The Le Mars area features camping options spanning an area of approximately 30 miles with terrain that transitions from agricultural flatlands to wooded hills. Temperatures range from summer highs near 85°F to winter lows often below freezing. Fall camping conditions typically remain favorable through mid-October with overnight temperatures dropping into the 40s, requiring adequate insulation for tent campers.
What to do
Hiking trails: Stone State Park offers several trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "The trails were overgrown and the map was not easy to orient. I only explored so far so I may have missed the cool stuff that signifies this park," notes one camper, highlighting the need to plan ahead.
Fishing opportunities: Lazy H Campground features a private lake where no fishing license is required. A visitor comments, "Private lake so no fishing license required. Clean lake with boating." The campground also offers boat rentals for those without their own equipment.
Water recreation: Willow Creek Campground provides swimming access at their pond. "We didn't get in the pond but lots of other campers did," reports one visitor, with trails that follow the river for additional recreational options.
Winter activities: Hillview County Rec Area maintains a tubing hill during winter months when most other campgrounds are closed. "In the winter a tubing hill," states a visitor describing the year-round recreational options available at this multi-use facility.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Willow Creek Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "This is a great well kept clean campground. The hosts are amazing and go above and beyond to make sure you are taken care of. The lake is clean and very pretty," writes one satisfied camper.
Spacious sites: Scenic Park offers well-spaced camping areas along the Missouri River. "All the spots are spacious...neighbors are not on top of you. This spot had a nice concrete pad with a picnic table. Views of the river and city were nice," reports a reviewer who appreciated the layout.
Budget-friendly options: Alton Roadside Park provides basic camping at $10 per site with self-pay system. "This is a small little known spot in the small town of Alton Iowa. It is $10 and there are a couple spots that have electric hook ups, a water pump hydrant, and a dumpsite," notes a visitor familiar with this economical option.
Swimming amenities: Lazy H Campground features a beach with unique equipment. "The beach has giant floating lily pads that the kids loved. There are showers on the beach to wash off feet after you're done swimming," writes a visitor who enjoyed the water features.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Cell coverage varies significantly between locations. At Stone State Park, "There was sketchy coverage for your phone so I couldn't pull up Alltrails, make sure to download before you drive in," advises one camper.
Reservation needs: During peak summer months, advance bookings are essential. "Fills up on weekends," notes a Willow Creek visitor, suggesting weekday visits for those without reservations.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close during winter. Sandy Hollow remains operational with reduced services, with one camper noting it's "Less than three miles from town," making supply runs convenient during off-peak periods.
Facility variations: KOA Campground North Sioux City charges premium rates but offers extensive amenities. "Lots of amenities for families including pool, mini-golf, corn hole, jump pad, playground. Trees and lots of grass, fire pits," describes a visitor explaining the cost-benefit relationship.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Lazy H Campground offers family water recreation beyond swimming. "You can rent out pontoons, pedal boats, kayaks. Don't plan on bringing your own," advises a camper about the rental-only policy for watercraft.
Playground access: Stone State Park has play areas, but note their location. "There is a nice playground, but it is not located anywhere near the campground (it is located closer to two of the cabins). If you are camping with children, please note this," cautions a visitor.
Budget for extras: Riverfront Campground at Ponca State Park offers numerous add-on activities. "Friends have said there are many very recent additions including rock climbing walls, archery, horseback riding, etc," mentions a camper, indicating families should plan for these additional costs.
Entertainment options: KOA North Sioux City provides structured activities for children. "A tent site was $40 with no electricity so it's more pricy then other sites but they have a ton of things to do. Checkers, chess, swings, play set, mini golf, inflatable bouncy blog, pool, and more," explains a visitor who found value despite higher rates.
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Willow Creek Campground offers both partial and full hookup options. "They have 62 RV spots and seven tent camping sites. The RV spots have a really nice level concrete pad. Half of them have electric and water and the other half also have a sewer hook up," details a camper.
Wi-Fi access: Campgrounds vary significantly in connectivity. At Scenic Park, visitors report "free cable tv" but "spotty WiFi," while Willow Creek provides reliable internet: "The cell signal was good and they furnish wifi which was also good."
Off-season opportunities: Ponca State Park offers reduced winter rates. "Turkey Ridge at Ponca State Park offer reduced rates during off-season," allowing budget-conscious RVers to extend their camping season while managing costs.
