Best Glamping near Palo, IA

Recent Glamping Reviews near Palo, IA

77 Reviews of 17 Palo Campgrounds

• M

  Mitch C.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 5, 2020

  Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

  Nice cabin vacation

  Cabins were nice - not luxury or glamping but clean and in good condition.  The gentleman that takes care of the campground takes great pride in his work and it shows - kudos to him!  There is a nice hiking trail around the lake, about 8 miles complete loop.  there is a bit of elevation change and not many opportunities to "bail out" so take water and pace yourself.

• 

  Jessica K.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 15, 2020

  Otter Creek Lake and Park

  Quiet, beautiful, relaxing

  Hidden gem in Iowa

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 26, 2024

  Sleepy Hollow

  Short Jog to This Campground Outpost From I80

  If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to pull over for a decent escape to nature, then you may very well want to consider Sleepy Hollow, which is just a few minutes north of I80. Given its proximity to the busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor being EZ on- and off-, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped both the non-stop whir of incessant highway traffic and the unsightly view of a heavily trafficked main roadway. Add on top of this that you’ll find this location is perfectly suitable to the RV crowd as much as it is the tent-pitching bredren that belong to my tribe of outdoor enthusiasts.

  Here at this campground you’ll find RV and 5th Wheel sites offering both pull-thru and back-in sites complete with full hook-ups (water, 30 / 50 amp electric and sewage). There’s 7 tent sites that are very well shaded, have a decent patch of land and include picnic tables, fire pits and scattered stand-up BBQ grills. Whether you have a tent, an RV or not, this campground has a small handful of cozy cabins available to rent that come with running hot & cold water as well as electricity and are located close to the fishing pond. What I enjoyed most with the primitive camping area was the serenity offered by the abundance of new growth Oaks that shaded the place, along with unfettered views of the lake itself. Priceless.

  Sleepy Hollow offers a number of amenities including: ‘catch& release’ pond (both swimming and fishing potential), ball pit, kid’s playground, puppy park, designated dumpsters, fairly decent WiFi, community firepits, general market store, laundr-O-mat, shower facility, pavilion, horseshoes, game room, volleyball and basketball courts, artificial beachhead with swim area and windmills. There’s a lagoon with hundreds of ducks, but depending upon how you look at this, it may or may not be considered an amenity, but if you have kids like I do, it’s a great distraction that offers up a lot of duck-feeding fun.

  Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking for a decent bit of hiking, there’s a nice slice of nature near here at Sleepy Hollow a bit NE called Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area where there’s plenty of trails, shooting ranges and some fairly decent bird watching; (2) When you get tired trying to conjure up that next meal from your cooler or on-board fridge, then head over to nearby Renee’s Roadhouse where this roadside stand serves up standard Americana fare like burgers, sandwiches and wraps. For anything more substantial, you’ll have to take a longer drive east to Iowa City of which I recommend Steak & Shake, Back Berner Bar & Grill or Barrel House; (3) If you’d like to embrace the Amish vibe that exists here in rural Iowa, then head due north to Amana Colonies where you’ll come across hand-made blankets and artisan-crafted cabinetry all while offering you some very warm Midwestern hospitality.

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Mary S.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 31, 2018

  George Wyth State Park Campground

  Another bargain at an Iowa State Park

  Why Should You Camp Here?

  • Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.) There is no separate park entry fee (unlike some states).

  • You can rent kayaks, canoes or pedal boats near the campground at Wyth Lake. And there are 3 other nearby lakes.

  • There's a small beach at Wyth Lake.

  • The Cedar River is on the edge of the campground.

  • You're so close to Cedar Falls and Waterloo which means there are craft breweries!

  • We were only there for a night but I saw this on reserveamerica.com: "The Lake-to-State Park Bike Route is a 50 mile route connecting Pine Lake and George Wyth State Park. The route primarily utilizes county highways and established bike routes and paths once inside Cedar Falls/Waterloo." 

  • We didn't do everything we could do there, because we were just passing through. Check this out: https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/george-wyth-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IA&parkId=610125

  Amenities

  • The usual fire ring and picnic table

  • Dump station and potable water

  • Flush toilets and running water in bathrooms along with push button showers. Ok, push button showers are not ideal. Just keep pushing that button and hopefully you'll be okay with the temperature that you can't control!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 1, 2024

  Little Bear Campground

  Convenient EZ On- & Off-Highway Family-Style Campground Outpost

  It’s smaller than a football field and tucked behind one of those old-school gas stations that you see in the middle of a desert that looks permanently closed, but then you see old Jethro sitting on the corner around the bend from the fuel pumps smoking a cigarillo not worrying about whether the place blows up or not. That’s how I found Little Bear Campground. When I arrived, the place was closed, but thankfully there was a sign posted on the door to call Mike, so I did. And he couldn’t have been nicer, offering me up any open site in the place. 

