Best Campgrounds near Nora Springs, IA

Campgrounds near Nora Springs, Iowa range from established facilities to more primitive options along rivers and lakes. The area includes Camp At The Woods, offering both tent and RV camping with amenities like electric hookups, showers, and drinking water. Shellrock River Preserve provides a more rustic experience with free camping and basic facilities including picnic tables and toilets. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several sites offering water and electric hookups for recreational vehicles. The surrounding countryside features a mix of wooded areas and open spaces near rivers and lakes, creating diverse camping environments within a short drive of town.

Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the year, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Clear Lake State Park Campground specifically notes a season from April 1 to December 31, while MacNider Campground operates from April 15 to October 15. Winter camping options are limited, though some areas like Spring Park remain open year-round. Water access is a significant draw for many campers in the region, with several campgrounds situated along rivers or lakes. Facilities vary widely, from primitive sites with vault toilets to developed campgrounds with full hookups and shower facilities. A visitor noted, "Shellrock River Preserve is quiet, clean, and has some pretty views of the Iowa night sky."

Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings as highlights of their experiences. Cedar Bridge County Park receives praise for its spacious sites and river access, with one camper noting it's "a terrific little RV park with about 20 self-serve sites with electric and water." Water-based recreation opportunities are abundant, with fishing, kayaking, and tubing mentioned in several reviews. Many campgrounds feature hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making them suitable for family outings. While some campgrounds can get busy during summer weekends, visitors report that weekdays typically offer a quieter experience with greater site availability. The proximity to small towns means conveniences are usually within a short drive, though many campers appreciate the feeling of being away from urban environments.

Best Camping Sites Near Nora Springs, Iowa (98)

    1. Camp At The Woods

    4 Reviews
    Nora Springs, IA
    6 miles
    +1 (641) 696-3413

    "Perfect size sites and near the river for some water fun. Pool wasn’t open yet but looked to be a good size. Would go back there again for sure!"

    2. Shellrock River Co Preserve

    4 Reviews
    Nora Springs, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 423-5309

    "Big grassy field surrounded by huge (walnut) trees. There a gravel track that goes along a large river. Trees everywhere so bring bug spray. Quiet, peaceful. Not private but worth it."

    3. MacNider Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mason City, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 421-3679

    $12 - $26 / night

    "There are also awesome parks within walking distance. If we ever come through this area again we will definitely be staying here!"

    4. Rudd Eastside Park

    2 Reviews
    Rockford, IA
    6 miles
    Website

    "We tent camped but they’ve got lots of spaces for campers and tents as well, bathrooms are close, there is a nice lake near with play equipment located at the lake and at the campground, the campground"

    5. Clear Lake State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Clear Lake, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 357-4212

    $17 - $35 / night

    "We love coming to Clear Lake! The campgrounds are always very well kept, bathrooms very clean! Easy access to the lake, and the town has so much to do during the summer months!"

    "Clear lake state park is a nice campground. It does get very busy during peak season and traffic is continuous. It is clean and close to the beach. Down town and other shopping is a short drive away."

    6. Woody’s Campground by the Lake

    1 Review
    Rockford, IA
    6 miles
    +1 (641) 420-3842

    $25 / night

    "Short walk to the lake and playgrounds. Bar and grill 1/4 mile away."

    7. Wilkinson

    1 Review
    Nora Springs, IA
    5 miles
    +1 (641) 423-5309

    8. George Wyatt City Park

    1 Review
    Rockford, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 756-3718

    9. Spring Park

    1 Review
    Osage, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 283-5440

    "Two nice nature trails. And a constant flowing spring in the park."

    10. Cedar Bridge County Park

    1 Review
    Osage, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 732-5204

    "Dump station and dumpsters near the exit. Clean bathrooms and showers. Lots of space at each campsite. Good hiking and horse trails."

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Recent Reviews near Nora Springs, IA

215 Reviews of 98 Nora Springs Campgrounds


  • Karla J. B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    George Wyatt City Park

    Small town overnight

    We stayed for one night so we could go fossil hunting at nearby Fossil and Prairie park. This campground has full hookups and gravel pads in what is basically a small town park. It was perfect for our needs -a place to stay. There are no reservations, just pay cash in an envelope at the info sign. There were 2 bigger RVs there the night we were. Bathrooms were adequate, with running water, soap and paper towels.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lake Cornelia Park

    Great County Park

    Love Lake Cornelia. We’ve camped there a couple times with hammocks and tents. It can get pretty busy on the nicer weekends, so showing up before dawn to stake out your spot isn’t unheard of. The entire park is first come, first served.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Black Hawk County Park

    On the bike trail

    Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp...

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Lake Hendricks Co Park

    Paved sites, simple Accomodations

    A good place for a place to stop next to a lake. Good hookups and picnic tables

  • Kristy E.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lake Cornelia Park

    Beautiful place

    This is a beautiful county park with lots of camping sites with great views and generous camping spots. It is on a small lake that has good fishing, full hookups, and very nice swimming b each beach. We also enjoyed walking on the many trails.

