Looking for the best campgrounds near Madrid, IA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Madrid is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Madrid camping trip.
$17 - $35 / night
"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."
$20 - $25 / night
"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."
"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."
$20 - $336 / night
"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."
$14 - $84 / night
"Great find on our way through Iowa. Clean and spacious. Very quiet, just listen to the frogs at night."
"Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees (and some pretty bold raccoons around bonfire time ;) )."
$24 - $26 / night
"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."
$22 - $26 / night
"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."
$35 - $80 / night
"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."
$35 - $90 / night
"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."
"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."
TravelerOur first time staying here and we extended twice because we like the area so much. It’s been a peaceful two weeks and we love the town of Winterset. The campground has a variety of FHU and or just W& E, also some shared water.
ScoutDawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!
They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.
The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.
TravelerWe stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.
ScoutI stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent. I butted up against woods with neighbors to one side which made me feel like I had a pretty private area to myself. Other than the bugs, which it is that time of the year, I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service. However, I was able to text my family via satellite to let them know I was okay. It could be seen as a pro or con, but I think we all need no phone time at some point to just set still and relax. I look forward to camping here again soon!
TravelerIowa 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. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know
GuideJuly, 2017
Great place but not quiet at all. Short walk to the amusement park. We were there for most of the early summer so we got a season pass to the park which included the water park. They also have workcamper programs.
We especially loved the fireworks display on the 4th.
ScoutI stayed at site #13 with my two boys. We had a blast. I would highly recommend site #13. It had plenty of space for a large tent and canopy. It had a nice access spot for fishing. The new restroom/shower facility was very nice and clean. Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that. There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks. The campground manager was extremely helpful. He had firewood already staged for $7 and even came back on day two with more firewood for the same fee.
RangerGreat sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views.
GuideMade a quick trip here to de how the new puppy likes camping. Nice size campground, sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6’ hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site. Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks.
Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider.
A new bath house, community room, and “shop” is being built. Bath house & laundry are complete. Very nice and spotless.
The camp is quiet and well maintained.
Camping near Madrid, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.
Camping near Madrid, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking convenience.
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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