Best Campgrounds near Mondamin, IA

The Mondamin, Iowa area contains diverse campground options spanning both Iowa and neighboring Nebraska, with developed facilities within a 30-mile radius. Preparation Canyon State Park offers secluded hike-in tent camping in the unique Loess Hills landscape, while more developed options include Missouri Valley City Park with electric hookups for RVs. Several locations provide cabin accommodations, including Hitchcock County Nature Center in nearby Honey Creek and Lewis and Clark State Park Campground in Onawa. The region includes both urban parks with amenities and more remote state recreation areas with varying levels of development.

Campground availability typically runs April through November, with some sites like Lewis and Clark State Park remaining open year-round. Many campgrounds operate on self-pay systems, with fees ranging from $10-30 per night depending on amenities. "This is a nice hike in only camping area. The trails are well maintained as are the campsites," noted one visitor about Preparation Canyon State Park. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with summer temperatures sometimes reaching 95°F according to camper reports. Several campgrounds feature limited cell service, particularly in the more remote areas. Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups, though water hookups and dump stations are less common at primitive sites.

Riverside camping represents a notable feature in the region, with several campgrounds positioned along the Missouri River. Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront access, particularly at Wilson Island State Recreation Area and River View Park Resort & Marina. A camper described Missouri Valley City Park as having "lots of spots" and being "handy off hwy 30," though noted potential train noise. Family-friendly amenities exist at several locations, with one visitor mentioning Missouri Valley City Park as "a place to come with your kids or grandkids" due to its playground and open areas. Primitive campsites in Preparation Canyon State Park receive consistent praise for their seclusion and natural setting, with one camper calling it "a relaxing backcountry retreat" with "beginner to intermediate level trails that are good for the whole family."

Best Camping Sites Near Mondamin, Iowa (98)

    1. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    30 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 328-5833

    $10 - $50 / night

    "I pulled in late at night easy to navigate stayed the next day and did some trails apparently the land formations are 1 of only 2 in the world how about that Iowa."

    "We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."

    2. Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Moorhead, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-2829

    $9 / night

    "Located directly adjacent to the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest; the flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America."

    "Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded."

    3. Missouri Valley City Park

    4 Reviews
    Missouri Valley, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 642-2857

    "It is right next to a busy railroad, but we cranked up our fans and barely noticed the trains and their horns."

    "Besides the traffic noise because it's close to the hwy, the train passed at night like 4 or 5 times, so have that in mind if you light sleep."

    4. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Onawa, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-2829

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa!"

    "There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers."

    5. Bob Hardy RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Blair, NE
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 426-4191

    $18 - $25 / night

    6. Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    Fort Calhoun, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 642-2069

    $15 - $23 / night

    "It is true that the campground is a big open space with little tree cover, but it is part of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, and there is a ton of trees, trails, and wildlife around the refuge."

    "Nice smaller park with good tent sites on Missouri River and next to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge."

    7. Summit Lake State Recreation Area Campground

    4 Reviews
    Tekamah, NE
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 374-1727

    $30 / night

    "Pros: Quiet, walking trails, lake, bar nearby, clean showers and bathroom, building a new playground as of 10/2022

    Cons: Dump station is on a noticeable uphill slope, so you won't be able to completely"

    "Summit is a great lake just west of Tekamah, and less than a hour from Omaha."

    9. Tekamah Memorial Park

    2 Reviews
    Tekamah, NE
    12 miles
    Website

    "Close to town, stores, food. $15. Night in 2025. Fair. Good place for quiet, inexpensive nights. Quite a good deal.👍"

    10. Huff - Warner Access Area

    3 Reviews
    Onawa, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 433-2400

    "They have a table near the boat ramp that, I assume, is for cleaning your caught fish. If it matters, it did not have running water."

    "Located far enough from the interstate to avoid any traffic noise River barges were unloading next to the campground when we were here."

