Best Campgrounds near Orange City, IA

Camping opportunities near Orange City, Iowa include several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, catering to both tent and RV campers. Sandy Hollow Park Campground in Sioux Center provides drinking water, electric hookups, and sanitary facilities while Rivers Bend Campground in Rock Valley offers cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas. Many of these mixed-use campgrounds feature amenities like showers, picnic tables, and fire rings, with several parks positioned along rivers or lakes for recreational activities.

The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with most campground facilities closing during winter months. "Most campgrounds are open from early May to late September, though some like Mill Creek State Park have specific seasonal dates," noted one camper. Weather conditions can shift dramatically with hot, humid summers and potential for severe thunderstorms. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends, especially for electric hookups or premium sites. Several campgrounds like Willow Creek in Le Mars and Rivers Bend in Rock Valley require advance booking through their respective reservation systems, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-pay stations.

Campers consistently rate waterfront sites among the most desirable options in the area. A review of Rivers Bend Campground mentioned "decent size spots with lakefront views at just about all of them" and appreciated the swimming area with a beach. The region's campground options range from more developed sites with full hookups to primitive tent areas, often with varying levels of shade and privacy. State parks and county-managed campground areas typically offer the most amenities and recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, fishing access, and playground facilities. Local roadside parks such as Alton Roadside Park provide convenient overnight camping options for travelers passing through the area, though with fewer amenities than the larger campground options.

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Best Camping Sites Near Orange City, Iowa (77)

    1. Sandy Hollow Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sioux Center, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 722-2491

    "New seasonal County park and CG has standard sites, fire rings, tables, firewood, swimming beach, fishing, boating, hiking including access to Sioux Center's trail system, shelters, lodge, archery range"

    "Great spot with a swimming lake, fishing lake, and hiking trails through the prairie. Less than three miles from town"

    2. Alton Roadside Park

    2 Reviews
    Alton, IA
    3 miles
    Website

    "This is a small little kmown spot in the small town of Alton Iowa. It is $10 and there are a couple spots that have electric hook ups, a water pump hydrant, And a dumpsite."

    3. Willow Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    Le Mars, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 546-8360

    "We enjoyed all the trails that the city of Le Mars offers. The shower house was exceptionally clean. The campground itself was clean and well kept."

    "The lake is clean and very pretty. The shower house is newly renovated and very nice. One of our favorite places to stay at!!!!"

    4. Childrens Park

    1 Review
    Sioux Center, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 722-0761

    5. Rivers Bend Campground

    4 Reviews
    Rock Valley, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 476-6065

    "There is a swimming hole with a little beach and walking/bike trail. They have tent sites that you have to walk to but they are right on the water away from all of the RV sites."

    "Only 4 stars due to neighbors leaving their dog outside barking constantly until they returned. Against park rules so maybe a one off. Water front on 80% of spots."

    6. Mill Creek State Park

    3 Reviews
    Paullina, IA
    20 miles
    Website

    $17 - $20 / night

    "Small lake where boating is permitted but no gas motors.  Also nice for canoeing, kayaking or  fishing. Nice paths for hiking or biking. Only half mile to town where you can get anything you need"

    7. Rock Valley BiCentennial Park Campground

    1 Review
    Rock Valley, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 476-5707

    9. Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    11 Reviews
    Canton, SD
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 987-2263

    "The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city."

    "Love this place very close to the major city of anything is needed. Nature and trails all around, lake for fishing and swimming, love to come out during the summer with the dogs!"

    10. Tjossem County Park

    3 Reviews
    Paullina, IA
    23 miles
    Website

    "The camping sites are a little close to each other. 10 sites with full hookups."

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Recent Reviews near Orange City, IA

291 Reviews of 77 Orange City Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Open in August 2025. No idea what all the fuss is about.

    I almost skipped this spot because people were complaining about it being roped off or closed, or it didn't look safe or whatever, and it couldn't be farther from the truth. Whoever is writing those is probably either overly conscious, or they're trying to dissuade other campers so that they can have the spot to themselves. But it's such a big place and a lot of places to park that it doesn't really make a whole lot of sense to do that, so I don't know what their motive was.

    There are trash cans and if you can do water procurement, there's the Missouri River. I don't see a grey dump though.

    No problem at all getting my bus in here.

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Super friendly people all around. Very quiet and beautiful campground. Well minus the semitrucks going down the road here and there. Beautiful clean bathrooms and showers. Pathway is well lit without being obnoxious. Seems to be mostly electric sites. There's a dump and water fill with small clean dumpsters throughout. The hosts were super nice to talk to. Sites are clean and manicured and pretty level. Would definitely stay here again. Beautiful little oasis amid what seems to be endless farmland. Just such a welcome stop after a long drive.

  • Karla J. B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Peaceful prairie getaway

    We went to Sioux Falls for a concert and added a few night to our trip to camp at Blue Mounds. Sites were not full on the weekend, even less so on Sunday night. Do the prairie tour, interesting and worth the time and the $15. Some sites were smaller and closer together than others, so your experience may vary. But people were quiet and respectful, so I’m sure you can enjoy your stay. The naturalists here are friendly and knowledgeable, take advantage of programming! Visit the nearby Pipestone National Monument while in the area. Misc notes: Others have mentioned clean facilities, we did get manure smell with the breeze, but very few mosquitoes, great sunsets!

