Best Camping near Mount Vernon, IA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Mount Vernon, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Mount Vernon is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Mount Vernon, IA (138)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground

    1. Lake Macbride State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    86 Photos
    83 Saves
    Coralville Lake, Iowa

    Named after Thomas Macbride, the “father” of Iowa conservation, Lake Macbride State Park is a popular lakeside destination with family friendly outdoor activities. Several multi-use trails wind around the lake, featuring the sights and sounds of Iowa’s native birds. In the summer, soak up the sun by kayaking, paddling or swimming in the lake. Whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or a weekend, Lake Macbride features numerous amenities to enjoy year round.

    Camp in one of the two campgrounds at Lake Macbride. A modern campground is located in the northern unit of the park with full and electric hookups, a shower and restroom, and a trailer dump station. One non modern campground can be found in the southern unit of the park with a beautiful shaded setting near the lake. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and advance reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Lake Macbride State Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $9 - $19 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground

    2. Sugar Bottom Campground

    23 Reviews
    64 Photos
    86 Saves
    North Liberty, Iowa

    Overview

    The Sugar Bottom Campground is located on the shores of Coralville Lake. The Coralville Lake Project is a multipule use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water activities, picnicking, and hunting.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities in Sugar Bottom. Several trails are within Sugar Bottom, including the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail, and a barrier-free asphalt trail.The Sugar Bottom Disc Golf Course is located in the Sugar Bottom Day Use Area and offers 18 partially wooded and open holes. The Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail is located in the Sugar Bottom Day Use Area and offers beginner to expert trails.

    Natural Features

    Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The Sugar Bottom Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the east side of the lake. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Devonian Fossil Gorge is 10 miles away, just below the Coralville Dam. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year-old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty Discovery Points can be found throughout the site. Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the ?????Quilt Capital of Iowa__????? and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground

    3. West Overlook Campground

    15 Reviews
    56 Photos
    45 Saves
    Coralville, Iowa

    Overview

    The West Overlook Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water skiing, picnicking and hunting.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Several trails are within the Dam Complex, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk and barrier-free Veterans Trail.The Devonian Fossil Gorge is just below the dam, offering a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty discovery points can be found throughout the site along with a cell phone audio tour. The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is located in the Dam Complex and offers nine partially wooden and open holes.

    Natural Features

    Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The West Overlook Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the west side of the dam. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the "Quilt Capital of Iowa" and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park

    4. F. W. Kent Park

    16 Reviews
    57 Photos
    102 Saves
    Oxford, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    5. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    168 Photos
    213 Saves
    Baldwin, Iowa

    This campground offers both electric and non-electric sites as well as modern restroom and shower facility. All campsites are available by reservation only.

    Maquoketa Caves State Park is one of the biggest attractions in Jackson County and is a great place for spelunkers and hiking enthusiasts. The caves in the area were formed after millennia of water erosion on limestone bedrock. This park contains more caves than any other state park in Iowa. The park itself covers 370 acres nestled among hardwood trees and high bluffs. With approximately thirteen caves, a great experience awaits you at this interesting and unique state park.

    Bird Watching
    Cave Exploring/Spelunking
    Dump Station
    Geological Formations
    Handicap Access
    Hiking
    Interpretive Exhibit/Display
    Modern Restroom
    Park Office
    Parking
    Picnic Area
    
    Playground
    Registration Building
    Restrooms
    Showers
    Toilet, Pit/Vault
    Trash Dumpster
    Visitor Center
    Water Hydrants
    Wildflower Viewing
    Wildlife Viewing
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades-Kepler State Park

    6. Palisades-Kepler State Park

    8 Reviews
    1 Photo
    78 Saves
    Ely, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinicon Ridge Park

    7. Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    27 Photos
    31 Saves
    Central City, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • No image available

      8. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

      5 Reviews
      34 Saves
      Marion, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access

      $23 - $33 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground

      9. Little Bear Campground

      8 Reviews
      24 Photos
      40 Saves
      West Branch, Iowa

      Banquet facility, Cabin rentals, RV & Tent Camping. Shower and laundry facilities, swimming pool.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs

      $22 - $49 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Wapsipinicon State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Wapsipinicon State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Wapsipinicon State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Wapsipinicon State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Wapsipinicon State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Wapsipinicon State Park Campground
    Showing results 1-10 of 138 campgrounds

    Pet-friendly camping near Mount Vernon

    Recent Reviews in Mount Vernon

    525 Reviews of 138 Mount Vernon Campgrounds


    • Misty B.
      Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
      Nov. 12, 2024

      BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

      Will not be back! Lot of Money and Issues

      Water keeps running out. When it does run its white and tastes nasty. You can't do anything with it except flush and shower and that's if it doesn't run out. Pressure horrible. Was charged $1300 for 6 weeks plus I have to pay coat of utilities. They are no longer maintaining the grounds. The pool has been left unfinished for years and is still sitting empty with minimal plastic netting around it. The streets are caving in. The swimming water is right next to the beach pond where your stool is broken down and treated (although it isn't working correctly causing massive issues with odor, color and taste and then recycled back to your camper for showering and drinking water, washing dishes, etc. Hills (where campers park) all lead to bottom of hill where pond is, so if maintenance is this bad now, imagine sliding downhill into the pond due to ice and snow. Showers have push button that only runs water for couple minutes and it's set temp so you have no control over the temp at all. The whole park is run down, lots are extremely small and parking is only on gravel, but many lots only have enough gravel to park a camper so you have to park on other side of park and rent a golf cart (which is extremely high at 100 for 2 days or 60 for one day.) or walk. I could go on, but many others will be posting to tell the same. Had to move from lot 69 to 85 because it was so slanted my disabledd daughter couldn't make it across the lot to the camper. (She has autism and cerebral palsy)

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from 6B's Campground
      Nov. 10, 2024

      6B's Campground

      Duo-Layered Camping Experience

      My twin brother and I discovered this little hidden gem of a campground outpost just a mile or so east of Maquoketa Caves SP. This nature-infested outpost is split into 2 levels with an upper plateau section that is more geared towards the tent-pitchin’ bredren of my tribe, while the lower level straddles the Maquoketa River and offers up splendid waterfront views of the slow-moving, fresh-water creek variety. Apart from the very welcoming folks that run this place, led by Karen Townsend, what I loved most about 6B’s was the very welcoming community of fellow campers who rolled out the‘red carpet’ treatment for us when we rocked up. The upper level offers up only a solid picnic table, in-ground fire rings w/ fold-up BBQ grills and a tree-lined backdrop with a fenced in front lawn– perfect for a quick and EZ set-up. Massive bonus points for the location of this campground, which apart from rural country farmers and bat cave tourist passerby traffic, there was virtually no noise pollution to battle with.

      If you’re rolling in on an RV, 5th wheeler or trailer, while you likely could park your mobile living room on the upper plateau, you’ll likely feel much more comfortable on the lower river basin, providing that you can make it down the somewhat steep decline gravel road(this is Iowa, so I don’t think anyone will be too challenged, but just want to put the decline out there). Before you’ve arrived at the river’s edge, you’ll notice a simply sublime solo picnic table that has strategically been placed in one of the very large, abandoned bat caves, which makes for a very special picnic outing. Turning left as you reach the riverfront, you’ll follow a single, narrow loop that offers up slots on a first-come, first-served basis, with each offering up water, 30 amp electric, boat ramp, diving platform and a fairly flat landing to park for the night or a week(or even month!).

      Downsides? This camping outpost only accepts cash, money order or checks, which was a major bummer for us as we didn’t have any of those with us and while there were banks nearby(well, some 30 miles away), we weren’t members of the bank, which wasn’t even open, on account that it was after noon on a Saturday, so yeah, while a small thing, it became quite a big deterrent for us. If you can get this solo downside, there really is nothing else but upside, chief of which includes direct access to the Maquoketa River, which we enjoyed, given we were toting my tandem kayak with us, as well as, of course, just 3 miles west to Maquoketa Caves SP.

      Happy Camping!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
      Nov. 10, 2024

      Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

      Eco-Locate This Blissful Hidden Campground Gem

      This Iowa SP campground is simply AMAZING and if you are a bat cave spelunker, you are going to be absolutely excited by this place, if you don’t know it already. For the rest of us outdoor enthusiasts who are simply looking for a great campground, then you’ve also struck the campground lottery, but if you are interested in staying here, I would STRONGLY encourage you to mind your dates taking note of when bat hibernation ends and begins – for what it’s worth, my brother and I drove all the way here only to find out that hibernation began the day of our arrival. That said, we could still hike all of the amazing trails, but couldn’t access the bat caves.

      The campground that resides here, is less than a quarter mile away from the access point to the bat caves, creating huge upside for selecting this campground in the first place. A heavily wooded area encompasses every single site (there’s 28 in total w/ 24 offering 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric) providing a substantial amount of shade, will also allowing decent sunlight as well along a slowly winding lone lane that leads one into this shrouded camping haven. While the spots (#12-#16) towards the end of the lane are more earmarked for mi tent pitchin’ bredren, whereas the rest of the sites (#1-#11; #17-#28) are set-up for the RV and 5th Wheel toting crowd (although you could easily set up a tent on any one of these sites should you choose to).

