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)

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Showing results 1-10 of 116 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Marion, IA

402 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 Lake Macbride State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 25 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.