Top Tent Camping near Lucas, IA

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Lucas and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best tent camping sites near Lucas. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Lucas, IA (14)

    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board) - TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board) - TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board) - TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board) - TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board) - TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board) - TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS

    1.

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board) - TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS

    10 Reviews
    13 Photos
    60 Saves
    Swan, Iowa

    Grant Park campground is closed until further notice for improvements.

    Improvements include adding electric sites, shower house, and water station. All sites are first come first serve and will cost $20 per night. Registration is required upon arrival at the campground entrance. Campers may stay in WCCB campgrounds for 14 days out of any 30 day period.

    Donated by Ferold and Dorothy Grant, this 150 acre park in northeast Warren County features a picnic shelter, a secluded pond, some wonderful woodland trails, and—new in 2018—10 primitive campsites!

    The picnic shelter is available for reservation by calling the WCCB office at (515) 961-6169.

    Grant Park has ten primitive campsites. There is a pit latrine in the campground. Water is not available. Reservations are not accepted. This campground is free of charge. Registration is required and is available at the campground entrance. Campers may stay in WCCB campgrounds for 14 days out of any 30 day period.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • No image available

      3.

      Otter Creek Park

      2 Reviews
      12 Saves
      Indianola, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Cabins
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park

      5.

      Colfax Quarry Springs Park

      3 Reviews
      17 Photos
      65 Saves
      Mingo, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group

      $15 / night

      • No image available

        7.

        Rathbun Marina

        Be the first to review!
        Moravia, Iowa

        This recreation area is part of Rathbun Lake

        • Tents
        Camper-submitted photo from South Overlook (IA)
        Camper-submitted photo from South Overlook (IA)

        8.

        South Overlook (IA)

        Be the first to review!
        2 Photos
        1 Save
        Pella, Iowa

        Overview

        North Overlook Picnic Shelter is located adjacent from North Overlook Campground on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.____ For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here:Lake Red Rock Website__

        Recreation

        Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline. Anglers will find crappie, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill. Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area.

        Facilities

        North Overlook Picnic Shelter is a conventional open shelter that offers 20 amp electrical service, picnic tables, an outdoor grill, fire ring, water fountain and nearby flush toilets.__ If your event is open to the public, greater than 100 people, involves live or amplified music, or if alcohol will be available to attendees, you may need an event permit. Click the link below to apply for an event permit:Special Event Permit __If shelter is not reserved, it is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.Shelter occupancy is permitted until dusk.

        Natural Features

        Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at North Overlook, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrates through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. White-tailed deer, turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake.

        Nearby Attractions

        Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.

        Charges & Cancellations

        A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.com or by calling 1-877-444-6677. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Picnic Table

        $50 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from North Overlook Picnic Shelter (IA)

        9.

        North Overlook Picnic Shelter (IA)

        Be the first to review!
        1 Photo
        2 Saves
        Pella, Iowa

        Overview

        South Tailwater Picnic Shelter is located on the Des Moines River on the south end of Red Rock Dam adjacent from the visitor center on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.____ For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here: Lake Red Rock Website __

        Recreation

        Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline. Anglers will find crappie, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill. Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area.

        Facilities

        South Tailwater Picnic Shelter is a conventional open shelter that offers 20 amp electrical service, picnic tables, an outdoor grill, and nearby flush toilets.__ If your event is open to the public, greater than 100 people, involves live or amplified music, or if alcohol will be available to attendees, you may need an event permit. Click the link below to apply for an event permit: Special Event Permit__ If shelter is not reserved, it is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelter occupancy is permitted until dusk.

        Natural Features

        South Tailwater is situated on the south bank of the Des Moines River, offering scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrates through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. White-tailed deer, turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake.

        Nearby Attractions

        Lake Red Rock is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.

        Charges & Cancellations

        A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.com or by calling 1-877-444-6677. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Tents
        • Group

        $50 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from Fifield (IA)
        Camper-submitted photo from Fifield (IA)
        Camper-submitted photo from Fifield (IA)
        Camper-submitted photo from Fifield (IA)

        10.

