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Best Tent Camping near Moravia, IA

159 Reviews

Public lands surrounding Moravia, Iowa provide several primitive tent camping options for those seeking seclusion. Eldon Wildlife Management Area offers dispersed tent camping with walk-in access and minimal amenities. Located approximately 30 miles east of Moravia, this area provides tent-only sites nestled against agricultural fields. Union Ridge Conservation Area, though slightly farther south in Missouri, offers 8,000 acres of public land with designated tent camping areas adjacent to parking lots.

Tent campsites throughout the region typically feature minimal development and basic facilities. At Eldon Wildlife Management Area, campers should bring all necessary supplies as no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities are available. Sites are set on natural terrain with no designated pads or tables. Fires are permitted, but campers must practice proper fire safety. Union Ridge Conservation Area provides primitive restrooms at select parking areas, with two fire pits and grassy areas suitable for tent camping. During hunting seasons, camping regulations may change, with backpacking prohibited at certain times of year.

Areas farther from main roads offer deeper seclusion for backcountry tent camping experiences. According to reviews, Eldon Wildlife Management Area provides "perfect dispersed camp sites with no road noise or visitors," particularly at the end of Umber Avenue. One camper noted that Union Ridge Conservation Area is "quiet, beautiful, and perfect for those who want to get away from it all," despite limited amenities. Mature shade trees within the gravel drive loop at Union Ridge provide natural shelter for tent campers. While Otter Creek Park was once available for tent camping, recent reports indicate it is now closed indefinitely. Tent campers should verify current status of any site before planning trips, as management and access can change seasonally.

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Best Tent Sites Near Moravia, Iowa (15)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Moravia, IA

159 Reviews of 15 Moravia Campgrounds

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 24, 2016

    Honey Creek State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Goal Zero Light House 250 at Honey Creek State Park

    Campground Review: Honey Creek State Park is on Rathbun Lake, a very popular place to boat, fish and camp in Southern Iowa. We camped in the Group Campground with out Boy Scout Troop. We pulled into camp after dark and between the headlights of our vehicles and our lanterns (My Goal Zero Light House 250) we set up camp in the dark.

    We explored the campground, there were some nice trails and nice spots to camp. The bathrooms were clean but they were a little bit of a walk from the Group Site. The weather was great and the bugs weren't bad. I would recommend Honey Creek State Park.

    Ranger Review: The Goal Zero Light House 250 is a nice lantern. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. The light settings are perfect. You can use half of the lantern or the full lamp power. You can adjust the lighting power by turning the knob on the front. It can be charged with a wall charger, a solar panel, or the green hand crank on top of the lantern.

    We used it when setting our tent up in the dark and it did a good job. At 250 lumens it is just the right amount of light to let you see what you need with out blinding you in the dark. We did not start a campfire that night, instead we placed the Goal Zero Light House 250 on the ground and we surrounded the lantern with our camp chairs as if it was a camp fire. We were up for three hours talking and never did the lantern light weaken.

    I like this light. It is too heavy and bulky for backpacking but it is great for car camping. There is a smaller model but I don't know if it will work for backpacking.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • M
    Jun. 27, 2019

    Honey Creek Resort

    Not your typical RV site

    Honey Creek resort run by the state of Iowa (not to be confused with Honey Creek State Park nearby) is not your typical camping spot. There is a resort hotel with an indoor waterpark, cabins for rent, and an RV Park. The hotel and the RV park are right on the lake. Rathbun is maybe the nicest lake in Iowa (I would say Okoboji, however that has become an overcrowded mess). 

    The RV sites: There are not many of them, 20 I think. But they are all paved, level, full hook ups, spacious, with a view of the lake. I don't even think we exchanged harsh words setting up it was so easy. ;)  There are even a couple sites on the side that have equipment for fall hunters. Trees around the RV area, but not in. Fire ring and picnic table. The boat ramp is at one end of the RV area, so people may drive through with boats. Playground a short walk away on a path, but not right in the RV area. 

