Best Tent Camping near Marion, IA
Searching for a tent campsite near Marion? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Marion. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Iowa camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Marion, Iowa (26)
1. Wakpicada Natural Area
1 Review•12 SavesCentral City, Iowa- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Trash
2. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
1 Review•13 Photos•2 SavesToddville, IowaThis is a primitive, pack-in campsite. Located northwest of the Learning Center, it features a fire ring with sitting stones, an ADA platform for a tent, and one replica Wickiup. This pack-in site is designed for youth groups and single family use only. It attempts to recreate what life was like for the woodland peoples who lived here hundreds of years ago. Renters will need to carry in/carry out all equipment and refuse. There is a pit vault restroom nearby.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$54 / night
3. Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay
2 Reviews•6 Photos•16 SavesIndependence, Iowa- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$24 - $45 / night
4. Cedar River Campground
8 Reviews•17 Photos•32 SavesWest Liberty, IowaWe are a seasonal campground open April 15 thru October 15. We have seasonal, monthly, weekly, and overnight rates. We have planned activities as well as many amenities. River frontage, canoe/ tube rental, mini golf, pool and so much more.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$35 - $50 / night
5. Macbride Nature Recreation Area
1 Review•3 Photos•5 SavesCoralville Lake, IowaMacbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) is a 485-acre peninsula that has been leased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the University of Iowa since 1969. There are ten kilometers of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. MNRA is home to the Environmental Education Programs: School of the Wild, Wildlife Camps, and Iowa Raptor Project. MNRA is located 15 miles north of Iowa City at 3895 Raptor Ridge Road, near Solon, Iowa.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
6. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
1 Review•26 Photos•13 SavesWyoming, IowaAre you looking for the opportunity to be free and connect with nature naturally? A place to reconnect with your soul or reconnect with your significant other(s). Do you need to escape life for even just a little bit? A place to safely be your true self or selves. Our spaces are all about privacy and relaxing in nature peacefully. Perfect for first time clothing optional experiences. Maybe you just prefer a quiet natural low key space to relax. Consider booking a massage while on property.
Are you a regular camper who is tired of the busy big campgrounds? Need a overnight camping spot that is more nature and less people?
Looking for a place to relax in the sun naturally and just take some time for yourself or time with the special people in your life? Along with offering overnight camping sites, we offer day passes for those who just want some chill time within the day. A day pass gives you access to the property, relaxing chairs for that perfect moment in the sun and the woods to wander as you connect with nature. Perfect for a lunch break or just a step away from life for a few hours. Sneak away and take some moments to recharge yourself naturally. Day passes can be a bit tricky to book, reach out if you need help with the site.
We hope you will find that this is a place for everything listed above and so much more. A space to enjoy some downtime, quiet at peace with nature, and a place for restorative just-for-me time. Perfect for yoga in the woods or a natural spot to meditate. Not a commercial campground, just a piece of personal property that we are looking to share with others who enjoy time in nature. We enjoy our natural privacy and welcome you to experience the same. We are stewards of the property and are charged with taking care of all that Mother Nature has given us. If you need space to think, read a book, or just be you, this could be the right fit. Forget the news, forget work, forget city life, and just take in the moments; while listening to the birds sing, (Pull out your Merlin app) to see who's singing!
Your hosts are here if you need us, but we leave you to enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace. We give you privacy to enjoy your stay fully. Host is professionally trained in massage and offers both indoor and outdoor sessions. Check out www.bodyfantasy-iowa.com for details.
We have 15 acres of woods with a natural rock bluff, so many different spaces which allow you to fully bond with nature. Trails to wander and wildlife to see. Clothing is optional through out all of the property; overnight camping and sunbathing/day pass spots are available.
