Central City, Iowa serves as the base for several campgrounds within 30 miles of Monmouth. Situated in Jones County's rolling hills at around 900 feet elevation, this region offers both primitive and developed camping options. The area experiences humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making late spring through early fall the prime camping period when temperatures typically range from 65-85°F.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Wilderness Campground in Scott County Park, numerous trails converge right at the campground. "Plenty of secluded sites with seasonal host, firewood, playground, RR/showers, trails. Park offers pool, golf with concessions, Pride Lake for fishing/paddling, historical Pioneer Village," notes James M.
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around Central Park provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. "This park is well maintained with full service and primitive sites. Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas," says James M.
Canoeing: Paddling enthusiasts can rent canoes at Pinicon Ridge Park. "The trail through the campground takes you across the river where you can find canoe and paddle boat rentals, and our favorite an off leash dog area. We all took the trail into town and found a BIT Brewery where we enjoyed woodfired pizza and brought some beer home in a growler for around the fire that night," shares Brandon T.
What campers like
Spacious sites: The campgrounds near Monmouth offer generous camping spaces. At Swiss Valley County Park, "This is one of the best RV parks we have stayed in awhile. Meticulously maintain with good size, level sites. We had a 50amp water site and the dump station was nearby. This county park is very nice and sits in a very quiet valley. A true gem…," according to Tom R.
Fishing access: Multiple waterways provide fishing opportunities. At Palisades-Kepler State Park, one camper notes, "Lots of intense trails to explore but some trees were in the way due to a past storm. Close to cedar river for awesome fishing!"
Yurt camping options: For those interested in yurt camping near Monmouth, Iowa, Palace Campground offers this alternative accommodation. "This campground is tucked into a little area next to a Walmart, Culvers, and Mini golf course. It sits between east Dubuque and Galena. When we stayed they had a dirt bike rally. They have a lot of property you can't see from the road," reports Scott M.
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds have nearby train tracks. At Blanding Landing, "Not the worst but not one of the best COE campgrounds. No nice gravel or concrete pads anywhere. Many sites are not real level. Biggest issue is train tracks with trains running by very often. Maybe an hour or 90 minutes with none then there would be three in a very short period," warns Tony D.
Seasonal flooding: Low-lying areas may flood during heavy rain. "Lower area is susceptible to flooding during extremely high water, but county staff is very proactive and hospitable with helping campers relocate from dangerous areas," explains Beau Z. about Pinicon Ridge Park.
Variable site quality: The quality of campsites varies within parks. "This campground has a beautiful little lake (glad to see it back). The museum is fun afternoon trip to hike to and visit. There are a few times when the Boy Scouts take this park over for council events," mentions Robert F. about Central Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pinicon Ridge Park features exceptional play areas for children. "Our kids had more fun at this campground than any other so far. They have the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen. There were activities for kids of all ages, and they used a rubber composite on the ground at the playground so when kiddos fall, they aren't injured," reports Chelsea D.
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming areas for family enjoyment. "Beautiful little lake. Nice beach area. Camping sites pretty level. Park has free WiFi," says Leslie P. about Central Park.
Nature education: Take advantage of nature centers for educational opportunities. Wilderness Campground provides "trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas," according to one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Utility hookups: Most RV sites in the area offer water and electric. "Great county campground with water and electric sites, dump at exit. Bathrooms on loop B are dirty and dated. I suggest going up to the Plains loop and use its facilities. Very clean and new bathrooms and showers," advises Clint G. about Pinicon Ridge Park.
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require careful setup. At Matsell Bridge Natural Area, "Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River... Good for RV, trailer or tent camping... level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water," notes Ryan.
Dump station access: Plan for waste disposal. Swiss Valley County Park has "good size, level sites. We had a 50amp water site and the dump station was nearby," according to one RVer's experience.
