Campgrounds near Larchwood, Iowa are situated in the northwesternmost corner of Iowa where the Big Sioux River forms the border between South Dakota and Iowa. This area features rolling prairie landscape with elevation ranging from 1,400 to 1,600 feet. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing between November and March, with summer highs typically reaching the upper 80s.
What to do
Water activities at Big Sioux Recreation Area: The campground offers excellent access to the river with a dedicated loading area for personal watercraft. "Beautiful area, very shaded by trees in the RV camping spots. Clean bathrooms. Quiet camp grounds and easy access to the river. Loading area for kayaks and canoes right next to the campgrounds," notes Ashley E. from Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Hiking trail system: Newton Hills State Park features multiple trail systems suitable for day hikes through forested terrain. "There are plenty of trails and clean restrooms to use. Overall we really like this location. Some of the sites are pretty close together though," according to Jennifer S. who visited Newton Hills Campground.
Urban attractions accessibility: The W.H. Lyon Fairground provides a practical base for exploring Sioux Falls. "Convenient location to a lot of attractions, stores, and restaurants. Can camp during events. Huge area," reports Carrie F., highlighting the benefit of staying at this campground for those wanting to balance outdoor stays with city amenities.
What campers like
Spacious, shaded campsites: Big Sioux Recreation Area offers well-spaced sites with natural shade. "We have stayed here many times. Nice quiet state campground. Our site was nice, level, spacious, and had plenty of grass coverage (instead of dirt). Bugs were a pain but not much you can do about that. Bike trails are awesome," shares Heidi M.
Clean, modern facilities: Union Grove State Park maintains exceptionally clean bathroom facilities. "Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice. Site was perfect for both an RV or a tent. They offer tent, back in, or pull through. We tent camped at a back-in site across from both the play area and the shower rooms," according to Austin and Natasha S. from Union Grove State Park Campground.
Proximity to natural features: Campers appreciate the balance between accessibility and natural surroundings. "Just outside of Sioux Falls. Stayed here for a night on the way to the black hills. It was a nice campground right on the Sioux River. The restrooms were well maintained. Did a quick day trip to Falls park," notes Eric N.
What you should know
Limited equestrian accommodations: When seeking horse campgrounds near Larchwood, Iowa, travelers should note that dedicated equestrian facilities are scarce. Union Grove State Park has a separate lower campground specifically for horses, though amenities are basic. "Two campgrounds within the park. Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained," explains Leslie B.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, but winter camping requires preparation. "We stayed one night on our way home from pheasant hunting. Park was immaculately clean and very pretty. Restrooms were just as clean and nice. Nearly had the park to ourselves (end of October) and it was wonderful!" shares liz from Union Grove State Park.
