Best Tent Camping near Montezuma, IA

Tent camping options around Montezuma, Iowa include primitive tent sites at Union Mills Access and Glendale Access, as well as more developed tent camping at Mariposa Recreation Area and Ashton Wildwood Park. Colfax Quarry Springs Park, located about 30 miles northwest of Montezuma, offers tent campsites with fire rings and picnic tables in a natural quarry setting. Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm provides a private 4-acre site for tent campers looking for seclusion.

Most tent campgrounds near Montezuma feature basic amenities with varying levels of service. Ashton Wildwood Park offers spacious wooded tent sites for only $7 per night, though campers should note the facilities are limited to pit toilets at the campground area. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at Colfax Quarry Springs Park and Ashton Wildwood, while more primitive sites like Union Mills Access lack developed facilities. Potable water is available at some locations like Walking Stick Adventures Farm, but many sites require campers to bring their own water supplies. Several campgrounds allow pets and provide trash collection, though availability varies by location.

The tent camping experience varies considerably across sites. A recent review noted that Ashton Wildwood Park has "very spacious sites tucked into the woods." Tent campers at Colfax Quarry Springs Park benefit from waterfront sites with good fishing opportunities, though some may notice highway noise from the nearby interstate. The sandy terrain at the former quarry provides unique camping conditions compared to other areas. Mariposa Recreation Area offers a country camping experience with hiking trails and a butterfly garden for exploration. Sites at Walking Stick Adventures Farm provide complete privacy and stargazing opportunities in a farm setting. During summer months, campers should prepare for significant insect activity, especially at dusk. Tent-specific sites typically offer more seclusion than developed campgrounds, with better access to nature trails and wildlife viewing.

Best Tent Sites Near Montezuma, Iowa (18)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Montezuma, IA

268 Reviews of 18 Montezuma Campgrounds


  • Kerry M.
    Aug. 25, 2021

    Wolf Creek Rec Area

    Quiet campground in the heart of Iowa

    Wolf Creek is a nice little campground near Beaman, IA (Beaman is very small, near Conrad as well which has a grocery store).

    There are 10 RV sites, which are $15/night and several tent/small camper sites which are $10/night.

    The campground has potable water but no showers. There are vault toilets.

    The campground has a nice playground, which was a feature we enjoyed when my daughter was little.

    My favorite part about this campground is the privacy. The tent sites are spread out and it is fairly easy to find one without neighbors too close.

    Activities:

    + Playground

    + Creek fishing

    + Nice benches and swings

    + Comet trail for hiking and biking

    + Hunting nearby

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2024

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Lakeside Campground Bliss

    While it was our first time camping in Iowa, we were extremely lucky to land upon this slightly hidden fresh water centered campground just a 20 minute drive south of Route 80 near Montezuma, wherein one needs only follow Road#63, before coming across Diamond Lake County Park. With the fall colors being in full bloom when we visited, the entire campground was awash in bright yellows, reds and oranges from the changing colors of the leaves. Also, as we were visiting in mid-October, versus some of the other reviews here, we found that we had the place mostly to ourselves, which made for a rather peaceful sublime respite we were searching for. 

    As for the campground itself, what we enjoyed most was how this location is, for the most part, very well organized in keeping the RV'ers and 5th Wheeler crowds together, while preserving a nice slice of verdant lakeside pasture for us primitive camper types. Each of the sites for camping come equipped with (in most cases) fairly new aluminum picnic tables, fire ring with folding BBQ grill. While we didn’t stay in the RV areas, given our tent-pitching persuasion, what we did see was fairly impressive and looked altogether rather brand new with freshly poured concrete slots and fairly mint-looking RV hook-ups (50 amp electric and water) and this same area also boasted a brand new restroom facilities. 

    Obviously, the main attraction here is Diamond Lake itself, with its more than 90 acres of fresh water, albeit murky fresh water, was certainly a hit with this camping family. We enjoyed being able to get out on the lake with our kayaks and canoes as well as go for very long walks around the circumference of the lake itself, with which you will find simply splendid trails. And if that’s not enough exploration for you, then head further inland and away from the lake to explore this parks other 660 acres of grassy prairieland. 