  So, I took a spin around the joint, which I would describe as ‘intimate’ with all of the very level grassy spots being fairly close to one another, interspersed with plenty of cover shadow from all of the trees that you’ll find this place populated by. The place was half empty, so I guess whatever crowdedness might actually exist in reality was somewhat lost on me. That said, if you are driving an RV or hauling a 5th Wheeler, I would certainly be less than impressed by seemingly the great proximity you will have to your fellow neighbor. Maybe that matters to you or maybe it doesn’t as many of the RV locations I have seen over the past year all land on more intimate quarters than not. The sites for RV / 5th Wheelers are small rock / gravel, which I gather from my mobile home hauling friends is that it is the preferred surface when concrete is not available. 

  While we showed up the last week of the season to encounter that the community pool was closed, apart from this, there really wasn’t a ton of other amenities to speak of although there was a community hall where I understand that group activities like bingo, euchre and other family-friendly games are played. Of course, there were the basics of in-ground fire ring and standard-issued picnic tables. There was a kid’s playground with swingset and teeter-totters that had definitely seen better days. Apart from the main office, which I presume served also as a mini-market and as I understand has both showers and laundry facilities (although I wouldn’t know as it was locked up) there isn’t much here. 

  The few primitive camping sites that do exist here are located on the western side of the property up against the corn fields, which I actually appreciated, and had very good mature trees growing around the area, but one would definitely feel like a ‘second class citizen’ here. As a tent pitcher myself I was absolutely bummed by the lack of privacy, where seemingly you would be on full display for the rest of the RV parking crowd having full view of your campsite. In all, there’s 45 RV slots here with all of the basic hook-ups including water, sewage and 30 / 50 electric amp. By my count, there was 5 or so individual primitive camping sites. And for $22/night for tent camping and $33/night for RV parking, you really can’t beat the prices. 

  Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) Should you be looking for some place to try out the local fare, while there’s Taste of India (which by the look of the place I would steer you away from), there’s only just a handful of other joints nearby that might be of interest like Saap Saap, a Loatian joint (yeah, I just said that, a Loatian joint in the middle of nowhere, Iowa) that is actually quite good in the little town of West Liberty, which is, ironically, south of here (not west) and offers up a few other culinary finds like JB’s Grub & Pub, Shanghai Chinese, Puebla Mexican Restaurant and El Patio; (2) If you are looking to marinate in some good US history, then you are in luck as there is a museum near here to little known / revered President Herbert Hoover that has a bunch of exhibits and other dusty things; and (3) Should you be wanting to embrace nature, then head west to Hickory Hill Park that offers up some really nice hiking, biking and walking trails on 185 acres of pristine Midwest prairieland. 

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Chelsea M.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 31, 2019

  Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

  Beautiful

  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. Awesome lake to go kayaking on too!

• A

  Ann B.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 9, 2018

  Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

  Well maintained with trees!

  The tent sites are very nice and private. There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty. New picnic tables. Lots of shade. visited in July

• 

  David J.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 17, 2019

  Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

  Camping mid-week

  We stayed in a 25 foot travel trailer in the middle of the week. Weekends are pretty much sold out.
  We love the area. Kayaking, biking, and fishing. Very well maintained grounds.
  Camp sites do not provide private water/sewer but there is a good water/sewer station on the way in.
  My only complaint. Thurs evening we had friends join us. The Ranger Man enforced a 2 car per campsite rule. He forced 3 over 65 couples to drive to a parking lots and I shuttled them back and forth. Really? Do us Seniors party too hard for you? Haha I understand rules but I don’t have to like them... 😃

• R

  Robert F.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 5, 2019

  Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

  Fantastic youth group campgrounds

  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.  I have stayed in a regular tent campgounds and the youth group campsites.  I often head here for a few days in the Spring and Summer for a day of fishing as well.  My son and I like to get the canoes and Kayaks out and paddle around the lake.  The fish cleaning stations are well maintained and the location is not too far away from town.