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Recent Reviews near Mondamin, IA

405 Reviews of 98 Mondamin Campgrounds


  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    Road to Mackinac

    Just an overnight on our way to Michigan. Yeah it's a parking lot! Visited family just in the NE side of the river. Water and electric, not a bad price. Interstate was RIGHT THERE..... but the noise of our AC downed it out! 😎 Showers were low pressure and could have been better maintained.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area Tent Campsites

    Great state rec area

    Impressive recreation area. Campsites on and off of the water, all very nice. Lots of walking and bike riding. Very woodsy feeling through the whole park and a nice bicycle trail that leaves the park and winds out to Hormel Park on the Platte River.

  • Trav S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    Sewer Dump Available

    This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska!

    It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay.

  • J
    Aug. 24, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Overnight stay

    This campsite was everything we were needing for the night plus more. The people were very friendly.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Snyder Bend County Park

    Nice lakeside walking path

    No reservation needed. Self check-in before 10pm. $25 for electric & water hookup. Lake facing spaces available if not already taken. Nice walking trail lakeside. Yes. There are mosquitoes at dusk.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Comforting

    Night 1 of a 60 day trip with 42 moves. Super clean park and very well taken care of. I watched a youtube video that showed the park and it was like re-living a dream. Pulled in, stopped at office, John came in and helped me, asked me if I was a GoodSam member and charged me $43.34 for a full-hookup, super long pull thru. There were a lot of open spaces so the park felt very comfortable. Totally worth it.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Comforting

    Night 1 of a 42 moves trip. You can find a few decent youtube videos that show the park and it was like living a dream. Pulled in, John came into the office, asked if I was a Good Sam member and charged me $43.34 for a full hook-up, extra long pull thru on the outside of the trees. I watch for that now after the top of a tree fell on power lines above my camper last year. Seemed pretty vacant but there were people here that looked like travelers. Very comfortable.

  • Stacy D.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Perfect little campground

    Czechland is a gem with 11 campsites walk-up only for $20 a night with 30/50 amp. Pay with your phone with QR code scan to pay so no need to have cash or check. There is a water fill and lake to kayak and use non-motorized boats.


Guide to Mondamin

Camping near Mondamin, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beautiful parks to well-kept campgrounds, there's something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Hitchcock County Nature Center. One reviewer mentioned, "Camping here also gives you access to the playground and nature trails into some beautiful countryside."
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Cunningham Campground for a day of fishing. A visitor shared, "The entire park is well maintained, has a large lake stocked with fish."
  • Playgrounds: Families will enjoy the playgrounds at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground. One camper noted, "Beautiful park, beautiful scenery and amazing playground!"

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Arrowhead Park Campground stated, "The grounds offer plenty of mowed trails to walk about which we enjoyed a lot with our dogs over the weekend."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many visitors rave about the helpful staff. One camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center said, "The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground. A review mentioned, "Great sites right on the water. Easy back in for my rig."

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center warned, "The only downside is bring several bottles of bug spray; the mosquitoes are terrible!"
  • Cash Only: Some campgrounds, like Arrowhead Park Campground, require cash for payment. A visitor reminded, "Friendly reminder to bring CASH."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have markets or stores nearby. One reviewer at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area noted, "There is not much privacy as a side effect of having few trees."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for spots like Lewis and Clark State Park Campground that have playgrounds. A camper mentioned, "The kids' playground is fantastic."
  • Plan for Hot Weather: If camping in summer, be ready for heat. A visitor at Lake Manawa State Park Campground said, "The heat here is absolutely brutal."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds like Arrowhead Park Campground offer plenty of space for games. One camper shared, "There were plenty of pit toilets around and they were very clean."

Tips from RVers

  • Check for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, such as Cunningham Lake Dam Site 11 Campground, offer electric hookups. A review noted, "Each site is equipped with a fire ring and many of the locations have a picnic table."
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center advised, "First come first serve."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don't miss out on local attractions. One visitor at Preparation Canyon State Park mentioned, "The flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America."

Camping near Mondamin, Iowa, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there's plenty to explore and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Mondamin, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mondamin, IA is Hitchcock County Nature Center with a 4.7-star rating from 30 reviews.