Located on the Wapsipinicon River. Camp sites are very private and tucked away from life's stresses. Relax in the woods. Watch the cows and calves moo in the nearby pasture. Walk nature trails with native wildlife and flora. Great photo opportunities abound. Cast a line to catch dinner. Escape to nature is the key to this property; find yourself tucked away from city sounds and light pollution. Come out to see the sunset/sunrise, check out the stars, read a good book, lay out in your favorite hammock, find yourself, and be at peace. Great place for a nice camping fire; treat yourself to some smores. Peaceful sounds at night of the river flowing as you drift off to sleep in your tent. Perfect little spot for peaceful relaxation and just taking some time. Walk the trails in your natural skin, shoot photos of all the different plants, listen to the birds and animals scurry, enjoy the sunshine, and feel the warmth on all of your body. Put in your canoe or kayak at Olin for a 3-4 hour float to our camping area. There are lots of state parks within a short drive; visit the only Presidential library in Iowa; and tour some amazing caves in nearby parks. Enjoy the Great Jones County Fair only 30 mins away.. So much to do, and then come back to a space without crowds and just chill.
Welcoming to all, we love to meet new people and let them share in the joy of bonding with nature freely.
**Property Owner is certified in Massage, offering sessions at the property for more information: www.bodyfantasy-iowa.com
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
$20 - $45 / night
7. Worthington Sportsman's Club - Members Only
1 Review•4 PhotosDyersville, IowaThe Worthington Sportsmen's Club Inc. is located approximately 3.5 miles south of Highway 20 on X47 (310th Ave) or 6.5 miles north of Highway 38 in Delaware County, Iowa open to members only. Membership is open to everyone and an application is available via the website: https://sites.google.com/site/worthingtonsc2/membership?authuser=0
For the camper there are six 30-amp Electric camp sites (see Fees for cost information) at the front of the club, with primitive sites located around the pond. If you prefer just spending time with family and friends in a beautiful setting we also have two picnic pavilions with playground equipment and a number of picnic tables and fire rings surrounding the pond.
Camping - membership required, no non-member guests. Electric sites are $10 per night. Non-Electric site donations are appreciated. Fees for camping can be sealed in an envelope and placed in the Yellow camping box in the camp ground. Contact Tom Dunkel (563-590-2704) with any questions.
Camping is limited to 7 days unless approved by a Director.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
8. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
5 Reviews•63 Photos•6 SavesWheatland, IowaThe Wapsi River Environmental Education Center is located along the Wapsipinicon River and consists of 225 acres of upland and bottomland forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Wapsi Center, along with Sherman Park across the river, provide a 432-acre complex offering a wide variety of uses. The larger of the two campsites at the Center, Elm Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site. The site offers flat ground for many tents, two fire pits, picnic tables, trash cans, and two sets of horseshoe pits. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site. Vincent Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site offering a fire pit, picnic tables, and trash can. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
$17 - $80 / night
9. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
1 Review•6 Photos•1 SaveWest Liberty, Iowa- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
10. Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
1 Review•13 Photos•5 SavesWilliamsburg, IowaOur private four acre site is now available for winter tent camping. Services include an outhouse, electricity, fire ring and wood is provided. There are trails to hike around the pond and in the prairie. Tents can be set up anywhere, however, you can use the tipi pad(outdoor carpet over sand} without stakes. Winter camp is open from January 1 to April 30. A great meeting place for families and friends willing to experience the outdoors throughout the year. 5 miles from Williamsburg and I-80, within 30 minutes of Amana Colonies, Outlet Mall, Fireside Winery. We also offer wildlife, historical or cultural hikes to the Amana/Iowa River Valley area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Market
$25 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Marion, IA
391 Reviews of 26 Marion Campgrounds
Kimberly B.
Guide
Amana RV Park & Event Center
Very convenient for visiting the Amana Colonies.
We tent camped here for two nights so we could visit the Amana Colonies. This is an RV park with tent sites on the lawn around the perimeter. A bit of a walk to the bathroom and showers, but the sites were level with short grass. The bathrooms and showers were very clean, and everyone was extremely friendly. The only drawback was that the tent sites don’t have picnic tables, but for two nights we made it work. We’d stay here again.
James M.
Legend
Sherman Co Park
Scenic County park along Wapsipinicon River
The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.
- AAmanda C.Guide
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Great park!