  • Leni K.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Myre State Park Campgrounds

    Big Fun, Even With Closures

    Big Island was nicely wooded, keeping a very cool temperature but with little cover from other campsites. Tent pad and fire pit were well maintained. Restrooms were well cleaned, if not exactly maintained (soap and Toilet paper ran light over the weekend, and spiders hung out after a cleaning). ADA accessible. Even with a few trails closed, plenty of trails to explore around the Big Island campground. Rented a tandem kayak from the ranger station, looked like one of the two kayaks, plenty of canoes for rent. Spotted pelicans, turtles, and birds along the shore. Campground host never came by, but the ranger was spotted twice once to keep hammock straps off a smaller tree. Mosquitos were out in full force during the cooler weather.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    MacNider Campground

    Better than free camping

    Quiet, clean and decent size lots.

    This Campground sits among a sleepy country city… however with the trees and the setting, you would never know.

    The cost is $20 per night for electric and water. Sewer cost extra.

    Would stay here 100 times over any type of lot docking and many other campsites that look like parking lot.

    It’s a home run stay here!


Guide to Nora Springs

Campsites near Nora Springs, Iowa offer year-round options with varying levels of amenities and terrain. Located in north-central Iowa, the area features rolling farmland interspersed with river valleys and wooded areas. Winter camping opportunities exist at Spring Park, which remains accessible throughout colder months with primitive facilities and nature trails. Camping spots around Nora Springs typically range from $0-28 per night depending on hookup options.

What to do

Water activities on Clear Lake: Clear Lake State Park provides lake access for fishing, swimming, and boating. A camper noted, "We love coming to Clear Lake! The campgrounds are always very well kept... Easy access to the lake, and the town has so much to do during the summer months!"

Hiking local trails: Spring Park offers two nature trails alongside its primitive camping areas. A visitor mentioned, "Quiet, primitive camping. Two nice nature trails. And a constant flowing spring in the park."

Fossil hunting opportunities: The George Wyatt City Park in Rockford serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions. According to a camper, "We stayed for one night so we could go fossil hunting at nearby Fossil and Prairie park. This campground has full hookups and gravel pads in what is basically a small town park."

Tubing and kayaking: The Cedar River offers water recreation options at Cedar Bridge County Park. One visitor shared, "Sitting right on the Cedar River, it's a great location to kayak and tube. Cheap at $20 a night."

What campers like

Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between sites. At Clear Lake State Park Campground, a camper found, "We were lucky to snag Site 34... it was on the end, making it a much larger site than the interior sites and we had plenty of shade trees, a welcome relief on a very hot weekend."

Affordable options: The region offers economical camping choices. A visitor to Shellrock River Co Preserve commented, "Secluded free camping with port a potty, fire rings and a shelter. My AT&T service worked enough for a podcast but not streaming."

Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives positive comments. At MacNider Campground, a visitor observed, "This campground is fairly small but fits our 43' rig well. The ground and well kept and staff is incredibly friendly and helpful."

Proximity to attractions: Campers appreciate locations near recreational areas. One camper at MacNider noted, "There is a nice playground on site plus the city pool is right next door. There are also awesome parks within walking distance."

What you should know

Winter camping limitations: While some parks remain open year-round, services may be limited. A winter camper at Camp At The Woods shared, "Very accommodating super nice people helped us back in and set up in middle of winter after dark after we had drove 2 days from the east coast. Our spot was on an incline but the water worked when temp was below freezing."

Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer. One Clear Lake visitor advised, "Reserve early! It being full more than a week before the holiday, shows how great it is."

First-come options: Some camping areas don't take reservations. At George Wyatt City Park, "There are no reservations, just pay cash in an envelope at the info sign."

Access challenges: Not all campgrounds have clear entry points. A Shellrock River Preserve visitor cautioned, "I was exhausted when I arrived but couldn't find a way to drive to the campground due to gates saying hiking, horseback, and walking only."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Many camping areas include kid-friendly facilities. A visitor to Rudd Eastside Park shared, "There is a nice pond with a beach and jetties for fishing and don't forget the play equipment."

Bike-friendly options: Paved roads make for safe cycling. A Clear Lake visitor noted, "Paved roads are great for bike riding."

Shower considerations: Some facilities may have temperature control issues. One Clear Lake camper warned, "It's hard to control the temperature in the showers, too hot for little kids to stand directly in the water."

Activity options: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreation choices. A Rudd Eastside Park camper mentioned, "Loved camping here, we have 4-5 times already this year! We tent camped but they've got lots of spaces for campers and tents as well, bathrooms are close, there is a nice lake near with play equipment located at the lake and at the campground, the campground has old bikes for the kids to use."

Tips from RVers

Site levelness: Site conditions vary widely between campgrounds. A visitor to Woody's Campground by the Lake noted, "Level cement pads with hookups. Short walk to the lake and playgrounds."

Hookup locations: Some campgrounds have unusual utility configurations. At Camp At The Woods, a camper observed, "We had full hook up, but the sewer connection was at the front of the site and was up hill kind of."

Road width considerations: Navigating can be challenging in some campgrounds. A Clear Lake camper shared, "The paved roads leading to the sites are very narrow and would appear to be one-way but are not designated as such, resulting in some confusion."

Off-season availability: Several campgrounds offer year-round access. At Camp At The Woods, a visitor mentioned, "This campground is primarily seasonal and month-to-month campers and open year-round."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Nora Springs, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Nora Springs, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 98 campgrounds and RV parks near Nora Springs, IA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Nora Springs, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nora Springs, IA is Camp At The Woods with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nora Springs, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Nora Springs, IA.