The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Ogden, IA

417 Reviews

Campgrounds near Ogden, Iowa provide numerous established camping options with both tent and RV sites throughout Boone County and surrounding areas. Don Williams Park, located in Ogden, offers a mix of tent camping, RV sites, cabin options, and glamping accommodations with electrical hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Other nearby destinations include Ledges State Park Campground, approximately 15 miles southeast of Ogden, featuring both drive-in and hike-in camping areas with secluded tent sites and electrical sites for RVs.

Several campgrounds in the region remain open seasonally, typically operating from April through October, though specific opening and closing dates vary by location. According to one visitor, "Very quiet and nice campground, we camped on top of the hill in tents with awesome views and potable drinking water next to camp." Amenities at developed campgrounds typically include drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and toilets, though availability differs across locations. Cell service can be limited in some areas, particularly at Ledges State Park where reviews mention weak reception. Many campgrounds offer both reservable and first-come, first-served sites, with popular locations filling quickly during summer weekends.

The camping areas surrounding Ogden feature scenic landscapes with lakes, rivers, and wooded terrain providing recreational opportunities beyond overnight stays. Don Williams Park includes lake access with fishing and swimming areas, while Ledges State Park offers notable hiking trails through limestone formations. A review noted, "Great selection of campsites for a wide variety of needs. Wonderful views from most sites. Access to multiple walking trails." Campers consistently mention the peacefulness and natural beauty of the region's campgrounds. Most developed campgrounds maintain picnic tables and fire rings at individual sites. Some locations like Sportsman Park and Spring Lake County Park remain open year-round, allowing for camping during all seasons, though with reduced services during winter months.

Map showing campgrounds near Ogden, IowaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Ogden, Iowa (87)

    1. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $17 - $35 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    2. Don Williams Park

    6 Reviews
    Ogden, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 353-4237

    $12 - $20 / night

    "Went kayaking on lake and then on Des Moines River (close by). Nice wildlife areas, hiking, fishing, etc. Pleasant staff."

    "Very quite and nice campground, we camped on top of the hill in tents it was awesome view and potable drinking water next to camp, bathrooms and shower facilities was clean and nice"

    3. Swede Point Park

    13 Reviews
    Madrid, IA
    14 miles
    Website

    "We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that. Nothing fancy, but has plenty of sites, flush toilets and showers available."

    "Nice little camp ground with easy access to the high trestle bike trail"

    4. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"

    "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."

    5. Spring Lake County Park

    9 Reviews
    Jefferson, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 738-5069

    $20 / night

    "There are campsites along the lake with easy access to shoreline. There are approximately 100 sites. There is a playground and disc golf. There is a roller rink and a concession stand."

    "Plenty of camping spaces, some right next to the lake. Swimming area, concession stand, boat rentals, and even a skating rink on the weekends. My favorite childhood camping spot."

    6. Sportsman Park

    3 Reviews
    Minburn, IA
    16 miles
    Website

    $18 / night

    "Set off the road a bit in a tiny little town in Iowa, it's along a river and very close to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, an 89 mile loop trail (paved) that goes through several towns and counties."

    7. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $20 - $336 / night

    "The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."

    "Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites. Varying levels of shade. A25, had a good amount of shade and was near the nice playground and nice bathrooms. No view of the lake from loop A."

    8. Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lehigh, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 359-2539

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Nice clean park, if passing through Iowa it's a nice overnight. A little loud if tent camping. Area not large enough to separate hard shell campers and tent campers."

    "We LOVE the hiking trails. Some can be a pretty good workout & steep for a 61 year old, but they are do-able & have resting benches a long the way."

    9. North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Lehigh, IA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 543-8298

    $19 - $37 / night

    "Hitching posts behind each site which we enjoyed seeing. The roads inside the campground were all asphalt so lots of bikers enjoying rides around the grounds."

    "Camped here in order to be close to Fort Dodge first thing in the morning.  I stayed in the Beach Campground.  It's not on the beach, but close to it.  There are 3 total campgrounds in the park. "

    10. Squirrel Hollow Co Park

    2 Reviews
    Jefferson, IA
    15 miles
    Website
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 87 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Ogden Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Ogden, IA

44 Photos of 87 Ogden Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ogden, IA

417 Reviews of 87 Ogden Campgrounds

  • Bethanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Sportsman Park

    Sportsman Park

    Dawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!

    They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.

    The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.

  • Bethany G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    I stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent. I butted up against woods with neighbors to one side which made me feel like I had a pretty private area to myself. Other than the bugs, which it is that time of the year, I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service. However, I was able to text my family via satellite to let them know I was okay. It could be seen as a pro or con, but I think we all need no phone time at some point to just set still and relax. I look forward to camping here again soon!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Jester County Park

    Nothing but exceptional

    Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Adventureland Campground

    Great campground and amazing amusement park

    July, 2017

    Great place but not quiet at all.  Short walk to the amusement park.  We were there for most of the early summer so we got a season pass to the park which included the water park.  They also have workcamper programs.

