Best Glamping near Marion, IA

Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground and Pinicon Ridge Park provide upscale glamping accommodations within scenic natural settings. These locations combine outdoor adventure with comfortable amenities that elevate the traditional camping experience. Glamping sites at these parks feature canvas accommodations with electricity, comfortable bedding, and proximity to modern bathroom facilities with clean showers. Palisades-Kepler positions luxury tents near hiking trails and the Cedar River, while Pinicon Ridge offers glamping units with picnic tables and fire rings in both sunny and shaded areas. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area rounds out the options with similar upscale canvas lodging. "The park is beautiful and there is tons to do. The playground is fantastic and keeps the kids entertained all day," noted one visitor about their glamping experience at Pinicon Ridge.

The natural surroundings enhance these glamping resorts with numerous recreational opportunities. Hiking trails wind through wooded areas along the Cedar River at Palisades-Kepler, where guests can enjoy fishing and paddling opportunities. Pinicon Ridge Park features an observation tower, off-leash dog area, and proximity to Central City where glampers can visit BIT Brewery for wood-fired pizza. The parks maintain clean facilities with hot showers, storm shelters, and new bathroom buildings to complement the luxury camping experience. A recent visitor mentioned, "Super chill and plenty of space. Bathrooms are very nice and modern and clean." Seasonal availability varies, with most glamping sites operating from April through October, though some locations like Pinicon Ridge offer year-round access for winter glamping experiences.

Best Glamping Sites Near Marion, Iowa (15)

    1. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

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

    $12 - $80 / night

    "Super chill and plenty of space, especially for tents on site 39. Bathrooms are very nice and modern and clean, maintenance was very nice to let me shower before he could clean it."

    "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."

    2. Pinicon Ridge Park

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

    "Water and electric hookups, dump station near by. Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table."

    "Storm shelter right on site. Playground is awesome for kids of all ages. Hiking trails are well marked and all over the park and state land nearby. Lookout Tower is a must see."

    3. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

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

    $12 - $60 / night

    "Cabins were nice - not luxury or glamping but clean and in good condition.  The gentleman that takes care of the campground takes great pride in his work and it shows - kudos to him! "

    "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."

    4. Morgan Creek County Park

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

    $23 - $40 / night

    "The bathroom was pretty nice and clean. The grounds were beautiful, even though you can tell some trees took a hit from the recent derecho. The camp host was friendly and helpful."

    5. 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."

    6. Central Park

    6 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 487-3541

    "There is a new beach for swimming, and some hiking and nature trails. Easy kayak access with parking. The fire pits are really nice and have grates for cooking."

    "Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas."

    7. Little Bear Campground

    8 Reviews
    West Branch, IA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 627-2676

    $22 - $49 / night

    "Little Bear Campground is located right off I-80 at the West Liberty exit. It is right next to a trailer park. There are a few tent sites ($22/ night)and Rv sites($33/night)."

    "Very cute campground right off highway. I called while traveling and Mike was very accommodating. Full hookups and showers. Even got a pool. Gas station nearby full of character."

    8. Cedar River Campground

    11 Reviews
    West Liberty, IA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 946-2431

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"

    9. Bailey Ford Delaware County Park

    2 Reviews
    Delhi, IA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 927-3410

    "from trout steam,river access for boats or kayaks, to the beautiful trails with educational signs along it. this park is perfect"

    "Trout stream, trails, river access, showers and a playground. I recommend!"

    10. Delaware County Coffins Grove Park

    2 Reviews
    Dundee, IA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 927-3410

    "Electric and water only. Nice playground for young kids. Limited activities."

    "Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in."

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Recent Glamping Photos near Marion, IA

5 Photos of 15 Marion Campgrounds


Glamping Reviews near Marion, IA

71 Reviews of 15 Marion Campgrounds


  • C
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    Nice little inexpensive primitive site... spaces almost always available

    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. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this "best kept secret" for primitive and inexpensive camping sites. Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Good for RV, trailer or tent camping… level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water.

  • Randall K.
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Great spot for a great price

    Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

    Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

    The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

    But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

    I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

    Other than that it was a great spot.

  • David S.
    Sep. 1, 2022

    Pinicon Ridge Park

    Nice clean and generally spacious

    Stayed in The Plains area. Water and electric hookups, dump station near by. Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table.

  • Jackie J.
    Jul. 1, 2021

    Cedar River Campground

    Friendly, green scenery, a bit noisy

    We stopped over for the night, and it was a good respite. They have mini-golf, a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids. Unfortunately, the pool was closed for the evening cleaning, so we didn't get to use it. There was a beautiful wetland just down from the campground. It is right off the highway, so it was loud when we were outside, but we couldn't hear it at all when we were in our Tab 400. The manager, son of the owner, was really nice and helpful. His mom has owned the RV park for 27 years and ready to retire. There are some friendly seasonal and long-term residents who are in a separate section, but you see them driving through on their golf carts and are super fun and gregarious.

