Best Campgrounds near Little Sioux, IA

Campgrounds surrounding Little Sioux, Iowa range from developed facilities with modern amenities to primitive hike-in sites. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground near Onawa provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and shower facilities. Meanwhile, Preparation Canyon State Park offers a more remote experience with hike-in tent sites. The Loess Hills region features several campground options, including county-managed areas along the Missouri River and privately operated RV parks that cater to travelers passing through on Interstate 29.

The camping season in this region generally runs from April through October, with some campgrounds like Lewis and Clark State Park remaining open year-round. Many sites require reservations during peak summer months, while others operate on a first-come basis. According to one visitor, "Preparation Canyon State Park has about 8 sites dispersed around the area so camping is always private. There is a parking lot where envelopes are so you can pay and hike in." Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds - some like Huff-Warner Access Area offer full hookups, while primitive sites at Preparation Canyon have no drinking water access. Cell service is generally reliable near developed areas but may be limited in more remote settings within the Loess Hills.

Campers frequently mention the unique landscape of the Loess Hills as a highlight of the region. These distinctive landforms create scenic vistas and hiking opportunities not commonly associated with Iowa. One camper noted, "I had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great!" River access points along the Missouri River provide opportunities for boating and fishing. Sites with shade are particularly valued during summer months when temperatures can climb into the 90s. Campgrounds closer to Interstate 29, such as On-Ur-Wa RV Park, provide convenient overnight stops for travelers, while more remote sites in the hills offer greater solitude and opportunities to explore the unusual terrain.

Best Camping Sites Near Little Sioux, Iowa (91)

    1. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Onawa, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-2829

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa!"

    "There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers."

    2. Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Moorhead, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-2829

    $9 / night

    "Located directly adjacent to the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest; the flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America."

    "Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded."

    3. Huff - Warner Access Area

    3 Reviews
    Onawa, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 433-2400

    "They have a table near the boat ramp that, I assume, is for cleaning your caught fish. If it matters, it did not have running water."

    "Located far enough from the interstate to avoid any traffic noise River barges were unloading next to the campground when we were here."

    4. loess hills state forest

    1 Review
    Little Sioux, IA
    2 miles

    "Really impressed with this location. Incredible hiking just outside your door."

    5. Summit Lake State Recreation Area Campground

    4 Reviews
    Tekamah, NE
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 374-1727

    $30 / night

    "Pros: Quiet, walking trails, lake, bar nearby, clean showers and bathroom, building a new playground as of 10/2022

    Cons: Dump station is on a noticeable uphill slope, so you won't be able to completely"

    "Summit is a great lake just west of Tekamah, and less than a hour from Omaha."

    6. On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Onawa, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-1387

    "Pulled in, John came into the office, asked if I was a Good Sam member and charged me $43.34 for a full hook-up, extra long pull thru on the outside of the trees."

    "Great location. Very nice campground. Large spacious pull thru sites. Extremely clean bathrooms and showers. We stayed twice, westbound and eastbound. Very friendly, nice people."

    7. Jones Pond

    1 Review
    Pisgah, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 456-2924

    "Very quiet and peaceful place I have been there few times and I never see anyone else around. There is no bathroom or drinking water so make sure you are ready for that."

    8. Loess Hills Hideaway

    1 Review
    Moorhead, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 551-0690

    9. Tekamah Memorial Park

    2 Reviews
    Tekamah, NE
    10 miles
    Website

    "Close to town, stores, food. $15. Night in 2025. Fair. Good place for quiet, inexpensive nights. Quite a good deal.👍"

    10. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    30 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 328-5833

    $10 - $50 / night

    "I pulled in late at night easy to navigate stayed the next day and did some trails apparently the land formations are 1 of only 2 in the world how about that Iowa."

    "We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."

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Recent Reviews near Little Sioux, IA

335 Reviews of 91 Little Sioux Campgrounds


  • V
    Sep. 30, 2025

    loess hills state forest

    Loess Hills State Forest

    Really impressed with this location. Incredible hiking just outside your door.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Onawa-Blue Lake KOA

    Convenient and quiet

    Conveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet.

