Top Tent Camping near Mount Vernon, IA
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Best Tent Sites Near Mount Vernon, IA (28)
1. Lake Macbride Campground
25 Reviews•86 Photos•83 SavesFrom the website: UPDATE 10/5/2020: The north and south campgrounds, and day-use lodge will remain closed the remainder of the recreation season due to the August 10 severe weather event. Visitors are discouraged from using trails at this time due to hazard trees, with exception of the North Shore Trail and Beach to Dam Trail. The remainder of the park is now open. This recreation area is part of Coralville Lake
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$9 - $19 / night
2. Cedar River Campground
8 Reviews•17 Photos•32 SavesWe are a seasonal campground open April 15 thru October 15. We have seasonal, monthly, weekly, and overnight rates. We have planned activities as well as many amenities. River frontage, canoe/ tube rental, mini golf, pool and so much more.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$35 - $50 / night
3. Macbride Nature Recreation Area
1 Review•3 Photos•5 SavesMacbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) is a 485-acre peninsula that has been leased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the University of Iowa since 1969. There are ten kilometers of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. MNRA is home to the Environmental Education Programs: School of the Wild, Wildlife Camps, and Iowa Raptor Project. MNRA is located 15 miles north of Iowa City at 3895 Raptor Ridge Road, near Solon, Iowa.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
4. Wakpicada Natural Area
1 Review•11 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
5. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
1 Review•26 Photos•13 SavesAre you looking for the opportunity to be free and connect with nature naturally? A place to reconnect with your soul or reconnect with your significant other(s). Do you need to escape life for even just a little bit? A place to safely be your true self or selves. Our spaces are all about privacy and relaxing in nature peacefully. Perfect for first time clothing optional experiences. Maybe you just prefer a quiet natural low key space to relax.
Are you a regular camper who is tired of the busy big campgrounds? Need a overnight camping spot that is more nature and less people?
Looking for a place to relax in the sun naturally and just take some time for yourself or time with the special people in your life? Along with offering overnight camping sites, we offer day passes for those who just want some chill time within the day. A day pass gives you access to the property, relaxing chairs for that perfect moment in the sun and the woods to wander as you connect with nature. Perfect for a lunch break or just a step away from life for a few hours. Sneak away and take some moments to recharge yourself naturally. Day passes can be a bit tricky to book, reach out if you need help with the site.
We hope you will find that this is a place for everything listed above and so much more. A space to enjoy some downtime, quiet at peace with nature, and a place for restorative just-for-me time. Perfect for yoga in the woods or a natural spot to meditate. Not a commercial campground, just a piece of personal property that we are looking to share with others who enjoy time in nature. We enjoy our natural privacy and welcome you to experience the same. We are stewards of the property and are charged with taking care of all that Mother Nature has given us. If you need space to think, read a book, or just be you, this could be the right fit. Very private and peaceful, perfect for those looking for some alone time or time with family/friends. Forget the news, forget work, forget city life, and just take in the moments; while listening to the birds sing, (Pull out your Merlin app) to see who's singing!
Your hosts are here if you need us, but we leave you to enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace. We give you privacy to enjoy your stay fully.
We have 15 acres of woods with a natural rock bluff, so many different spaces which allow you to fully bond with nature. Trails to wander and wildlife to see. Clothing is optional through out all of the property; overnight camping and sunbathing/day pass spots are available.
Located on the Wapsipinicon River. Camp sites are very private and tucked away from life's stresses. Relax in the woods. Watch the cows and calves moo in the nearby pasture. Walk nature trails with native wildlife and flora. Great photo opportunities abound. Cast a line to catch dinner. Escape to nature is the key to this property; find yourself tucked away from city sounds and light pollution. Come out to see the sunset/sunrise, check out the stars, read a good book, lay out in your favorite hammock, find yourself, and be at peace. Great place for a nice camping fire; treat yourself to some smores. Peaceful sounds at night of the river flowing as you drift off to sleep in your tent. Perfect little spot for peaceful relaxation and just taking some time. Walk the trails in your natural skin, shoot photos of all the different plants, listen to the birds and animals scurry, enjoy the sunshine, and feel the warmth on all of your body. Put in your canoe or kayak at Olin for a 3-4 hour float to our camping area. There are lots of state parks within a short drive; visit the only Presidential library in Iowa; and tour some amazing caves in nearby parks. Enjoy the Great Jones County Fair only 30 mins away.. So much to do, and then come back to a space without crowds and just chill.
