Best Tent Camping near New Albin, IA

Looking for an adventure where you can explore New Albin and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Iowa camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near New Albin, IA (19)

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest

    1. Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest

    12 Reviews
    46 Photos
    4 Saves
    Waterville, Iowa

    Yellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units.

    The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist, with well-kept camping areas, equestrian accommodations, fishing, hunting, and over 45 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group

    $12 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from South Bear Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Acres

    3. Shady Rest Acres

    2 Reviews
    17 Photos
    22 Saves
    Hokah, Minnesota

    Camp along a Mississippi tributary beside the Minnesota-Wisconsin line in this whimsical farm paradise. Run around the pasture, take a walk in the forest or dip your toes in the flowing creek at Shady Rest Acres. You are welcome to sit back, relax, and observe the farm animals. No guest are allowed inside the fenced off area of pasture without a host with them. We do have 4 well behaved dog's an 8 indoor outdoor cats, cows, goats, sheep, mini donkeys, ducks, chickens, turkeys and honey bee's. Tent Sites Pitch a tent in the field beside a fire pit and get a great view of the night sky or pitch a tent beneath the walnut trees beside the creek and relax in a hammock. Bee Relaxed Studio If you would rather stay indoors, kick back in the fully furnished studio with a wood burning stove and vinyl record player. Please no pets in the studio. No matter where you decide to stay at Shady Rest Acres you will be in close proximity to the Mississippi River, Beaver Creek Valley State Park, and Great River Bluffs State Park. This area is great for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. When making reservations please include in your total any person over the age of two.

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    • Trash
    • Firewood Available

    $40 - $120 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Houston Nature Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest

    6. Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest

    2 Reviews
    10 Photos
    3 Saves
    Waterville, Iowa

    You may hear a cow moo at the hike-in sites in Camp John Shultz but you’ll not likely hear people. If you do have to share the camp, there are five segregated campsites that are well spaced and feel private. Sites range from partial shade to full shade and all but two have fire rings.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    7. Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    1 Save
    Waterville, Iowa

    Yellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units.

    The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist, with well-kept camping areas, equestrian accommodations, fishing, hunting, and over 45 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

    Frontier equestrian campgrounds are non-modern and have non-electric sites with hitching rails and vault toilets

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Equestrian

    $16 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sparta Campground — Elroy-Sparta State Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparta Campground — Elroy-Sparta State Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparta Campground — Elroy-Sparta State Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparta Campground — Elroy-Sparta State Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparta Campground — Elroy-Sparta State Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparta Campground — Elroy-Sparta State Trail
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Justin Trails Resort

      10. Justin Trails Resort

      1 Review
      1 Photo
      2 Saves
      Sparta, Wisconsin

      If your dream vacation is full of details like soft forest light, colorful leaves, and winding trails—that is, if you are thinking of disconnecting and disappearing into the countryside for a few days—then resort camping at Justin Trails Resort eight miles from town is just the ticket. Rejuvenate your spirit and refresh your body with a hike around our 200-acre property or try your hand at disc golf. We have the #1 Disc Golf Course in all of Wisconsin!

      Songbirds chirp in the morning, wild turkey and deer cross the property, and an owl hoots as the sun sets over the ridge. Ready to make a booking at Justin Trails Resort? Review your options and make a booking with us online.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
    Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in New Albin

    491 Reviews of 19 New Albin Campgrounds


    • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
      Nov. 13, 2024

      Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

      Good late season option for the self-contained camper

      Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective. However, the park is situated on the valley bottom of the Yellow River Forest with beautiful tall trees, and there are fire rings. Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March.

    • A
      Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Island City Campground
      Oct. 13, 2024

      Prairie Island City Campground

      Not my type of camping

      We went here as a last minute decision. We were placed in the middle of the seasonal crowd who were loud. Music was playing all day loud enough for half the campground to hear. When the music went up so did their conversations. I go for peace and quiet. If I wanted to be at a concert. I would have gone to a concert. Showers seemed ok but some areas to me seemed kinda junky.

    • Mike L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sparta Campground — Elroy-Sparta State Trail
      Sep. 27, 2024

      Sparta Campground — Elroy-Sparta State Trail

      Non-resident upcharge ($30 vs. $15 plus fees)

      Sites are basic with water, pit toilets, tables and fire rings. I originally planned to stay here but came across the non-resident charges (my state does not do this). I made reservations at the Village of Norwalk and the town of Hillsboro instead. Both have City parks with free tent camping. Norwalk even has showers and RV spots. I've added both to The Dyrt library.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Elkader City Park
      Sep. 22, 2024

      Elkader City Park

      Close to town, nice facilities, not quiet

      I had good Verizon signal here (70 down, 20 up) but zero T-mobile signal.