    Indoor waterpark: Probably geared to the 4-10 crowd. Only one bigger slide, lazy river, hot tub, pool with some balance platforms and a rope and a basketball hoop. Then a small kiddie pool with a pirate ship structure with some small slides and some fountains. Not a ton to do, however when we were there it rained for an entire day so that was very handy. Snackbar that serves booze. 

    Lake: one of the biggest in the state, not too busy as it is 2 hours from Des Moines so not a lot of day traffic (unlike Saylorville and Red Rock). Boat rentals available. 

    Resort hotel: I haven't been in the guest rooms. There is a lobby, restaurant/bar. I have not eaten at the restaurant. There is a little shop with necessities and firewood. There is a nature program where you can check out backpacks for kids to explore nature. Grounds are nice and lush, paths for walking and biking. There's a golf course.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Wallashuck

    Wallashuck Rec Area

    Very nice campground, each sight has a fire ring and table, plus a lantern pole. It is in a city park like setting and on the lake. Fire wood for sale at the entrance, you have to get water at the entrance only electrical hook up. Showers are very clean and there is also a children’s play ground.

  • Dave N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2020

    Lake Keomah State Park Campground

    Nice state park

    The campground at this state park is very well maintained. Multiple electric site are available to reserve, along with a handful that are first come-first serve. They also have a bunch of tent sites as well. Pit toilets and a modern showrhouse. Drinking water is available throughout the campground. Most sites are level with at least partial shade. Picnic tables and fire rings at each site. The campground is clean and quiet. Gets busy on the summer weekends, but very quiet during the week. There is a beach to swim, and great fishing in the lake.

  • Christopher S.
    Jul. 13, 2020

    Woodburn Unit — Stephens State Forest

    Solitude, with plenty of company

    This park may deserve a different rating at a different time of the year. This is Iowa's largest State Forest, and the Woodburn Unit plays host to several Backcountry campsites and 6 miles of trail. There is a picnic table and fire ring at every campsite. The trails are wide and well graded and not too much up and down except for periodic creek crossings which necessitate a steep descent-ascent. The trails are lightly trafficked.

    You will find absolute solitude at this park, we didn't see anyone else out there with us. Perhaps for good reason. The defining characteristic of this park is it's insect life. Repellant and an active bat population kept the mosquitoes away, but the ticks were everywhere! My wife and I had more issues than other members of our party, but we were near constantly plucking them off of us. A frightening proposition for any backpacker.

    In general the insects were diverse and abundant: ants, spiders, beatles, butterflies, moths, flys, ticks, wasps, you name it. Cobwebs would form overnight across the trail you just traversed and broke them the day before. At Buck Stop, a careless previous occupant made numerous gashes into a living tree with a blade, but we found a small swarm of Tawny Emperor butterflies making use of the opportunity. Amazing! Again, most insects were not an issue with heavy use of repellant, but the constant threat of ticks put a damper on our excursion.

    Additionally, when we went in early July the creeks were dry. Making the only water source the spigot at the parking lot. The trail from Black Oak Camp to the Parking Lot is the shortest and easiest for this purpose if you find yourself running low.

    We heard plenty of wildlife in early evening and at night: owls, raccoons, deer, coyotes.

    We started out Friday evening with our packs and hiked and camped the park until Sunday morning.

    We hiked all 6+ miles of trails here. Our first night in we camped at Buck Stop Camp. This site is on top of a ridge and is wonderful, you feel absolutely surrounded by wilderness; however, the site was a bit overgrown and thus undersized in terms of usable tent space. Our second night we stayed at the exact opposite corner at Longbeard. This is a great, bare, mostly flat site that is quite large, could host a large camping party.

    Summary: This park may be better during the fall when the ticks have gone dormant, but at that time I believe it starts to get its use as a public hunting grounds. The lack of overland water in the summer and thriving tick population makes it a challenge to be at ease. The trails are easy to moderate, well graded apart from a few steep down-ups to dry creek beds. Good training ground for backpackers, tuck your pants into your boots, and happy trails!

  • Meredith L.
    Jun. 5, 2023

    Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp — Lake Red Rock

    Perfect Weekend Getaway for EVERYONE!

