Best Campgrounds near Palo, IA

Are you in need of a campground near Palo, IA? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Palo, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Palo, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Palo, Iowa (111)

    1. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Shellsburg, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 436-7716

    $12 - $60 / night

    "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. "

    "It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground, tent camping is a breeze with very secluded sites, and well water very close to each site and a trail that leads to a large dumpster."

    2. Linn County Park Morgan Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Atkins, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    "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."

    3. Morgan Creek County Park

    3 Reviews
    Palo, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 396-2363

    $23 - $40 / night

    4. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    6 Reviews
    Marion, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    $23 - $33 / night

    "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."

    5. Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres

    5 Reviews
    Vinton, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 443-4000

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Near the highway so it has truck noise"

    "Near the highway but road noise is minimal."

    6. Amana RV Park & Event Center

    10 Reviews
    Amana, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 622-7616

    $25 - $42 / night

    "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"

    7. Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    Central City, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 438-6616

    "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. "

    "Great county campground with water and electric sites, dump at exit. Bathrooms on loop B are dirty and dated. I suggest going up to the Plains loop and use it's facilities."

    8. Sugar Bottom Campground

    24 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2102

    $14 - $240 / night

    "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."

    9. Wildcat Bluff County Park

    3 Reviews
    Shellsburg, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 472-3318

    "There was no map so I only found one primitive site that was super exposed and next to the bathroom. The bathrooms… oh my lanta, that smell will haunt me for the rest of my days."

    "Close to 52 mile Cedar Valley Nature bike trail. On the Cedar River. Boats were going in and out, I would guess you could Kayak there. One half mile on gravel to the park. No cell service."

    10. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

    1 Review
    Toddville, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6485

    $54 / night

    "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"

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Showing results 1-10 of 111 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Palo, IA

371 Reviews of 111 Palo Campgrounds



Guide to Palo

Camping near Palo, 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 several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Explore Caves: Visit the Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground for a unique experience. One camper mentioned, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous." It's a great spot for families who enjoy hiking and exploring nature.

  • Hiking Trails: At Backbone State Park, you can find endless trails. A visitor shared, "There are tons of trails, specifically the spot we camped at was right by the trail so we had easy access." Perfect for those who love to hike and enjoy the outdoors.

  • Fishing and Boating: The Rock Creek State Park Campground offers a no-wake lake ideal for fishing and kayaking. One camper noted, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities." It’s a great way to spend a day on the water.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Lake Macbride State Park Campground stated, "My niece who lives nearby recommended this place... nice clean bathhouse." Clean facilities make for a more enjoyable camping experience.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "Quiet at night, convenient bath houses and large fill/dump station." This is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers love having room to spread out. At F. W. Kent Park, one camper said, "A nice out of the way campground. Very quiet." Spacious sites allow for a more comfortable stay.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like West Overlook Campground, do not have showers. A camper noted, "We didn't get to use the bathrooms due to a water main break." Be prepared for limited facilities at certain locations.
  • Mosquitoes: Be aware that some areas can have a lot of mosquitoes. A review for George Wyth State Park Campground mentioned, "There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground during our visit." Bring bug spray to stay comfortable.
  • Busy Seasons: Some campgrounds can get crowded during peak seasons. A visitor at Backbone State Park advised, "I tend to avoid it during the busier summer and fall colors seasons." Plan your trip accordingly to avoid the crowds.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. At Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA, one parent said, "Kids had fun at the swimming pond." This makes for a fun family outing.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A camper at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "The campground had a store, gas station and propane available." Stock up on snacks to keep everyone energized.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Make sure to respect quiet hours to keep the peace. A visitor at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground noted, "Everyone was respectful of quiet hours and very friendly." This helps maintain a pleasant atmosphere for all campers.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "The entry on this app says big rig friendly, but it might be hard to fit a big rig on the electrical only sites." Always verify site dimensions before booking.
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Sugar Bottom Campground said, "We did have to put blocks under the passenger-side tires." Bring leveling blocks to ensure a comfortable stay.
  • Stay Connected: Check for cell service availability. A visitor at Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA noted, "We had 4 bar LTE with Verizon." This can be important for staying in touch or planning your next adventure.

Camping near Palo, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Palo, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Palo, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 111 campgrounds and RV parks near Palo, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

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 with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Palo, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Palo, IA.

What parks are near Palo, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Palo, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.