      The campground is close to down, there are two museums within walking distance (just steps from the campground entrance). Across the street is a walking & biking trail that will take you straight to downtown, where you'll find a coffee shop, a few restaurants, and other shopping. It's less than a 5 minute bike ride to get there, and very scenic as it follows the river.

      The facilities are newer and pretty nice. The showers are the single-button kind with no temperature adjustment. If you wait a while, the water does get barely warm enough for a comfortable shower.

      This is not a quiet campground, it has a well traveled highway on one side, and a city main street on the other side that semi trucks use during the day. Sometimes there are highschool football games at the stadium next to the campground. Late at night it does get quiet.

      The sites are grass or gravel. There are electrical hookups at most sites, with water faucets spread throughout the campground. The sites are mostly shaded.

      I enjoyed the George Maier Rural Heritage Center and Museum ($5 admission) and the Elkader Depot Museum (free) which are located right next to the campground.

      The downside to this campground is the dump station. It is just a hole in a manhole cover. It's in a dirt/weedy area and smells terrible. It's located across the street from the campground.

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from River of Lakes Campground
      Sep. 20, 2024

      River of Lakes Campground

      Ok. Great checkin - however..

      Nice campground with many sites on the Mississippi backwaters and decent fishing stayed two days and opted on a third. However, after we paid for the third night we noticed a campsite on the other side. Of course the first amendment is everyone’s freedom but really ,do campers need to put out “2024 No More Bulls***” AND how about 2024 Fu** your Feelings” that was in front of their welcome sign. These phrases were on massive flags nailed to trees. Of course we all have freedoms but because these vulgar, in your face phrases were seen every time we left the campground we did not feel comfortable. Good thing I did not have my grandkids along. We all have our beliefs, but is offensive language regarding politics have a place in campgrounds have a place? I say “No!” those folks were out of line and it is wrong. We will never return to this campground again.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wyalusing State Park Campground
      Sep. 20, 2024

      Wyalusing State Park Campground

      Nice Park

      Nice sites, trails and facilities. Stayed during the week in mid September. Beautiful sites overlooking the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. Great hiking with clean bathrooms and toilets. Private with plenty of room from neighbors for our teardrop.

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground
      Sep. 19, 2024

      Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground

      Beautiful & peaceful

      Very nice QUIET park! RV Campsites are gravel with fire ring and picnic table. The sites are fairly level. There is also a cabin to rent. Many electric sites.

      Very nice hiking trails, make sure to check the map to plan easy hike up and steep hike downhill! Beautiful vistas on the Switchback trail.

      The Mossy Seep trail has interesting plants and unique growth.

      Big Spring Trail boarders the campground, easy walk to see the Spring. Tried to dip feet in the water but couldn’t leave them in the COLD water for long! Water is crystal clear and flowing fast.

      Bathroom (men’s) if functional, has running water at the sinks and showers work well.

      NO PHONE SERVICE which we appreciated.

      The Restaurant “Good Times” is 4 miles away and has good food and service. Also a grocery store in town in case you need more supplies.

      Leaves are just starting to change in September.

    • A
      Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
      Sep. 18, 2024

      Schmidt Farm by Forestville

      A very peaceful camping experience

      If you're looking for a simpler camping experience focused on getting away from everything and solitude, then this is the place for you.   You can tell that the hosts have put a ton of work and love into their property and I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know them.   The campsites are large and kept up and I picked campsite two so that I could hear the creek behind me and I enjoyed hearing it the whole time I was there plus the Forestville State Park was just across the creek.   The peace and quiet allowed me to have one of the best nights of sleep while camping that I've had, I didn't hear a person or a vehicle the whole night and the crickets, frogs, and occasional hooting owl just added to the nighttime experience.

    • Karen S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Schmidt Farm by Forestville
      Sep. 17, 2024

      Schmidt Farm by Forestville

      A quiet, back to nature experience under dark skies.

      This location offers the opportunity to explore both private trails and less traveled areas of Forestville State Park. Secluded campsites so you are not camping side by side with others. Site locations offer ample space for multiple tents. The native wildflowers are a special treat.

    • FThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Great River Bluffs State Park Campground
      Sep. 8, 2024

      Great River Bluffs State Park Campground

      Lovely Place

      The park is very easy to get to right off the highway. We were greeted by a beautiful meadow with a very well maintained gravel road, stopped by the info station and bought wood and a parking pass (pass is required and is 7$ for one day, easy online purchase). The sites are a bit of a ways into the park but with that maintained road it was very easy. The facilities are great. Very clean bathroom with nice showers (cold water then warmed up). The campground was quiet but there were still a good amount of people staying as well. We stayed just one night and were very happy with this area! Really pretty

    • Tanner D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground
      Aug. 26, 2024

      Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground

      Great place to get away

      My wife and I went there for the weekend and it was great. Clean and spacious sites. The bathrooms were even clean. They also provided free showers. The wood was a reasonable price and easily available at any time of the day. It was also pet friendly. I do wish that they hadn't cleared away so many trees. A little more shade would have been nice since we were in a tent. But other than that was was perfect.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Perrot State Park Campground
      Jul. 24, 2024

      Perrot State Park Campground

      Private Sites Beautiful Park

      We spent 2 nights at this park and enjoyed our stay. The sites are well spaced and well separated by trees. The potable water has high nitrate levels so we had to buy drinking water as filters don’t remove nitrates.

    • T
      Camper-submitted photo from Whiskey Creek Family RV Park
      Jul. 7, 2024

      Whiskey Creek Family RV Park

      Great family park!

      This is a great destination RV park if you are looking for a family getaway or just a quiet trip for two. There is plenty to do at the park including a cool swimming pond with inflatables, live music most weekends, corn hole tournaments, Friday fish fry, and much more. My wife and I have a special needs adult son that they welcomed and fully accommodate. The park is clean and the staff are friendly and helpful. Sparta (Walmart plus other shops) is less than ten minutes away. The park is near an Amish community giving the region a great country feel.

    • Kenneth M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Clayton Hills Campground
      Jul. 6, 2024

      Clayton Hills Campground

      Best Owners Ever

      I was looking around for a place and being the weekend after the 4th of July, I knew there wouldn't be many options. This place is literally a hidden gem and should get more focus!!! The owner had a spot for my family and me!!! When he found out that I was only tent camping, he even lowered the price!!! He didn't have to do that at all and it wasn't expected. Grassy locations everywhere. Wonderful water and electric hookups!!! A little piece of heaven here. JJ is an AMAZING host!!!

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Alana Springs Lodge and Campground
      Jun. 15, 2024

      Alana Springs Lodge and Campground

      Very quiet rural campground

      We stayed here in our tent. This is a rural campground, somewhat dated, but very pleasant. It is true that the bathrooms were an older style but they were clean and functional and we found no fault with them. Most of the residents are seasonal and we had nice shady and grassy areas for tent camping, This campground is not near a busy highway, lake, or either area where there is a lot of noise. It is nice and quiet. The hostess was very nice and welcoming. We would certainly stay here again.

    • Stacey N.
      Camper-submitted photo from Perrot State Park Campground
      Jun. 9, 2024

      Perrot State Park Campground

      Lovely!

      A newly paved road leads into the park with lots of gorgeous views along the way. Very friendly staff. Bathrooms buggy… to be expected… but clean. Shower has ample hot water. Some sites are close together but nicely wooded for privacy. Some sites have water views.

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground
      May. 29, 2024

      Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground

      Decent Camp Ground

      Book this campground last minute over the phone for a weekend of trout fishing in the driftless area. Fishing was great. The upper ridge campground did not have hardly any grass so it got muddy fast when it rained. The pit toilets were kind of dirty though toilet paper was always stocked so that’s a plus. I explored the other 3 campground at sidie hollow while I was there and this is my take. The main campground had nicer facilities and a play ground for kids. The boat landing campground is convenient if you have a boat. The upper ridge campground has the most shade out of all 3 campgrounds (cooler in the summer). The locals sell firewood for $5 a bundle which is awesome. I would stay at this campground again.

    • Tori L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
      May. 26, 2024

      Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

      Dream stay.

      Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.

    • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan City Park
      May. 23, 2024

      Sylvan City Park

      Small city park campground right in town

      Walking distance to downtown and easy access to Root River Trail. RV sites were close to each other with little privacy. Many tent sites around the perimeter. Short walk to bathhouse. Showers are not free, 4 quarters for 5 minutes. No laundry available. Campground is first come/first serve and doesn’t take reservations or online payment. Payment is made at adjacent city office.
      Sites are gravel, fairly level. Water and electric available at rv sites.
      Nice park nearby with stocked fishing pond. There is some noise due to the park being tucked into the city. Garbage and dump station free for campers. They ask for a donation for dumping if not camped there. Tight access at dump station might make it difficult for larger rigs. Strong Verizon signal.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near New Albin, IA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near New Albin, IA is Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near New Albin, IA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near New Albin, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.