Tent camping near Mingo, Iowa provides natural escapes within the gently rolling Des Moines Lobe landform region, characterized by prairie pothole wetlands and woodland corridors. The area receives approximately 35 inches of annual precipitation with summer temperatures averaging 83°F during peak camping months. Most tent sites sit at elevations between 860-950 feet above sea level, creating diverse camping environments from former quarries to riverside locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Colfax Quarry Springs Park, campers can access prime shore fishing locations. "This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing. The fishing is the best place for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish. No swimming is allowed and only electric motors, no gas," notes camper Willy W.
Stargazing sessions: Saturday night astronomy programs at Ashton Wildwood Park offer unique camping experiences. "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," shares camper Willy W.
Orienteering course: Active campers can test their navigation skills on the orienteering course at Ashton Wildwood Park. "There is also a orienteering course but you have to walk in the woods to finish it," mentions reviewer Willy W. The course requires moderate hiking ability and takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
River access camping: For paddlers seeking riverside tent sites, Kuehn Conservation Area offers walk-in camping adjacent to the Raccoon River. "Nice quite sites along the Raccoon River. Has hiking, fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife, small Bear Creek nature center, open daily 1/2 hr before sunrise to 10:30 pm," notes James M.
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: Campers consistently mention the generous site sizing at parks near Mingo. "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents," reports Topaz G. about camping at Ashton Wildwood Park. This allows for comfortable setup with plenty of separation between camping neighbors.
Affordable camping: The low cost of tent camping makes weekend trips accessible for budget-conscious campers. "It's only $7/night!" notes Deb K. about Ashton Wildwood Park. Most campgrounds in the area maintain similar pricing structures, with Colfax Quarry Springs charging $10 per night for tent registration.
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, campers appreciate the maintenance of facilities. "Very clean, easy to reserve. Bathroom was a pit toilet but clean. Camp spot was clean and well-maintained," reports Michael K. about their Ashton Wildwood experience. Similarly, at Colfax Quarry Springs Park, camper Christopher M. notes: "Awesome campground, clean and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good."
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas surrounding Mingo provide ample wildlife watching opportunities. "Lots of trees and nature," reports Chris C. about Ashton Wildwood Park, while Mariposa Recreation Area features "a butterfly garden and playground for the kids to explore," according to Willy W.
What you should know
Water access limitations: Many tent sites near Mingo lack direct water hookups. "I wouldn't bring an RV here... There are bathroom facilities by the lake area and the camping area which is near the back," explains Willy W. about Mariposa Recreation Area. At Ashton Wildwood Park, Deb K. advises: "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."
Campsite terrain variations: Be prepared for different ground conditions when setting up tents. "Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that," mentions Jerry V. about Colfax Quarry Springs Park. Other sites feature more traditional soil surfaces.
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis with self-registration. "Love this little 1st come first camp county park!" notes Steve H. about Otter Creek Park. However, some specialized sites require advance booking, such as the river site at Colfax Quarry Springs where "there is a half mile portage with a campsite on the river which you must call to reserve."
Highway noise considerations: Some camping areas experience traffic sounds. At Colfax Quarry Springs, "The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it's minimal," reports Willy W. Plan site selection accordingly if noise sensitivity is a concern.
Tips for camping with families
Observatory visits: Children interested in astronomy should time visits with observatory openings. "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable," shares Willy W. about the educational opportunity at Ashton Wildwood Park.
Grandparent-friendly locations: Shorter driving distances make local camping ideal for multigenerational trips. "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 Deb K. about Ashton Wildwood Park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment for younger campers. "There is a small park to play at for kids," notes Willy W. about Ashton Wildwood, while at Twin Anchors Campground, facilities include "a small petting zoo and a small beach," according to Abby F.
Easy hiking trails: Manageable trails accommodate different ability levels in family groups. "There is a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement," mentions Deb K. about Ashton Wildwood Park.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most tent camping areas near Mingo accommodate small RVs only. "The campground was nice, but it seems more for RVs. Sometimes you have to share a fire pit with other tents if it's busy," explains Abby F. about Twin Anchors Campground.
Electric hookups: Limited electrical options exist at select locations. Jerry V. recommends: "I stayed at site #13 with my two boys. We had a blast. I would highly recommend site #13. It had plenty of space for a large tent and canopy. It had a nice access spot for fishing."
Dump station access: Plan ahead for sanitation needs as facilities vary. At Colfax Quarry Springs, "They have porta potties around. Two places to launch kayaks. Most campsites have fire rings, picnic tables and trash bins," reports Willy W.
