Camping opportunities near Leon, Iowa include both developed RV sites and more rustic options within a 45-mile radius. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging between 900-1,200 feet and averages 35 inches of precipitation annually. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from November through March, while summer camping season brings highs regularly exceeding 80°F.
What to do
Hiking trails: Hickory Hills Park offers wooded paths with historical significance. "The hiking trails are pretty easy going through the forest and then opening up next to old Native American burial mounds. This is really a great place to pitch a tent," notes a visitor to Hickory Hills Park.
Water recreation: Honey Creek Resort provides lake-based activities during summer months. According to one camper, "The fishing is also really good, we generally kayak and catch a lot of crappie, bass, and catfish" at Honey Creek Resort.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours offer the best opportunities for spotting deer, wild turkey, and various bird species throughout the region's parks. Trails near water sources increase wildlife spotting chances.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Buffalo Run RV Park receives positive feedback for its maintenance. "This campground is close to I35 and makes a great stop on road trips if you're heading south! Affordable and quiet," reports one reviewer about Buffalo Run RV Park.
Spacious sites: Eagle Ridge RV Park offers room to spread out. "Small campground with available spot with 2 days notice. Peaceful sites. Grounds very well kept," shares a visitor to Eagle Ridge RV Park.
Free camping options: Some county parks offer no-cost camping with basic amenities. One camper at Hickory Hills noted, "You can stay 14 days free I think. Quiet and had the place to ourselves. Maintained and they had patrol checking through at night."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds shut down during winter months. Eagle Ridge RV Park operates from March through November, while others like Quail Ridge remain open year-round.
Limited tent camping: Most facilities primarily serve RVs. As one visitor to Quail Ridge Campground observed, "Clean, Conveniently Located, Level Park. Park has underwent a full makeover. Electrical, plumbing, surfaces all have been updated."
Reservation policies: Many smaller campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis. One Eagle Ridge visitor noted, "Two hour notice! Super nice hosts and very helpful getting us settled in our spot."
Tips for camping with families
Resort amenities: Facilities with additional activities help keep children entertained. A family at Honey Creek Resort shared, "My family and I stay here for a week during the summer. The beach is just outside the hotel and has a huge water park which is a lot of fun to play on."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. One visitor to Ted's RV Park mentioned, "Terrific small town RV park in Iowa. Long, level pull thru's and back ins, playground, dog walk, DELICIOUS on site restaurant."
Bathhouse proximity: Consider site location relative to restroom facilities when camping with young children. Some parks have centralized bathrooms requiring short walks from campsites.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Multiple RV parks offer convenient access. According to one Lakeside Casino visitor, "If you are traveling I35 and it's convenient for an overnight rest, it's well worth the cost."
Hookup quality: Many parks offer full-service connections. A visitor to Lakeside Casino RV Park noted, "I stayed 3 nights traveling to my next work assignment. The park was clean with level sites. The front desk person was friendly and helped me with my reservation."
Big rig access: Several parks accommodate larger vehicles. A visitor to Ted's RV Park commented, "Long, level pull thru's and back ins, playground, dog walk, DELICIOUS on site restaurant. Clubhouse with immaculate laundry and individual showers, everything is new and cashless."
Site surface types: Surface materials vary between parks, affecting leveling and stabilization. One Eagle Ridge visitor mentioned, "Great place for a quick overnight or longer stay. We stayed in a long FHU pull-through in a Class A."
