Best Tent Camping near Little Sioux, IA

Tent campsites near Little Sioux, Iowa include several primitive options within the scenic Loess Hills region. Preparation Canyon State Park Campground offers walk-in tent camping with 8-10 backcountry sites scattered throughout the 340-acre park. Moorehead Pioneer County Park provides basic tent camping with picnic tables and fire rings, while Pelican Point State Recreation Area features limited primitive tent sites near a boat ramp to the Missouri River.

Most tent sites in the area feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Preparation Canyon's hike-in tent sites each include a fire ring and picnic table, but campers must pack in all water and supplies as there are no drinking water facilities or modern restrooms. Sites at Pelican Point have vault toilets and trash collection but limited other services. Tent campers should be prepared for potentially overgrown sites, especially at more remote locations. A review mentioned that while Preparation Canyon has about 8 designated sites, "Sites 9 and 10 are the most remote in the park and might tempt those seeking added solitude," but these were found to be "overgrown and the nearby creek tributary was mostly dry."

The tent camping experience in the Loess Hills offers unique geology and natural features distinct to this region of North America. The terrain provides good opportunities for stargazing and wildlife viewing. A camper noted that Preparation Canyon's Site 3 "seems to be the crown jewel. It is a small trek up a hillside and looks out across the general area, with a phenomenal star gazing opportunity." Most sites are situated along or near small creeks that can provide a water source, though flow may be limited in dry periods. Tent campers should expect moderate hiking to reach backcountry sites, with trails that are generally well-maintained but can present challenges during wet weather. The area's unique landscape offers tent campers a surprising diversity of natural features not commonly associated with Iowa.

Best Tent Sites Near Little Sioux, Iowa (10)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Little Sioux, IA

322 Reviews of 10 Little Sioux Campgrounds


  • J
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Peaceful Serenity

    I arrived just in time to see the beautiful sunset over the small lake near the primitive campground closest to the Park Office. It only cost $10 for tent camping and $3 for a vehicle pass. Campground and vault toilets were pretty clean. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each tent campsite and there are plenty to choose from near the water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe and even fish here. We had a nice encounter from the campground employee who explained how to put the stake out to claim our campsite. Right away, I saw abundant wildlife, including turkey, deer, black squirrels, woodpeckers, geese, ducks and bats. Come prepared for the mosquitoes but overall I would highly recommend this place!

  • 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.

  • Sarah H.
    Aug. 7, 2016

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Easy Family Camping Near Omaha

    Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Nice and peaceful

    Great spot for an overnight! Restroom is clean w/ pit toilet and tp. Wifi is only accessible in the upper area of the grounds. Site number 13 is the most cozy as there’s no one next to your rig. Firewood is at the right of the entrance. Potable water available!

  • Allison J.
    Jul. 8, 2016

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Loess hills getawayg

    The park has cabins, rv sites, tent camping and backcountry hike in camping. The nature center is a nice place to cool down the the summer and learn about the loess hills. The backcountry campsite have pads with pea gravel for tents and fire rings. Nice and quiet.

  • Alison D.
    Oct. 9, 2020

    Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

    Surprise find in Iowa!

    I stayed here on a long road trip across the country. 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. Picnic table and fire ring included. Also, there’s a trail up a hill right near by that had great views of the area and a lovely sunset! I would definitely recommend. Just a head’s up: I saw some pics of people car camping here on this site. Not sure how that would work since it’s supposed to be walk-in only and pretty clearly roped off from access with a car.

  • Pat V.
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    Really nice campground that is missing shade

    Lake Wanahoo is a fairly new lake in Saunders county Nebraska. The lake is part of the local NRD and was originally managed by the state parks department. You used to be able to use your state park permit to gain entry, but now you need to either buy a day pass or a yearly pass from the NRD.

    There are plenty of places to camp here including gravel pads and grass pads for RV’s. While most people seem to prefer the gravel pads closer to the lake, we actually prefer grass pads because they are 2-3 larger, so you have more room to setup.

    The tent camping area is huge and there always seems to be plenty of availability. We were the only tent in the entire area. The tiered tent area allows you to have a great view of the lake from wherever you setup. All RV and tent spots have picnic tables and fire rings. Unfortunately when the lake and campground were built they planted saplings, so during the hot months there is no shade to be found.

    The is still plenty to do at the lake from getting the fishing boat out, using their three wide boat ramp or fishing from the shore using bank or using a jetty. There is a gravel trail that goes all the way around the lake, which provides about a three mile loop. The trail also leads down into the town of Wahoo. There are two large play areas for kids. One is in the campground and one is across the lake in the day use area.

