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Preparation Canyon State Park, in the heart of the Loess Hills in western Iowa, encompasses 344 acres, including what used to be the town of Preparation. Today, Preparation Canyon is a quiet enclave offering backcountry hiking, picnicking and beautiful views of the unique Loess Hills.
Camp in one of ten hike-in camping sites, which are some of the only hike-in sites in the Iowa state park system. The trailhead to the hike-in sites is located in the southeast corner of the park. The sites each have a table and fire ring, but no bathroom facilities. Registration is on a first-come first-served basis with self-registration in the east parking lot.
$9 / night
$15 / night
Guide
We tent camped in the modern loop. Bathroom was clean, lit, and stocked - even had hand sanitizer! RV loops had flush toilets and showers, but we didn’t stay long enough to make the trek worth it. The walk down to the tent sites was annoying at worst, but plenty doable. Campsites were level enough, and there were a few sites with pads. Lots of ticks to look out for. There’s an airfield nearby so plane noise was regular but not frequent. Wifi didn’t quite reach the tent campsites; nor did Verizon service, but T-Mobile was good. All around a fine campground.
ScoutThis is my favorite place to tent camp! Nice bathhouse, and even the pit toilet is clean and unoffensive. Tent sites are spacious and most are separated by lots of trees so there's plenty of shade, privacy, and wildlife. Firewood is available and hiking trails are nearby. Unfortunately, I have to find a new favorite spot because I can no longer lug my gear up and down the hill between my car and my tent.
Scout
We had two problems with our stay here. 1. The tent sites seem to have been an afterthought of the planning they have little to no shade/shade, no privacy and a very busy roadway quite close to them with nothing to separate them. There also is pretty much no flat ground.
Guide
There really is so much to do, from putt putt to iceskating, climbing, the water park, this place has it all. It can be pricey depending on what you're looking for. Cabins are cute and spacious but book up very quickly. Tent camp sites are open more often than not. It is always super busy is the only real downfall.
Traveler
I arrived just in time to see the beautiful sunset over the small lake near the primitive campground closest to the Park Office. It only cost $10 for tent camping and $3 for a vehicle pass. Campground and vault toilets were pretty clean. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each tent campsite and there are plenty to choose from near the water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe and even fish here. We had a nice encounter from the campground employee who explained how to put the stake out to claim our campsite. Right away, I saw abundant wildlife, including turkey, deer, black squirrels, woodpeckers, geese, ducks and bats. Come prepared for the mosquitoes but overall I would highly recommend this place!
GuideOur family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.
TravelerWe camped in a tent and it was $10 so great and the bathrooms were super clean
Guide
Louisville Lakes has a decent beach area. Not too many amenities but the bathrooms are clean. The tent sites are close together but usually are not full, RV sites ARE full often. Some tent sites are on the river side and I'd consider very pretty. I like Louisville Lakes atmosphere but it can get pretty busy depending on the summer weekend.
Guide
I have only ever used Tent sites by the river. For the tent sites I wish there were more amenities but the one we stayed at was in a nice location. The river is decently safe and a good place to tube. There were not any other campers but I could see it getting pretty busy on the weekends. Definitely for relaxing on the river but not much else.
Legend
Nice smaller park with good tent sites on Missouri River and next to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge.
TravelerA nice campground . The tent sites are nicely spaced. The rv sites are pretty close together. Nice clean showers and toilets.
Guide
Small park in a cute neighborhood. 8 RV spots with electric and water. Tent camping as well. $15 / night for RV spot. $10 / night tent spots. 5 day max. Pay at the bath house, no host on site.
Single free dump station as well.
TravelerThe park has cabins, rv sites, tent camping and backcountry hike in camping. The nature center is a nice place to cool down the the summer and learn about the loess hills. The backcountry campsite have pads with pea gravel for tents and fire rings. Nice and quiet.
Guide
The lake was awesome, not much shade on most tent sites. make sure you ask when they dredged the lakes that you want to stay on.
Traveler
Enjoy the 4 tent sites. They are spread apart enough that your not on top of each other. Lots of wood to find on the ground
GuideThe people who run this campground are really nice! There are really none camping and only 10 dollars a night with electricity for a tent site. Showers and large campsites.
ScoutI like that you can tent camp anywhere in the Camp area down by the lake with all your friends close by. the trails and playground equipment is nice and the fishing is great! Great Lake for kayaks or canoes as well.
LegendThe sites for tent camping are okay pretty close together and down a hill, no parking next to your site. There are also pack in sites available and depending on location very nice. There are electic hook ups and cabins to. The bathrooms are a vault toilet.
GuideA short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds. I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground. Fun and quick trip if you’re in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it.
GuideOne of our favorite places to camp when we don't want to go too far from home. We've RV camped there several times and I plan on doing some tent camping there as well. Nice little hiking trails and a fun Geocache find (if you're into that sort of thing). Great prices!
Scout
Perfect place to get away for the weekend. Grounds are clean bathrooms are clean. Shout out to Dave the park ranger for being very generous. We drove from Davenport to stay here for Father’s Day weekend and we will definitely be back. You also can tent camp right next to the water as well. Love it!
TravelerThe little creek campground in the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is nicely kept and has showers. It is mostly quiet but you can hear the background drone of the Interstate highway. The park has a vehicle pass fee ($8) and a camping fee. I am tent camping and the least expensive site was $25.
Guide
We primary stop by this site for fishing as the lake is regularly stocked. It's great for kayaking or small boats. There is very little shade available at this campground as it is a man-made area so bring the sunscreen. Fires are allowed and pets must be on leash. RV sites and tent camping site are available.
GuideIt’s nice this site is near the river but it’s just your basic campground. you’ll find a pretty flat area with access to the river and basic amenities. I’ve only been to tent sites. I would suggest brining your own wood because whenwe were there, they were out.
Scout
Tent camping sites. No electrical hookups but you can still camp in campers if you want. Beautiful Campground with lots of trees and shade. Very nice Lake with fishing available. There appears to be an option for canoe rentals available. Boat ramp and dock. Multiple bathroom locations within the campground. Picnic tables near the water. I’ve kayaked the lake! So much fun.
GuideIt is a nice spot a bit off of the main roads. Many of the tent sites allow you to camp right next to the lake. It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.
GuideWe were able to stay here for 2 nights while visiting the city. My wife and I prefer to stay outside and camp most often. This campground not only has a fun name to repeat to family and friends (or try to remember when writing a review! lol) but has a ton of campsites right on the lake. I think we lucked out and got site 128. It was a tent site and was on the water but a few spots North of a peak fishing area. If you are here site 128 is where it is at! It is a stocked lake but I brought in a 32" northern. Had to let it go per regs so no fish dinner that night! It wasn't a skinny snake either. Like all places you need a permit to fish and better follow the regs. The tent sites were very well maintained. Clean pads and great parking. Overall excellent car camping and fishing spot!
Missouri Valley, Iowa, offers a variety of options for tent camping enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With scenic landscapes and unique features, these campgrounds provide a perfect escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Missouri Valley, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Missouri Valley, IA is Preparation Canyon State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Missouri Valley, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Missouri Valley, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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