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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
