118 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Palo, Iowa and the surrounding area provides several developed campgrounds within a short drive of town. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground offers sites for tents, RVs, and cabins with amenities such as electric hookups, showers, and toilets. Morgan Creek County Park and Linn County Park Morgan Creek Campground provide additional camping options with both tent and RV sites, while Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite offers a more rustic experience. Several campgrounds feature water activities with boat access at Pleasant Creek, Morgan Creek County Park, and Wildcat Bluff County Park.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many open from April through October. Campsites at Morgan Creek County Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis, which can make securing a spot challenging during peak summer weekends. "Hard to get a site," noted a visitor about Morgan Creek County Park's first-come, first-served policy. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area enforces a two-car per campsite rule that may impact group camping plans. Campground terrain is generally flat with accessible sites, though some areas like Wickiup Hill require a short hike to reach primitive camping areas. Cell service can be spotty at certain locations such as Wildcat Bluff County Park.
The camping experience around Palo features a mix of recreational opportunities including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and disc golf. Campers report particularly good experiences at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area. "The tent sites are very nice and private. There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty," according to one visitor's review. Wickiup Hill offers a more secluded experience with its hike-in site that includes "fire pit with grate, and restrooms nearby." Several campgrounds feature trail systems, with Pleasant Creek offering an 8-mile hiking loop around the lake. Bathroom and shower facilities vary considerably across locations, with some reviews noting excellent maintenance while others warn of poor conditions, particularly at Wildcat Bluff County Park.
"We stayed here for the easy access to the water for the Scouts to get out in canoes and fishing. I have been camping here off and on for the last 25 years. I have not had any issues at all. "
"There is plenty of access to the lake for fishing whether it's from shore or on a boat."
from $18 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Trails close by and only about 5 min from expressway."
"Morgan Creek has amazing trails and the location is fantastic if you are looking for the camping expirence but still have work or other things to get done."
from $23 - $40 / night
Check Availability"We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "
"There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
from $23 - $33 / night
Check Availability"Iowa knows how to do County campgrounds. Firefly campground has full hookups and reservations. The other campgrounds have water and electric and are first come first serve."
"Dump available on entrance/exit. The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table. Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. "
"Relatively wide open, sites adjacent to one another. Utilities all worked fine, decently maintained."
"Campground is a nice bike ride away from the Amana villages and overall a great base camp"
from $25 - $42 / night
Check Availability"Near the highway so it has truck noise"
"Near the highway but road noise is minimal."
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Linn County, Iowa, county pack in Primitive site is near nature scape, pit toilets, offers fire pit with sitting blocks and firewood included with camp fee, nature center just yards away, trails, forested"
"The site offers primitive amenities near Wikiup Hill learning Center. Taking a short trail to the site, the permanent wake up offers shelter, fire ring with grate, and restrooms nearby."
from $54 / night
Check Availability"We stayed during an Iowa Football weekend, attended the game in nearby Iowa City, and then enjoyed the rest of our weekend exploring the ponds and trails in the park."
"It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."
"Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."
from $14 - $260 / night
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GuideOne of my favorites. Iowa knows how to do County campgrounds. Firefly campground has full hookups and reservations. The other campgrounds have water and electric and are first come first serve. I arrived on a Friday afternoon in July and found a site easily.
ScoutA well kept park with a very laid back atmosphere. Buggy yes but the park is worth it.
ScoutThe campground was very nice and clean. Rangers made several loops around so we felt safe. Saw plenty of wildlife. Campsites were big but not level. We thought they only had outhouses until we discovered a modern bathhouse at the other end of the campground. Showers were big but very shall rustic. We only stayed one night as we were passing through but definitely could be an option in the future for other stays.
GuideGrass sites, plenty of space. Some sites have great views of the lake. Nice walking trails. Wild life to watch. If you are camped under a hickory tree you will need to brush off the Hickory nuts off your slide outs. Plenty of parking for guset to visit. Peaceful. We love camping in Hickory hils.
ScoutI have visited this park many times. It is small and has beautiful views and nice short hike trails on the other side , across the bridge, of the park. Old camping site is located among old trees. There is rescued animal display in there as well.
GuideGood spacing between spots that have oversized cement slabs. The bath/shower rooms are the cleanest I have even witnessed.
There is a bike trail running just outside the campground.
Hills, trees and water.
TravelerWe really liked the nearby trails and the beach area was lovely. Our dogs lived hiking to the spillway and laying down for a soak. Our site (35) was slanted and wished we had more shade since it was in the upper 80s while we were there. Site 38 would be great for full shade and more privacy. Next time.
