Best Campgrounds near Monmouth, IA

Camping near Monmouth, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Explore Caves: Visit the Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground for a unique experience. One camper said, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous." It's a great spot for both hiking and spelunking.
• Fishing and Boating: At Pinicon Ridge Park, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A reviewer mentioned, "The water is great for fishing, swimming, and boating."
• Hiking Trails: The Palisades-Kepler State Park has intense trails to explore. One visitor noted, "Lots of intense trails to explore but some trees were in the way due to a past storm."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Scott County Park stated, "Bathrooms were always stocked and cleaned, plus they have HOT SHOWERS! Woohoo!"
• Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer large, shaded sites. A camper at Little Bear Campground said, "Very clean all around, very nice pool."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One review for Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground highlighted, "The best camp hosts ever!!!"

What you should know:

• Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Bellevue State Park Campground mentioned, "The campsites were close to one another, many had almost no privacy from the other campsites."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. A visitor at Swiss Valley County Park noted, "There is a sign that states firewood is for sale at 6pm but the ranger was about 45 min late."
• Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Hunts Cedar River Campground operates from April 15 to October 15.

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family activities. A review for Pinicon Ridge Park mentioned, "The playground is fantastic and keeps the kids entertained all day."
• Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Scott County Park said, "Everyone was respectful of quiet hours and very friendly."
• Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Bellevue State Park Campground noted, "We saw a guy wearing a head net he said he wouldn’t sell to us for a $100."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground mentioned, "Although not exceptionally long, we did see quite a few big rigs fit into the spaces."
• Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Scott County Park said, "Everything in Pine Grove is 50 amp."
• Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station available. A review for Interstate RV Park mentioned, "Sites include tables, water, electric, though need updating."

Camping near Monmouth, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to make the most of your trip!