      A couple of points to keep in mind– the entrance to the campground is the busiest, so if this is of concern, steer clear of #1-#3 or #27-#28. Second, if you have kids and want to be planted near the playground, you might want to target sites #26-#28, where the spacious kids playground sets right behind these sites. In the event that being nearest the built-in amenities (restroom, shower, water source, community library, trash, firewood) are important to you, then look at sites #5-7 and #23-26. With this in mind, as you meander further down the lone campground loop lane, the quieter and more sheltered the place gets, so from #6-#24 should be a prime target for you if peace & solitude are important to you. Despite all of the advice I’ve just given, I don’t think you can really go wrong with any site here.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking for a primitive tent camping experience, then you’re going to want to book sites #12 and #13, which set a bit further back for the cul-de-sac end of the lane offering up more privacy and less noise from the rest of the camping commune; (2) All sites designated for RV’s are back-in and range in driveway length between 31 and 68 feet; (3) The campground itself is closed between December 1 thru February 28 each year; (4) This SP offers up more than 370 acres with 6 miles of hiking trails with 13 distinct bat caves to explore, so bring good hiking shoes, headlamps, proper long sleeve shirts and pants to keep the bugs and ticks away, which abound here aplenty; and (5) There’s plenty of picnic tables, most under shelters as well as scattered stand-up and in-ground BBQ grills all offered up on a first-come, first-served basis.

      Happy Camping!

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Pond
      Oct. 9, 2024

      Horseshoe Pond

      Nice smaller CG in City of Maquoketa, Iowa

      CG offers gravel pads, tables, fire rings, electric, sump station, water, small pond with fishing, paddling, dog park. Close to stores for supplies, dining, fuel.

    • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
      Oct. 2, 2024

      Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

      Nice campground, fun caves, older established state park

      My mom remembers visiting this park in the 40's. Not a surprise since Grampa was a Geologist.
      This is a small campground for such an old park, only 34 sites, walk-ins included. All sites are along one road with a turnaround at the end. There is only one building with toilets, showers and no pit toilets. These are clean and well maintained.
      There is a playground near the entrance that is shared with the caves entrance area, a bit of a walk.
      The caves themselves are down a long hill from the campground. There are facilities there too, and a concession stand with limited hours/ days. The caves are fun to explore, but not ADA accessible. Bring flashlights and in some areas watch your head.
      The Visitor's center at the park entrance is staffed by volunteers and only open on weekends.
      Once you've done the caves, there's not much else to see within the park. But visit the Hurstville interpretive center for a nice nature center and trails.

    • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
      Sep. 23, 2024

      Lake Iowa County Park

      very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

      Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

      Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
      Sep. 19, 2024

      Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

      Very nice County cabin near Wapsi River

      Cabin sleeps 6, has all amenities including firewood at no cost! Education center onsite with live animals, trails, open year round, Wapsipinicon River below bluff offers paddling, fishing. Menke Observatory offers sky programs.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bennett Park
      Sep. 19, 2024

      Bennett Park

      Nice small County CG with pond

      Campground is nice with a few newer amenities, including shower house and handicap campsite. Gravel pads at sites include tables, fire, pits, electric,. There’s a dump station, play area, shelters for rent, and a pond that you can actually swim and fish and paddling.

    • Fred S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Langwood Education Center
      Sep. 5, 2024

      Langwood Education Center

      Great place!

      Langwood Education Center looks like a great spot for a weekend camping trip, especially if you’re into outdoor education. If you’re planning to camp there with kids, it could be a fun way to blend learning and adventure. Plus, it’s close enough to larger cities, making it convenient for a quick getaway. I’ve been planning something similar but also juggling a lot of writing assignments lately. For those who need help with academic papers or essays while on the go, https://99papers.com/essay-writing/ has been a great resource. They’ve saved me a lot of time when I’ve had deadlines looming. Anyway, has anyone visited recently and can share tips on the best trails or activities for families?

    • Jeff and Linda L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Bluff County Park
      Sep. 2, 2024

      Wildcat Bluff County Park

      Nice small park

      Small quite county park with electricity at most sites. First come sites. On Labor Day weekend only 5 campers there out of 21 sites. We found one with mostly shade. There is a first class 21 hole frisbee golf course at this park. Close to 52 mile Cedar Valley Nature bike trail. On the Cedar River. Boats were going in and out, I would guess you could Kayak there. One half mile on gravel to the park. No cell service.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sherman Co Park
      Aug. 28, 2024

      Sherman Co Park

      Scenic County park along Wapsipinicon River

      The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
      Aug. 28, 2024

      Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

      Nice modern cabin in County campground

      Cabin sits at end of campground lane with covered porch, parking for 3 cars, ADA accessible. Cabin has 2 sleeping rooms, sleeping loft, and sofa. Capacity is 10, with all kitchen amenities. Has fire pit, wood available in campground, tables, and gas grill with rental. Playground nearby, park has seasonal pool, garden of course, trails, Pride Lake for fishing and paddling.