TravelerThis campground appears to be new or newly re done, great showers and bathrooms, right on a bike trail seems to connect to everything. Quiet large sites with full hook ups, more sites being developed
GuideJust an overnight stay but I want to return to Firefly. There are lots of fireflies at night so easy to see why it got the name. All the pads are concrete in this new park. Full hookups that are easy to use. Great playground for the kids.
Camping spots near Palo, Iowa span across a mix of county parks and state recreation areas along the Cedar River basin. The region sits at approximately 850 feet above sea level with a four-season climate pattern typical of the Midwest. Summer camping season runs May through September with daytime temperatures typically ranging 75-85°F, while spring and fall camping offers cooler conditions and fewer crowds.
Disc golf course access: Wildcat Bluff County Park offers a professional-grade 21-hole disc golf course connected directly to the campgrounds. "There is a first class 21 hole frisbee golf course at this park," notes a camper who visited in September 2024.
Kayaking and canoeing: Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area provides an expansive lake perfect for paddle sports. "It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground... Awesome lake to go kayaking on too!" according to a visitor at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground.
Hiking trails: Pinicon Ridge Park features marked trails throughout the park and adjacent state land. "Hiking trails are well marked and all over the park and state land nearby. Lookout Tower is a must see," says a camper who gave Pinicon Ridge Park five stars.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water access points allow for various fishing experiences. "Plenty of access to the lake for fishing whether it's from shore or on a boat," reports a camper who stayed at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area in July.
Private tent sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded feeling at certain campgrounds. "Morgan Creek has amazing trails and the location is fantastic if you are looking for the camping experience but still have work or other things to get done," notes a review of Linn County Park Morgan Creek Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and shower houses are consistently mentioned as a plus. "Bathrooms were very well kept. Love this park," writes a reviewer about Morgan Creek. At Pinicon Ridge Park, a visitor highlighted "NEW showers that are outstanding. Storm shelter right on site."
Family-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and recreational options for children. "The playground is awesome for kids of all ages," according to a review of Pinicon Ridge Park, while another camper noted it has "the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen."
Proximity to town: Many campsites offer a balance of natural settings with convenient access to services. At Sugar Bottom Campground, a visitor appreciated that "It's nice, on a popular lake with a restaurant near by. The people are friendly and it's close to town."
First-come, first-served policies: Some popular campgrounds don't take reservations, which affects planning. A visitor to Morgan Creek County Park noted, "This is a first come first serve campground. No reservations can be made."
Bathroom quality varies: Facilities differ significantly between parks. At Wildcat Bluff County Park, a camper warned: "Bathrooms were horrible. I would not suggest staying unless you have your own restroom. Also there is no dump station."
Vehicle limitations: Some campgrounds restrict the number of cars per site. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area enforces a two-car per campsite rule, which may impact group camping arrangements.
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be unreliable at certain locations. "No cell service," reports a camper about Wildcat Bluff County Park, a factor to consider for those needing to stay connected.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, with limited or no services during winter months.
Playground access: Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas for children. "We have stayed at this campground for 7 nights with W/E hook ups... The bathrooms and shower were very clean with lots of hot water. There is hiking in the park and very little road noise," shares a visitor to Pinicon Ridge Park.
Educational opportunities: Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite offers nature education possibilities. "The site offers primitive amenities near Wikiup Hill Learning Center. Taking a short trail to the site, the permanent wake up offers shelter, fire ring with grate, and restrooms nearby," according to a recent reviewer.
Swimming options: Several parks feature swimming areas appropriate for children. "Great campground, cheap sites with electric and water even for tent campers. Fantastic amenities including hot showers and nice bathrooms and a cleaning station with sink basin for camping dishes. Great beach swimming area," reports a visitor to Sugar Bottom Campground.
Storm safety considerations: Several parks offer storm shelters, an important safety feature for families camping during summer thunderstorm season. Pinicon Ridge Park features a "Clean shower house with storm shelter," according to a 2022 review.
Hookup availability: Water and electric hookups vary across campgrounds. "Stayed in The Plains area. Water and electric hookups, dump station near by... Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table," notes a camper who stayed at Pinicon Ridge Park in September.
Site leveling: Surface conditions impact setup time. "Our site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table," reports an RVer who stayed 7 nights at Pinicon Ridge Park.
Road conditions: Weather can affect accessibility, particularly in spring. At Amana RV Park & Event Center, an RVer warned, "The down sides of the park were that the roads and pads are gravel so I could see it becoming an issue during weather but we didn't have much trouble leveling."
Pull-through availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access sites. "Great place, big pull throughs," notes a brief but practical review of Amana RV Park & Event Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Palo, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Palo, IA is Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
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