    We especially loved the fireworks display on the 4th.

  • Jerry V.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Well Maintaned & Good Fishing

    I stayed at site #13 with my two boys.  We had a blast.  I would highly recommend site #13.  It had plenty of space for a large tent and canopy.  It had a nice access spot for fishing.  The new restroom/shower facility was very nice and clean.  Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that.  There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks.  The campground manager was extremely helpful.  He had firewood already staged for $7 and even came back on day two with more firewood for the same fee.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Don Williams Park

    Beautiful park

    Great sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures, LLC

    Excellent spot!

    We looked at the other reviews and it talked about it being so close to the freeway, but we didn’t hear a sound. It was really in a good perimeter of trees and lots of shade and level camp spots. We thought this was a nice little spot and a great price.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Island Park Campground

    Nice NO FRILLS camp across the street from fair grounds

    This is a nice quit camp ground right across the street from the Dallas County Fairgrounds. Only stayed 3 nights and not on fair week but was nice, quiet, and inexpensive. It’s right on the river and lots of fishing.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Adair City Park

    Cute town park

    Small town park with spots to back in and plug in. Cost is $20 you put in an envelope by the bathroom. Got here at 9:30 and there was about 5 campers already here. Maybe 3 spots left. Quiet town not too much noise at all

Guide to Ogden

Camping near Ogden, IA, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Enjoy scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing: Head to Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground for some fishing fun. A visitor shared, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing, it was fun watching the water come through the dam."
  • Biking: The area around Jester County Park is great for biking. One review noted, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing they have airsoft ranges or tree ranges snowshoeing cross-country skiing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower stalls at Lake Anita State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Clean restrooms & shower stalls. Water. Playground. Friendly & helpful campground host."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Cherry Glen Campground. One camper mentioned, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff at Des Moines West KOA Holiday. A visitor remarked, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be aware that some campgrounds, like Ledges State Park Campground, have poor cell coverage. A camper noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy Seasons: Expect crowds during peak summer months at popular spots like Lake Anita State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, including Prairie Flower Recreation Area, require reservations, especially during weekends. A visitor advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Jester County Park. A reviewer said, "CG has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course and nature center."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. One camper at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground mentioned, "The lake is beautiful and the path around it is in great shape!"
  • Safety Precautions: Be cautious about leaving food out at night. A camper at Yellow Banks County Park warned, "Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night because teenagers come through sometimes looking for stuff to steal."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites, like Walnut Woods State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Sites are paved and mostly level, although we did have to throw a couple of blocks under one side of our TT tires."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station. A camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground mentioned, "Dump station and water fill in the back."
  • Electric Hookups: Check for electric hookups, especially if you have a larger rig. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "Gravel sites require some leveling. Not much privacy between sites nor shade."

Camping near Ogden, IA, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots near Ogden, Utah?

Several excellent camping options surround Ogden. Don Williams Park near Ogden provides drive-in access with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For family camping with diverse amenities, Jester County Park offers spacious sites with plenty of room for vehicles and equipment. The park remains quiet even during busy weekends. If you're looking for more privacy, consider Thomas Mitchell County Park, which features both electric and non-electric sites, with some campsites backing up to a creek perfect for kids to splash in. Some sites are reservable while others are first-come, first-served.

What outdoor activities can you do while camping in Ogden?

Ogden offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking is a major attraction, with numerous trails ranging from easy walks to challenging terrain. At Ledges State Park Campground, you can enjoy excellent hiking trails with scenic views and encounters with local wildlife. Water activities abound, including kayaking and canoeing on nearby rivers. Many campgrounds feature fishing opportunities, with some like Briggs Woods Park offering access to rivers, lakes, and swimming areas. Other popular activities include frisbee golf, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and photography. In winter, the area transforms for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures.

Are there RV campgrounds with hookups in Ogden?

Yes, the Ogden area has several RV-friendly campgrounds with hookups. Prairie Flower Recreation Area offers reservable sites with water access and is big-rig friendly, making it perfect for larger RVs. Swan Lake State Park Campground caters primarily to RV campers with hookup options, though tent campers should note it feels more like a permanent RV park. Many sites offer electrical hookups, with some parks providing full service connections. For convenience, Little Wall Lake County Park is located close to the interstate, making it easily accessible for RVs, though sites are positioned relatively close together.

When is the best season for camping in Ogden, Utah?

Late spring through early fall offers the most pleasant camping conditions in Ogden. May through September provides warm days and cool nights, with summer temperatures typically comfortable for outdoor activities. Winterset City Park is particularly lovely during these months, offering shade trees and grass that make camping comfortable even in summer heat. The park features free showers and plenty of room to spread out. Fall brings spectacular colors to areas like Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground, making September and October ideal for scenic camping. Winter camping is available for the adventurous, though facilities may be limited and preparation for cold weather is essential.

Keep Exploring