13 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Public lands surrounding Mount Pleasant, Iowa offer several tent camping options within a short drive. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area provides primitive tent-only sites with walk-in access along a waterway. Campers must park within 100 yards and pack gear to their sites. Eldon Wildlife Management Area offers dispersed tent camping with drive-in and walk-in options about 30 miles southwest of Mount Pleasant. Brinton Timber, located northwest of Mount Pleasant near Brighton, features basic tent campsites in a wooded setting near Skunk River. River Junction in Lone Tree provides primitive tent campgrounds with basic amenities approximately 35 miles north of Mount Pleasant.
Most tent-only sites in the region have minimal amenities. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area features picnic tables and fire rings at some sites, with drinking water and showers available at the main campground area. Campers at Eldon Wildlife Management Area should bring all necessary supplies as the area lacks facilities, including drinking water and toilets. Brinton Timber offers fire rings, picnic tables, and composting toilets but no showers or running water. Sites typically have dirt or grass surfaces with varying levels of shade. Seasonal considerations include summer insects and potential flooding near waterways during spring. Most areas permit fires when no bans are in effect, but firewood availability varies by location.
Indian Meadows Campground in Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, though slightly farther away in Illinois, provides secluded tent camping experiences. According to reviews, "Indian Meadows has individual private sites. If you're seeking seclusion, this is it." Sites range from open areas to more enclosed, forest-surrounded spots. At Eldon Wildlife Management Area, one camper noted finding "two spots perfect for camping" at the end of Umber Avenue with "no road noise or visitors." Brinton Timber campers reported the area was "free" with "no one disturbed us," making it popular for budget-conscious tent campers seeking solitude. Walk-in tent sites at Saulsbury Bridge are "spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling etc." Most primitive tent camping areas in the region provide access to water activities, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
"I've stayed here every summer great place lots todo with the kids had a lake to fish, kayak, canoe. Has and outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat"
"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. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors."
"There is very little shade and we’re here in 95° but there is a slight breeze. Nice, quiet, secluded spot to spend a couple of days. But watch out for the ticks in the long grass"
"24 years ago River Jct Lone Tree Iowa was Just stumptown. Outhouse at the top. Just a spot by the river. A lone camper. How things have changed . Still primitive tent campgrounds there."
"The brick and mortar restroom is far better than the campsite bathroom. Most campsites are close together but enough forest in between to feel private. Quiet hours are enforced."
"Shower/RR nearby, trails including horse and bike . Main park has firewood, boat rentals, etc."
from $14 - $32 / night
Check Availability"The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too."
from $10 / night
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Scout$25 a night with Wi-Fi that actually works! I absolutely love it out here I'm not sure how busy it gets but there's no one out here right now in Oct! Electrical hookup at every site, water hook up every other site. But lots of sites available!
GuideVery nice campground. They have a bunch of man-made lakes down here, fishing peers. Well kept mode, all grassy with gravel parking spaces $,20 a night.\n With power and water sewer dump in town at Fairgrounds
LegendThis campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.
GuideBeautiful wooded campsites. Pit toilet in the Class A section (with electricity). Road in campground had a lot of potholes. It was quiet with just a few campers. Wood to burn available (pay by Venmo). Price was good.
ScoutLake Darling is by far the best, cleaners, friendliest campground I hand every stayed at.... Traveling all the way from New Mexico they really make everything easy and welcoming thanks Iowa for welcoming us
ScoutHas bathrooms that are clean... Beautiful landscape and quiet
LegendThere’s something wonderfully mesmerizing about camping beside the Mississippi River, where you can sit together and watch everything from great blue herons to enormous towboats slowly make their way past your campsite, and tiny Fairport State Recreation Area gives families a front-row seat to it all. Located about seven miles east of Muscatine and roughly 20 miles from Davenport, this intimate 42-site campground is decidedly more about the river than resort-style recreation, with every back-in campsite offering 20/30/50-amp electric service and many providing beautiful views across the water. Families will find modern restrooms and showers, accessible water, a dump station and small playground, while two boat ramps with docks make getting onto the Mississippi wonderfully EZ for an afternoon of boating or fishing for walleye and catfish. One of my favorite little pleasures here is simply pointing the chairs toward the river as evening arrives and watching the barges glide silently past while everyone tries to spot one more bird before darkness settles over the water. At Fairport, the Mississippi isn’t something you drive somewhere to see - it becomes part of your campsite. From what we saw, the best campsites are 37–42, where the western row puts you closest to the Mississippi and provides some of the campground’s prettiest river views. We would definitely recommend Fairport for families who love boating, fishing and life along the water because it’s small, wonderfully convenient and beautifully positioned on the Mississippi - just know that the nearby railroad provides last minute surprising loud sirens, including during the night, so light sleepers might want to pack earplugs along with the marshmallows.