  • Nancy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Elk Point City Park Campground

    Nice park

    What a great find. $15 with electric and some water hookups. Playground right there and a nice walking path

  • Jessica K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Nice stop

    Not too far down a gravel road. Great views and breeze of the Missouri River. No signs about camping or not. I see a vault toilet but didn't try it.

  • Jessica K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    No longer a boat ramp - CLOSED

    This is now closed off w a fence. There are houses around the area too, off a gravel, curvey road that doesn't seem safe to stay on for the night. No pull off at all anymore.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Scenic Park

    Perfect for 1 nite OR a long stay!

    Sites are easy to park in. Plenty of trees and grass. Some noise from train and city, but very bearable. Easy access from and to Sioux City and highway. Office folk accommodating, helpful, and there for you .

  • B
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Blue Mounds State Park

    Very quiet even on holidays, sites are in the woods so all sites have shade. All types of camping is available, tent, RVs trailers, 5th wheels, Class A, etc. We have 46 foot toy hauler, Clean bathrooms and plenty of dumpsters. Park features natural prairie and a buffalo herd. Bison tours are available. Plenty of hiking trails and some cliff climbing. LuVerne MN is 6 miles and has all supplies wanted available.

  • Dana D.
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Olson City Park

    Quick Stop

    We needed a place to overnight on our journey to Black Hills along I90 and this was great. $33 out the door for an electric site. We rolled in late, about 9:30, but our name was on our site. Quiet place. We just needed a/c while we slept so thought it was reasonable.


Guide to Orange City

Camping near Orange City, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Blue Mounds State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We went on a couple trails and just enjoyed the beautiful fall colors." The park is known for its stunning views and wildlife.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Head to Big Sioux Recreation Area for a chance to see bison and other wildlife. A camper shared, "We drove in the morning to the bison area and saw about 12 of them roaming near the fence."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Enjoy fishing along the Missouri River at Riverfront Campground. One reviewer noted, "So much to do on site. Miles of trails! My family did 7 miles."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. A visitor at Palisades State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms are SUPER CLEAN and there are two different bathroom and shower buildings."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Newton Hills Campground mentioned, "Beautiful, quiet, shaded, level sites with plenty of space between."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the amenities available. One camper at Sioux Falls Yogi Bear said, "It was an absolute blast for our kids with plenty of activities to keep them entertained."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways. A visitor at Sioux Falls KOA noted, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway."
  • Reservation Issues: Be aware of potential reservation mix-ups. One camper at Shady Grove Campground expressed frustration, saying, "Booked our reservation... upon arrival we were moved to a different site."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at Union Grove State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms on include showers and were extremely well maintained."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Parks: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One parent at Yogi Bear Campground said, "Large park, lots of trees for shade. All sites are pull thru, gravel and level."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A camper at Big Sioux Recreation Area mentioned, "There are lots of trails here, so I got a good run in."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outdoor fun. One family at Newton Hills Campground enjoyed their time, saying, "The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Palisades State Park Campground noted, "Totally new entrance with easy access to new section that will handle larger RVs."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. One camper at Sioux Falls KOA appreciated, "Has everything you need plus camping world next door."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Bring gear for changing weather conditions. A visitor at Riverfront Campground mentioned, "We were thankful to have booked it due to the torrential downpour all night."

Camping near Orange City, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With clean facilities, spacious sites, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to enjoy the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there seasonal camping facilities available in Orange City?

Seasonal camping near Orange City is affected by Iowa's weather patterns, with most facilities operating from spring through fall. Turkey Ridge Campground, Oak Grove Park offers seasonal camping opportunities not far from Orange City. For year-round options, consider Stone State Park Campground near Sioux City, which is touted as a year-round park with extensive trails, though some reviewers note trail marking could be improved. Many camping facilities in the region typically close for winter between November and April, with full services resuming in May. Always check current operating dates before planning a trip, especially during shoulder seasons.

What county is Orange City, Iowa located in?

Orange City is located in Sioux County, Iowa. The county offers several camping options, including Rock Valley BiCentennial Park Campground in the northern part of the county, which features drive-in and walk-in access with amenities like water hookups, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. To the west, you can find Alton Roadside Park, which is also in Sioux County and provides a convenient stopover location. Sioux County is positioned in the northwest corner of Iowa, bordering South Dakota to the west and is known for its rural landscapes and agricultural heritage.

Where can I find camping options near Orange City, Iowa?

While Orange City itself has limited camping, several options exist within a short drive. Sandy Hollow Park Campground near Sioux Center is one of the closest options, offering basic amenities including water and toilets. For those willing to travel a bit further, Mill Creek State Park near Paullina provides multiple access options (drive-in, boat-in, hike-in) with facilities suitable for various camping styles including big rigs. Other nearby options include Childrens Park in Sioux Center and Willow Creek Campground near Le Mars, both providing convenient access to Orange City within approximately 20-30 minutes.