G
Greg F.
Traveler
TravelerVel Terra
Great little campground in rural setting. The owner was great. We stayed in Oct 25 while doing a fall color/wine tasting/Galena trip. It was a perfect central location for us.
Tent Camping near Monmouth, IA
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Tent campsites near Monmouth, Iowa include several primitive options along rivers and within wildlife areas. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area offers hike-in and walk-in tent camping along the Maquoketa River with basic amenities including a table, fire ring, and latrine. Joinerville County Park provides tent camping by permit only, with access to the Maquoketa River for paddling and fishing. Wakpicada Natural Area, located near Central City, offers year-round tent camping with more developed facilities.
Most primitive tent sites in the region require campers to pack in and pack out all supplies and waste. Fire rings are common at established sites, though firewood availability varies by location. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area follows strict Leave No Trace principles with no drinking water available on site. Joinerville County Park requires advance permit applications at least one month before planned stays. Toilet facilities range from basic latrines at Buzzard Ridge to no facilities at all at Joinerville, making proper waste disposal planning essential for backcountry tent camping experiences.
The tent camping experience in this region often centers around water access and natural settings. Sites at Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area can be reached either by hiking in from two parking areas or by paddling along the Maquoketa River. Wakpicada Natural Area provides tent campsites adjacent to a pond with good tree cover, creating natural separation between sites. The fishing opportunities are particularly notable, with bass and panfish available in the pond. According to one visitor, "Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren't right next to each other."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Monmouth (19)
1. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area
"Unique hike or paddle primitive site. 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."
2. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
"Jungletown Ridge is perfect for those looking to get some space from others and enjoy some quiet nights int he woods. Check them out and share some pics from your stay!"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $45 / night
3. Joinerville County Park
4. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
"Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife."
"Cabin offers modern amenities: stove, oven,micro, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster, ADA access, shower. AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails."
Check Availabilityfrom $70 - $80 / night
5. Cedar River Campground
"Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
from $35 - $50 / night
6. Worthington Sportsman's Club - Members Only
"People driving around the pond didn't even know we were there! The camping spot was beautiful (although you have to watch out for nettles). Great fishing while we were there too."
7. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
"This CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming."
8. Wakpicada Natural Area
"Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren’t right next to each other."
9. Hidden River Campground
10. Macbride Nature Recreation Area
"My son and I tent-camped at Macbride Nature Recreation Area (not nearby Lake Macbride State Park) several times circa 2005. Always a good time."
Drive Time
- 42 min from Dubuque, IA
- 48 min from Davenport, IA
- 55 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 11 min from Iowa City, IA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Monmouth, IA
3 Photos of 19 Monmouth Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Monmouth, IA
794 Reviews of 19 Monmouth Campgrounds
Cyndi R.
ScoutBald Eagle Campground and Cabins
Clean, quiet and nice facilities but the placement of the fire rings borders on the absurd. These are obviously RV sites so there's already little expectation of privacy but they're good size and leave ample space behind your camper. The site we were on was tree-lined in the back. Perfect for a fire ring, right? Nah. Instead they're out front 5 ft from the road. I've never seen anything like it. 🥴
Stuart K.
LegendPark Terrace Campground - West Lake Park
Quad Cities Sweet Camping Retreat
Just minutes west of Davenport, Park Terrace Campground is a delightful county-operated camping destination nestled within the sprawling 620-acre West Lake Park. With four picturesque lakes, rolling green lawns, mature shade trees and an impressive assortment of recreational activities, this is much more than your average roadside CG. Whether you're passing through the Quad Cities or settling in for a relaxing weekend, there's plenty to keep you entertained, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, disc golf and a seasonal swimming beach. It's an especially appealing destination for families who appreciate having a little adventure right outside their camper door.
The campground itself features approximately 77 campsites, including spacious RV sites with 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer hookups, plus 13 primitive tent sites tucked toward the wooded perimeter in the rear - so for those tent campers that like to be somewhat removed from the RV crowd, this is an excellent option. Most RV sites are reasonably level, with gravel parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings, although spacing can be a little cozy (er, tight) in places. Mature trees provide welcome shade throughout portions of the campground, while the modern bathhouse offers restrooms and showers. Additional conveniences include a dump station, playground, seasonal campground host and firewood availability. Best of all, the CG delivers an impressive collection of amenities without the hefty price tag of a commercial RV resort.
A few things worth knowing before arriving: the CG is accessed through Gate 5 off 110th Avenue, and water hookups are generally seasonal despite the CG's year-round designation. Some sites are more exposed than others, and the relatively close spacing means privacy isn't necessarily its strongest selling point. Nevertheless, for RV travelers, tent campers and families seeking affordable accommodations with outstanding recreational opportunities, Park Terrace is a terrific little discovery.
