Best Campgrounds near Monmouth, IA

The area around Monmouth, Iowa includes access to various types of camping and campgrounds. Nearby options include Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, Eden Valley Refuge, and Central Park in Center Junction, offering a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Most established campgrounds provide electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, with several offering shower facilities and modern restrooms. Eden Valley Refuge stands out with cabin options, while Central Park features glamping opportunities for those seeking more comfort. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area provides more primitive camping for those looking to get away from developed sites. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near Monmouth to find detailed information about amenities and seasonal availability.

"This campground is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of an outdoor recreation complex around a large dam on the Iowa River," noted one visitor about a nearby camping area. Seasonal considerations affect camping in the Monmouth area, with many campgrounds operating from April through October or early November. Flooding can impact accessibility, particularly at sites near the Mississippi and Iowa Rivers. Several campgrounds, including Maquoketa Caves State Park, operate from April 1 to December 31, while others like Eden Valley Refuge remain open year-round. Visitors should check ahead during spring months when water levels may be high. Winter camping options are limited, with only a few sites maintaining services during colder months. Road access to most campgrounds is generally good, with paved or well-maintained gravel roads leading to most established sites.

Campers report high satisfaction with sites that offer water access and natural features. Maquoketa Caves State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its unique cave system and hiking trails, with one visitor describing it as a "secluded gem" with "beautiful hiking trails easy to explore." The park's campground provides a convenient base for exploring the caves, though visitors are advised to bring headlamps and prepare for wet conditions when exploring the cave system. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with several campgrounds situated near wildlife management areas. Fishing access is another highlight mentioned in reviews, particularly at campgrounds along the Cedar River and Mississippi River. Sites with more privacy and shade tend to receive higher ratings, with walk-in tent sites often providing more seclusion than RV-accessible locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Monmouth, Iowa (152)

    1. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-5833

    $20 - $28 / night

    "This is a great weekend stay, with short trails that show some beautiful and unusual scenery for central Iowa. The natural bridge is incredible, and the sites are well spaced out."

    "Maquoketa Cave State Park , Maquoketo, Iowa

    We stopped here for two days on our “Westward Ho” road trip in mid August 2020. Temperatures 80’s in the day to 60’s overnight."

    2. Eden Valley Refuge

    6 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 847-7202

    "Near Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, IA this park is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa. The camping areas have expanded."

    "Well we found a pretty good one that is relatively close to our home and is rarely reserved. Its only 1 hour North of the Quad Cities where I live & open year round!"

    3. Central Park

    5 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 487-3541

    "Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas."

    "Beautiful little lake. Nice beach area. Camping sites pretty level. Park has free WiFi."

    4. Walnut Grove Co Park

    4 Reviews
    Wheatland, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 847-7202

    5. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Monmouth, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-3783

    "Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace."

    6. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

    1 Review
    Wyoming, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 350-3881

    $20 - $45 / night

    7. 6B's Campground

    1 Review
    Maquoketa, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 202-3262

    "Massive bonus points for the location of this campground, which apart from rural country farmers and bat cave tourist passerby traffic, there was virtually no noise pollution to battle with."

    8. Horseshoe Pond

    2 Reviews
    Maquoketa, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-2484

    $21 / night

    9. Joinerville County Park

    1 Review
    Baldwin, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-3783

    10. Massillon Park

    2 Reviews
    Oxford Junction, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 886-6930

    $7 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 152 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Monmouth, IA

696 Reviews of 152 Monmouth Campgrounds



Guide to Monmouth

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Monmouth, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Monmouth, IA is Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.

What parks are near Monmouth, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Monmouth, IA that allow camping, notably Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 and Coralville Lake.