Best Campgrounds near Maxwell, IA

Are you in need of a campground near Maxwell, IA? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Maxwell, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Maxwell, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Maxwell, Iowa (105)

    1. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

    8 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    7 miles
    Website

    "Next to skunk river oxbows, kayak, no swimming, water stagnant, no fish, about 4ft depth everywhere. Great hiking trails, clean, great camp hosts, ranger. All sites first come."

    "We haven't camped here, but have seen that the tent areas are right next to the water. Super serene with great hiking trails and bird watching!"

    2. Jester County Park

    29 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $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"

    "Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit."

    3. Ashton Wildwood Park

    5 Reviews
    Mingo, IA
    8 miles
    Website

    $7 / night

    "Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious.  It's only $7/night!  There is some play equipment for children. "

    "There are a couple of hiking trails in the park that are maintained. One goes to a creek and a bird watching station."

    4. Hickory Grove Campground

    5 Reviews
    Collins, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 232-2516

    $17 / night

    "Lots of trees for shade but the lake has trails and a swimming beach with watercraft rentals. Truly a hidden gem in central Iowa!"

    "Got to the campground around 6pm on a Friday and no one was at the primitive campground which was nice. The picnic table and fire ring were clean and in good condition."

    5. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $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."

    6. Griffs Valley View RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    16 miles
    Website

    $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."

    7. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $12 - $25 / 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."

    8. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    Mitchellville, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 967-4889

    "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."

    "The drive into the grounds was a little confusing, but I imagine that in the daylight we would have had an easier time."

    9. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 964-8792

    $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."

    10. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0873

    $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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 105 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Maxwell, IA

509 Reviews of 105 Maxwell Campgrounds



Guide to Maxwell

Camping near Maxwell, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Rock Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy a no-wake lake perfect for fishing and kayaking. A reviewer noted, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities."
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Families can enjoy the playgrounds at Jester County Park. One visitor shared, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Prairie Flower Recreation Area stated, "Clean shower house and restrooms. Would we go back? That's a definitely yes."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the roomy sites at Cherry Glen Campground. One camper mentioned, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A review for Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A camper at Ledges State Park Campground noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially in summer. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground area is clean, but the RV section was nearly full."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, so it's best to reserve your spot ahead of time. A camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds and family-friendly activities. Jester County Park has a kids' playground and hiking trails, making it a great choice for families.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Pizza on site is excellent and you can order it ahead for your arrival."
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained. One camper at Yellow Banks County Park said, "Lots of shade, fairly level sites, clean bathrooms, right off the river with boat access."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your site can accommodate your RV. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park Campground noted, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. A camper at Bob Shetler Recreation Area mentioned, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near public areas. A visitor at Cherry Glen Campground said, "The public parking lot is also just a few feet from a lot of the campsites so it gets loud."

Camping near Maxwell, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Maxwell, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Maxwell, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 105 campgrounds and RV parks near Maxwell, IA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Maxwell, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Maxwell, IA is Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Maxwell, IA.

What parks are near Maxwell, IA?

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