Mount Pleasant, Iowa sits on rolling prairie hills with elevations between 600-750 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer camping temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through August. Winter camping options remain available at several locations with seasonal closures primarily affecting shower facilities rather than camping access.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lower Augusta Skunk River Access offers excellent riverfront camping with views of eagles and the Skunk River. "Amazing view of the skunk river and eagles flying nearby," notes Katherine S., who appreciated the "quiet little campground with a fresh camp host."
Hiking trails: At Virginia Grove Recreation Area, campers can access walking paths that connect to a small lake. Travis R. explains, "This is a small campground with electric camper spots... There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks."
Water recreation: Wilson Lake Park features a fishing pond plus full-hookup sites. "Nice campground with a decent sized fishing pond," writes Andrew P., adding, "If you stay here and don't visit the creamery, you're definitely missing out!"
Historical exploration: Bentonsport Riverside Park combines camping with historical attractions. "Historical walking bridge that is amazing," says Greg K., who also notes the campground has "beautiful river views" and an "amazing camp host" plus access to "a blacksmith, a Indian artifact museum and gift shops."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Crossroads RV Park maintains well-kept grounds and bathrooms. Pat M. found it a "good clean campground" with "very clean bathrooms and showers," making it suitable for overnight stays. Craig H. added it was "amazingly quite dispute the road nearby" with "clean and new facilities."
Spacious sites: At Big Hollow Recreation Area, primitive camping areas offer level, wooded sites. Fred S. reported, "Stayed at the primitive section of the campground. Site C was level for our camper van. Large, spacious site. Wooded. Fire ring."
Affordable options: Virginia Grove Recreation Area provides budget-friendly camping at just $10 per night. Travis R. found it "small and quaint" with electric spots and vault toilets, while Danielle L. simply appreciated that it's "quiet usually."
Shaded areas: Updog RV & Camping offers tree-covered sites that create natural cooling. Joe M. noted, "Lots of trees for great shade in these hot days" and mentioned the "nice pond for some fun fishing" plus "very clean restrooms and showers."
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Some Crossroads RV Park campers mention railroad proximity. John C. warns, "Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away," though others report quieter experiences.
Site spacing limitations: At Updog RV & Camping, some reviewers note tight quarters. Kevin B. found his spot extremely narrow, stating "I had EXACTLY 1 foot left on each side of my slides" and "could not put out my awning as it would hit the camper next to me."
Lake conditions: Lake Darling State Park Campground underwent renovation with the lake being drained and refilled. Douglas P. mentions that "the full hookup sites have the neighbors waste tube close the campers picnic table," which can affect dining.
Seasonal considerations: Geode State Park Campground operates from April through December with limited wintertime access. Douglas P. notes, "The lake itself has been drained for about 3 years now and shows no signs of being filled again. Though they say it will be."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Big Hollow Recreation Area includes a large playground next to the shower house. Travis R. reports it "has a large number of mostly cement camper spots" plus "a large playground and shower house," making it family-friendly.
Beach activities: Lake Darling State Park offers swimming options for families. Tiffany observed, "We went out for a fishing day, boat launch was very nice and entire lake was very clean. There were several people out on the water in kayaks and paddle boats."
Pet-friendly considerations: For pet friendly camping near Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Wilson Lake Park offers concrete pads and hookups. Charles A. notes the campground is "very nice" with "clean rest rooms," though he cautions about ticks, which can affect pets.
Educational opportunities: Bentonsport provides historical learning experiences. Dorothy H. found it an "excellent camping area" and "loved exploring the bridge and the local shops," making it ideal for families interested in regional history.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: At Lake Darling State Park Campground, RVers should note the hookup layout. Douglas P. cautions that "the full hookup sites have the neighbors waste tube close the campers picnic table. Sometimes getting a whiff of black water waste while trying eat dinner leaves a little to be desired."
Pull-through availability: Big Hollow Recreation Area features cement camping pads including pull-through options. Jeremy calls it "a great campground" where "sites are pretty level and easy to get parked" with "full hookup!!!"
Accessibility for larger rigs: Wilson Lake Park accommodates larger RVs with concrete pads. Brian E. confirms it has "nice concrete slabs and all hook ups" for $20 per night, which he considers "worth it."
Site selection strategy: For those seeking privacy at Big Hollow Recreation Area, Sarah J. recommends specific spots: "If you want more privacy and easy access to the lake for kayaking I'd go for 14, 15, and 16. I'm in 32 and it is private and very pretty."
