Top Tent Camping near Onawa, IA
Looking for the best Onawa tent camping? Finding a place to camp in Iowa with your tent has never been easier. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Onawa campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Onawa, IA (9)
1. Preparation Canyon State Park
6 Reviews•44 Photos•62 SavesTen hike-in camp sites, each with table and fireplace, are provided in the eastern half of the park. Registration for the isolated and secluded sites are obtained by self-registration at the east parking area. Camping Fees are to be paid at the registration area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
$9 / night
2. Loess Hills Hideaway
1 Review•9 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Cabins
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
4. Pelican Point State Rec Area
2 Reviews•1 Save- Pets
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
$15 / night
5. Ranney Knob Area
1 Review•1 Photo- Tents
- Toilets
6. Stieneke Area Park
1 Review•2 Photos- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews In Onawa
197 Reviews of 9 Onawa Campgrounds
- R
Roberto G.
Traveler
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
Pat V.
Ranger
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.
Edger G.
Scout
Nelson Park Crawford County Park
Descent place for camping
It’s a good place for camping not perfect. Has a descent size lake good for kayaking and fishing.
- BB S.Traveler
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.
Steve R.TravelerDecatur 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.
Guide
Stone State Park
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.Guide
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.
Melissa C.Guide
Lewis and Clark State Park
Beautiful Park - Amazing Campground
Beautiful park, beautiful scenery and amazing playground!
- SSabrina E.Guide
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.Scout
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.Ranger
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.TravelerScenic Park
Close to river.
Great place very dog friendly. Spots are spacious and on pavement. Close to the river for your fishing needs.
- aalex R.Scout
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!
- JJohn R.
LegendScenic Park
Beautiful city life in a park.
Spacious site well cared for grounds. Close to everything in the city.
Joshua D.Traveler
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.Traveler
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.
Fabian S.GuideScenic Park
Central Campground
Very centrally located, well-kept complex, friendly and helpful staff, the restrooms and shower are very simple but clean.
- WWendy M.Guide
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!
- PPJTraveler
Snyder Bend County Park
Small quiet county park
Not too busy. Spots have water and electric for $25/ night
- BBobbie C.Traveler
Lewis and Clark State Park
Not bad for after Labor Day Weekend.
Campground was as I hoped. Empty except for 3 others. Oxbow lake is nice with a sandy shoreline. The campground is set in an Aspen glade. Very nice.
Jeremy B.GuideHitchcock County Nature Center
Clean, quiet, and tranquil
Friendly reminder to bring CASH FIRST COME FIRST SERVE
Pros
- great Starlink line of sight
- super clean bathrooms and hot showers
- very quiet
- many nature trails out your door
- friendly cows :)
Literally no cons.
Amber M.ScoutHitchcock County Nature Center
Secluded and well-kept
This is my favorite place to tent camp! Nice bathhouse, and even the pit toilet is clean and unoffensive. Tent sites are spacious and most are separated by lots of trees so there's plenty of shade, privacy, and wildlife. Firewood is available and hiking trails are nearby. Unfortunately, I have to find a new favorite spot because I can no longer lug my gear up and down the hill between my car and my tent.
Luckybreak R.Ranger
Huff - Warner Access Area
Not at all what I expected
Clean and well kept campground. The Monona County has raised the bar. 5 concrete pads with gravel on the rest. Level and well spaced sites. Located far enough from the interstate to avoid any traffic noise River barges were unloading next to the campground when we were here.
- Jennifer J.Scout
Victor City Park
Trying to reserve spot
I am driving 8 hours across the state of Nebraska to go spend some time with my daughter who attends Wayne State College and to watch some theater performances she is in. I wanted to ensure that I had a place to park my camper but unfortunately I am unable to reserve a spot. It is first come first serve only. Hope I have luck finding a spot when I arrive in about a month to stay for 5 nights!
- CCasey M.Traveler
Hitchcock County Nature Center
Literally can’t beat the price
We camped in a tent and it was $10 so great and the bathrooms were super clean
- MMatt F.Scout
Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
The staff are amazing
We rolled into the campground looking for a clean place to spend the night. Since it was pre-memorial day, we had our pick of prime spots. Once we found our site, we went for firewood and to pay. The staff were so nice when we got there. They took care of everything and we were on our way to a peaceful night.
amber P.Guide
Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area
Pretty nice
Staff was friendly, multiple camping sites to choose from but makes could be a little cleaner
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:
- Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds, like Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area, are big rig friendly. A reviewer noted, "Nice city park. Electric hookups."
- Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. One camper at Glenn Cunningham Lake Campground said, "The area we booked is very new, and FHU."
- Dump Stations Available: Ensure the campground has a dump station. A visitor at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area mentioned, "Dump station by the entrance."
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 tent campsite near Onawa, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Onawa, IA is Preparation Canyon State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Onawa, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Onawa, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.