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The Madrid, Iowa area features several top-rated campgrounds with varying accommodations and amenities. Ledges State Park Campground sits approximately 5 miles southwest of Madrid, providing tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options with seasonal operation from April through December. Nearby Swede Point Park offers primitive tent camping and RV sites with electrical hookups, located along the Des Moines River. Both parks provide access to nature trails and outdoor recreation, with most campgrounds positioned to take advantage of the region's wooded terrain and water features.
Access to campgrounds varies by season, with most facilities operating from spring through fall. Ledges State Park closes for winter while Jester County Park remains open year-round. Camping reservations are recommended at most developed sites, particularly during summer weekends. "This county park has many amenities not to mention that it is close to a very popular bike trail (High Tressel Trail Bridge)," noted one visitor about Swede Point Park. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal weather patterns with hot, humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall ideal for camping. Many campgrounds provide amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, and toilet facilities, though specific offerings differ between locations.
Several visitors highlight the proximity to cycling opportunities as a key feature for campers in the area. The High Trestle Trail, accessible from multiple camping locations, provides recreational opportunities beyond the campgrounds themselves. Campers report high satisfaction with sites that provide both natural scenery and access to amenities. "Small county park with clean showers and restrooms. Several short trails, mile mile and a half maybe," commented one visitor about Swede Point Park. Sites with electrical hookups tend to fill quickly, especially at first-come, first-served campgrounds like Swede Point. The region's campgrounds generally maintain clean facilities with reasonable rates, making them attractive for weekend getaways. Proximity to water features such as Saylorville Lake enhances the camping experience at several locations, with shoreline sites particularly popular during summer months.
"One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."
"One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."
from $18 - $38 / night
Check Availability"A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"
"Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Just a few minutes drive to High Trestle Bridge and right off the river. People were accommodating and friendly. Right between Madrid and Woodward with small town conveniences…"
"We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that. Nothing fancy, but has plenty of sites, flush toilets and showers available."
"The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."
"Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites. Varying levels of shade. A25, had a good amount of shade and was near the nice playground and nice bathrooms. No view of the lake from loop A."
from $20 - $336 / night
Check Availability"Clean bathrooms, close to the lake, playground, and a lot of sites. It does get busy. As you would expect there are a lot of bugs on a hot day in Iowa. Tent sites have good shade from trees."
"Great find on our way through Iowa. Clean and spacious. Very quiet, just listen to the frogs at night."
from $14 - $84 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations. Peaceful lot near the river. Great fishing in the river."
from $22 - $26 / night
Check Availability"Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service."
"Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."
from $24 - $26 / night
Check Availability"If you’re traveling through Des Moines, Iowa area; this is the place you will want to camp at!"
"The site we were on is sorta blacktop but the sides have crumbled and it has a slight tilt to it so stepping down out of the camper was tricky as your feet tend to slide in the loose rocks."
from $35 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Has a cute pond and is adjacent to a bike and running trail. The main lodge has very clean restrooms and showers with hot water! Recommended"
"There is also a very nice bike trail right outside the park."
from $35 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Roadside Oasis, a place to rest a weary head, food, showers, etc. Cabins always help get you in and get out early without setting up camp."
"I love the beautiful surroundings here. Definitely worth the visit."
ScoutGreat spot in the woods. Lots of trails. They have a bison and elk sanctuary. Also a nature center. A playground. They have several RV spots. Most are pre book but they have a section for first come first serve. Also lots of tent camping. A few group camping areas. Showers are ok. I believe the non shower house bathrooms are all vault toilets. Overall a great place to stay!
ScoutThere are a couple small hiking trails, but they were very well maintained and an easy hike to get my daughter started in her backpack.
ScoutThey show tent camping reservations allowed online and they even let you book a tent to Camp online for paying $32 but then when they come around and talk to you they don't say anything about not having a tent allowed and they don't give you the codes to the restroom and then they just close the office and go to bed and then at 11:00 at night the sheriff comes and tells you to grab all your stuff because there's no camping allowed and put you out on the street with nowhere to go and no more money cuz you wasted all your money on that stupid site that you didn't even get to stay at and then you realize that after you carried all your stuff over to the bar and had to sleep outside on the streets with your service dog when you have disabilities and you told them you have seizures that you had a seizure and now you have to go to the hospital and you lost your tent because somebody stole it so now you have nowhere to live because you're homeless and somebody stole your only house which was your tent because the sheriff kicked you out at 10:00 or 11:00 at night that was really great thanks that was the best experience in my whole life not really and thanks for putting my stress level so high that I went to seizures when people have disabilities you guys should be more accommodating and be more open and honest and be more willing to talk to people
GuideArrived at Reece Memorial Park in the early afternoon. I stopped by the Octagonal shelter at the south entrance of the park. This is a large shelter house with a fireplace in the middle of the building with several picnic tables.
I then drove down the road and entered into the west entrance of the park and followed it around the loop. There is a wide open area with a small slide and Merry-go-round, along with a couple of picnic tables.
