Best Campgrounds near Lehigh, IA

Campgrounds near Lehigh, Iowa provide a range of recreational opportunities along the Des Moines River and surrounding landscapes. Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area offer developed sites for tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, with multiple specialized camping areas including equestrian campgrounds. The terrain features a mix of prairie landscapes, wooded areas, and water access points, with many sites providing electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings within a 30-minute drive of Lehigh.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April 1 to December 31, though some facilities like Briggs Woods Park remain open year-round. "We stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent. I butted up against woods with neighbors to one side which made me feel like I had a pretty private area to myself," noted one visitor about Dolliver Memorial State Park. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping, particularly during summer months. Cell service varies significantly across parks, with Dolliver Memorial State Park having limited connectivity. Many campgrounds feature shower facilities and modern restrooms, though some close these amenities during cooler months.

The hiking trail systems receive consistently high ratings from campers visiting Dolliver Memorial State Park and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. According to reviews, the extensive trail networks provide scenic views and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Water recreation options include fishing and kayaking, with Brushy Creek maintaining a popular beach area for swimming during summer months. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the quiet atmosphere, particularly at the equestrian campgrounds even when not camping with horses. Campground layouts typically provide some privacy between sites, though this varies by location. Sites with water access or shade tend to fill quickly during peak season, while the prairie-based campgrounds offer expansive views but limited natural shade from the summer sun.

Best Camping Sites Near Lehigh, Iowa (76)

    1. Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lehigh, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 359-2539

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Nice clean park, if passing through Iowa it's a nice overnight. A little loud if tent camping. Area not large enough to separate hard shell campers and tent campers."

    "We LOVE the hiking trails. 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."

    2. North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Lehigh, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 543-8298

    $19 - $37 / night

    "Hitching posts behind each site which we enjoyed seeing. The roads inside the campground were all asphalt so lots of bikers enjoying rides around the grounds."

    "Camped here in order to be close to Fort Dodge first thing in the morning.  I stayed in the Beach Campground.  It's not on the beach, but close to it.  There are 3 total campgrounds in the park. "

    3. Briggs Woods Park

    8 Reviews
    Webster City, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 832-9570

    "Brigs Woods is close to Webster City, IA.  There are several campsites, cabins, golf course, access to canoeing or kayaking on the Boone River, along with hiking trails, swimming and fishing. "

    "that hold 4 campers good for groups (friends, Family) upper camp ground has more single sites. as of 2020 more sites under construction both upper and lower area. they have some cabins and a couple walk"

    4. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $17 - $35 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    5. South Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Lehigh, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 543-8298

    $19 - $54 / night

    "Walking, hiking and exploring. People are here camping with their horses but the campground is still nice and quiet."

    6. Bells Mills County Park

    2 Reviews
    Lehigh, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 832-9570

    7. Beach Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Lehigh, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 543-8298

    $25 - $50 / night

    8. Don Williams Park

    6 Reviews
    Ogden, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 353-4237

    $12 - $20 / night

    "Went kayaking on lake and then on Des Moines River (close by). Nice wildlife areas, hiking, fishing, etc. Pleasant staff."

    "Very quite and nice campground, we camped on top of the hill in tents it was awesome view and potable drinking water next to camp, bathrooms and shower facilities was clean and nice"

    9. Kennedy County Park

    4 Reviews
    Badger, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 576-4258

    $20 - $100 / night

    "I can't say enough about Kennedy Memorial County park in Fort Dodge Iowa. Its beautiful well taken care of has a nice playground and access to a beautiful golf course! And FREE WIFI!"

    "Multiple kids parks, beach area, fishing areas with boat ramps, trails, kids butterfly garden."

    10. Spring Lake County Park

    9 Reviews
    Jefferson, IA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 738-5069

    $20 / night

    "There are campsites along the lake with easy access to shoreline. There are approximately 100 sites. There is a playground and disc golf. There is a roller rink and a concession stand."

