Tent campsites near Maxwell, Iowa range from rustic forest settings to waterside locations with varying amenities and regulations. The area contains multiple public parks offering primitive camping within a 30-minute drive of Maxwell. Summer temperatures typically average 70-85°F during camping season, with seasonal restrictions at most locations from April through October.
What to do
Hiking and orienteering: Ashton Wildwood Park features multiple hiking trails including an orienteering course. "There are a couple of hiking trails in the park that are maintained. One goes to a creek and a bird watching station. There is also a orienteering course but you have to walk in the woods to finish it," notes Willy W.
Astronomy viewing: The observatory at Ashton Wildwood Park provides educational stargazing opportunities on specific nights. "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom," according to a visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers excellent waterside fishing. "I stayed at site #13 with my two boys. We had a blast. It had a nice access spot for fishing," reports Jerry V. The park also rents kayaks for water activities.
Wildlife observation: Kuehn Conservation Area provides nature viewing along the Raccoon River. "Nice quite sites along the Raccoon River. Has hiking, fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife, small Bear Creek nature center," states James M.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: The camping areas provide ample space between sites. "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents," states Topaz G. about Ashton Wildwood Park. This allows for privacy not found at more developed campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, campgrounds maintain good cleanliness standards. "Very clean, easy to reserve. Bathroom was a pit toilet but clean. Camp spot was clean and well-maintained," reports Michael K. At Colfax Quarry Springs Park, another camper notes, "Even the outhouses smelled good."
Natural settings: Mariposa Recreation Area offers countryside camping with natural features. "If you want to go out in the country and do some tent camping this is the place! It's pretty spacious and has lots of room for tent camping," explains Willy W. The area features a butterfly garden, hiking trails, and multiple ponds.
Helpful staff: Park managers provide assistance with site selection and supplies. At Quarry Springs, "The campground manager was extremely helpful. He had firewood already staged for $7 and even came back on day two with more firewood for the same fee," reports a camper.
What you should know
Limited water access: Most campgrounds have minimal water facilities. At Quarry Springs Park, campers should "bring a filter or water. There is a Kum & Go up the road to get missing supplies," advises Willy W.
Sandy terrain: Quarry Springs has distinctive ground conditions. "Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that," notes Jerry V. This affects tent staking and comfort.
Noise considerations: Interstate noise impacts some campgrounds. At Quarry Springs, "The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it's minimal. The quiet hours are at 10:30pm," mentions a reviewer.
Bathroom options vary: Facilities range from outhouses to modern bathrooms. "Drive up the road to the observatory and there is a bathroom with flush toilets and a hot shower, also a water spigot on the back side," explains a camper about Ashton Wildwood Park's facilities beyond the pit toilets at campsites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Ashton Wildwood Park provides play equipment near campsites. "There is some play equipment for children," mentions Deb K., who regularly camps there with her grandchild.
Educational opportunities: The observatory offers learning experiences for children. "The astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom," reports a visitor.
Short, manageable trails: Family-friendly hiking options exist for various skill levels. "There is a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement," notes a regular camper, indicating suitability for children.
Site selection for groups: When camping with children, choose sites with adequate space. "I live just 7 miles away, but I love to take my grand daughter here for overnight camping. Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious," shares a local camper.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many campgrounds near Maxwell cannot accommodate large RVs. At Twin Anchors Campground, "The campground was nice, but it seems more for RVs," notes Abby F., though adding that it "feels more like a neighborhood verses camping in nature."
Tent-focused options: Several locations specifically cater to tent camping with limited RV facilities. "I wouldn't bring an RV here," warns a camper about Mariposa Recreation Area, while another notes about Quarry Springs, "Tent only none of that RV B.S."
Evening activity considerations: RV areas may have different noise patterns. At Twin Anchors, one camper reported, "Its 1130 pm and we r camping by the playground and there's about 10 children at the playground with no adults. And there's about 5 golf carts running around."