I found, what I think, the best campsite in the park, and it was open. It sits along the creek and there was a fire ring there. This park is all primitive campsites, and so be prepared for that, although the description of the campground mentions vault toilets, I did not see them.
It was a very nice relaxing campsite, and the fact that there was no cell service, made it even better! There were a few vehicles drive through, and a little road noise, but I enjoyed my stay there. The creek was up, and it looks like part of the park might still be closed on the South side.
To primitive camp, the cost is $10.00 a night, and registration is with a QR Code, but since there is little to no cell service, it was difficult to get registered, so you may want to pay before you go.
TravelerThis location is on the east side of Jefferson on the old Lincoln highway at the Greene county fair grounds directly next to the Milwaukee trestle bike trail. It has both tent and RV camping spots. The RV is parallel parking with electric only. Black water dump site is at the waist water treatment plant by the public swimming pool on west Russell street on the south side of the street across from south walnut street entrance. The fairgrounds dose have horse and livestock amenities and events at times of the year with the Greene county fair and other events. It also has an agricultural museum and other events in the summer.
GuideI took my mother and my youngest on a Mother’s Day weekend camping adventure. We chose Briggs Woods because of its location and reviews from other campers. It is a larger campground than you think! Spots for primitive tent camping, electrical hook up and full hook ups. The campground offers free WiFi and it reached clear to the back end over by the four little cabins. The pit toilets by the four little cabins were clean and stocked. My daughter was able to walk her little dog around the campground with no issues of other dogs running loose. Quiet hours begin at 10:30 pm and everyone followed the rule. I also like how close to the river this campground is. We stayed in electrical spots in the #60s. I like how you can scan the QR code and pay right there from your phone. Very convenient! The camp hosts were friendly and would often cruise by in their golf cart checking on campers.
TravelerPark was pretty full, but they found us a spot for the night. Excellent pricing and the yards are BIG compared to other places we've stayed. Would definitely come back
ScoutTesting out a new set up and this has full service with electric, water and sewer line.
GuideArrived just before dusk and I was the only person in the park. Set up across the road from the Accessible Porta-potty. There is a nice playground for kids, and a couple of shelter houses. The park is set up to handle a large amount of horses with access to the trails throughout the park. The Iowa river backs up the park, and I felt it was a nice and peaceful evening.
Make sure you check out the boulder down by the creek!
There were just a couple of minor annoyances, and the first was someone’s dog barking at everything for a good part of the night, and the other was some machine noise down the road into the late evening. Other than that though, I felt it was a great time, and plan to visit again, maybe later in the summer or even in the winter, as the park is open all year.
The cost was$10 per night, and you can register on-site with a dropbox.
Camping sites near Madrid, Iowa offer a mix of county-managed and Corps of Engineers facilities situated along the Des Moines River valley and Saylorville Lake. The terrain ranges from flat grasslands to wooded river corridors, with elevations between 830-900 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds maintain modern restrooms and electrical hookups, with peak season extending from April through October when temperatures average 75-85°F during summer months.
Hiking the sandstone ledges: At Ledges State Park Campground, trails provide challenging terrain unusual for Iowa. "I'm not one who enjoys staying at a park that is mostly flat, so this is definitely a good place in Iowa for me to camp," notes one visitor who appreciates the distinctive landscape. The park features sandstone formations along the river that can be explored safely during normal water levels.
Fishing at the spillway: The spillway area behind Saylorville Dam offers accessible fishing spots for campers. "I am not a fisherman but there were a lot of folks casting near the spillway," observed a visitor to Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground. This area provides shore access without needing a boat.
Cycling on regional trails: The paved Chichaqua Valley Trail extends 25 miles and connects multiple camping areas. "Nice little camp ground with easy access to the high trestle bike trail," reports a camper who stayed at Swede Point Park. Several parks serve as access points to the trail system, which includes the notable High Trestle Trail with its illuminated bridge structure.
Wildlife viewing: Jester County Park includes bison viewing areas adjacent to camping facilities. "They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be," notes one camper at Jester County Park. The park added a nature center in 2018 with educational displays and guided programs.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area consistently maintain high cleanliness standards. "Bathrooms are immaculate. Large community center, gym, and laundry facilities on site," reports a camper at Griffs Valley View RV Park. Many campgrounds feature modern shower houses with hot water, making extended stays more comfortable.
Waterfront access: Sites along Saylorville Lake provide scenic views and recreation options. "We had a gorgeous view of the lake and sunsets," explains a camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area. The shoreline camping areas offer fishing access and swimming opportunities during summer months.
Well-maintained grounds: Campgrounds near Madrid reflect strong local investment in outdoor recreation. "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows," observes a camper at Jester County Park. This investment translates to properly maintained roads, camping pads, and common areas.