    From an amenities standpoint, there’s a decent amount, including: three shower houses, four shelters, 2 dump stations, three his / her latrines (some much more dated than others), boat ramp and fishing dock, a dedicated fish cleaning station and what looked to be a fairly new kids playground. In all there’s a total of 120 sites to choose from, with 80 designated for RVs / 5th Wheelers and 40 earmarked for primitive camping, which do not come with any electric, which was on one hand the biggest bummer, but on the other hand, offered up front-row access to lakeside camping bliss as many of these primitive campsites are located right on the water’s edge. 

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Check-in is self-registration and is done onsite, so net-net, this place is first-come, first served as no online or advanced registration is taken. While we didn’t mind this, and given that we arrived right around noon as folks were actually checking out, we got the ‘pick of the litter’ of campsites. Electric sites are $20 / night and non-electric are $10, so this place is incredibly affordable; (2) If you are looking for some grub nearby after growing weary of another meal of franks & beans, then there’s really just a few nearby options: Subway, Sauced Pizza & Pub, Casey’s and Yolanda’s Tacos over in the little town of Montezuma; (3) While there are actually few different campgrounds here at Diamond Lake, for primitive campers, the best sites IMHO are located as far southwest as you can possible go around the lake, where there’s more than a dozen or so sites that sit right in front of the water and present a completely isolated surrounding. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Willy W.
    Oct. 22, 2019

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Great Place

    This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing.

    There is a half mile portage with a campsite on the river which you must call to reserve. The other campsites are $10.00 registration. They have porta potties around. Two places to launch kayaks. Most campsites have fire rings, picnic tables and trash bins. Some have grills. They also have firewood for sale or you can find enough wood around still. I didn’t see any water hookups so bring a filter or water. There is a Kum & Go up the road to get missing supplies.

    The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it’s minimal. The quiet hours are at 10:30pm and they have a gate which is closed at sunset when the park closes for non campers.

    Lots of hiking trails and wildlife. The fishing is the best place for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish. No swimming is allowed and only electric motors, no gas.

    Check out their Facebook page for more updates and if you see me out there say hi!

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Beautiful place!

    This place is great! There are 10 beautiful campsites, all with new picnic tables, fire ring and cement pad so you’re chairs are actually level! The fire ring even has a grill you and flip over the fire to cook. There is a vault toilet up on the hill where the campsites are. FYI - the women’s side did not have a lock. The sites were very spacious, some massive and very spread out. You could see neighbors but you aren’t on top on them. And it’s free! You can stay for up to 14 days. They do have registration cards up on the board to complete and post on your site. I had 2-3 bars of LTE via AT&T. The closest gas station is about 7 minutes away and a grocery store about 10 minutes away.

    Let’s talk ticks!! I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van. They always got on his feet every time he used the restroom and made their way inside. If you travel with a pet, check them constantly and make sure they are on a tick med!

  • Dare To Everywhere  .The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Great free campground!

    Stayed 7/13/20- FREE 

    Coming off the main road, you’ll enter onto a Dead End gravel road. You’ll eventually see the park entrance(a sign and fence). Pass the first bathrooms/shelter/info board. Continue down the gravel road that looks kinda like a trail. You’ll open up into the campground. The first site to the left of the info board is the most private, with the fire ring being way off the road. I got in late, in the dark, and turned around because the first board said“no camping”. I gave it another shot and continued down the road and was glad when I saw site numbers. Was in and out pretty quick, but it seemed like a really nice place and the fire pits are awesome! Vault toilets available. 

    I had 3 bars LTE AT&T, with no problems.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Campground Diamond In The Rough

    Following up on my review from over a year and a half ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this county park campground gem in a very rural part of Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) EZ access and just a 20 minute / 9 mile drive due south from I-80 via Exit 201; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (4) The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond; (5) The hiking trails and bountiful fishing spots make this a simply wonderful campground; (6) Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you; (7) While basic, the bathhouses were in pretty good condition and very clean; (8) Kid’s playground is fantastic and nearly brand new; (9) Reasonably priced bundles of pre-cut firewood; and (10) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic in here, although you are so far out in the boondocks, it’s not really much of a concern; (2) The newly minted RV area slopes down to the lake, but as you park perpendicular, it shouldn’t be an issue; (3) Also, because the RV area is new, there’s no trees or brush, which creates a lack of privacy between sites; (4) Nearly all of the RV slots – save the few that are right next to the lake - have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings, at least in the tent camping areas, are worn-out and in pretty poor condition and should be replaced or refurbished; (7) The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don’t recommend swimming here

    Happy Camping!