ScoutQuiet place. Camp host was friendly. Bathroom needs a little care but overall great campground. As far as cellular service, I was only getting one bar, however Starlink worked great.
RangerIt’s a small gravel turnaround and not very level in the grasses but if you have a pick of the spots you’ll be able to settle. There is very little shade and we’re here in 95° but there is a slight breeze. Nice, quiet, secluded spot to spend a couple of days. But watch out for the ticks in the long grass
Tent campsites near Mount Pleasant, Iowa offer several dispersed camping options in rural Washington County. The region sits within the Skunk River watershed at elevations ranging from 600-700 feet above sea level, with oak-hickory woodlands dominating the landscape. Most tent camping areas require visitors to bring their own water supplies during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Eldon Wildlife Management Area, campers can observe native Iowa wildlife in a natural setting. One camper noted 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."
Paddling excursions: Windmill Ridge Campground provides access to several small waterways suitable for kayaking and canoeing within a 5-mile radius. The property is "set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers."
Historical exploration: Visit the historic Manhattan Bridge Access area, approximately 32 miles west of Mount Pleasant. The location features remnants of early Iowa settlement structures and access to fishing spots along the South Skunk River.
Privacy between sites: Tent campers appreciate the seclusion at Spring Lake Campground where sites are spaced far enough apart to provide privacy. According to one visitor, it's "a gem! Nice place for kids and adults! Would highly recommend. Get there early or make reservations fills fast!"
Fishing access: Several primitive campsites provide direct access to fishing opportunities. Spring Lake Campground has "a lake to fish, kayak, canoe. Has and outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat."
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers can find free or low-cost tent sites throughout the region. River Junction offers basic sites at reasonable rates, with one camper noting, "$10 per night. Bear & Sue's Adventure 2021."
Limited facilities: Most primitive tent sites lack basic amenities. At River Junction, expect "primitive tent campgrounds there. Alot of sites. Boat ramp. Camper sites no electricity." The site was once known simply as "stumptown" with just "Outhouse at the top. Just a spot by the river."
Site availability concerns: Some listed campgrounds may no longer be operational. Upper Augusta Skunk River Access has been reported as potentially closed, with one visitor stating, "I don't think this camp site exists anymore. There is a roadside stop next to it with a Pavillion but no campground."
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites can be challenging after rainfall. Many are unpaved and may require vehicles with higher clearance during wet periods, especially March through May.
Lake activities: Indian Meadows Campground offers family-friendly water access. "Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking," according to one visitor. The campground features "nice wooded sites including tables and fire pits best suited for tent and car camping."
Amenities proximity: When camping with children, choose sites where facilities are nearby. Indian Meadows has "Shower/RR nearby, trails including horse and bike. Main park has firewood, boat rentals, etc."
Site selection: For families needing more privacy, select enclosed sites at certain campgrounds. At Indian Meadows, "Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen."
Access limitations: Most primitive tent sites near Mount Pleasant have limited access for larger vehicles. Windmill Ridge Campground is one exception, offering "clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles" that's "family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site."
Seasonal considerations: RV campers should note that most sites in the region are seasonal, with Windmill Ridge operating only from "April 1 to November 1."
Parking distance: When tent camping at walk-in sites, expect to carry gear from parking areas. Most sites require a 50-100 yard walk from designated parking spots to the actual campsite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mount Pleasant, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Pleasant, IA is Upper Augusta Skunk River Access with a 1-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mount Pleasant, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Mount Pleasant, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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