Proximity to Des Moines: Camping near Madrid provides a rural experience while maintaining access to urban amenities. "Near a city so you don't run short on supplies," notes a Bob Shelter Recreation Area visitor. Most campgrounds are within 30 minutes of larger retail stores and restaurants.
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds operate strictly on first-come, first-served basis while others require advance booking. "Spots are first come basis. NO RESERVATIONS! And ALL of the electrical sites were full Thursday evening," reports a visitor to Swede Point Park. For weekend camping during summer months, secure reservations when available or arrive mid-week for first-come sites.
Weather considerations: The area experiences typical Midwestern seasonal changes with potential for severe weather. Flooding occasionally impacts lower-lying campgrounds, particularly those near the Des Moines River. "Ledges State Park is one of the most visited parks in Iowa. I loved coming to this park as a kid and I can't wait for it to re-open. It has been closed since January 2018, but it scheduled to re-open in January of 2019," noted a camper regarding flood-related closures.
Campsite selection matters: Each campground offers varying levels of privacy and amenities. "We stayed at site A25. Not all loops are paved. A is not. But the site was pretty level, wasn't too much trouble to get our trailer backed in and leveled," explains a Prairie Flower Recreation Area visitor. Research specific site characteristics when making reservations.
Dump station congestion: During busy periods, limited dump facilities can create delays. "There's one dump station for a campground that is large in size and popularity. Trying to leave on a Sunday is a good 1 hour wait," warns a camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area. Plan departures for off-peak times when possible.
Playground access: Select campsites near playground facilities for convenience with children. "Nice and well maintained! We parked at a site by the playground and bathhouse, and could sit at our camper and watch our son play at a safe distance," suggests a visitor to Acorn Valley. Most established campgrounds include basic playground equipment.
Wildlife awareness: Local wildlife includes raccoons that frequently visit campgrounds after dark. "Biggest downside is the resident raccoons. Come out every night to rummage through possible food options. Secure your food and they're no problem unless you're a light sleeper," advises an Acorn Valley camper. Store food securely to avoid nighttime disturbances.
Tent site locations: Family tent camping requires planning for distance to facilities. "If you want to tent camp, bring a cart or something to haul everything with. The parking lot is a LONG WAY from any private tent site," cautions a Ledges State Park camper. Consider equipment transport needs when selecting sites.
Fishing opportunities: Small ponds within campgrounds provide safe fishing access for children. "The area does have a sweet pond to fish in," mentions a Jester County Park visitor. These smaller water features typically contain bluegill and other panfish suitable for young anglers.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electrical hookups, but water and sewer connections vary by location. "The spots are a nice size and have hookups for everything," reports an RV camper at Griffs Valley View RV Park, where full hookups are standard. Other campgrounds may require using central water fill stations and dump facilities.
Site leveling considerations: Campsite surfaces range from concrete pads to gravel. "Sites are level and well marked. The property is kept up nicely," notes a visitor to Des Moines West KOA Holiday. Bring leveling blocks for campgrounds with less developed sites.
Hose length planning: Some full-hookup sites require longer-than-standard water hoses. "My only issue was that my hose was just barely long enough but that was my fault not the campgrounds," mentions a Griffs Valley View RV Park camper. Pack extra hose sections when visiting unfamiliar campgrounds.
Off-season availability: Several campgrounds now extend their operating seasons. "Don't pay attention to the highway signs that says they're only open until October, they're working on updating them," advises a Des Moines West KOA Holiday visitor. Call ahead for current operating schedules during shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is camping available near Madrid, Iowa?
Several excellent camping options are available near Madrid. Swede Point Park is just minutes from Madrid, offering convenient access to the High Trestle Bridge and positioned right along the river between Madrid and Woodward. Ledges State Park Campground is another popular option near Boone, offering both traditional sites and hike-in spots for those seeking more privacy. Other nearby options include Timmons Grove County Park, Lenon Mill Park at Lake Panorama, and Jester County Park, all within a reasonable drive from Madrid.
What amenities are offered at Madrid, Iowa campgrounds?
Timmons Grove County Park offers electric campsites at $18/night with basic restroom facilities, though no showers are available. The park is typically uncrowded, providing a peaceful camping experience. Thomas Mitchell County Park provides both electric and non-electric sites with a creek flowing behind the outer loop sites, perfect for children to play in. Other campgrounds in the area typically offer picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails. Some locations like Briggs Woods Park include additional amenities such as access to canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and even a golf course.
When is the best season for camping in Madrid, Iowa?
Late spring through early fall provides the best camping conditions in the Madrid area. Criss Cove County Park offers a serene setting overlooking a small lake that's ideal for summer fishing and kayaking, with adequately spaced gravel campsites for RVs. Briggs Woods Park is particularly enjoyable during the warm months when visitors can take advantage of swimming, hiking trails, and Boone River activities. Fall brings beautiful colors to the area, especially at Ledges State Park, while summer provides full access to water activities. Most campgrounds in the area are busiest during holiday weekends, so plan accordingly.
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