72 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Leland, Iowa range from full-service RV and tent sites with electric hookups to primitive dispersed camping at wildlife management areas. Pilot Knob State Park Campground, about 10 miles from Leland, offers tent, RV, and cabin sites with electric hookups throughout most of the park. The region includes both state park facilities like Clear Lake State Park and McIntosh Woods State Park as well as more rustic options at Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area and Eagle Lake Wildlife Management Area where dispersed camping is permitted. These facilities provide varying levels of amenities from full-service campgrounds with showers and dump stations to primitive sites with minimal facilities.
Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience, with many sites operating from April through November. Pilot Knob State Park remains open year-round with winter camping available. "For $12/night on a 30AMP hookup, I really can't complain. Enjoyable scenery, especially at sunset," noted one visitor about Pilot Knob. Weather conditions can affect site quality, particularly after rain when some campsites become muddy. Most developed campgrounds in the area feature electrical hookups ranging from 30-amp to 50-amp service, though non-electric tent sites are also available at lower rates. Cell coverage varies but is generally available at major campgrounds, with AT&T service noted as reliable at some locations.
The camping experience in this area centers around lake access and outdoor recreation. Three Fingers Campground near Forest City provides proximity to local attractions, making it suitable for short stays. Multiple reviewers highlighted the wildlife viewing opportunities, with one camper at Pilot Knob State Park mentioning, "Two fawns were born there, under one of the picnic tables and they were around all weekend." Fishing is popular at Crystal Lake Park and Clear Lake State Park, while hiking trails attract visitors to Pilot Knob State Park. Campsite privacy varies significantly between locations, with some areas like Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area offering more isolation during certain seasons. Most developed campgrounds maintain clean shower facilities and restrooms, though site spacing can be close in some parks, potentially limiting privacy during peak periods.
"Located by New Ulm, MN this campground has plenty of activities in the park or very near the park."
"When driving to my site two fawns were laying near the playground."
from $14 - $34 / night
Check Availability"Site 1 is about as quiet as it gets tucked off to the side."
"We love coming to Clear Lake! The campgrounds are always very well kept, bathrooms very clean! Easy access to the lake, and the town has so much to do during the summer months!"
from $18 - $38 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $45 / night
Check Availability"There is a boat launch and paths down each side of the launch you could fish. On the way in, you'll see a deck to the left, providing a scenic overlook."
"It’s like a large gravel parking lot right on the lake. It was insanely peaceful and quiet the entire time. The birds chirping was beautiful."
"Beautiful on this lakeside campground. Electricity only at the campsites. This is my second visit."
"Great fishing lake. A beach for the kids. Great family campground"
"Sites arranged in a circle around a clean shower house. Potable water. Only 2 non-electric sites. Most sites level. Sites are close to each other, not offering much in the way of privacy."
"Beautiful shaded campground near the lake, not far from town if you forgot something. We stayed in one of the two yurts- bunk bed plus a futon and table/chairs inside. Picnic table and grill outside."
from $12 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Nice fire pit and located right next to the lake. Only downside was the site was electric only. No option for full hookup but water was located between the sites."
"There are plenty of walking and biking trails and there are walk-in tent camp sites. However, you cannot see the lake from the campground and there is no access to the lake from the campground."
from $24 - $34 / night
Check Availability"Met up with friends to get outside. They brought their dogs and we had a grand time."
"I've always considered myself blessed to have this state park so close to home. This is a beautiful, well kept state park."
from $24 - $85 / night
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TravelerLooks like it has about four sites with grill grates. It has two electrical hook up posts. They are rated for 20 Amps. The toilet situation is the only thing that is a negative. It rained today and the men’s side had standing water through most of the floor. But they are totally serviceable. Overall, I would stay here again.
ScoutGreat time friendly people and owners and campers.
ScoutWe booked site 31 which is directly in the middle of seasonal campers. Not very many people around. Bathrooms are definitely old but clean. I would not waste the extra 10 dollars on a lakeside site (trees blocking view)
ScoutBig grass field, truck camper friendly.
ScoutThis is a smaller KOA, owner off hwy 90. Closed during winter. We were in spot 53, beautiful end site with corn views. Owner is working on fixing the dump portion of the full hookup as it sits to high to dump. Overall the spot was beautiful
GuideWe stayed 1 night and the host was Amazing! Our site had everything included. Site was easy to back into and the location is just an hour from Mall of America
GuideThis park is very nice. It has long gravel FHU sites. Bathrooms/shower house is fairly new, but they must have high iron levels b/c the toilets and walls already have brown stains. Kid friendly. walking path. Downfalls: Not much shade yet. You have to register online and some older folks don't like that.