    No matter where you go you are not far from a restroom. There are nice clean vault toilets available all around the lake. There is also a large bathroom/shower house in the campground. The shower house does have a change machine on the outside of the build to get change for the showers. These are kept very clean and tidy.

    When pulling your RV out here the water fill is in an awkward spot in a parking lot of the campground. To get to the dump station you have to leave the campground, get on the highway and drive to the opposite side of the lake to the day use area. These were just installed a couple years ago. They are nice and level, but just add a bit of driving to get to them.

    All-in-all this is a nice place and in a few more years of tree growth, it could be even better!

  • Kyla B.
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Dead Timber State Rec Area

    Quiet retreat

    There are areas dedicated for daily use, primitive camping and electric sites. Great Lake for kayaking or a small jon boat. Has restrooms available, no showers. No dumpsite. Fire pit and picnic table available at sites.

    Appears to be a quiet retreat with minimal campers.

  • C
    Jul. 10, 2019

    Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    Decent for Short Trips or Fishing

    We primary stop by this site for fishing as the lake is regularly stocked. It's great for kayaking or small boats. There is very little shade available at this campground as it is a man-made area so bring the sunscreen. Fires are allowed and pets must be on leash. RV sites and tent camping site are available.


Guide to Little Sioux

Tent camping near Little Sioux, Iowa offers unique opportunities within the Missouri River Valley region. Primitive camping sites in the area can be found at varying elevations between 950-1,500 feet, with some locations situated atop wind-deposited silt formations dating back to the last ice age. Weather patterns typically feature hot summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F and moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons provide more comfortable 65-75°F daytime temperatures.

What to do

Hiking trails exploration: Several miles of trails wind through Preparation Canyon State Park Campground, offering diverse terrain. One camper noted, "The trails are well maintained as are the campsites. I only went out a day to test out some new equipment but will definitely be back."

River access activities: Fishing and boating opportunities exist at Pelican Point State Rec Area, where a boat ramp provides Missouri River access. According to a visitor, "This campground is conveniently located at a boat ramp. It has 2 primitive campsites and a vault toilet."

Wildlife viewing: The Loess Hills area supports diverse bird species and mammals. A camper at Preparation Canyon mentioned, "The flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America. If you have not visited this area, put it high on your to-do list."

What campers like

Geological features: The distinctive landscape creates unusual camping environments. A visitor described Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area Tent Campsites as having "at least a dozen small lakes part of the grounds. The new lakes are busy and full of RVs. If you want a less busy area, find the older section."

Campsite privacy: Many sites offer good separation from other campers. A reviewer at Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA shared, "I have only ever used Tent sites by the river. For the tent sites I wish there were more amenities but the one we stayed at was in a nice location."

Accessibility for weekend trips: The tent camping locations near Little Sioux provide good options for short getaways. One camper at Riverside Campground noted, "It's far enough outside of Omaha to feel like a getaway and get back to nature. And close enough to Omaha to not feel like much work to go camping!"

What you should know

Water availability: Many primitive sites require carrying in water. At Preparation Canyon, one camper mentioned that "The creek just to the North was still flowing and provided our water source" but cautioned that creek tributaries might be "mostly dry" in certain areas.

Bathroom facilities vary: Most primitive sites have minimal facilities. A visitor at Moorehead Pioneer County Park found "Pit toilets and trash bins nearby and a water spigot that wasn't working."

Weather preparation: Summer heat can be intense in the region. A camper at Preparation Canyon reported, "The weekend was blistering hot at 95° F and a 9/10 UV index, but we were conditioning for a larger trip this summer, so we welcomed the challenge."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some camping areas include family-friendly amenities. A visitor at Moorehead Pioneer County Park noted, "There's a playground and a couple small pavilions across from where I camped, so I imagine it can be busy on the weekend."

Water recreation options: River sites offer swimming possibilities during summer months. At Riverside Campground, a camper shared, "The river is decently safe and a good place to tube."

Educational opportunities: Nature programs can enhance family camping experiences. A visitor at Loess Hills Hideaway found the location ideal because "Owner is very nice and the bathrooms if you need them are clean and well maintained."

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Some parks offer both RV and tent options with varying levels of development. At Fremont Lakes, a camper advised, "The new lakes are busy and full of RVs. If you want a less busy area, find the older section."

Noise factors: Train tracks and highways near some camping areas can affect sleep quality. A visitor at Fremont Lakes warned, "There is a very busy set of train tracks that run about every 20 minutes all day and all night. Didn't get any sleep, even with earplugs."

Facilities assessment: Cleanliness varies significantly between locations. A positive review from Fremont Lakes noted, "Facilities were very clean. Cleanest I have ever seen in a campground."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Little Sioux, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Little Sioux, IA is Preparation Canyon State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Little Sioux, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Little Sioux, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.