Best Campgrounds near Marion, IA

Marion is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Marion is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Marion, Iowa (116)

    1. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    6 Reviews
    Marion, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    $23 - $33 / night

    "We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance.  Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "

    "There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."

    2. Palisades-Kepler State Park

    9 Reviews
    Ely, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 895-6039

    $12 - $80 / night

    "Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place."

    "Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done. Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations."

    3. Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    Central City, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 438-6616

    "Dump available on entrance/exit.  The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table.  Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. "

    "Great county campground with water and electric sites, dump at exit. Bathrooms on loop B are dirty and dated. I suggest going up to the Plains loop and use it's facilities."

    4. Sugar Bottom Campground

    23 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2102

    $14 - $240 / night

    "Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."

    "Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."

    5. Lake Macbride State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Coralville Lake, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2200

    $20 / night

    "My niece who lives nearby recommended this place to stay when we went to visit her since was a short drive from where she lives. "

    "Close access to boating and town"

    6. Linn County Park Morgan Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Atkins, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    "Trails close by and only about 5 min from expressway."

    "Morgan Creek has amazing trails and the location is fantastic if you are looking for the camping expirence but still have work or other things to get done."

    7. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Shellsburg, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 436-7716

    $12 - $60 / night

    "We stayed here for the easy access to the water for the Scouts to get out in canoes and fishing.  I have been camping here off and on for the last 25 years.  I have not had any issues at all. "

    "It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground, tent camping is a breeze with very secluded sites, and well water very close to each site and a trail that leads to a large dumpster."

    8. Morgan Creek County Park

    3 Reviews
    Palo, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 396-2363

    $23 - $40 / night

    9. Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    3 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    "Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."

    10. West Overlook Campground

    16 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 338-3685

    $22 - $28 / night

    "The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay."

    "LuLu and I stayed for 10 days while visiting family in Iowa City. The campground hosted mainly locals but it’s only a couple of miles off the I80."

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Showing results 1-10 of 116 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Marion, IA

408 Reviews of 116 Marion Campgrounds



Guide to Marion

Camping near Marion, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. With stunning landscapes and plenty of activities, it's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

What to do:

  • Explore the caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, you can hike through unique caves. One visitor said, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous."
  • Fishing and boating: Shady Creek is right on the Mississippi River, making it perfect for fishing and boating. A camper noted, "Nice boat launch. Right on the Mississippi."
  • Hiking trails: Backbone State Park has great hiking options. One reviewer mentioned, "There are tons of trails, specifically the spot we camped at was right by the trail."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "Clean bathrooms and good Starlink north clearing."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at F. W. Kent Park shared, "A nice out of the way campground. Very quiet."
  • Spacious sites: Campers often mention the spaciousness of the sites. One camper at Sugar Bottom Campground noted, "I was pleased with the size of our site and how it was positioned among the others on our loop."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes can be a problem: At George Wyth State Park Campground, one camper warned, "There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground during our visit."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Some campgrounds, like Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A visitor mentioned, "There are no water hookups."
  • Train noise: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds, such as Shady Creek, are near train tracks. One camper noted, "There’s a train track upon entering the park."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring bug spray: Given the mosquito issue, it's smart to pack insect repellent. A camper at George Wyth State Park Campground suggested, "Insect repelling incense and spray kept us comfortable."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to check out the local attractions. One family at Backbone State Park enjoyed the naturalist station, saying, "Several activities that would be good for families."
  • Check site amenities: Before booking, look into what each site offers. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "Only about 2-3 of the walk-in-only sites can fit bigger campers."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Sugar Bottom Campground noted, "The entry on this app says big rig friendly, but it might be hard to fit a big rig on the electrical only sites."
  • Use leveling blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A visitor at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park mentioned, "We had to use all our blocks to get us as level as possible."
  • Bring a fan for bugs: To keep bugs away, consider using a fan at your site. A camper at Shady Creek shared, "We used a fan at the campsite which really kept most of them away."

Camping around Marion, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Marion, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Marion, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near Marion, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Marion, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marion, IA is Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Marion, IA?

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

What parks are near Marion, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Marion, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.