GuideWould have been OK for one night, but we decided ahead of time to spend 4 nights. The entry needs a lot of work.(Several potholes that need to be filled in along the whole driveway both sides. Laundry room was nice although 3 washers and 2 dryers seem odd. Only $2 to wash and /or dry. We didn't use the RR/showers but went in and looked at it and it looked nice. They had a small enclosed dog run. There was a very small playground. No activities for adults or kids while we were there. Just a camp site. They did have a few newer cabins. There was a sign that it was under new management, but no one introduced themselves as the new owners. When asked if we could check out an hour late, the young guy in the office said we don't usually allow that, but I suppose it would be OK if you donate to the children's fund that we sponsor.
ScoutUpper camp was full, went around corner to River area. Large spots, self pay $10… No electricity, no water, it was a quick overnight… not sure about showers
Dispersed camping locations near Leland, Iowa typically border public lakes and wildlife management areas. The terrain consists primarily of gently rolling hills surrounded by agricultural land at approximately 1,200 feet elevation. Winter camping options remain limited with temperatures often dropping below freezing from November through March, while summer humidity levels frequently exceed 70% during peak camping months.
Fishing opportunities: Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area offers shoreline fishing access with boat launch facilities. "It's a nice spot off of the main road. There's a boat launch and paths down each side of the launch you could fish," notes a visitor to Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds report frequent deer sightings throughout the camping season. A visitor at Pilot Knob State Park Campground observed, "When driving to my site two fawns were laying near the playground."
Hiking options: Trail systems vary in difficulty and length. Myre-Big Island State Park features "20+ miles of hiking trails through prairies, woodlands, and along the lake too! Plus the park offers geocashing (and free GPS rental)," according to a reviewer.
Private campsites: Campers appreciate secluded options when available. "This spot is exposed with virtually no privacy. (Winter/ early spring)... During the summer, when the corn is in, it looks like there would be plenty of privacy," notes a camper at Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain quality bathhouses. At Clear Lake State Park Campground, "The campgrounds are always very well kept, bathrooms very clean! Easy access to the lake, and the town has so much to do during the summer months!"
Water recreation: Lakes provide swimming and boating options. "The lake was great, and calm," reported a visitor at Myre State Park Campgrounds, who "dropped our kayak into the lake at the boat launch, which was a 2 minute drive to the other side of the island from the campsite."
Seasonal challenges: Weather conditions significantly impact site quality and accessibility. "We had lots of rain, and the sites got a bit muddy. The beach area was closed due to e-coli," notes a camper at McIntosh Woods State Park.
Site spacing: Proximity between campsites varies considerably by location. "The sites are very well maintained, but close to neighbors," reports a camper at Myre State Park, while another notes that "if full, you would have no privacy."
Limited amenities: Wildlife Management Areas provide minimal facilities. "There are NO amenities here. There's plenty of room here for any size rig," states a review of Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play equipment for children. Three Fingers Campground receives positive feedback from families: "This is a great place for a week long stay or just a few hours! The camp ground is on the smaller side but it's clean and there is a play ground!"
Swimming options: Beach quality varies by location and time of year. A camper at Clear Lake State Park Campground noted, "Easy access to the lake... The campgrounds are always very well kept, bathrooms very clean!"
Wildlife education: Animals frequently visit campgrounds, creating learning opportunities. At Pilot Knob State Park, a visitor reported watching "turtles laying eggs and deer were all around. Family loved the fishing."
Electric service types: Most developed campgrounds offer standard 30-amp hookups with limited 50-amp availability. "There are only 6 full hook up sites and the care taker made sure we got one. The rest of the sites are beautiful with electric hook up," reports a camper at Clear Lake State Park.
Site leveling challenges: Many locations feature uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. "Sites not too level, but spacious," notes a reviewer at Clear Lake State Park, while another at McIntosh Woods mentioned, "Most sites level."
Interior road conditions: Campground access roads may present navigation challenges. A reviewer at Myre-Big Island State Park warned, "The interior roads are dirt roads with a few potholes they are very narrow. We were able to drive through the campground with our 40 foot fifth wheel. But just barely, be careful!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Leland, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Leland, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 72 campgrounds and RV parks near Leland, IA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Leland, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Leland, IA is Pilot Knob State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Leland, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Leland, IA.
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