        Fifield (IA)

        Be the first to review!
        4 Photos
        1 Save
        Otley, Iowa

        Overview

        Fifield is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 miles from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 miles from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world.For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here:Lake Red Rock Website__

        Recreation

        Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline. Anglers will find crappie, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill. Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area.

        Facilities

        Fifield offers four reservable picnic shelters with 20 amp electrical outlets. Flush toilets are located nearby. Each shelter has a fire ring and an outdoor grill. If your event is open to the public, greater than 100 people, involves live or amplified music, or if alcohol will be available to attendees, you may need a special event permit. Click the link below to apply for an event permit:Special Event Permit__ If shelters are not reserved, they are available free of charge on a first-come, first served basis.__ Shelter occupancy is permitted until dusk.

        Natural Features

        Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at Fifield, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrate through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. Whitetailed deer, turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake.

        Nearby Attractions

        Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.

        Charges & Cancellations

        A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Picnic Table

        $50 / night

      Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews In Lucas

      300 Reviews of 14 Lucas Campgrounds


      • Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
        August 31, 2024

        Winterset City Park

        Great city park on a cute town

        Nice city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see. The sites are pretty well spaced with lots of grass and some trees in between. It was a good value for full hookup sites. The bathroom was decent, and phone service was adequate. We just spent one night here on our way home from Colorado, but will be returning in the fall to explore more and see some colors.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Paho
        August 28, 2024

        Lake Paho

        Sparsly Used Dark sky Campsite

        Very nice view of the lake, lots of campsites around the lake. Not many lights around and no big cities and a low horizon so it’s a good place to visit for a visual observation night with a telescope or binos. Only one other camper at my campsite when I visited, so it’s a good weekend retreat from the city life. This is a primitive campsite; there are two waterless bathrooms and 8 or so gravel spots at site B on the Eastern side of the lake.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Green Valley State Park Campground
        August 23, 2024

        Green Valley State Park Campground

        Timing is everything!

        Pretty grounds with woodland coverage on all sides in addition to the lake. We visited in August and realized it was prime family vacation time before school starts up again, so a little crowded and noisy. Spots are pretty close together too. But the grounds are quite lovely and the facilities were super clean. We plan to go back when Autumn arrives, mid week. Bonus easy shore fishing access.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Roberts Creek West Campground
        August 18, 2024

        Roberts Creek West Campground

        Roberts Creek - East

        East not west as satellite view in Dyrt is old and doesn’t show East campground. I did add a screenshot of current satellite view. FHU. Easy in and around campground. A lot of space between sites. Sites are fairly level with hard pack gravel.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Iowa State Fair Campgrounds
        June 25, 2024

        Iowa State Fair Campgrounds

        Nice campground!

        We've stayed here a number of times now in the past 2 years (not during fair weeks.) Campgrounds are located on the east side of the actual fairgrounds. There are hundreds of sites here. Some are flat, some are no where near flat, but there are so many, you can find one that will work for you! Almost all of the sites are full grass sites. The main shower house is the only one we've ever used and have no complaints. They are clean and bright and well kept.

        The sites are $32/night.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
        May 23, 2024

        Des Moines West KOA Holiday

        Nice modern KOA

        Large modern KOA with sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs and also tent campers. Gravel sites require some leveling. Not much privacy between sites nor shade. Bathhouses were clean and private. Laundry available. Off leash dog area available. Convenient to John Wayne’s birthplace and covered bridges of Madison County. Bulk propane tanks were on site for winter campers. Camper cabins available. Small store with Hunt Brothers pizza to order. Gathering room on site and pedal car racetrack. Verizon cell signal was good. Garbage dumpster and dump station on site.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Howell Station
        May 7, 2024

