Best Campgrounds near New London, IA
Southeastern Iowa's countryside surrounding New London features a mix of state parks, county recreation areas, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Geode State Park Campground, located 15 miles south near Danville, offers both tent and RV camping with electrical hookups and modern facilities, operating from April through December. Big Hollow Recreation Area near Sperry provides a comprehensive camping experience with boat-in access, cabins, and both primitive and developed sites. Several private RV parks in Mount Pleasant cater specifically to larger rigs with full hookups, while river access points along the Skunk River and Mississippi River corridors provide more rustic camping opportunities with varying levels of amenities.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the New London area. Spring flooding can affect riverside campgrounds, particularly those along the Cedar and Skunk Rivers. As one camper noted, "When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds." Most campgrounds operate from April through October, though several remain open year-round with reduced services during winter months. Cell service varies considerably across the region, with better coverage near towns and spotty reception in more remote areas. Reservation policies differ by location, with county parks typically operating on a first-come, first-served basis while state parks and private campgrounds often require advance booking, especially during summer weekends.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area exemplifies the area's water-oriented camping with sites along the Cedar River that provide fishing access and boat ramps. According to a recent visitor, "There are sites along the river, while others are larger tucked along the woods and not close to each other. Perfect getaway." Birdwatching opportunities abound, particularly in spring and fall migration seasons when warblers, herons, and eagles can be spotted. Train noise affects some Mississippi River campgrounds, with one camper warning that trains "come by about every hour behind the campsite and blow horns at crossings." Site spacing varies dramatically between locations, from the cramped quarters at some private RV parks to the well-spaced, shaded sites at state and county parks.
