Camping options around Mondamin, Iowa include both private and public campgrounds along the Missouri River valley. Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October due to Iowa's seasonal weather patterns, with winter temperatures averaging below freezing. Cell phone coverage varies considerably throughout the Loess Hills region, with better reception typically found at campgrounds closer to Interstate 29.
What to do
Hiking the Loess Hills: Hitchcock Nature Center offers extensive trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "The hiking is fantastic and offers something for every skill level. There are absolutely gorgeous views of the Missouri River valley below," notes a visitor at Hitchcock County Nature Center. Another camper adds, "The trails are well marked and easy to follow. I was very impressed on the hike in campsites."
Wildlife viewing: DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge near Wilson Island State Recreation Area provides excellent birdwatching opportunities. "Nice smaller park with good tent sites on Missouri River and next to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge," reports one camper. Hitchcock Nature Center is also known for its hawk watching tower, with a visitor mentioning, "Great hiking in Loess Hills, great Nature Center especially with programming of Hawk Watch."
Archery practice: Several campgrounds feature dedicated archery ranges for target practice. A regular visitor to Hitchcock Nature Center states, "As a family we go to Hitchcock a few times a year for the hiking and the archery range they have on-site. Both are excellent and a nice escape from the city!"
What campers like
Backcountry camping options: The region offers secluded camping experiences away from crowded RV sites. "The campgrounds are a little way away from the road and more secluded so they're very quiet. You do have to pack your stuff down a bit of a steep hill," explains a camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center. Another adds, "The backcountry campsite have pads with pea gravel for tents and fire rings. Nice and quiet."
Clean facilities: Many rv parks near Mondamin maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. A visitor to On-Ur-Wa RV Park shares, "Bathrooms and showers are clean. One of our party is in a wheelchair and had no problem accessing the showers or bathroom." Similarly, at Bob Hardy RV Park a guest notes, "It had a decent shower house and bathrooms. The park stayed pretty clean."
Educational opportunities: Nature centers enhance the camping experience with learning activities. "This is one of our favorite places to camp. It's beautiful and there's plenty of hiking. With the nature Center there is plenty for the kids to do," reports a visitor. Another camper elaborates, "They have exceptional programs for all ages (and especially kids). I learned about this park from Pheasants Forever, a nonprofit."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Flooding impacts campground availability in the Missouri River area. "This campground had been closed part of 2018 and all of 2019 Season due to flooding of the Missouri River," reports a visitor to Wilson Island. Another camper adds, "When camping there in the past great Campground for riding bikes and River fishing underwater this year due to the floods in Iowa."
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have reported water quality concerns. A camper at Wilson Island State Recreation Area warns, "The water stations are sprinkled throughout the camping areas. I was going to fill my kettle and was stopped by one of the campers who said that the water was bad."
Noise considerations: Railway and highway sounds can disturb light sleepers at certain campgrounds. A visitor to Horseshoe Casino RV Park mentions, "Highway was a bit noisy and a distant train was heard twice through the night." At Ashland RV Campground, a camper notes, "The only downside to this campsite is the traffic noise. Even though it is off the interstate, you still get trucks coming into town using their jake brakes and a train that passes through town blowing its horn."
Tips for camping with families
Nature education programs: Several campgrounds offer special activities for children. "We love doing their extra classes," shares one visitor about Hitchcock Nature Center. "The park has cabins, rv sites, tent camping and backcountry hike in camping. The nature center is a nice place to cool down the summer and learn about the loess hills."
Accessible trails: Ashland RV Campground offers family-friendly amenities and nearby attractions. "To entertain my kids (ages 6-12), there were several geocaches to find within walking distance, and the town has a splash pad and pool during the summer months," reports a visitor. Hitchcock Nature Center also features accessible options with one camper noting, "There's even a 1 mile hike on a boardwalk that's very easy."
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature play areas for younger campers. At Bob Hardy RV Park, a visitor mentions, "They had electric hookups, grills and picnic tables at every site plus a small playground for kids." At Ashland RV Campground, a camper shares, "I stayed at site #22 because it is close to the playground and is a full hookup site."
Tips from RVers
Self-registration systems: Many rv parks in Mondamin and surrounding areas offer convenient check-in processes. "Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked," notes a visitor to Hitchcock Nature Center. At Bob Hardy RV Park, a camper explains, "Pay at the bath house, no host on site."
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for uneven surfaces at some locations. A visitor to Sunset at Blue Oasis RV Park shares, "The gravel site we were on fit our 40 ft fifth wheel without a problem but was slightly off level." Bring leveling blocks when camping in this region.
Parking lot camping options: For basic overnight stops, some locations offer no-frills parking. A camper at Horseshoe Casino RV Park explains, "We called the casino & they told us we could park in the lot for free. If you want electricity & showers, you can pay. We just needed a place to sleep as there are not a lot of campgrounds here."
