Camping spots near Lehigh, Iowa center around the Des Moines River valley, featuring varied terrain with elevations ranging from 950 to 1,100 feet above sea level. The region receives approximately 35 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush woodland environments ideal for camping from late spring through early fall. Seasonal temperature fluctuations impact campground accessibility, with many campsites closing shower facilities during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Roller skating at historic rink: Spring Lake County Park maintains a unique open-air roller skating rink operating weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "Great long-term hosts really make this park feel like going home," notes a visitor about the Spring Lake County Park experience.
Trail exploration: Kennedy County Park features a newly installed blacktop trail circling the lake and adjacent golf course. "Decent smaller county park with newly installed blacktop trail around lake and golfcourse next door," mentions one visitor, though they caution, "No cell service provider functions in this park."
Horseback riding: The North Equestrian Campground at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area provides specialized facilities for equestrian campers with hitching posts behind each site. A camper reported, "There were a few campers with horse but not many. 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."
What campers like
Waterfront access: Don Williams Park offers premium lakeside camping options with direct water views. "Great sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views," notes a camper who visited recently.
Private camping areas: The South Equestrian Campground at Brushy Creek provides a peaceful atmosphere even for non-equestrian campers. "People are here camping with their horses but the campground is still nice and quiet," observed one visitor during their stay at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area South Equestrian Campground.
Wooded sites: Ledges State Park offers camping areas surrounded by mature forests, providing natural screening between sites. "The campground has a good picnic area, restrooms, and an excellent trail. It's also inexpensive," mentions a camper about their experience at the park.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: While some campgrounds require advance booking, others operate on first-come, first-served basis. Briggs Woods Park maintains sites for walk-up campers. "You can reserve a spot by going online, though they do keep some as FCFS," notes a camper.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service is inconsistent across parks in the region, with some offering Wi-Fi as compensation. A visitor to Kennedy County Park reported, "The WIFI is shared between dozens of sites, speed averages right around 5mps."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds near Lehigh operate from April through October or December, though some facilities close earlier. A Ledges State Park visitor noted, "Ledges State Park is one of the most visited parks in Iowa... It has been closed since January 2018, but it scheduled to re-open in January of 2019."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Kennedy County Park offers multiple play areas and outdoor activities. "Multiple kids parks, beach area, fishing areas with boat ramps, trails, kids butterfly garden," shares one visitor highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Beach activities: Spring Lake County Park maintains a swimming beach with water recreation options. "Bike/hiking trail, disc golf, kayak/paddle boat rentals, swimming beach, historic roller skating rink, playgrounds and more-something for everyone to enjoy!" notes a recent camper.
Winter considerations: Families planning off-season trips should verify which facilities remain open. A visitor to Ledges State Park advised, "I would be careful hiking in the winter for obvious reason, especially because of the steep edges, etc."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Bells Mills County Park offers a freestyle parking arrangement that works well for group camping. "Very nice! Lots of spots 34 of them! Water and electric hook up! Cell service wasn't good but the WiFi was great! We had 12 campers pull in together and was able to camp all together!"
Spacious vs. cramped layouts: RV campground designs vary significantly between parks. A visitor to Kennedy County Park observed, "Unfortunately, the RV park is quite cramped. The sites are somewhat modest in size and the one-way roads are narrow and unmarked."
Off-season value: Several campgrounds offer reduced rates during shoulder seasons. "Open for off season camping. 14$/night for full hookups with pull thru RV sites," reported a visitor to Brushy Creek State Recreation Area's North Equestrian Campground.