    This park is beautiful with plenty to do and see. We camped out at site 82 which is a non-electric site and close to a Red Rock Lake shoreline. Spots are pretty close but they perfectly have grass tall enough to give you some privacy between spots. I was never bothered by either neighbors. The grass also gives you a path to the water spout. The staff member at the front was such a gentlemen and helped us with our firewood. There are some walking paths down to the lake which you can fish from. The views by the lake are beautiful too. The only thing to keep in mind with this spot is it is as far away from the bathrooms as possible. I, personally, didn't mind, but wanted to make note of it. We will be returning to this park. 

    Restrooms: Cleaner than I expected! And they are not port-a-potty type bathrooms, plumbing with nice stalls, toilets and sinks. 

    Dog-friendliness: My dog LOVED this campground. We kept her on a long-line stake(per parks' guidelines) and she had plenty of room to roam. 

    Picnic area: A picnic table is provided but they are older, so I recommend bringing your own table cloth and some towels or something for the seats.

Guide to Moravia

Tent camping options near Moravia, Iowa include several conservation areas and wildlife management zones within a 35-mile radius. Sites in this region typically require self-sufficiency with minimal facilities. Most dispersed camping locations remain open year-round, though hunting seasons from October through December may impact availability and require additional safety considerations for campers.

What to do

Fishing access points: Glendale Access provides entry to water resources for anglers seeking smallmouth bass and catfish. While primarily serving as a day-use area, this location permits tent camping with proper permits obtained in advance.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Eldon Wildlife Management Area offers habitat for bird watching and wildlife photography. Camper Chunk S. notes it's a "small lot for hunters to park and go. For a secluded spot, good enough to camp. As long as you don't need any utilities."

Hiking trail systems: Union Ridge Conservation Area maintains an extensive trail network across its 8,000 acres. According to camper John S., "There are hiking trails throughout the CA that connect to the parking areas of which there a quite a number."

What campers like

Complete isolation: Tent campers appreciate the lack of crowds at smaller wildlife management areas. Rebecca W. from Eldon Wildlife Management Area reports: "We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field."

Lake access: South Overlook provides tent sites near water for swimming and paddling. The elevation changes provide natural drainage during rainfall, making it suitable for camping even after moderate precipitation.

Natural surroundings: Many campers value the undeveloped setting of conservation lands. Karen J. says about Union Ridge Conservation Area: "It is quiet, beautiful, and one of our favorite primitive places to visit! Highly recommend if you truly want to 'get away from it all.'"

What you should know

Facility limitations: Most primitive tent camping locations near Moravia lack amenities. At Union Ridge Conservation Area, Nathan N. reports: "Two firepits, no designated sites, mature shade trees within the gravel drive loop. Pit toilet."

Seasonal closures: Some camping areas change status without notice. At Otter Creek Park, Mansel J. posted in August 2024: "The park is closed for camping indefinitely."

Hunting regulations: During peak hunting seasons, camping restrictions may apply at wildlife management areas. Backpack camping becomes prohibited at certain sites, with camping limited to designated parking areas only.

Weather considerations: The region experiences moderate rainfall in spring and fall, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F. Winter camping requires cold-weather gear as temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March.

Tips for camping with families

Safety planning: When tent camping near Moravia with children, select sites with natural boundaries. Steve H. recommends Otter Creek Park as "Little limited, secluded. Love this little 1st come first camp county park!"

Recreation options: Quercus Wilderness Area offers junior ranger programs during summer months, providing educational activities for children while tent camping.

Distance factors: Plan for limited cell service at most tent sites. The closest medical facilities to most dispersed camping areas near Moravia are located 20-30 minutes away by vehicle, requiring advance emergency planning.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most tent camping locations near Moravia cannot accommodate large recreational vehicles due to narrow access roads and limited parking areas. Small campervans under 20 feet may access some parking areas at wildlife management zones.

Alternating options: North Overlook Picnic Shelter provides electric hookups for tent campers wanting minimal power access while maintaining a primitive camping experience.

Surface conditions: Many access roads to the best tent camping near Moravia, Iowa become difficult to navigate during wet conditions. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be necessary after rainfall, particularly at wildlife management areas with unpaved entry points.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Moravia, IA is Rathbun Marina with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Moravia, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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