  • Tiffany K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Howell Station

    Laid-back Campground

    This campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large trees that provide a lot of shade for the campground. There are play grounds for the kids. It is along a river for fishing and bird watching.

  • Kerry M.
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Timmons Grove County Park

    Electric sites only, but beautiful area

    All campsites at Timmons Grove are$18/night and are electric. I have visited this place many times but only camped once. This place has never been busy when I have visited.

    I generally do not camp electric, so$18/night was steep for non-electric tent camping. There is no shower and the restroom is a port-a-potty.

    The area itself is really beautiful. There are good hiking trails, including a walk through some wildflowers. Bird watchers will love this place. Also expect to see deer and turkeys.

    There is boat access to the Iowa river as well as a public hunting area(I have not gone boating or fishing here, or hunting).

    Other than the nearby highway, which is not too bad for noise, the campground is really quiet.

    The price and the nearby highway are my only real complaints here. I am giving it 4 stars.


Guide to Montezuma

Tent campsites near Montezuma, Iowa offer varied terrain across former quarry sites, wooded areas, and farm settings. The region's camping season typically runs from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during daytime hours and cooler 60-65°F nights. Most sites sit at elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level, creating good drainage during typical rainfall periods.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Colfax Quarry Springs Park provides waterfront sites with excellent fishing access. According to Jerry V., "It had a nice access spot for fishing... There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks." The park is particularly noted for largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish populations.

Stargazing sessions: Ashton Wildwood Park features an observatory open on Saturdays (except the first Saturday of each month). A visitor noted, "The observatory that's open on Saturday's was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom."

Hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer maintained trail systems with varying difficulty levels. Mariposa Recreation Area includes trails that connect to a back pond area and a butterfly garden for exploration. According to a camper, "There are hiking trails and one that goes to a back pond. There is a butterfly garden and playground for the kids to explore."

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Ashton Wildwood Park offers generous camping spaces with natural separation. A recent visitor reported, "I love this secluded little campground! Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. It's only $7/night!" The park's layout provides good distance between neighboring sites.

Waterfront locations: Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers sites directly adjacent to water access. As one camper described, "Campsite right on the water. Great fishing. Isolated campgrounds. Tent only none of that RV B.S." The former quarry setting creates unique shoreline camping opportunities.

Clean facilities: Despite basic amenities at many locations, campers frequently mention cleanliness as a highlight. A visitor to Colfax Quarry Springs Park wrote, "Awesome campground, clean and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good. Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites."

What you should know

Limited water access: Most tent campsites near Montezuma require bringing your own water supply. While Walking Stick Adventure Farm offers drinking water access, the majority of primitive sites lack this amenity. Campers should plan to bring 1-2 gallons per person per day during summer months.

Sandy terrain: The former quarry setting at some campgrounds creates distinctive ground conditions. At Colfax Quarry Springs Park, a camper noted, "Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that." Sand-specific tent stakes or longer stakes may be necessary at these locations.

Highway noise: Some otherwise peaceful campgrounds experience sound from nearby roadways. Campgrounds closest to Interstate 80 report occasional traffic noise, particularly at night when other ambient sounds diminish.

Tips for camping with families

Observatory programs: Ashton Wildwood Park's observatory provides educational opportunities for children. According to a local camper, "I love to take my grand daughter here for overnight camping... There is some play equipment for children. There is also a big group site for family get togethers."

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas specifically for younger visitors. While facilities remain basic, dedicated play spaces provide activity options beyond hiking and water recreation.

Short, manageable trails: Family-friendly hiking options exist at various parks. One Ashton Wildwood visitor mentioned, "There is a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement," indicating suitability for various ability levels.

Tips from RVers

Tent-focused campgrounds: Many sites near Montezuma specifically cater to tent campers rather than RVs. As noted about Mariposa Recreation Area, "It's pretty spacious and has lots of room for tent camping. I wouldn't bring an RV here." Vehicle size restrictions and limited development make several parks challenging for larger rigs.

Level site availability: Site terrain varies significantly across campgrounds. Christopher M. noted about Colfax Quarry Springs Park, "Level enough for our rooftop tent with no difficulties. Would definitely stay here again." Campers with vehicle-mounted tents should inquire about specific site levelness when making arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Montezuma, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Montezuma, IA is Union Mills Access with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Montezuma, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Montezuma, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.