• J

  Jessica C.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 30, 2020

  Morgan Creek County Park

  Nice and Quiet

  This is a first come first serve campground. No reservations can be made. There were mostly Rvers, but some tent campers were also scattered throughout the grounds. The bathroom was pretty nice and clean. The grounds were beautiful, even though you can tell some trees took a hit from the recent derecho. The camp host was friendly and helpful.

• 

  Dexter R.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 7, 2021

  Morgan Creek County Park

  What to do

  Not sure as to prices they keep changing

• 

  Terry M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 18, 2018

  Morgan Creek County Park

  Great little campground

  Beautiful facilities. Pleasant camp hosts. The only problem is it's first come first serve. Hard to get a site

• 

  Clint G.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 18, 2020

  Pinicon Ridge Park

  Peaceful stay

  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. Very clean and new bathrooms and showers.

• 

  Clint G.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 18, 2020

  Pinicon Ridge Park

  Nice late summer campsite next to the Wapsipinicon river.

  In my opinion Linn Counties best park.

• 

  Patrick B.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 5, 2023

  Pinicon Ridge Park

  Ok site

  The tent area is on a small mound, not a very level area. But was able to make it work. $18 a night for tents

• A

  Ashley S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 1, 2022

  Pinicon Ridge Park

  Pinicon Ridge Linn County

  This park is beautiful and there is tons to do. The playground is fantastic and keep the kids entertained all day. The water is great for fishing, swimming and boating. Central City also has everything you need within minutes of your site. There is boat rentals and the new showers are amazing.

• 

  Clint G.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 19, 2021

  Pinicon Ridge Park

  Perfect County Campground

  We stayed at this campground for 7 nights with W/E hook ups.  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.  The bathrooms and shower were very clean with lots of hot water.  There is hiking in the park and very little road noise.

• 

  David S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 1, 2022

  Pinicon Ridge Park

  Nice clean and generally spacious

  Stayed in The Plains area. Water and electric hookups, dump station near by. Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table.

• 

  Brandon T.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 23, 2021

  Pinicon Ridge Park

  Quiet weekend on the flying squirrel loop

  Great place to kick back and relax. The trail through the campground takes you across the river where you can find canoe and paddle boat rentals, and our favorite an off leash do area.  We all took the trail into town and found a BIT Brewery where we enjoy woodfired pizza and brought some beer home in a growler for around the fire that night.

• 

  Chelsea D.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 6, 2019

  Pinicon Ridge Park

  Best campground ever!

  Our kids had more fun at this campground than any other so far. They have the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen. There were activities for kids of all ages, and they used a rubber composite on the ground at the playground so when kiddos fall, they aren't injured. There is also a beautiful walking/biking trail and canoe rentals.

  The sites were extremely level and clean, electric and water hookups. The camp host was very friendly and had plenty of firewood and ice in stock.

• 

  Beau Z.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 21, 2020

  Pinicon Ridge Park

  Favorite Place Around

  Awesome Campground. Clean, and even NEW showers that are outstanding. Storm shelter right on site. Playground is awesome for kids of all ages. Hiking trails are well marked and all over the park and state land nearby. Lookout Tower is a must see. Lower area is susceptible to flooding during extremely high water, but county staff is very proactive and hospitable with helping campers relocate from dangerous areas. This place is seriously a top notch County park and campground.

• 

  Brett G.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 11, 2019

  Palisades-Kepler State Park

  Not a flat campground! Beautiful!

  Beautiful trails, stone gazebo. Nice hike along the Cedar River. Only camped once, but definitely on the list to visit again

• 

  Amber R.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 16, 2019

  Palisades-Kepler State Park

  Great view

  Campsites kinda small and hilly. Great hiking trails and views of the bluffs over the river.

• 

  LeAnn D.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 16, 2019

  Palisades-Kepler State Park

  Maybe we hit a bad weekend

  We made a reservation for a nice summer weekend but when we arrived someone was in our site. Luckily there was one more site available where the ranger asked us to stay instead since the other group was set up already. People were listening to loud music and chopping down green trees to burn. Overall sites are nice and park is pretty. Just not sure if we will go back - at least not on a busy weekend.

• J

  Jessica P.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 14, 2020

  Palisades-Kepler State Park

  Really nice place

  Very nice campground. Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place.

• R

  Ryan

  Scout

  

  Feb. 20, 2021

  Palisades-Kepler State Park

  Great park

  Fun beginner hikes, As a local to the area it's a park i visit often

• 

  Carrie V.

  Scout

  

  May. 15, 2021

  Palisades-Kepler State Park

  Will stay again!

  The park is reopened! We have stayed here and will stay again. One of our favorite places to camp.