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    Road to Mackinac

    Just an overnight on our way to Michigan. Yeah it's a parking lot! Visited family just in the NE side of the river. Water and electric, not a bad price. Interstate was RIGHT THERE..... but the noise of our AC downed it out! 😎 Showers were low pressure and could have been better maintained.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area Tent Campsites

    Great state rec area

    Impressive recreation area. Campsites on and off of the water, all very nice. Lots of walking and bike riding. Very woodsy feeling through the whole park and a nice bicycle trail that leaves the park and winds out to Hormel Park on the Platte River.

  • Trav S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    Sewer Dump Available

    This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska!

    It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay.

  • sparkleblaster S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Moorehead Pioneer County Park

    Safe and lots of trees

    I stayed on the picnic loop at one of three designated camp spots (according to the map posted at the end of the picnic loop). There was a nice shade structure, picnic table, fire pit, and grill. Pit toilets and trash bins nearby and a water spigot that wasn't working. I got in late on a Sunday. I saw some fishermen around the pond on my way in but no one else. There's a playground and a couple small pavilions across from where I camped, so I imagine it can be busy on the weekend.

    It's not really a campground. It's a county park with a few camp spots. If I hadn't found the sign with tent symbols I would have doubted it was a legitimate place to camp.

    The coordinates in the description here took me to a boat launch. This is the coordinate to the camp spot I stayed at: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BziGswnzeFVjgVxV6

  • J
    Aug. 24, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Overnight stay

    This campsite was everything we were needing for the night plus more. The people were very friendly.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Snyder Bend County Park

    Nice lakeside walking path

    No reservation needed. Self check-in before 10pm. $25 for electric & water hookup. Lake facing spaces available if not already taken. Nice walking trail lakeside. Yes. There are mosquitoes at dusk.


Guide to Little Sioux

Camping near Little Sioux, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking Trails: Enjoy the many nature trails available. At Hitchcock County Nature Center, one camper mentioned, "Camping here also gives you access to the playground and nature trails into some beautiful countryside."
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, check out Lake Cunningham Campground. A reviewer said, "This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever encountered! On a beautiful lake with many recreational possibilities - kayaking, sailing non-power boating."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Preparation Canyon State Park Campground noted, "The flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and showers. One review for Lewis and Clark State Park Campground stated, "Great sites right on the water. Easy back in for my rig. Hot showers were a plus :)"
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campers rave about the helpful staff. A visitor at Arrowhead Park Campground said, "The people who run this campground are really nice! There are really none camping and only 10 dollars a night with electricity for a tent site."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites. A review for Snyder Bend County Park mentioned, "This campground is secluded and quiet. Next to a county park. Decent bath house with showers."

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center warned, "The only downside is bring several bottles of bug spray; the mosquitoes are terrible!"
  • Cash Payments: Some campgrounds require cash for payment. A visitor at Arrowhead Park Campground reminded others, "Friendly reminder to bring CASH. FIRST COME FIRST SERVE."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. A reviewer at Preparation Canyon State Park Campground noted, "The immediate surrounding towns provide very little in the way of amenities, so plan ahead."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. At Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, a camper said, "Beautiful park, beautiful scenery and amazing playground!"
  • Spacious Areas: Choose campgrounds with plenty of space for kids to run around. A visitor at Snyder Bend County Park mentioned, "Spots have water and electric for $25/night."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer activities like fishing or hiking. A camper at Lake Cunningham Campground shared, "Tons of room between spots. Mini store on the property to buy ice, firewood, and food from."

Tips from RVers

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Arrowhead Park Campground noted, "Big rig friendly, drinking water, electric hookups."
  • Level Sites: Check for level sites to make parking easier. A camper at Snyder Bend County Park mentioned, "Plan on using your leveling blocks."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations for convenience. A visitor at Hitchcock County Nature Center appreciated, "Sanitary dump and sewer hookups available."

Camping near Little Sioux, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With clean facilities, friendly hosts, and plenty of activities, it's a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Little Sioux, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Little Sioux, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 91 campgrounds and RV parks near Little Sioux, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Little Sioux, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Little Sioux, IA is Lewis and Clark State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Little Sioux, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Little Sioux, IA.