Lake Darling State Park and Indian Lake Park are two premier options for glamping near New London, Iowa. The region sits in the Mississippi River watershed at approximately 800 feet above sea level, with rolling landscapes typical of southeast Iowa. Spring and fall offer mild camping conditions with temperatures typically ranging between 50-75°F, while summer can reach the high 80s with moderate humidity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Spring Lake Park in Illinois features exceptional fishing. "The lake is great for boating and fishing and there are boats for rent during the warmer seasons," notes Kyle D.
Hiking trails: Explore the network of trails at Waubonsie Trail Park. "We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day. I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup," shares Joyce M.
Water recreation: Spring Lake Park offers multiple water activities. "Kayak/Canoe/Pontoon rentals. CHEAP primitive camping. Miles of trails. Staff and caretakers keep the trails extremely clean. Excellent views of the large lake the trails go around," according to Nick D.
Geode hunting: The Catfish Place Campground provides access to mineral collecting spots. "Close to geode hunting locations!! Quiet. There is also a restaurant on site," reports Amy W.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Keokuk County Belva Deer Park maintains high-quality amenities. "Clean park warm showers. $12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance," writes Keith B.
Peaceful settings: Windmill Ridge Campground offers a tranquil atmosphere. "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," according to Kim F.
Affordability: Indian Lake Park provides value with multiple accommodation options. "Nice campground with some newer facilities, well kept up and clean. There are 2 parts to the campground, both nice and fairly full-but not completely on the weekend we stayed," shares Molly L.
Convenient locations: Haven Hills Campground and Resort offers access to nearby towns. "Had such a great time and got to visit Aledo and see the charm of this small town!" notes Chole C.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Plan ahead for luxury glamping accommodations. "The new five season cabins. Great all year round!" mentions Dani K. about Lake Darling State Park.
Site selection considerations: At Lake Darling State Park Campground, be aware of hookup layout issues. "Our family has been camping at Lake Darling for the past couple of years. Opportunities for improvement would be that the full hookup sites have the neighbors waste tube close the campers picnic table," warns Douglas P.
Facility condition variations: At Spring Lake Park, expect mixed amenity conditions. "There are 2 clean but dated bathhouses available. It's the most reasonably priced campsite that we have found so far," reports Colleen H.
Seasonal differences: The Catfish Place operates with seasonal limitations. "My family stayed in our popup last September and it was great. Friendly staff, nice clean bathroom and showers," Amy W. explains.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Indian Lake Park offers family-friendly facilities. "A bathhouse with showers. A stone lodge for large parties. There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach," Dave N. shares.
Water activities for children: The Catfish Place Campground provides fishing from campsites. "Spot on beautiful pond. It was great to be able to fish from our site," Amy W. recalls.
Rental options: Haven Hills offers recreational equipment. "It's gorgeous and you can rent golf carts for the day!!!" according to Chole C.
Group accommodation: Waubonsie Trail Park works well for family gatherings. "Great campground for a small group event," Tracy J. notes.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Lake Darling State Park features relatively flat camping spots. "Sites were fairly level and all pretty close to the showers/restrooms, and well spaced out between sites," Molly L. explains.
Hookup variations: Indian Lake Park offers multiple hookup types. "It has full hookups, tent site swim beach, fishing, canoes, and playgrounds also cabins a stone lodge for family get togethers some sites just have electric and water on site and there are some full hookups also a shower house and modern restrooms," according to Mary F.
Road conditions: Windmill Ridge provides good access. "The gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers," Kim F. confirms.
Dump station availability: Many campgrounds near New London feature sanitary dump stations. "They also have a dump station," adds Mary F. about Indian Lake Park.