    • W
      Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Ridge
      Aug. 24, 2024

      Riverview Ridge

      Unique River and Trail Access Campground

      Two hour float trips on the North Fork Maquoketa River are available directly from the campground. There is a mix of permanent and temporary campers. The tent sites, nearest the river, are well spaced with flush toilets. Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Interstate RV Park
      Aug. 22, 2024

      Interstate RV Park

      Overnight stop along I-80

      Campground has gravel lanes, roads pads, appears to have annual residence, campground office, pool is clean, planes, farm, and fleet nearby for Supplies. Sites include tables, water, electric, though need updating.

    • Evan G.
      Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
      Aug. 22, 2024

      F. W. Kent Park

      The perfect weekend get away

      My dad and I tent cramped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City.

    • Jim C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
      Aug. 18, 2024

      Little Bear Campground

      Great week of camping

      This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month. But they don't allow monthly stays

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Summit Cabin 2, West Lake Park
      Aug. 15, 2024

      Summit Cabin 2, West Lake Park

      Very, very clean, County, modern cabin, surrounded by Prairie overlooking lake

      This cabin has all modern conveniences with two sleeping rooms, full service, kitchen, living room, with sofa, sleeper, and fireplace, ADA bathroom and a covered porch overlooking the lake. There’s a gas grill, fire pit, picnic table for outdoor recreation. The park offers kayak rentals, paddle boat rentals, swimming beach in season, and concessions.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Summit Cabin 1
      Aug. 15, 2024

      Summit Cabin 1

      Very nice, clean County cabin overlooking lake

      This modern cabin offers to better bedrooms, full service, kitchen, living room, with sofa, sleeper, and fireplace, ADA bathroom, covered porch with chairs and view of the lake, fire pit, and picnic table outside. Park offers, kayak and paddleboard, rentals, concessions, and a swimming beach in season.

    • Evan G.
      Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
      Aug. 12, 2024

      F. W. Kent Park

      The perfect Amana colonies campsite

      Amazing experience with lots of amenities and space to spread out.

      Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets, lots of stuff to do, including: hiking, swimming, kayaking, easy to get to amenities and grocery stores. plenty of trails and overlooks with picnic benches. Fire pits With built in grill grates.

    • Kim F.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Ridge Campground
      Aug. 10, 2024

      Windmill Ridge Campground

      Hidden little gem

      Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.

    • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
      Aug. 9, 2024

      Lake Iowa County Park

      Great spot for a great price

      Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

      Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

      The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

      But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

      I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

      Other than that it was a great spot.



    Guide to Mount Vernon

    Camping near Mount Vernon, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Explore the caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, you can hike through unique caves. One visitor said, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous."
    • Hiking trails: Backbone State Park has stunning trails. A camper mentioned, "Tons of trails, specifically the spot we camped at was right by the trail so we had easy access."
    • Fishing and swimming: At Lake Macbride State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. One review noted, "The park offers lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails, education center."

    What campers like:

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground said, "Bathrooms were clean. Easy in and out of the campground."
    • Quiet atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at F. W. Kent Park shared, "A nice out of the way campground. Very quiet."
    • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the campground hosts. A guest at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park said, "Staff was very friendly and helpful."

    What you should know:

    • Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds, like Shady Creek, are only open from May to October. A camper noted, "This is a seasonal campground."
    • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River lacks showers, as one visitor pointed out, "Showers available with warm water, bearable."
    • Train noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks, which can be noisy. A reviewer at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground mentioned, "When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Backbone State Park, one reviewer said, "There was a naturalist station with several activities that would be good for families."
    • Pack insect repellent: Bugs can be a nuisance, especially near water. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground noted, "Bugs (actually had a hornets nest in my electrical plug-in compartment)."
    • Bring games for downtime: Having outdoor games can keep kids entertained. A visitor at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park mentioned, "There’s a cute little area with outside games like corn hole and yard checkers."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check site sizes: Some sites may be tight for larger RVs. A reviewer at Sugar Bottom Campground said, "The biggest downside: hard to tell until you see your site if you have water pump close enough!"
    • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA offer full hookups, which many RVers appreciate. One camper noted, "Loads of sites with what appears to be FHU’s."
    • Plan for limited cell service: Some areas may have spotty reception. A visitor at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River mentioned, "Excellent AT&T service, remote worked from my site for four hours today."

    Camping near Mount Vernon, IA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

    Frequently Asked Questions