  • Khenia F.
    Sep. 20, 2022

    Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

    First time, one night

    Super chill and plenty of space, especially for tents on site 39. Bathrooms are very nice and modern and clean, maintenance was very nice to let me shower before he could clean it. It was our only night there and we heard a lot of movements by the woods that it creeped us out but we were hearing haunted stories before arriving so the Halloween vibes was definitely there. Loads of shade and quiet nice neighbors.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Little Bear Campground

    Convenient EZ On- & Off-Highway Family-Style Campground Outpost

    It’s smaller than a football field and tucked behind one of those old-school gas stations that you see in the middle of a desert that looks permanently closed, but then you see old Jethro sitting on the corner around the bend from the fuel pumps smoking a cigarillo not worrying about whether the place blows up or not. That’s how I found Little Bear Campground. When I arrived, the place was closed, but thankfully there was a sign posted on the door to call Mike, so I did. And he couldn’t have been nicer, offering me up any open site in the place. 

    So, I took a spin around the joint, which I would describe as ‘intimate’ with all of the very level grassy spots being fairly close to one another, interspersed with plenty of cover shadow from all of the trees that you’ll find this place populated by. The place was half empty, so I guess whatever crowdedness might actually exist in reality was somewhat lost on me. That said, if you are driving an RV or hauling a 5th Wheeler, I would certainly be less than impressed by seemingly the great proximity you will have to your fellow neighbor. Maybe that matters to you or maybe it doesn’t as many of the RV locations I have seen over the past year all land on more intimate quarters than not. The sites for RV / 5th Wheelers are small rock / gravel, which I gather from my mobile home hauling friends is that it is the preferred surface when concrete is not available. 

    While we showed up the last week of the season to encounter that the community pool was closed, apart from this, there really wasn’t a ton of other amenities to speak of although there was a community hall where I understand that group activities like bingo, euchre and other family-friendly games are played. Of course, there were the basics of in-ground fire ring and standard-issued picnic tables. There was a kid’s playground with swingset and teeter-totters that had definitely seen better days. Apart from the main office, which I presume served also as a mini-market and as I understand has both showers and laundry facilities (although I wouldn’t know as it was locked up) there isn’t much here. 

    The few primitive camping sites that do exist here are located on the western side of the property up against the corn fields, which I actually appreciated, and had very good mature trees growing around the area, but one would definitely feel like a ‘second class citizen’ here. As a tent pitcher myself I was absolutely bummed by the lack of privacy, where seemingly you would be on full display for the rest of the RV parking crowd having full view of your campsite. In all, there’s 45 RV slots here with all of the basic hook-ups including water, sewage and 30 / 50 electric amp. By my count, there was 5 or so individual primitive camping sites. And for $22/night for tent camping and $33/night for RV parking, you really can’t beat the prices. 

    Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) Should you be looking for some place to try out the local fare, while there’s Taste of India (which by the look of the place I would steer you away from), there’s only just a handful of other joints nearby that might be of interest like Saap Saap, a Loatian joint (yeah, I just said that, a Loatian joint in the middle of nowhere, Iowa) that is actually quite good in the little town of West Liberty, which is, ironically, south of here (not west) and offers up a few other culinary finds like JB’s Grub & Pub, Shanghai Chinese, Puebla Mexican Restaurant and El Patio; (2) If you are looking to marinate in some good US history, then you are in luck as there is a museum near here to little known / revered President Herbert Hoover that has a bunch of exhibits and other dusty things; and (3) Should you be wanting to embrace nature, then head west to Hickory Hill Park that offers up some really nice hiking, biking and walking trails on 185 acres of pristine Midwest prairieland. 

    Happy Camping!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2024

    Camp Liberty

    Wonderful camp with many amenities

    Camp offers site for all tastes: primitive and modern cabins and lodges, tents for small or large groups and couples. Hard roads, fire pits, tables, water, showers, supplies. Surrounded by nature with forest, prairie, and lake.Trails, and even guided activities.

  • Kim F.
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Windmill Ridge Campground

    Hidden little gem

    Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.

  • Claudia M.
    Aug. 6, 2020

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Super cute!

    This place is huge. We pulled in very late on a Weds night / Thursday morning. Self registration at the front. Looked like a decent amount of folks here but we didn’t drive very far into the park. If you take a look at the PDF maps on their website you can see how vast the places is with 122 spots! Bummed we needed to keep driving the next day- was very tempted to stay another night.

    Shower house and bathrooms were really nice! Wasn’t expecting to want to take a shower but couldn’t pass up the opportunity when we saw them. Very hot water.

    There are picnic benches everywhere and fire pits. 10/10 - would stay again!


