Best Camping 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, IA (57)

Showing results 1-10 of 57 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Mount Ayr

Recent Reviews in Mount Ayr

140 Reviews of 57 Mount Ayr Campgrounds


  • Bobby B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Grand Trace State Forest
    Oct. 2, 2024

    Grand Trace State Forest

    Quiet Missouri Conservation Area

    In Amish country. About eight fire rings. Probably could park anywhere and camp regardless of rings. 2 OCT 24 and been here five days and saw only two other campers. One night and two night stays for them. Safe place although I am a manly man so I do not worry. Safe for females I mean. About 30 minutes to Bethany proper where civilization is. 3 bar Verizon reception.

  • Deb M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Winterset City Park

    Great city park on a cute town

    Nice city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see. The sites are pretty well spaced with lots of grass and some trees in between. It was a good value for full hookup sites. The bathroom was decent, and phone service was adequate. We just spent one night here on our way home from Colorado, but will be returning in the fall to explore more and see some colors.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Paho
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Lake Paho

    Sparsly Used Dark sky Campsite

    Very nice view of the lake, lots of campsites around the lake. Not many lights around and no big cities and a low horizon so it’s a good place to visit for a visual observation night with a telescope or binos. Only one other camper at my campsite when I visited, so it’s a good weekend retreat from the city life. This is a primitive campsite; there are two waterless bathrooms and 8 or so gravel spots at site B on the Eastern side of the lake.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Valley State Park Campground
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Green Valley State Park Campground

    Timing is everything!

    Pretty grounds with woodland coverage on all sides in addition to the lake. We visited in August and realized it was prime family vacation time before school starts up again, so a little crowded and noisy. Spots are pretty close together too. But the grounds are quite lovely and the facilities were super clean. We plan to go back when Autumn arrives, mid week. Bonus easy shore fishing access.

  • Brian M.
    Camper-submitted photo from CAB Campground
    May. 21, 2024

    CAB Campground

    I gave 5 stars. There are no frills here!

    There are no frills here just quiet and the essentials, elec, water and sewer for $25/night. Great communication. If you're traveling near it's an inexpensive place to get some rest.

  • Danni A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Icaria Co Park
    Apr. 9, 2024

    Lake Icaria Co Park

    Beautiful Views

    This campground has beautiful views of the lake. The sites are very close together. Everything was very clean when we were there.

  • Sayler O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mozingo Lake County Tent Campground
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Mozingo Lake County Tent Campground

    Early fall camp

    Came out to camp one night with my 5 year old. We stated on a friday night in October and the campground was not too busy at all.. maybe only 5 other groups there. Showers and bathroom were all fine, campsite was clean and well maintained. Loved that the tent camping sites were actually surrounded by trees, I see way to many tent campsites that are basically just in the middle of a grass field. There are walking paths and a couple of playgrounds around the lake close enough to walk to but far enough away they wont ever be a bother. Also if you like disc golf than this is the place to go, there is a brand new 18 hole course right next to the camp!

  • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Casino RV Park
    Oct. 31, 2023

    Lakeside Casino RV Park

    Decent place to spend the night

    RV park is relatively quiet and easy to get into. The concrete in our site was in poor condition, it had crumbled leaving a dip in the pad. The cable didn’t work, but electric and water had no issues. Easy on and off to the interstate. There is only one garbage dumpster near the entrance and we didn’t see a camp host on site or anybody to check in with. We stayed just one night on our way through the area and were comfortable.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Co Park
    Oct. 18, 2023

    Lakeside Co Park

    Nice lake, but run down campsites.

    First, there is no dump station! All sites have water and electricity with 20, 30, and 60 amp plugs. The sites are 20 dollars. The campsites located near the entrance are pull-through but need maintenance. The campsites along the lake will support short to medium length RVs or trailers, and all are back in. As of this posting, all are not level and in poor condition. The city of Huneston, Iowa is a few minutes away and has several gas stations and a grocery store.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Ross County Park
    Sep. 5, 2023

    Ross County Park

    Remote not used much - perfect!

    Nice out of the way location. 
    no services of any kind, there is a shelter house, and trash barrel. 
    nice place to get away from people

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Lake Co Park
    Aug. 26, 2023

    East Lake Co Park

    Newer so campground still being established

    The campground was clean and quiet with water and electricity at each site. The dump station was set aside from the camp sites. The trees at the campground were recently planted so no shade. The best part is that there is plenty of room between camp sites so your not camping on top of your neighbors. Playground and bathrooms on site.

  • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Criss Cove County Park
    Jul. 26, 2023

    Criss Cove County Park

    Hot hot hot

    Cute little campground by the pond. We arrived pretty late. Cute campground, but boy oh boy is it muggy. Between the heat and the pond near by be sure you’re prepared for damp, muggy, and buggy conditions. Otherwise cute little place. There is a bathroom- I didn’t need it but its there!

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Sands Timber Rec Area
    Jul. 13, 2023

    Sands Timber Rec Area

    Small, secluded, on gravel, single lane entrance.

    Just scouted, sites are within spitting distance of each other. Only 30amp, No dump facility. Could have a problem if you encountered another rig if it was wet. The lake looks nice. Cheap at $15.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Winterset City Park

    Beautiful setting and quiet

    Wonderful setting and quiet place to stay. Beautiful views with quick access to Bridges of Madison County. Great hook ups and utilities!

  • Tammie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pammel County Park
    Jun. 4, 2023

    Pammel County Park

    I'll be back

    This is a beautiful park with lots to do and miles of woods to explore. AT&T cell service was excellent throughout. And camping fees are extremely reasonable. I didn't stay the night but will be back.

  • Tammie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mormon Trail County Park
    Jun. 4, 2023

    Mormon Trail County Park

    Beautiful and secluded

    I stopped by for some research. I was only able to get cell service where camping sites 14-17 are located. These site are not shaded. The do appear to be adding additional sites in shadier areas. It's a beautiful spot with minimal people.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Viking Lake State Park Campground
    Jun. 3, 2023

    Viking Lake State Park Campground

    Very nice park

    Mostly level sites with options for tenting or rv. Sites are primitive, electric only or full hookup. Several back to to the lake. The lake is great for fishing, kayaking or swimming.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Binder Co Park
    May. 13, 2023

    Lake Binder Co Park

    Nice city park; reasonable price

    This is a 76 acre lake 1 mile northeast of Corning, Iowa. Electric sites are $20 a night or $800 for the season. There's a dump station and several water spigot. A bathroom with cold running water. There are also several portapotties around the lake. A fire ring and a picnic table at every site. We have seen people catching bass. Boats allowed with Electric motors only.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Ridge Camping
    Apr. 23, 2023

    Prairie Ridge Camping

    Good overnight

    This appears to be a new campground with full hookups and drive thru’s. Well leveled gravel. Good scenery. No evidence of out buildings, showers etc. Very quiet.

  • Dylan H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Quail Ridge Campground
    Apr. 19, 2023

    Quail Ridge Campground

    Clean, Conveniently Located, Level Park

    Park has underwent a full makeover. Electrical, plumbing, surfaces all have been updated. Level, full-hookup, pull-through sites. First come first serve basis, always sites available unless if a holiday or abnormally buys traffic.

  • Jayson H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ross County Park
    Apr. 19, 2023

    Ross County Park

    Ross Park

    Its not so much for camping. Its more of a day trip kinda place. Multiple ponds. People also go out there and shoot off guns on the upper pond. Personally..... I fucking love this place. One of my favorites to go fishing and drink a few....

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Ridge Camping
    Jan. 20, 2023

    Prairie Ridge Camping

    Family Owned Campground

    Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're happy to have this property on our platform. Featuring 12 RV sites and a camper rental, these's plenty of options to choose from. Book your stay and come back here to leave a review.

  • 1
    Camper-submitted photo from Viking Lake State Park Campground
    Jan. 15, 2023

    Viking Lake State Park Campground

    Starlink is hit and miss, lot of trees.

    Very nice and cheap. 8 for camping, 12 with electric and 18 full hookups. That’s a great price for the view. I will definitely be back when it’s greener. Verizon is 2 bars of 4g. And Starlink is only possible in select places, as there is a lot of trees. It’s January, so I chose my spot for the internet.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Run RV Park
    Dec. 27, 2022

    Buffalo Run RV Park

    Cute and quaint

    This campground is close to I35 and makes a great stop on road trips if you're heading south! Affordable and quiet.



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 57 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 Lake of Three Fires State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.

  • 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.

  • What parks are near Mount Ayr, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Mount Ayr, IA that allow camping, notably Rathbun Lake and Saylorville Lake.