I tent camped at Six Pines Campground for 3 nights in August. The park has two campgrounds and this one is non electric with pit toilets and water. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring with a really nice grill. The sites are large and flat and the ones on the outside of the loop are well shaded. Two trails can be accessed from the tent campground - Six Pines trail and West Lake trail. There are two shower houses that you can use at the RV campground but it takes about 15-20 minutes to drive across the park to that campground. The park is very large with about 20 miles of trails. There is a spring fed creek and, if you stay away from the trout fishing area, you can play and wade in the creek. It has a sandy/rocky bottom and sandy banks. It felt wonderful on a hot day. There is a swim beach on the lake but it was closed due to E. coli in the water. There’s a small camp store too. At night in this campground there are no lights except in the registration kiosk so it’s perfect for star gazing. The Field of Dreams movie site is just 45 minutes away and makes for a fun side trip. There is a town about 10 minutes away with a couple restaurants and coffee shops. The Six Pines trail can be taken from the campground to the Backbone trail. The Backbone trail is along a rocky ridge. There are side trails down to the base of the cliffs and lots of rock climbing to do. Very fun to explore the side paths and climb up the rock walls.
- James M.Legend
Jolly Rogers Campground
Larger CG along Iowa River (Seasonal) currently named Scales Pointe
Large marina on Iowa River, Bobbers Grill restaurant on site, sand volleyball lots, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, camp store with propane/firewood, shower house, full hookups, tent sites.
- JJamee H.
Traveler
Lake Macbride State Park Campground
Highly recommend! Non-modern site was great for us! Clean, family-friendly, quiet, but no shower house
Lake MacBride State Park is divided into two areas, and you need a car (or boat) to get between the two sections. You may also be able to take the dam trail with a bike, but I'm not totally sure about that. One side is called the "modern campground" and has spots for RV camping and tent camping, and this campground has toilets, playground, beach, and shower house. The other side is the "non-modern campground" and has RV and tent sites, playground, boat access to the lake, modern bathroom and pit latrine, but NO shower house. Our family of two parents and 2 young boys stayed a Friday night in the non-modern campground in site #49, which is off to the side, close to the woods, and is appropriate for two tents. We had no complaints at all! The campground is well-maintained, the lake is beautiful, the modern toilet house was clean, there was water on site. Our kids played with other kids in the campground at the small but nicely maintained and modern playground. There were some safe little trails in the woods next to our campsite that our kids walked around on with lanterns and looked for bugs and spiders. There was a normal amount of chatter from a Boy Scout group that was near us, but the sound died down fairly early, and it was quiet sleeping. The next morning, we got up and did some exercise and watched the lake while the fog was still low. Saw lots of neat birds, including a great blue heron. There is no swimming beach on this side, but you can launch a boat (boat ramp) or kayaks and canoes. Many of the campsites were empty when we went, and for the empty ones, you just get your campsite on the honor system. I do sort of wish there was a shower house on that side, just in case, but that is probably what is keeping this site quiet. We reserved the campsite through ReserveAmerica, and unfortunately we had to reserve for a minimum of 2 days, so my only other wish would be that we could reserve for just one day, BUT the campsite was very inexpensive, only $9/night, so for $18 plus a very minimal processing fee (I think we paid $22 total for the 2 nights), we had a great place to camp, and much cheaper and quieter than a cheap motel, along our destination from Wisconsin to Kansas! Things nearby to check out include: the beach at the park, the Devonian Fossil Gorge in Coralville, and the Coffee Press (for coffee lovers) in Iowa City.
Sarah H.Guide
F. W. Kent Park
Nice Midwest Campground off I-80
Our family enjoys tent camping at Kent Park because the sites are grassy and open, but more private than many Midwest campgrounds because they are lined with tall prairie grasses and trees. We stayed during an Iowa Football weekend, attended the game in nearby Iowa City, and then enjoyed the rest of our weekend exploring the ponds and trails in the park. Prairie life makes for good photo ops and bird-watching. Restrooms and campsites were clean and well maintained. We will definitely be back!
- CCassie K.
Scout
Sleepy Hollow
No Pets?
