Best Campgrounds near Mount Ayr, IA

Mount Ayr, IA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Mount Ayr is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Mount Ayr, Iowa (60)

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Recent Reviews near Mount Ayr, IA

148 Reviews of 60 Mount Ayr Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    lakeside casino resort and rv park

    Good for an overnight stop

    This is a casino campground. There are full hookups but no facilities. No trees, sites very close together. It’s essentially a parking lot with hookups.

    It’s adjacent to a truck stop and right off the interstate.

    If you are traveling I35 and it’s convenient for an overnight rest, it’s well worth the cost. Otherwise, unless the casino is your destination, find a more traditional campground

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Winterset City Park

    Peaceful

    Our first time staying here and we extended twice because we like the area so much. It’s been a peaceful two weeks and we love the town of Winterset. The campground has a variety of FHU and or just W& E, also some shared water.

  • joel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Grand Trace State Forest

    Much needed road trip brake

    Great spot to get some rest from a long road trip from Phoenix to Minnesota. We where the only ones there that night.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Grand Trace State Forest

    An oasis in the midwest

    Good dispersed camping is hard to find in the midwest. This place feels like an oasis in  the middle of the desert. I only stayed one night while I was on my way back from the west coast. The location is easy to find even at night. The road is well maintained, the grass is mowed and spots are flat.  There are about 13 distinct spots, 8 tent spots, 4 small camper spots and one large parking lot area that could fit just about anything. No hook ups or anything but I wasn't expecting any from a wild camp spot. Each spot does have a fire ring. 

    This is truly a great spot if your passing through and the Missouri Conservation Dept. has done a great job!

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Green Valley State Park Campground

    Clean and well maintained

    July, 2017

    We stayed here for a week while working in the area.  Very nice place. Clean and well maintained.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest

    Way too many insects, and $10 a night. No amenities.

    This place charges 10 bucks a night. You don't get a water station. You don't get a gray water dump. You do get trash cans on site. The sheer volume of insects makes it impossible to walk anywhere. Unfortunately, I have a dog and I have to go walk three times a fucking day. And this is the closest place to where my folks and I agreed to meet in about a week.

    At $10 a night, you'd think they'd at least have water, a gray dump, and some kind of insect control. But no, they don't. They do have maintenance coming around regularly, but nothing seems to get rid of the insects. It used to be $6 a night at one point. So I guess it went up. I don't see why. It's just like any other insect infested place to park.

    If it wasn't for the cost, I guess I'd give it three stars, but that'd be generous. I didn't give it one star because I can at least drive around on it with my bus.

  • K
    Mar. 29, 2025

    Marlin Fogle Rec Area

    Very close camp sites on hill

    Looks like new facility. Just to close together. 25 ft or so side by side

  • Patricia O.
    Mar. 24, 2025

    Eagle Ridge RV Park

    Lovely campground just off I-35

    Great place for a quick overnight or longer stay. We were there in very early spring so could not use the swimming pool or small lake but the walks around the area were very nice. We stayed in a long FHU pull-through (the one shown in the picture above) in a Class A. Close to the interstate but not noisy.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 14, 2025

    Grand Trace State Forest

    Small

    Very small camp area, only 4 sites. No toilets so bring a bucket. No pick nick benches. There are fire rings at each site


Guide to Mount Ayr

Camping near Mount Ayr, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beautiful lakes to well-maintained campgrounds, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Viking Lake State Park Campground, have great fishing spots. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is great for fishing, kayaking or swimming."
  • Hiking: Trails are available at places like Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The lake is beautiful and the path around it is in great shape!"
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at Lake Icaria Co Park, where one camper said, "The beach area is awesome, rent boats if you want!"

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday stated, "Bathhouses were clean and private."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. One camper at Lake Anita State Park Campground mentioned, "Plenty of space in tent area - shade and soft grass."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about helpful personnel. A reviewer at Winterset City Park said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Pammel County Park, require reservations. A camper noted, "If you don't reserve a site at the beginning of the year, you are out of luck."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have markets or stores nearby. A visitor at Lake of Three Fires State Park Campground mentioned, "The park is pretty rural, so if you need to make an emergency grocery or supplies run you might be out of luck."
  • Noise levels: Some campers have experienced noise from other visitors. One reviewer at Lake Anita State Park Campground said, "A bit noisy when I stayed (people playing loud music into the evening)."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A camper at Adair City Park mentioned, "Playground, tennis/pickleball courts, little zip line, and covered picnic area."
  • Safety: Choose campgrounds with good lighting and security. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, "Police rolled through shortly after we arrived. Safe area now."
  • Plan for downtime: Bring games or books for quiet time. A camper at Pammel County Park shared, "This is a beautiful park with lots to do and miles of woods to explore."

Tips from RVers:

  • Leveling your rig: Some sites may require leveling. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Check for hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Viking Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Mostly level sites with options for tenting or RV."
  • Explore nearby attractions: Many campgrounds are close to local attractions. A visitor at Winterset City Park noted, "Nice city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see."

Camping near Mount Ayr, Iowa, provides a mix of nature, fun activities, and family-friendly environments. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mount Ayr, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mount Ayr, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 60 campgrounds and RV parks near Mount Ayr, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Mount Ayr, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Ayr, IA is Poe Hollow County Park with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mount Ayr, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Mount Ayr, IA.