    "Plenty of camping spaces, some right next to the lake. Swimming area, concession stand, boat rentals, and even a skating rink on the weekends. My favorite childhood camping spot."

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Recent Reviews near Lehigh, IA

283 Reviews of 76 Lehigh Campgrounds


  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground

    Mixed bag

    Small campground. Not busy while I was here. Sites have electricity, but water spigots are shared. Free firewood is provided. Nice oak trees. No privacy between sites. Pit toilets. No showers. Park is very nice with hiking trails and a Frisbee Golf course. $18 per night.

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Sac City Park

    Right on the Raccoon River

    Nice clean campground with water and electricity at the RV sites. Some of the tent sites also have electricity. RV sites are $20 (for the 2025 season).

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Devine Wildlife Area

    Free and fairly primitive

    Dispersed camping really. You can bring a big rig in. No really prepared sites. Maybe 5 places you could set up. No water, no electric, no toilet. Swampy area nearby so bring mosquito repellent. But the price is right.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lotts Creek Co Park

    Camping in the shade of tall oaks

    Nice little campground. 5 sites. Water, electricity, picnic table and fire pit with grilling grate at each one. Flush toilet and sink in bathroom. Old style playground. Shelter with more picnic tables. First come, first serve. $15 per night. Nicely set up for a multiple family campout.

  • Kristy E.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lake Cornelia Park

    Beautiful place

    This is a beautiful county park with lots of camping sites with great views and generous camping spots. It is on a small lake that has good fishing, full hookups, and very nice swimming b each beach. We also enjoyed walking on the many trails.

  • Bethanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Sportsman Park

    Sportsman Park

    Dawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!

    They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.

    The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.

  • Bethany G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    I stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent. I butted up against woods with neighbors to one side which made me feel like I had a pretty private area to myself. Other than the bugs, which it is that time of the year, I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service. However, I was able to text my family via satellite to let them know I was okay. It could be seen as a pro or con, but I think we all need no phone time at some point to just set still and relax. I look forward to camping here again soon!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Jester County Park

    Nothing but exceptional

    Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know


Guide to Lehigh

Camping near Lehigh, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the campfire, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Spring Lake County Park for fishing and kayaking. A visitor shared, "You can pull your rig right up to the lake there is fishing and hiking."
  • Disc Golf and Playgrounds: Enjoy family-friendly activities at Spring Lake County Park. One reviewer noted, "There is a playground and disc golf. This is a very busy campground in the summer."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Swede Point Park. A happy camper said, "Fresh drinking water with dump stations and hot water showers and modern toilet facilities."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many visitors enjoy the welcoming vibe at North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. One reviewer mentioned, "The few guests that are here are friendly."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings at Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The park's beauty and tranquility did get disturbed a couple times when our dogs got loose."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Ledges State Park Campground, have poor cell coverage. One camper noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Expect crowds at popular spots like Spring Lake County Park. A visitor shared, "This is a very busy campground in the summer."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds, such as Briggs Woods Park, allow reservations online. A camper mentioned, "You can reserve a spot by going online, though they do keep some as FCFS."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Spring Lake County Park that offer playgrounds and water activities. One family said, "Kids had a fun time and want to come back."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring along games and outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground noted, "The park staff were friendly and very helpful as were our fellow campers."
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to have easy meal options ready. A visitor at Swede Point Park mentioned, "People were accommodating and friendly."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area said, "If you need 50 amps, you're going to want to head to the Beach Camp."
  • Look for Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more comfort. One RV traveler at Briggs Woods Park noted, "We had water/power but no sewer hookup."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Kennedy County Park mentioned, "The sites are somewhat modest in size and the one-way roads are narrow and unmarked."

Camping near Lehigh, Iowa, has a lot to offer, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lehigh, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lehigh, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 76 campgrounds and RV parks near Lehigh, IA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lehigh, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lehigh, IA is Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lehigh, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Lehigh, IA.