Campgrounds near Leon, Iowa offer a mix of county-managed and state-operated facilities with various price points and amenity levels. Most sites range from $12-20 per night depending on hookup availability. Spring and fall typically provide the most comfortable camping conditions when temperatures average 55-75°F, though summer camping remains popular despite higher humidity and occasional storms.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Nine Eagles State Park provides exceptional equestrian opportunities with maintained trails designed for riders. As one visitor noted, "Wonderful area for horses. Great trials," making it a destination for those traveling with equine companions.
Lake swimming: While Little River Recreation Area prohibits swimming at the campground, a "nice day-use area not far down the road with a nice beach and picnic area" offers swimming options for those staying at the campground, according to reviewer Lee D.
Fishing from accessible docks: Multiple fishing access points accommodate anglers of varying abilities. At Little River Recreation Area, "there were two docks, one of them handicapped accessible" as noted by a camper, making the experience available to more visitors.
Hiking woodland trails: Stephens State Forest offers multiple hiking options with "great hiking trails leading to very primitive camping locations" according to one reviewer. Another camper mentioned trails are "wide and well graded and not too much up and down except for periodic creek crossings."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Eagle Ridge RV Park receives praise for its peaceful setting despite being near Interstate 35. As one camper described, it's "close to the interstate but not noisy" and another called it a "perfect get away off the 35, but far enough away you wouldn't know it."
Wildlife viewing: Stephens State Forest campers report diverse wildlife encounters, with one reviewer noting they "heard plenty of wildlife in early evening and at night: owls, raccoons, deer, coyotes." The forest's natural setting creates abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Budget-friendly pricing: Many campgrounds in the region maintain affordable rates. Little River Recreation Area offers "very reasonable" rates with "$15 for electric, and $12 for tent sites" according to a recent visitor, making it accessible for budget-conscious campers.
Modern bathhouse facilities: Nine Eagles State Park maintains clean facilities that enhance the camping experience. A recent visitor commented that "facilities are available and very convenient and comfortable," noting this alongside the park's swimming and fishing opportunities.
What you should know
Seasonal amenities: Many parks have limited services outside peak season. At Nine Eagles State Park, one visitor found "the water wasn't turned on in the basic site loop" and "it was also off at the swimming beach" during their early season stay.
Maintenance variations: Campground upkeep varies considerably across the region. A Nine Eagles visitor noted the park was "a little run down, but there's a new park ranger in town who is trying to fix it up," indicating improvements were underway.
Insect considerations: Ticks can be problematic in warmer months. A Stephens State Forest camper reported: "The defining characteristic of this park is its insect life. Repellant and an active bat population kept the mosquitoes away, but the ticks were everywhere!"
Limited water access: During dry periods, water sources may be restricted. As one Stephens State Forest visitor found, "when we went in early July the creeks were dry. Making the only water source the spigot at the parking lot."
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Lakeside Casino RV Park provides clean facilities in a secure environment. "My wife and I feel safe in this park. I am in a wheelchair and this park allows me to move around freely," noted one reviewer, highlighting its accessibility features.
Campsite selection strategy: When choosing sites at Little River Recreation Area, note that "sites 2 and 3 (both electric) are sloped down and the driveway is a bit overgrown." A visitor advised that "some sites have a direct water view but again, some are more sloped than others."
Little Free Library access: Little River Recreation Area features a "small little free library" according to one camper, providing reading materials for families without having to pack extra books.
Youth group facilities: Nine Eagles State Park offers dedicated youth camping areas. One Scout leader described it as "a large open space surrounded by tall trees. The grass is well maintained and the campsite is clean and beautiful."
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad conditions: Inspect pads carefully at Lakeside Co Park, where one RVer found "all are not level and in poor condition." Another camper at Lakeside Casino RV Park noted "the concrete in our site was in poor condition, it had crumbled leaving a dip in the pad."
Electric hookup options: Little River Recreation Area provides 16 electric sites with thirty-amp service, though reviewers note some sites are more level than others. One camper recommends paying "the extra money for an electric site" during periods when water access might be limited in basic sites.
RV length limitations: While some campgrounds accommodate larger rigs, Lakeside Co Park sites "along the lake will support short to medium length RVs or trailers, and all are back in," according to a recent visitor.
Supply planning: Services vary between campgrounds, with Nine Eagles State Park having "no store, no wood so get what you need before you get here" as one visitor advised. Meanwhile, the city of Humeston near Lakeside Co Park "has several gas stations and a grocery store" within a few minutes' drive.
