Tent camping near Lehigh, Iowa offers visitors access to 7 wildlife areas and state parks within a 50-mile radius. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures averaging 83°F in July and cold winters dropping to 8°F in January. Most campgrounds in this area sit between 1,100-1,250 feet elevation amid the rolling terrain of central Iowa.
What to do
Hiking trails: Ambrose A. Call State Park features several woodland trails ranging from 0.5 to 2 miles in length, offering moderate terrain suitable for family exploration. As camper Abby F. notes, "The park itself is pretty nice with several trails and a small campground."
Wildlife viewing: Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area serves as a prime location for bird watching, particularly during migration seasons. "We stopped here when we drove from NY to CO and it was fine," shares David B., though timing your visit is important as water levels can affect conditions.
Water recreation: Twin Anchors Campground provides access to a small beach area for swimming and boating opportunities. According to Abby F., "They have a small petting zoo and a small beach," making it a versatile option for families seeking water activities.
What campers like
Petting zoo experience: Twin Anchors Campground offers a unique animal encounter opportunity that sets it apart from other camping options in the area. "They have a small petting zoo and a small beach," mentions Abby F., providing an additional activity option for younger campers.
Enclosed shelter access: Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground features rental facilities for group gatherings. Abby F. points out, "There is an enclosed stone shelter house you can rent for gatherings," making this location suitable for family reunions or small events.
Drive-in convenience: Most tent camping areas near Lehigh offer straightforward vehicle access. Trailside Campground provides drive-in access with toilet facilities, while Reece Park combines drive-in convenience with more primitive amenities for those seeking a balance between accessibility and rustic camping.
What you should know
Seasonal fluctuations: Water levels at Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area can significantly impact camping conditions. Kevin T. warns, "This place was really bad probably because of the low water levels. In very hot temperatures the lake would have a smell."
Limited facilities: Most tent camping options require self-sufficiency. Devine Wildlife Area has no facilities whatsoever, while Bessman-Kemp Park offers basic amenities including fire rings, toilets, and trash disposal but lacks showers and drinking water.
Hunting activity: Several camping areas serve dual purposes as hunting grounds, particularly during fall and spring seasons. Kevin T. observed at Big Wall Lake, "There is people here who hunt ducks," making it important to check local hunting schedules before planning overnight stays.
Tips for camping with families
Playground monitoring: At Twin Anchors Campground, families should be aware of potential nighttime noise. Bill O. reports, "Its 1130 pm and we r camping by the playground and there's about 10 children at the playground with no adults."
Bug protection: Insect repellent is essential for comfortable camping in this region, particularly during summer months. Local campsites can experience significant insect activity, especially near water sources.
Timing considerations: For the best tent camping near Lehigh, Iowa, plan visits during spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures. Ambrose A. Call State Park operates from April 1 to November 1, making shoulder seasons ideal for more comfortable conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site sharing awareness: For RVers who also use tents, be prepared for potential campsite arrangements at some locations. Abby F. cautions about Twin Anchors: "Sometimes you have to share a fire pit with other tents if it's busy."
Golf cart traffic: Whispering Oaks RV Park and similar developed campgrounds may have significant internal vehicle traffic. Bill O. notes, "There's about 5 golf carts running around," which might disrupt tent campers seeking tranquility.
Electric hookup options: For tent campers who appreciate having electricity, Bessman-Kemp Park offers 30-amp hookups, a relatively uncommon amenity for tent-specific sites in this region. This provides the option to power small appliances or charge devices while maintaining a tent camping experience.
