Best Campgrounds near Milford, IA

Milford is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Milford is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Milford, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Milford, Iowa (77)

    1. Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground

    7 Reviews
    Milford, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Emmerson Bay is the Best for Tubing on tbe Iowa Great lakes so access for your boat here too is also amazing, However theres not a place here to park it."

    "Nice state park campground in West Okoboji Iowa. Close enough to the action of Lake Okoboji yet has a fairly remote feel."

    2. Gull Point State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Milford, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $12 - $20 / night

    "However, at the time, there were very few campers (none around us) and it had basic amenities like bathrooms, sinks, etc."

    "Very close to the lake and a neat nature walk. The campsites were a but muddy, but not too bad."

    3. Marble Beach State Recreation Area Campground

    8 Reviews
    Spirit Lake, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $15 - $33 / night

    "Marble Beach`s campground is the largest in the Iowa Great Lakes Region."

    ", Easy driving distance to Arnold's Park. Campground is Clean, Showers/Bathrooms are new and modern. Full Hookups are easy to use. many spots in the Oak Woods."

    4. Robertson Park

    11 Reviews
    Spirit Lake, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 847-2525

    5. Cuttys Okoboji Resort Members Club

    2 Reviews
    Spirit Lake, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 336-2226

    "Uncle Lester had a membership and since we were related we could use his pass for mini golf, the pool, and the big shelter house near his favourite spot he always rented for his RV."

    6. Minnewashta Lake

    1 Review
    Milford, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 332-2341

    7. Vicks Corner

    1 Review
    Spirit Lake, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 336-5602

    8. Brown County Park

    2 Reviews
    Spirit Lake, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 847-2525

    "We were back on Taylor Ridge so we had a noticeable drive in/out anytime we went anywhere. Bathrooms were clean and maintained. Sites had ample space."

    9. Fort Defiance State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Estherville, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $10 - $16 / night

    "A hidden gem in Northwest Iowa. It is Memerial Day Weekend and on Friday night we had one other tent camper on Friday. None on Saturday. 

    The bathrooms are the old hole going down into a pit."

    "Fort Defiance is a forresty natural state park in Iowa. There is Electrical Hook ups a picnic Table and a charcoal Grill already at the camp site."

    10. Jackson KOA

    9 Reviews
    Jackson, MN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 847-3825
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 77 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Milford, IA

144 Reviews of 77 Milford Campgrounds


  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Smith Lake County Park

    Good value camping

    This is a pretty quiet campground in my experience. For $15 you get water/electric sites with access to bathrooms and showers. Dogs are allowed on leash. Pretty nice playground. The beach area has been taken over by geese though.

  • Dawn S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Relaxing

    This place offers cabins places for tent camping as well as places for dispersed free camping

  • A & D S.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Everett Park

    Quiet, off the beaten path.

    Friendly and helpful staff, very accommodating. Beautiful spot, close to the lake. Water fill station, 30A power, washroom & shower if needed. Great price $25 per night (20 if tenting). If you have kids, looks like a great playground, plenty of room to run & play. Sites are large and well spaced.

  • True I.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Camp site not recommended

    The lake is not too deep for boats. In the camping area there are people with motorcycles speeding and making unnecessary noise. I went to complain to the manager and he did nothing about it because the owners of the motorcycles are friends.

  • Xiomara M.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Do not recommend

    Never again, because since we arrived, people have complained about my family without us doing anything. They even watched us go to the bathroom. They called the police, claiming we were littering in the street and making unnecessary noises and speeding in the park. To top it all off, they're friends of the manager. It's three spaces against one. I don't recommend anyone staying here, because they recorded everyone who passed by and took pictures of their cars. When we went to tell them we wanted a refund quickly, they told them to call the manager.

  • E
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Robertson Park

    DONT GO!!

    It's a nice place with electricity and great bathrooms. But a lot of people from a trailer near us were all the weekend complaining for no reason, yelling at everyone and calling the cops on a lot of people. It's unacceptable that people that are calm trying to have fun with our family have to deal with people feeling entitled of everyone else free time. Will not be here again. I know the camp has no fault of other people's behavior, but admin should be more aware of this behavior and stop it.

