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.

Best Camping Sites Near Orange City, Iowa (78)

    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. Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Hardwick, MN
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 283-1307

    $20 - $35 / night

    "The view from the ridge goes for miles, you can actually see Iowa. Site #9 is partially shaded and very level with just a slight walk to the restroom facilities."

    "Quiet place with nice bike and walking paths. Electric only 30amp water close by. Full dump station."

    10. 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!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 78 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Orange City, IA

303 Reviews of 78 Orange City Campgrounds


  • Erik R.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Meh, ups and downs

    In many ways, this is just like any other MN State Park campground. Most of the campground caters to RVs. Here are the things that make this place unique. #1 They have tipis you can reserve! They look cool, but they are hard to come by. There is no seasonal information available about these, but I can tell you they aren’t available in October. I am here now and they are empty with no way to rent. Bummer. That would have been cool. #2 Here is what I really dislike about this campground. It is sooo loud. The noise from the nearby interstate is constant, like all night constant. Really takes away from the experience. #3 other than the tipis and noise if you know what it is to stay at a MN State Park campground, you know pretty much everything else to expect.

  • David B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Olson City Park

    Great stopover

    We just spent the night passing through, looking for something more than the Walmart parking lot. $23 for a non-electric site, basically a tent spot. Bathrooms were clean and had showers but we didn’t use them. We had a rainy night but had potential for a nice walk next to the lake. A bit of traffic nearby but didn’t disturb us at all in our van. Midweek in Mid- October and there were probably a half dozen other campers. Definitely recommend it!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Magnolia City Campground

    Convenient to I90

    Very basic sites. Town park. Dated and feels strange when no one else if here. But, $20 a night for full hook ups can’t be beat.

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Beautiful but pricey.

    The park is on the outskirts of a little town just east of Sioux Falls. I made my reservations online ($30 for the reservation, $1.26 tax, $0.45 for more tax, and $10 for the non-resident reservation fee). The campsites are clean, spacious, and beautiful. Absolutely loved it there. I had no sooner settled in, and a woman knocked on my van asking that I pay a city tax, an additional $15. I really don't mind paying the fees as that's what supports the park...What I didn't like was that it wasn't mentioned when making the reservations. Other than that little "gotcha" it was a wonderful experience. Would definitely visit again.

  • John D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Nice for occasional family camping.

    This SD State Recreation site is next to Sioux Falls. Make reservations early. It will get filled on weekends and holidays. Not a bad park for a family, first timers, or those who want to just get outside. This park may be in the city limits of Brandon SD. Grocery store, restaurants, and gas stations within about two miles. This is a very good park if you are visiting someone in the area or a traveler.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Another overnight stop.

    Just another overnight stop on my drive to Iowa. I spent the night in a non-electric tent site so I can't really comment on the other parts of the campground. It does have nice bathrooms with running water and showers. The non-e tent sites are in a forested section, all shaded. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Sites are located a very short walk from the designated parking. I had a great night's sleep as it was relatively quiet. I didn't partake but they do have a Frisbee golf course. Took a short walk on their trail system to the suspension walking bridge. My complaint would be the fees. I thought i was paying one fee for the non-e tent site but then there was an additional fee for non-res and another fee for park day use fee or permit. This fee was confusing whether I was supposed to pay this or not. So what looked like a small fee to spend the night turned into much more.

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Road Campground

    Convenient stop over

    Super easy to access and right near Blue Mount State Park. There is a playground which is great for kids and awesome bike trails right to the sight that leads to town, river and a huge playground.

    Has all hookups for 35$ a night.

    I wouldn’t stay more than the night due to RVs being really close together - not so much room to open space or have privacy , but if you’re looking for a stop over it’s perfect.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Quiet but bugs

    This was a fine location. A few people stopped by the boat ramp but no one else stayed the night. I looked everywhere and saw no signs regarding camping here and I was not disturbed. Lots of mosquitos and flies made me stay indoors.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Quiet Relaxing Visit

    Had a great time relaxing by the camper. We had great views from our campsite. Hiking was nice. Bathroom and shower facility were very well kept. Very grassy sites - great for group camping.


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.