Insider's Tip: Tent campers should head toward the designated wooded camping area toward the back of the CG for a more traditional outdoor experience. RV travelers should bring an extra-long drinking-water hose, as some sites share water connections positioned several campsites apart. Also, the park gates close overnight, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Happy Camping!
Brenda Y.
RangerMorgan Creek County Park
Great little county park! Lots of back in sites; we found a pull-through that fit our 43' motorhome towing a truck with room to spare (site #20). $25 a night for water and elec is a fair price, and there's a dump station on the way out. My only reason for marking 4 stars is that trees could be trimmed back a bit more for big rigs to navigate without brushing up against them. (See couple pics). However it was late in the season -- we stayed Oct 22 and the park closes for winter on Oct 25, so maybe they'll be due for a trim next spring.
Nicole R.
GuideMiller Riverview City Park
Right on the river
We came towards the end of season so we were one of the few people staying there. The spaces are close together but we had no one near us so we didn’t mind. We had a great experience with the host, very friendly. However, it is a bit noisy since the highway is right there and you do constantly hear the trains. Also, there are some questionable people roaming through the campground.
- mmaryellen S.Guide
Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
I arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
James M.LegendRock Creek County Marina and Campground
Neat county Park and campground in Mississippi River backwaters
This campground offers lots of amenities, including: gravel, pads, fire rings, firewood, on site, campground host, playgrounds, water, dump station, both tent and RV sites, as well as cabins. There’s a store for Supplies, and a grill serving food. The Eco tourism center includes interactive and educational displays and programs. The marina offers slips for rent, boat rentals of canoes and kayaks. The campground can get very buggy, considering seasons in Iowa.
- James M.Legend
Wildcat Den State Park Campground
Great State Park with Great trails and mature forests.
This campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.
- James M.Legend
Buffalo Shores County Park
Nice county campground on the Mississippi River
This campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa. Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi river, sites include hard pads, fire rings, electric, water, showers, and restrooms, campground Office, seasonal host with wood. There is a playground, volleyball, Sandy beaches, boat ramps. This campground recently connected to City water instead of septic.
Guide to Monmouth
Primitive tent camping near Monmouth, Iowa offers several secluded options within a 30-mile radius. This eastern Iowa region features rolling hills, limestone outcroppings, and river valleys with camping sites typically situated at elevations between 800-950 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping provides milder conditions with temperatures between 50-70°F.
What to do
River paddling opportunities: At Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area, campers can access the Maquoketa River. "Unique hike or paddle primitive site. Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river," notes James M.
Fishing for multiple species: The pond at Wakpicada Natural Area offers productive fishing even during hot weather. Parker H. reports, "Went when it was 110 degrees with humidity. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren't right next to each other. I consider it a little hidden gem."
Astronomy viewing: The area offers minimal light pollution for stargazing. At Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr., "No city like that so night sky shines with stars. Trails wind and through forests and prairie areas. Outdoor/environmental programs offered," according to James M.
What campers like
Natural site separation: Tent sites at Wakpicada Natural Area feature natural buffers between camping spots. "Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren't right next to each other," explains Parker H.
Environmental education: Cedar River Campground offers family learning opportunities. "They have mini-golf, a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids. There was a beautiful wetland just down from the campground," writes Jackie J.
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas support diverse wildlife observation. At Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area, James M. describes, "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."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Joinerville County Park requires advance planning. "CG is day use year-round though primitive camping is by approved permit application 1 month in advance of stay. Gravel access road into and around park. No toilets," warns James M.
Toilet facilities: Bathroom options vary significantly between sites. At Hidden River Campground, Iris A. notes, "Very rustic, older shower/bathrooms that could use an update. Many people seem to take advantage of the year round rates and stay all summer."
Seasonal timing: Most campgrounds have specific operating seasons. Cedar River Campground operates from "April 15 to October 15," while some primitive areas like Wakpicada Natural Area remain open year-round.
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Take advantage of nature-focused learning. The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center offers "exhibits and native live animals, trails, prairie, observatory, amphitheater, 1 mile stretch of the Wapsipinicon River with paddling access," according to James M.
Swimming options: For hot weather relief, Cedar River Campground provides structured water activities. "They have mini-golf, a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids," mentions Jackie J.
Safety precautions: Watch for natural hazards at primitive sites. At Worthington Sportsman's Club, Becky advises, "The camping spot was beautiful (although you have to watch out for nettles)."
Tips from RVers
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds have road noise. At Cedar River Campground, Jackie J. reports, "It is right off the highway, so it was loud when we were outside, but we couldn't hear it at all when we were in our Tab 400."
Hookup availability: RV services vary widely among area campgrounds. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground is described by James M. as "a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming."
Size restrictions: Many primitive areas cannot accommodate larger rigs. Tent camping near Monmouth typically suits smaller setups, with Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area being accessible only via "hike or paddle primitive site" according to James M.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near Monmouth, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Monmouth, IA is Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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