Guide to Marion

Camping opportunities near Marion, Iowa span diverse terrains along the Cedar River watershed at elevations ranging from 720 to 850 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dipping below freezing, affecting year-round camping accessibility. Most Marion area campgrounds are situated within 30 minutes of the city, offering both primitive and developed options for tent campers and those seeking yurt camping experiences.

What to do

Hiking trails at Palisades-Kepler: Follow marked paths along the Cedar River bluffs for moderate terrain exploration. "Beautiful trails, stone gazebo. Nice hike along the Cedar River. Only camped once, but definitely on the list to visit again," notes Brett G. about Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground.

Kayaking on Pleasant Creek Lake: Rent equipment on-site for paddling the 410-acre reservoir with multiple launch points. A visitor shared, "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. Awesome lake to go kayaking on too!"

Fishing spots at Matsell Bridge: Access multiple shore fishing locations along the Wapsipinicon River with opportunities for catching bass and catfish. "Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River," states Carol M. about Matsell Bridge Natural Area, adding practical details about the location's accessibility.

Museum visits at Central Park: Take a short hike to the on-site nature museum with interactive exhibits. "This campground has a beautiful little lake (glad to see it back). The museum is fun afternoon trip to hike to and visit," explains Robert F. about Central Park.

What campers like

Level camping surfaces: Many sites offer stable, even platforms for tents and equipment setup. At Pinicon Ridge Park, campers appreciate that "The site was a level rock pad which was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table. Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles."

Clean, modern facilities: Recently upgraded bathrooms with reliable hot water enhance comfort. "Bathrooms on loop B are dirty and dated. I suggest going up to the Plains loop and use its facilities. Very clean and new bathrooms and showers," advises a Pinicon Ridge visitor.

Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds provide natural barriers between camping spots. At Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area, a camper notes, "The tent sites are very nice and private. There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty. New picnic tables. Lots of shade."

Storm shelters: Safety features for severe weather events offer peace of mind during summer thunderstorm season. "Awesome Campground. Clean, and even NEW showers that are outstanding. Storm shelter right on site," reports a visitor about the facilities available at Morgan Creek County Park.

What you should know

Seasonal closures affect availability: Many campgrounds close facilities from December through March. "Park offers lots of amenities and recreation opportunities. 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," reports James M. about Palisades-Kepler.

Reservations recommended: Weekend spots fill quickly May through September, particularly for yurt camping near Marion, Iowa. "Beautiful facilities. Pleasant camp hosts. The only problem is it's first come first serve. Hard to get a site," warns Terry M. about Morgan Creek County Park.

Noise considerations: Highway proximity creates ambient sound at some locations. A Cedar River Campground visitor explained, "We stopped over for the night, and it was a good respite. It is right off the highway, so it was loud when we were outside, but we couldn't hear it at all when we were in our Tab 400."

River flooding risk: Campgrounds near waterways may experience closures during high water events. "By the 3rd morning the river had risen to the point of flooding out our campsite. The DNR let us switch sites for our last night," shares a Matsell Bridge camper about spring flooding conditions.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Bailey Ford Delaware County Park offers modern play equipment suitable for multiple age groups. "Bailey's Ford has everything you need for a night or a week. It's clean and beautiful. Trout stream, trails, river access, showers and a playground. I recommend!"

Educational opportunities: Many parks feature interpretive signage and nature programs throughout summer months. At Bailey Ford, a visitor appreciates "beautiful trails with educational signs along it. This park is perfect."

Creek exploration: Shallow water features provide safe wading experiences for supervised children. At Delaware County Coffins Grove Park, Elizabeth K. notes, "Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in."

Sand play areas: Natural sand features double as play spaces at several campgrounds. "Nice, smaller campground! No designated spots, so great for groups to circle up and camp together. Newer playground that my kids love, sand so that's an extra play optional," explains a Coffins Grove Park visitor.

Tips from RVers

Dump station locations: Most developed campgrounds provide on-site dumping facilities, but timing restrictions apply. "We stayed at this campground for 7 nights with W/E hook ups. Dump available on entrance/exit," notes a Pinicon Ridge visitor.

Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling equipment due to terrain variations. At Palisades-Kepler, Amber R. observes, "Campsites kinda small and hilly. Great hiking trails and views of the bluffs over the river."

Off-season availability: Limited winter camping options exist for those seeking yurt camping near Marion in colder months. "Weekends are pretty much sold out. We stayed in a 25 foot travel trailer in the middle of the week," recommends David J. about Pleasant Creek.

Overnight accessibility: Several parks offer convenient highway-adjacent spots for travel breaks. At Little Bear Campground, a visitor reports, "Just off I-80 this was a clean, large, level, grassy tents sites. Gas station right next door. Owner was very friendly and helpful. No reservation needed. We came in after hours and owner greeted us and made sure we got settled."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Marion, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Marion, IA is Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Marion, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 glamping camping locations near Marion, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.