Welcoming to all, we love to meet new people and let them share in the joy of bonding with nature freely.
**Property Owner is certified in Massage, offering sessions at the property.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
$20 - $45 / night
6. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
5 Reviews•63 Photos•5 SavesThe Wapsi River Environmental Education Center is located along the Wapsipinicon River and consists of 225 acres of upland and bottomland forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Wapsi Center, along with Sherman Park across the river, provide a 432-acre complex offering a wide variety of uses. The larger of the two campsites at the Center, Elm Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site. The site offers flat ground for many tents, two fire pits, picnic tables, trash cans, and two sets of horseshoe pits. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site. Vincent Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site offering a fire pit, picnic tables, and trash can. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$17 - $80 / night
7. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
1 Review•13 Photos•1 SaveThis is a primitive, pack-in campsite. Located northwest of the Learning Center, it features a fire ring with sitting stones, an ADA platform for a tent, and one replica Wickiup. This pack-in site is designed for youth groups and single family use only. It attempts to recreate what life was like for the woodland peoples who lived here hundreds of years ago. Renters will need to carry in/carry out all equipment and refuse. There is a pit vault restroom nearby.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$54 / night
8. Wildcat Den State Park
9 Reviews•69 Photos•63 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$6 - $9 / night
10. Hidden River Campground
1 Review•5 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Mount Vernon
497 Reviews of 28 Mount Vernon Campgrounds
- j
joelle V.
Traveler
West Overlook Campground
Wonderful place to enjoy Fall Colors
We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors.
Mandy F.
Scout
Lake Iowa County Park
Wasn't free
It was beautiful, full of wildlife, easy to find,not too far from highway but far away enough to not hear
James M.
Legend
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.Legend
Maquoketa Caves State Park
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.- Wendy R.Traveler
Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground
Peaceful and close to a town
There are sites along the river, while others are larger tucked along the woods and not close to each other. Perfect get away. 15-20 minutes to the closest town.
- Wendy R.Traveler
Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
Primitive perfection
Indian Meadows has individual private sites. If you’re seeking seclusion, this is it! Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen. Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking.
- Ken G.
GuideLake 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.Legend
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.Legend
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.
- Jerry H.Scout
Swiss Valley County Park
Very nice experience
Nice trails around. Camp was clean. Cool creek and bridge. Priced appropriately at $23 a night.
Fred S.Scout
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?
- James M.Legend
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.Legend
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.
- WWayne K.Traveler
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.Legend
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.Guide
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.Traveler
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
- Evan G.Guide
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.ScoutWindmill 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.
RangerLake 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.
Leslie P.Scout
Hannen County Park
Relaxing spot in Iowa
Beautiful relaxing spot. We were in a spot on a hill top.
- CColleen L.Scout
Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
Great location and amenities
I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.
- AAngelika M.Traveler
Wildcat Den State Park
Lovely hidden space
Found by hiking at the Wildcat Den State Park. Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees. Places are gras. Sorry for my english, Camp from Germany :-)
Robert P.Scout
Blue Inn Campground
Reservations
I made a reservation back in April 20 q24 June 26th 6 days before vacation I received a refund notice from them not in the full amount I paid less than a half
- James M.Legend
F. W. Kent Park
Great County park with lake
Park offers: lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails, education center. Sites offer: hard surface, table, fire rings, hosts, firewood for purchase, play areas, RR, storm shelters, views.
- Nick B.Traveler
Tailwater West Campground
Fishing excursion
Very nice and clean. It is right at the base of a dam on one side and calm backwater on the other. Also very nice place to find fossils among the back rocks. Don't plan on using Verizon. I had 1 bar could get texts but not enough to have internet.
- Charles M.Ranger
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Beautiful State Park
This park is beautiful and perfect for an adventurous hike. The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous. It proved to be tons of fun for me, my son and his friends. We would definitely go back.
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mount Vernon, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Vernon, IA is Lake Macbride Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mount Vernon, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Mount Vernon, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.