Best Camping near Onawa, IA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Onawa, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Onawa camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Onawa, IA (81)

Showing results 1-10 of 81 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Onawa

Recent Reviews in Onawa

233 Reviews of 81 Onawa Campgrounds


  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Bob Hardy RV Park
    Nov. 14, 2024

    Bob Hardy RV Park

    Campsite

    Cute little campground, electrical only. Picnic table and grill at each site. No fires. Shower house available until it's gets down to freezing weather. Dump station and water fill.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Pond
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Jones Pond

    Hidden Gem

    Very quiet and peaceful place I have been there few times and I never see anyone else around. There is no bathroom or drinking water so make sure you are ready for that. October is a very colorful time of the year very peaceful the pond for what I heard isn’t a good place for fishing but just a mile away there is a hunting park highly recommend it

  • stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hitchcock County Nature Center
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Stay for the trails

    I pulled in late at night easy to navigate stayed the next day and did some trails apparently the land formations are 1 of only 2 in the world how about that Iowa.

  • Pat V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Scenic Park

    Great spot close to everything

    We found the Scenic Park RV Campground when we were looking for a spot to stay close to Sioux City, IA for a sports event for our sons. We were extremely happy with this city run campground.

    The pads are in great shape. They offer full hookups. We did not have a full hookup site, but still had water, electric, and free cable tv. The view from our camper of the Missouri River and the Sioux City skyline was pretty great.

    The staff is friendly and welcoming. The location is quiet and everyone staying there seemed very nice as well. Will definitely be back when we’re up that way again next year.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Hitchcock County Nature Center
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Meh, for tent camping

    Stopped overnight in late August. Did not want to drag our gear up/down a hill to the tent campsites in the lower loop. Paid more to stay in the upper RV loop where we listened to a neighbor's generator all night. Pretty buggy. Showers/toilets okay. Note there are at least 2 railroads running nearby in the wee hours of the morning. Also, this is on the flight path for jets leaving (I assume) the Omaha airport. Not a restful night--won't be back.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Park Jefferson Campground & RV Park
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Park Jefferson Campground & RV Park

    A field around a lake near a speedway

    In another 4-5 years when the trees have grown and this is better maintained, it could be a nice campground.  Sadly, our trip there started with the Google directions leading us to the wrong side of the highway and a muddy, bumpy road.  I called and they gave me correct directions.  Once there, no office, no staff.  I called because the site I had reserved was occupied.  They said just pick any other.  We paid for lake side, but it was too muddy in the other available sites.  We were not offered a refund ($5).  We saw several dogs off leash and, while they were well-behaved, one never knows if they will stay where they belong.

    It was quiet at night.  We stayed on a Saturday night.

  • Steve R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Decatur Bend Access
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Decatur Bend Access

    Quiet and safe. Been twice now

    We live(my dog and I) on a motorcycle - think Van Life on two wheels. A quiet place to put up a tent is so welcome. There are no amenities. It's strictly dry and pack out but a great place for a few tents or a couple vans. Highly motorcycle travel recommended

  • Julia V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stone State Park Campground
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Stone State Park Campground

    Great for a night

    Had a grassy & shady tent site. There were vault/pit toilets close and regular restrooms with showers a little walk away (showers needed to be cleaned). Water spigot was close by too. Wish we had more time to explore the park itself because there was lots of hiking/waking trails. Overall no complaints

  • Christopher W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hildreth Lighthouse Campground
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Hildreth Lighthouse Campground

    Nice flat piece of grass

    Stayed July 2024,

    Good: Flat piece of grass to place two tents for only $ 20 bucks. Just what I needed at 10pm 

    Bad: One quote from son sums it nicely, "saw the mens room and so used the women's". Also, two miles of dirt road was less than fun. Would have been nice if the pay station had more directions.

    Future: I would remember to make a reservation at the KOA 10 minutes away.

  • Kyla B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dead Timber State Rec Area
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Dead Timber State Rec Area

    Quiet retreat

    There are areas dedicated for daily use, primitive camping and electric sites. Great Lake for kayaking or a small jon boat. Has restrooms available, no showers. No dumpsite. Fire pit and picnic table available at sites.

    Appears to be a quiet retreat with minimal campers.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hitchcock County Nature Center
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Amazing!!

    We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate. Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell. The hosts went around several times a day collecting trash and even mopping the pit bathrooms. Camping here also gives you access to the playground and nature trails into some beautiful countryside. The only downside is bring several bottles of bugspray, the mosquitos are terrible!

  • Madison H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park

    10 out of 10

    This was the perfect place for us — just passing through on our way out to Wyoming. This camp ground is awesome all around — especially for tent campers. Absolutely beautiful views of the lake and so many open camp sites even on the 4th of July. I wish we could have spent more time here.

  • Rich J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Cove Park Campground
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Cottonwood Cove Park Campground

    Nice

    Nice little city campground just a few miles off the interstate and right next to the Missouri River. Quiet large sites at a reasonable price. Picnic tables and fire rings. Water and electric only....there is a sewer dump near the bathrooms but not at the sites.

  • Elizabeth D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Scenic Park

    Close to river.

    Great place very dog friendly. Spots are spacious and on pavement. Close to the river for your fishing needs.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Huff - Warner Access Area
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Huff - Warner Access Area

    Nice campground with easy access

    Clean and mostly well-kept campground. Much nicer than I had expected. Has on-site host, but we didn't see much of her/him/them. Had good cell service (ATT).

    The only serious complaint I can make is that the water, while potable (so we were told), has a very, very strong iron/metallic taste. To the point that, for us, it was undrinkable.

    The campsite we chose was level, concrete, and cost $20 (the site we wanted by the water had electric). Very little shade though, which made it really hot (other sites had more shade).