        Howell Station

        Large spacious campground

        Well maintained campground with mature shade trees. Gravel sites, a little bit of leveling required. Poor Verizon cell signal, no internet signal. Not much natural privacy between sites, but sites were well spaced apart. Paved trail nice for biking and walking. Fishing nearby and the Dutch themed town of Pella is a short drive and a must see. Bathrooms and showers were nice, clean. Handicap camp site and bathhouse available. Firewood for sale at front gate. The potable water available at the dump station was clear and good for drinking. Dump station is easily accessible. Dumpsters were positioned around the campground. Staff was friendly. The night we stayed, there was a severe weather threat, and the staff, at the end of the night, had unlocked the storm shelters (utility area in the middle of the bathhouses) should the need arise. We ended up having to seek shelter because of a tornado warning.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Casino RV Park
        October 31, 2023

        Lakeside Casino RV Park

        Decent place to spend the night

        RV park is relatively quiet and easy to get into. The concrete in our site was in poor condition, it had crumbled leaving a dip in the pad. The cable didn’t work, but electric and water had no issues. Easy on and off to the interstate. There is only one garbage dumpster near the entrance and we didn’t see a camp host on site or anybody to check in with. We stayed just one night on our way through the area and were comfortable.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Eveland Access
        October 26, 2023

        Eveland Access

        Glendale Access

        20 bucks a day you submit your fill out sheet at the service area and drop it off in a drop box.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Co Park
        October 18, 2023

        Lakeside Co Park

        Nice lake, but run down campsites.

        First, there is no dump station! All sites have water and electricity with 20, 30, and 60 amp plugs. The sites are 20 dollars. The campsites located near the entrance are pull-through but need maintenance. The campsites along the lake will support short to medium length RVs or trailers, and all are back in. As of this posting, all are not level and in poor condition. The city of Huneston, Iowa is a few minutes away and has several gas stations and a grocery store.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
        October 14, 2023

        Thomas Mitchell County Park

        Nice campground although not too many spaces.

        Came in late, even though there were several empty spaces turns out they were reserved. Very nice camp host told us we could have a non-electric site, none of them were reserved. Bathroom/showers were clean.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park
        October 2, 2023

        Colfax Quarry Springs Park

        Very nicely kept

        Awesome campground, clean and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good. Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites. Level enough for our rooftop tent with no difficulties. Would definitely stay here again.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park Campground
        September 16, 2023

        Walnut Woods State Park Campground

        Nice park, convenient to Des Moines

        We stayed 2 nights, the park was nice and well maintained with walking trails. It is wooded so there is a lot of shade. The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
        August 28, 2023

        Thomas Mitchell County Park

        Clean and quiet in tent

        Spent 2 nights tent camping here. We stayed at site 4, glad I read reviews on here. I personally would not want to be in a site beyond number 7 as it gets too close to the dump station and subsequent “sewage lagoon”

        Shower house was clean, pretty quiet, and only 5 miles off the highway

      • Camper-submitted photo from East Lake Co Park
        August 26, 2023

        East Lake Co Park

        Newer so campground still being established

        The campground was clean and quiet with water and electricity at each site. The dump station was set aside from the camp sites. The trees at the campground were recently planted so no shade. The best part is that there is plenty of room between camp sites so your not camping on top of your neighbors. Playground and bathrooms on site.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Yellow Banks County Park
        August 20, 2023

        Yellow Banks County Park

        Great camp close to town

        Very clean campground with friendly host. Showers were warm and sites were either paved or good gravel. Road in could easily allow motorcycle access

      • Camper-submitted photo from Yellow Banks County Park
        August 13, 2023

        Yellow Banks County Park

        Huge sites!

        Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table. Cost per night is low. Firewood available and camp host was a wonderful older gentleman. Close proximity to the state fair without being to close. Great stay! Our site had an open field behind it definitely recommend.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
        July 27, 2023

        Des Moines West KOA Holiday

        One of our favorites !

        Have stayed here several times, one of our grandkids favorite KOA's. Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Criss Cove County Park
        July 26, 2023

        Criss Cove County Park

        Hot hot hot

        Cute little campground by the pond. We arrived pretty late. Cute campground, but boy oh boy is it muggy. Between the heat and the pond near by be sure you’re prepared for damp, muggy, and buggy conditions. Otherwise cute little place. There is a bathroom- I didn’t need it but its there!

