Best Tent Camping near Mount Ayr, IA

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Mount Ayr? Find the best tent camping sites near Mount Ayr. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Mount Ayr campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Mount Ayr, IA (6)

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Showing results 1-6 of 6 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Mount Ayr

138 Reviews of 6 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.

  • 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.
    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.
    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.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little River Recreation Area
    Oct. 28, 2022

    Little River Recreation Area

    Off the beaten path and very quiet

    General: This small county park (16 electric, 14 tent sites plus three cabins) is not reservable which might be an issue on summer weekends but on a Sunday in April, was no problem. Including us, only three sites were occupied. The rates are very reasonable -$15 for electric, and $12 for tent sites. 

    Site Quality/Facilities: Each site has a generous-sized picnic table and fire ring. Some sites are better than others, however. Sites 2 and 3 (both electric) are sloped down and the driveway is a bit overgrown. No physical separation between sites which when we were there was not an issue but might be when more crowded. Some of the sites have a direct water view but again, some are more sloped than others. 

    Bathhouse: A short hike uphill from all sites but it was very clean when we were there. The showers also looked clean, but I did not use them so cannot comment on how well they worked. 

    Activities/Amenities: Fishing! We saw a few boats on the water when we were there and there were two docks, one of them handicapped accessible. Swimming is not allowed but there is a nice day-use area not far down the road with a nice beach and picnic area. There are also horseshoe pits and a small but very nice playground. No hiking trails that I could discern. There was also a small little free library. 

    When we were there, we appreciated the quiet, out-of-the-way setting. It is close to the town of Leon but we circumvented it on the way in and out so I don’t know what services might be available.


Drive Time


Guide to Mount Ayr

Tent camping near Mount Ayr, Iowa offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Kokesh Co Park, you'll find a peaceful setting ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, though be prepared for a more rustic experience with no firewood or picnic tables available.
  • Ross County Park allows fires and welcomes pets, making it a great choice for families and friends looking to enjoy a laid-back camping experience without the hassle of reservations.
  • For those who enjoy a bit more comfort, Mozingo Lake County Tent Campground features drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, ensuring a more convenient stay.

Explore local activities

  • Fishing and relaxing by the water are popular at Mozingo Lake County Tent Campground, where you can enjoy the scenic views and well-maintained facilities.
  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails at Woodburn - Stephens Forest, which offers a chance to explore Iowa's largest state forest with its backcountry campsites and diverse wildlife.
  • If you're looking for a remote getaway, Ross County Park provides a quiet atmosphere, perfect for a day trip filled with fishing or simply enjoying nature.

Discover unique local attractions

  • The tranquil environment of Kokesh Co Park makes it an excellent spot for those seeking solitude and a chance to connect with nature.
  • Lucas Primitive Campground — Stephens State Forest offers a more rugged experience, ideal for adventurous campers looking to immerse themselves in the wilderness.
  • The nearby Middle River Forest Area is perfect for tent campers who want to explore the natural beauty of Iowa while enjoying a peaceful camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mount Ayr, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Ayr, IA is Ross County Park with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Mount Ayr, IA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Mount Ayr, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.