    Other observations: 

    The river current is quite fast here. I wouldn't plan on letting my kids or dogs get into the water, except to, maybe, wade at the boat ramp where it is protected from the current by small islands where the creek comes in.

    They have a table near the boat ramp that, I assume, is for cleaning your caught fish. If it matters, it did not have running water.

    The small dock from the boat access area felt unstable and one had to step across a couple of rocks to get to it from land, maybe because the river level was up(?).

    Of the 4 bathroom/shower combination rooms in the bathhouse, only two were unlocked. That said, we were the only tent campers and the RV campers didn't seem to be using them. And they were clean and in good repair.

    Our campsite was right next to the facility loading/unloading barges next to the campground. (They were unloading dried soybeans while we were there.) There are also security lights, but the light is mostly blocked by the trees at night. They start work at 7am and seem to stop at 4pm during the week. 

    I would call this location reasonably quiet. But not absolutely quiet. There is noise from various sources at various times: the loading/unloading from the barges, the farming going on across the road from the campground, boats going up or down the river, and, minimally, the sound from the traffic on the highway. So not absolutely quiet, but it wasn't loud enough or continual enough to detract from the stay.

    Lastly, it probably doesn't need to be said, but I didn't think of it before our stay (duh), so just a reminder. You're camping by a river (i.e., water), so there are many, many flying insects. Be sure to have insect repellent, as they are merciless.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park

    Perfect getaway

    Perfect place to get away for the weekend. Grounds are clean bathrooms are clean. Shout out to Dave the park ranger for being very generous. We drove from Davenport to stay here for Father’s Day weekend and we will definitely be back. You also can tent camp right next to the water as well. Love it!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Scenic Park

    Beautiful city life in a park.

    Spacious site well cared for grounds. Close to everything in the city.

  • Joshua D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stieneke Area Park
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Stieneke Area Park

    Small county park

    Small park, peaceful, river access for canoe/kayak. No designated camp sites but plenty of space for tent or camper.

  • Joshua D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ranney Knob Area
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Ranney Knob Area

    Small county park

    Small park, has some picnic tables, a toilet, and a trash can. Says you can pay to camp but no designated camp sites and limited parking. Does offer access for canoe/kayaking on the river. Camping is $10 a night, pay on site.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Cunningham Campground
    May. 7, 2024

    Lake Cunningham Campground

    Nice for Glamping

    Nice site for a tent camper passing through, beginner adventurers, glampers, or a family staycation.  The entire park is well maintained, has a large lake stocked with fish, tent sites are close together, but tolerable.  Occupancy depends on the time of year.  I was there in September and it was not crowded at all.  Tent sites are primitive.  New roads leading into the park.

  • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Cove Park Campground
    May. 1, 2024

    Cottonwood Cove Park Campground

    City campground in quiet neighborhood

    Concrete pads, very little leveling needed. Plenty of space in between sites. Dappled shade. Easily accessible for any size rig. We didn’t use bath/shower facility; it required a code from the city. Portapotties were available in campground. Garbage dumpster, but no recycling. Dump station available, but area may be a bit tight for larger rigs to access. Camp host on site. No laundry. Some train noise. Excellent Verizon signal. Nice park with boat ramp and scenic overlook on the Missouri River. Campground is located about 5 minutes off the interstate.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hitchcock County Nature Center
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    One of the best places ever.

    Only spent one night but would have stayed longer if we would have had time. Nice clean bathhouse and restrooms. Lots of hiking trails and even hiking sticks. We really enjoyed this short stay!

  • Fabian S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park
    Dec. 30, 2023

    Scenic Park

    Central Campground

    Very centrally located, well-kept complex, friendly and helpful staff, the restrooms and shower are very simple but clean.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bob Hardy RV Park
    Sep. 20, 2023

    Bob Hardy RV Park

    Convenient & quiet

    Decent park and great price! We stayed 2 nights for my husband to do a job down the road. Shower house could have been cleaner but you can’t beat the price at $17.50/night! They had electric hookups, grills and picnic tables at every site plus a small playground for kids. Free dump station and water fill was nice. Every spot was filled the second night and the parks and recreation guys came through a few times checking on things. We’d definitely stay again if passing through!



Guide to Onawa

Camping near Onawa, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Hitchcock County Nature Center. One camper mentioned, "Camping here also gives you access to the playground and nature trails into some beautiful countryside."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Great sites right on the water. Easy back in for my rig. Hot showers were a plus :)"
  • Playgrounds: Families can have fun at the playgrounds available in several campgrounds. One reviewer noted, "A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Hitchcock County Nature Center stated, "Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Arrowhead Park Campground, offer plenty of space between sites. One camper mentioned, "There were plenty of pit toilets around and they were very clean."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. A visitor at Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area said, "The host was so kind and helpful to us new timers."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. One camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center warned, "The only downside is bring several bottles of bug spray; the mosquitoes are terrible!"
  • Cash Only: Some campgrounds, like Arrowhead Park Campground, require cash for payment. A reviewer reminded, "Friendly reminder to bring CASH. FIRST COME FIRST SERVE."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Two Rivers State Recreation Area noted, "For the tent sites, I wish there were more amenities."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Bug Spray: As mentioned earlier, mosquitoes can be a nuisance. Make sure to pack plenty of bug spray to keep the little ones comfortable.
  • Check for Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and trails. One family enjoyed their stay at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, saying, "Beautiful park, beautiful scenery and amazing playground!"
  • Plan for Clean Restrooms: Families appreciate clean facilities. A camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center mentioned, "Super clean bathrooms and hot showers."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Onawa, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to pack your essentials and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Onawa, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Onawa, IA is Lewis and Clark State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.

  • What parks are near Onawa, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near Onawa, IA that allow camping, notably Conestoga Lake and Saylorville Lake.