74 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 $10 - $18 / 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 $12 - $20 / 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"
"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"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 $10 - $60 / 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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LegendSmaller county park less than 2 miles outside of Hampton Iowa. The WKW park/natural area are just several hundred feet from each other (I posted a review of that as well) but, it looks like the WKW area no longer has a campground, but maybe this replaced it? All part of Floyd County rec. A few electrical sites at the front of campground, but several more rustic sites a bit further in. Kids play area and a small creek nearby.
LegendCute park in Rockwell Iowa. There is a south campground too, but that was blocked off when I was there. There is a public golf course and aquatic center just a few hundred feet from the campground. The campground is on the edge of town. There a a river running between the south campground and the main campground with a footbridge over the river. Dump station present. Playground for kids. There are sites along the river edge.
LegendThe campground here is no longer available… however, several hundred yards down the country road, there is a campground (looks to be the same system, called Robinson park)
TravelerSite are first come first reserve. Easy to pull into, large concrete pads. Stationary fire pits with grill grate attached, stationary four bench picnic tables on each site . Very quiet cozy park. Has about 10 rv sites and a few tent sites. Small pond/lake onsite and a river. Large park with some creative equipment.
GuideWe pulled in here sunday about noon and eight sites available eight sites , open thirty amp service , ten dollars a night
GuideThe Nonelectric sites at the White Fox campground were very nice. Great size and mostly private. The electric sites were definitely less private. The showers were clean and the vault toilets actually had a light inside! Trails were very nice.
TravelerNeat little place right off I 90. We arrived in the dark since we had a flat to fix but happily were still able to download the campground map… Seems like people stay here All year at some of the sites because there are literally decks and gardens attached to some larger campers. Gorgeous mature trees and seems like the campground is well kept outside. The bathrooms are clean but pretty old and guessing that the water is fairly hard from the rust stains in the shower… hot water felt great and no quarters to feed. Definitely bring your flip-flops for the shower the drainage was not great. Would definitely stay here again for the convenience, maybe next time we will get to enjoy the water front area… All the sites were nice and flat and easy to back in with lots of length. We have been towing a 31 foot AIRSTREAM so had no problems whatsoever.
GuideMyre Big Island was a peaceful and relaxing campground to visit. The trees are so tall and beautiful. The island had a few trails and a nice view of the lake.
It did rain while I stayed and site 17E floods a bit but dries up when the rain stops so it wasnt a big deal.
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.
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 74 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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