Was looking forward to camping there until I found out they do not allow pets at tent sites. Apparently they don’t feel responsible pet owners use tents. Not happy will never stay there
- Chelsea M.Scout
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
Beautiful
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!
- AAnn B.Scout
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
Well maintained with trees!
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. visited in July
- Susanjoy P.Traveler
River Junction
I camped in "stumptown "
24 years ago River Jct Lone Tree Iowa was Just stumptown. Outhouse at the top. Just a spot by the river. A lone camper. How things have changed . Still primitive tent campgrounds there. Alot of sites. Boat ramp. Camper sites no electricity. $10 per night. Bear & Sue's Adventure 2021.
J. T.Guide
Sugar Bottom Campground
Sweet tent sites on the lake!
Great open air tent sites right on the side of the lake. Perfect access to restrooms close to the beach and close to the beach and write-off the boat dock.
- PPatti M.
Ranger
Scales Pointe Camping and Boating
Super nice owner!
Just looking for a layover spot after a long day of driving. Couldn't figure out where to register so we walked into the bar/restaurant, Bobber's Grill. The owner was at the bar. Was going to charge us $35 because he thought we needed hook ups. Explained we were self sufficient and really just needed a place to park...very willing to pay for a tent site. After confirming we needed nothing else, he said "Well if that's all you want, you can park in my lot here and buy a beer." Deal!! The tent sites were really muddy that day so we were thrilled to have a lot. Place is right on the lake. Lots of boating. Quiet at night. Really a fun place to be.
- John S.Scout
Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping
Close to town camping
A little pricy for tent camping. Ten dollars per tent per night and you’re restricted to the primitive area. It’s not bad if you’re just wanting to get away for a little bit but stay close to town. Otherwise if you’re looking for a better get away from it all I’d recommend some place else.
Iris A.RangerSleepy Hollow
Under new ownership
This campground has many amenities for the whole family. From tent sites, to Airbnb cabins for 9 people they have a site for everyone. They have laundry, showers, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, fishing and a swimming beach.
- Laura B.Guide
Riverview Ridge
Love this place
Great private campground. Lots of trailer sites but the gem is the tent sites down by the river. Very clean and the office was so friendly. Every Friday they do a themed dinner and play a movie.
- Mary H.Traveler
F. W. Kent Park
Pleasant stay, quiet campground
Unique mix of RV and tent sites in a variety of sizes. Some close together would be good for groups and some remote. One shower room with flush toilets near entrance but vault toilets and water available throughout park. No other services.
- Therese T.Guide
Baileys Ford
Love this campground
I keep coming back to this park. The tent camping sites are quiet, well shaded and good access to the fishing stream. Running water Bathrooms closed due to covid but the vault toilets are fine. Hiking trails are absolutely gorgeous, 3 playgrounds for the kids. Little nature center was nice. Staff there were great. Highly highly recommend Bailey’s Ford!
Jacob W.RangerLake Macbride State Park Campground
Wooded walk-in tent sites (MNRA)
My son and I tent-camped at Macbride Nature Recreation Area (not nearby Lake Macbride State Park) several times circa 2005. Always a good time. You can walk through the forest to get to the injured raptor center with outdoor aviaries. I marked this campground as new to the Dyrt map but the Dyrt changed it to a review of the state park. Oh well!
Katie J.GuideSix Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Favorite Iowa Park
This park is perfect for families or anyone looking for plenty of activities. They have boat rentals, amazing trails, a camp store onsite, a swimming beach and super clean bathrooms. Stayed at tent site #24 in the Southlake Campground, and it was fairly quiet even on a busy holiday weekend.
- TTrish I.Scout
Fontana County Park
Relaxing
Fontana is a small campground which fills up relatively fast. The park boasts animal displays and a nature center, fishing, trails and a playground all within the park, It's a quiet park with primitive and electrical hookups. Though I recommend better for campers since many tent sites are under pine trees.