  • Dana D.
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Olson City Park

    Quick Stop

    We needed a place to overnight on our journey to Black Hills along I90 and this was great. $33 out the door for an electric site. We rolled in late, about 9:30, but our name was on our site. Quiet place. We just needed a/c while we slept so thought it was reasonable.

  • Matt M.
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Tjossem County Park

    Beautiful views

    The camping sites are a little close to each other. 10 sites with full hookups. If electrical comes out of the rear of your camper you need an extension cord or just pull the camper forward in the site. None of the sites are far from the shower/restroom facilities. Fishing in the pond had a lot of small bluegill and crappie. Perfect for the young fishermen with little patience. Using an ultralight and small jig I was catching them about every second cast. Beautiful sunrise/sunset views if you like that.


Guide to Milford

Camping near Milford, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are some great spots to check out.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campers enjoy fishing and swimming at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area. One visitor mentioned, "The beach is very close. Showers were private," making it a great spot for families.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails around Marble Beach State Rec Area. A camper noted, "Easy to check in and out of. Great price for a full hookup site," which makes it convenient for those wanting to hike.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Everett Park have enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. One reviewer said, "The staff is attentive, kind and welcoming," which adds to the overall experience of being close to nature.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area said, "Bathrooms are IMPECCABLE; someone was out cleaning the shower house at 11 PM one night."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campers rave about the welcoming atmosphere. One camper at Jackson KOA shared, "The owners are very helpful and friendly! Best camping experience yet!"
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Flying Goose Campground & Resort. A reviewer mentioned, "Large sites with water/electric hookup - some full hook sites and big rig friendly."

What you should know:

  • Busy During Peak Season: Campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during summer. A camper at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area noted, "It was full the entire time that we were here."
  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds, like Oak Woods Campground, have sites that are close together. A visitor mentioned, "When this campground is full, you have zero privacy."
  • No Firewood Available: At places like Marble Beach State Rec Area, campers should bring their own firewood as it’s not provided.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Check for Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One family at Sunrise Campground said, "We had many lovely walks on the trails around the campground."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring groceries since some campgrounds are far from stores. A camper at Jackson KOA advised, "There is a small grocery store about 5 mins south of the park."
  • Pack for Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Blue Earth City Campground noted, "It’s pretty buggy this time of the year as one would expect!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A camper at Flying Goose Campground & Resort mentioned, "The site we were put in was not set up well for the connections."
  • Check Hookups: Ensure the campground has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Jackson KOA said, "Water pressure was good, no issues with electric."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t miss out on local attractions. One camper at Blue Earth City Campground shared, "It’s right by the 60’ Green Giant statue!"

Camping near Milford, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find camping options near Milford, Iowa?

To find camping options near Milford, Iowa, explore the Iowa Great Lakes region which offers several quality campgrounds. Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground is right on the lake with spacious spots and clean bathrooms, making it an excellent base for exploring the Okoboji area. Additionally, The Dyrt app/website provides comprehensive listings of campgrounds with reviews, photos, and amenity information. Many campgrounds in the region offer online reservations through the Iowa DNR website, particularly important during the busy summer season when the lakes attract many visitors.

What campgrounds are available in Milford, Iowa?

Milford, Iowa and its surrounding area offer several excellent camping options. Marble Beach State Recreation Area Campground is the largest in the Iowa Great Lakes Region with paved roads, boat ramps, and modern facilities. It's an excellent base for exploring Arnold's Park, with biking paths connecting to town. Fort Defiance State Park Campground offers a more secluded experience with electrical hookups, picnic tables, and charcoal grills at each site. Other options include Gull Point State Park, Iowa Lake County Campground for a quieter lakeside experience, and Cuttys Okoboji Resort for those seeking private membership amenities.

Which is the most popular campground near Milford, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Milford, IA is Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.