      • Camper-submitted photo from Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground
        July 23, 2023

        Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

        Nice campground

        This campground is called Bob Shetler not Shelter, but I didn’t know how to change it to correct it; just want to make sure others know this.
        We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced. If we ever stay here again we would choose a site closer to the dam. We were close to a playground and there were a lot families camping in that area which for us took away from the peacefulness of the campground. There were electrical hookups, but no water. We didn’t use the bathroom/shower house, but I walked into one to check it out and it was outdated, old and dark, and small. Overall it’s a nice campground. It gets busy with a lot of fishing.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Wallashuck
        July 19, 2023

        Wallashuck

        Convenience with some space

        We were able to camp in a tent near RVs without feeling crowded. The restrooms, showers, and playground were all close by…great for camping with kids. There were some nicer than ours and some with less privacy or further away than we’d prefer.

        A nice mix of convenience and privacy. Perfect location to showers and playground for kids. Ample space for our needs, but not overly private

      • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
        July 18, 2023

        Des Moines West KOA Holiday

        Unbelievable !

        Stayed here for five nights attending a family reunion. First time staying at a koa and it was awesome. From the site service firewood and food delivery, to the location and people who stopped here in their travels. I will definitely stay at a KOA again!

      • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
        July 4, 2023

        Des Moines West KOA Holiday

        Very laid back

        QUIETEST KOA IN AMERICA. no hiway no traintracks or airport! Well kept.. bathrooms are a little scarce and WET.. but very nice little campground and VERY friendly staff.



      Guide to Lucas

      Camping near Lucas, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

      What to do:

      • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun, provide access to beautiful lakes. One visitor mentioned, "Very nice campground with lake to fish and boat on. Has beach access also."
      • Hiking and Biking: Trails are abundant in the area. A camper at Howell Station noted, "The campground has a bike/walking path that borders the River and winds through the woods."
      • Exploring Local Attractions: Campers can visit nearby towns like Pella, which offers charming shops and Dutch-themed attractions. One reviewer shared, "The Dutch themed town of Pella is a short drive and a must see."

      What campers like:

      • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Nine Eagles State Park Campground said, "Clean spacious bathrooms, nice playground for the kids."
      • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds, such as Yellow Banks County Park, offer large sites. One camper remarked, "Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table."
      • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their hospitality. A reviewer at Pammel County Park mentioned, "Camp host's are the best ever. Clean facilities."

      What you should know:

      • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have stores or markets nearby. A camper at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground noted, "NO market available."
      • Wildlife Caution: Campers should be aware of wildlife in the area. One visitor at Yellow Banks County Park warned, "Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night because teenagers come through sometimes looking for stuff to steal."
      • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons for camping. For example, Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground is open from April 1 to December 31.

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer swimming or fishing. A family at Honey Creek Resort enjoyed, "My kids loved it. Lots to do and see!"
      • Check for Play Areas: Some campgrounds have playgrounds or open spaces for kids to play. A camper at Winterset City Park mentioned, "The bathroom was decent, and phone service was adequate."
      • Plan for Meals: Bring food or check if firewood is available for cooking. A visitor at Pammel County Park found firewood for a good price, saying, "Firewood was a gem at $10 for a wagon full!"

      Tips from RVers:

      • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A reviewer at Honey Creek Resort noted, "The RV sites are all paved, level, full hook ups, spacious, with a view of the lake."
      • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the sites can accommodate your RV size. A camper at Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun mentioned, "Campsites were spaced well apart with plenty of room on pad around campsites."
      • Be Aware of Traffic: Some campgrounds may have busy roads nearby. A visitor at Honey Creek Resort expressed concern about traffic, stating, "People fly by to the boat ramp all day."

      Camping near Lucas, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lucas, IA?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lucas, IA is Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board) - TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Lucas, IA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Lucas, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.