- Therese T.Guide
Sugar Bottom Campground
Great campsite
Last minute on Saturday night they had only 2 spots left. We were tent camping but they only had electric sites remaining. We got site 31, beautiful spacious area, right off the River for fishing! Bathroom facilities were clean and had hot water. Each site has a water faucet. Host was helpful and the site was well maintained. Glad we found it in a last minute change of plans. Will definitely go back again!
- WWayne K.Traveler
Riverview Ridge
Unique River and Trail Access Campground
Two hour float trips on the North Fork Maquoketa River are available directly from the campground. There is a mix of permanent and temporary campers. The tent sites, nearest the river, are well spaced with flush toilets. Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean.
- RRachel H.Scout
Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park
Fantastic location cation for individual or group tent camping!
I went with a group of entering sixth grade Girl Scouts on a weekend tent camping trip to this park. The campsites were simple to access and the grounds were easy to navigate. We hiked on the famous Backbone trail - a really fun hike that isn’t too incredibly long. The grounds were well kept and we had a phenomenal time. The girls gathered our firewood in the neighboring tree line, and our evenings were filled with fun and friendly camping neighbors. I highly recommend this park.
- CCarol M.Scout
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.
Amanda K.Guide
Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Secluded Gem
Mostly RV/Campers. We tent camped (1 adult & 4 kids). Odd spot for a tent with a cement slab. Pretty serene and clean park, until about 7am when landscapers show up with lawn mowers etc. each morning. Lots of space between spots and it feel more private than some spots we’ve stayed in. Fire pits with grates at each site. Bathrooms with flushing toilets, floors were a bit flooded and showers are a bit rusty, but warm! Small playground with sand that the younger kids enjoyed. Fire wood is available near the bathrooms with a donation box. Best part of this campsite was the walking distance from Maquoketa Caves State Park site with beautiful hiking trails easy to explore. If you want to go in caves, bring headlamps/flashlights and prepare to have wet shoes. Also only 30-45mins from downtown Dubuque, Iowa.
Mike C.Traveler
Blue Inn Campground
Cozy, basic CG
37 full-hookup sites, some tent sites, all right on edge of town. Adjacent to Kitty Creek, joins Maquoketa River. Some concrete pads, most are gravel, fairly level. Pretty tight layout, average of only 30-40' between sites. New fire rings, picnic tables in good condition. Bakery and other facilities are closed due to COVID. Previous campers at our site left lots of trash on ground...always disappointing. Electrical and water were good. Sewer connections a bit high.
Chantal C.GuideBaileys Ford
Great for Families
The RV/pull behind spots here fill up VERY fast. This was no big deal for us since we went for a long tent camping weekend, there are plenty of sites if you are ok without all the hookups. The park has the river on one end and cold water springs all around the other side. There are restrooms which are well taken care of but no showers at the time as they were 'covid closed'. There are multiple playgrounds with grills and shelter, and tons of easy hiking for families with kids. We played in the springs when we stayed, relaxed and just walked the park. We had no neighbors at our tent spot.
Guide to Marion
Tent camping near Marion, Iowa offers a delightful escape into nature, with a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- At Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay, guests can enjoy amenities like drinking water, showers, and a cozy fire pit, making for a comfortable camping experience.
- Wakpicada Natural Area features picnic tables and firewood, perfect for a relaxing evening under the stars.
- For those seeking a more primitive experience, Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite offers a fire pit and nature trails, ideal for immersing yourself in the great outdoors.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy fishing and swimming at the pond located near Wakpicada Natural Area, where you can also explore scenic trails.
- The Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay is conveniently close to attractions like the Field of Dreams movie site and Backbone State Park, offering plenty of adventure.
- Experience the beauty of nature with hiking opportunities at Macbride Nature Recreation Area, where you can discover secluded trails and wildlife.
Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40
- Camping at Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite typically falls within this price range, providing a budget-friendly option for families and groups.
- Draco Hill Farm and Prairie offers a similar pricing structure, making it an accessible choice for those looking to enjoy a peaceful retreat.
- For a unique experience, consider Jungletown Ridge, where prices are competitive and the atmosphere is perfect for relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Marion, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Marion, IA is Wakpicada Natural Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Marion, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Marion, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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