintained with spacious sites," notes a visitor to Big Paint Campground.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance booking, particularly on weekends. At Pikes Peak State Park, "FYI When we made reservations this site required a two-night minimum stay. Don't know if that is for all seasons."
Swimming options: Upper Iowa Resort provides swimming opportunities for children. "The best part of this camp is they offer tube canoe and kayak rentals with a shuttle to the put in then you float back to the campground. Also has a 'pool'/man made pond with a beach all the way around it," shares a visitor to Upper Iowa Resort.
Nature programs: State parks often provide educational opportunities. At Wyalusing State Park, "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time," mentions one family.
Kid-friendly hikes: Several areas offer shorter trails suitable for children. "Yellow River has great backpacking sites. Park near ranger station and hike in or grab a map and find a smaller parking location near the trail you want to explore," suggests a visitor to Camp Glen Wendel.
Site selection for RVs: Choose your campsite based on vehicle size and needs. "Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa's state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!" advises an RVer at Pikes Peak State Park.
Leveling considerations: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Sites are fairly flat clay soil, so I didn't have to level much. A thunderstorm didn't create any driving issues," notes an RVer at Blackhawk Park.
Electric limitations: Check electricity restrictions before arrival. At Sugar Creek City Campground, "Sites are 110 only with ban on air conditioners. All sites on grass with limited picnic tables but price right @ $10."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red Barn Campground a good place to stay in Lansing, Iowa?
Red Barn Resort and Campground offers basic camping amenities near Lansing with drive-in access and essential facilities like water and toilets. For a more diverse camping experience, consider Upper Iowa Resort and Rental, which has received positive reviews as a weekend getaway destination. If you're willing to venture a bit farther, Wyalusing State Park Campground across the Mississippi in Wisconsin offers spectacular views, clean facilities, and extensive recreational opportunities including hiking trails, river access, and stargazing.
What campgrounds are available in Lansing, Iowa?
Lansing, Iowa and the surrounding area offer several camping options. Red Barn Resort and Campground is located near Lansing with drive-in access and basic amenities including water and toilets. The area also features Yellow River State Forest, which has multiple campgrounds including Little Paint and Big Paint, known for excellent trout fishing opportunities. Just across the Mississippi River, campers can enjoy Blackhawk Park with boat-in and drive-in access, reservable sites, and big-rig-friendly facilities.
What camping is available near Lansing, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lansing, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 152 campgrounds and RV parks near Lansing, IA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lansing, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lansing, IA is Blackhawk Park with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lansing, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Lansing, IA.
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