Best Camping near Paullina, IA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Paullina, IA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Paullina is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Paullina, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Paullina, IA (70)

Showing results 1-10 of 70 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Paullina

Recent Reviews in Paullina

120 Reviews of 70 Paullina Campgrounds


  • Jenni C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Olson City Park
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Olson City Park

    Great Spot

    Though we didn’t stay long, this campground was tidy, well marked, and a perfect stop for the night. The campsites were clean, facilities were top notch, and the park and walking path provided a great spot to wear kids out before continuing on.

  • Julia V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stone State Park Campground
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Stone State Park Campground

    Great for a night

    Had a grassy & shady tent site. There were vault/pit toilets close and regular restrooms with showers a little walk away (showers needed to be cleaned). Water spigot was close by too. Wish we had more time to explore the park itself because there was lots of hiking/waking trails. Overall no complaints

  • Dave K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Island Park - Rock Rapids

    Campground Currently Closed

    Drove over tonight excited for my stay at this neat looking park. Unfortunately it appears that the June 2024 flood damaged the campground and it’s currently closed for repair.

  • Joshua D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Sioux Recreation Area
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Silver Sioux Recreation Area

    Hidden gem

    Was it expecting how nice this campground was compared to more primitive ones in the area. Beautiful site! Has tent camping, full rv hook ups, and a nice playground for the kids.

  • Joshua D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stieneke Area Park
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Stieneke Area Park

    Small county park

    Small park, peaceful, river access for canoe/kayak. No designated camp sites but plenty of space for tent or camper.

  • Joshua D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ranney Knob Area
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Ranney Knob Area

    Small county park

    Small park, has some picnic tables, a toilet, and a trash can. Says you can pay to camp but no designated camp sites and limited parking. Does offer access for canoe/kayaking on the river. Camping is $10 a night, pay on site.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Marble Beach State Rec Area
    May. 21, 2024

    Marble Beach State Rec Area

    Van camping here was just okay

    Camped in Site #59 on Oct. 6-7, 2023. Our site had a fire ring, table, as well as electric & water. Spirit Lake is behind the site, although there was no lake access from there. Nice hearing the water lapping on shore. Registering for a site was a little confusing. There was a friendly host in the campground. Our site sloped down toward the lake; had to use our traction boards to level the van as best we can. No privacy between sites. The 6 room restroom/shower was clean. Overall, the campground was large and well maintained. It had an RV park feel to it, which is not our preferred type of camping. I believe folks in larger rigs will be comfortable here.

  • Nicholas S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Oct. 15, 2023

    Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    Perfect to relax and bring the kids!

    I had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children. The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city. The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings and participating in the family-friendly activities. This campground is a true gem for those seeking a wholesome outdoor experience.

  • Dean G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown County Park
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Brown County Park

    Brown County

    This place is HUGE. We were shocked at the size of the state park and how many many campsites there were. We were back on Taylor Ridge so we had a noticeable drive in/out anytime we went anywhere. Bathrooms were clean and maintained. Sites had ample space. Because it is all on the ridges of the park, there is a significant decline after the campsite “flat area”

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Willow Creek Campground
    Sep. 14, 2023

    Willow Creek Campground

    Enjoyed our stay

    Had a fishing derby going on but was still overall quiet. Shelter house was rented for our family reunion, was a great space.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ludlow Park
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Ludlow Park

    Not a camping site

    Contacted the office that manages these campgrounds and was told that the Olson Park campground is the only park with camp sites in Worthington…

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy H Campground
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Lazy H Campground

    1st class RV Park

    Out in the middle of basically nowhere is The Lazy H RV park. The park is excellent! It's probably the cleanest park I've ever been to. The concrete pads are level and large. The grass and spacing between spots is wonderful. The staff is VERY friendly. Can't wait to go back.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Robertson Park
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Robertson Park

    DO NOT GO

    We decided to camp here after a long day on I-90. We got here at 3am and the first thing we saw was a “historic cemetery”. After setting up camp an old mini van kept driving by us, with no one there. He had stopped for a second to look at us and drove away. 10 minutes later he was back and we PACKED up and left. This place is suspicious, take caution.

  • Wade G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ludlow Park
    Aug. 16, 2023

    Ludlow Park

    Not what it says

    There doesn't seem to be any overnight camping at this spot. There is no indication that there is any spots to do any camping. Don't stop here.

  • Cari E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    Great for families

    I spent a quick night at Newton Hills and found the park to be lovely, but it was very busy with lots of families out and about which made for a bit of a loud evening. If you have a family it’ll be a great spot—if you’re looking for quiet and calm, maybe something else. Spots are fairly spacious, but not a lot of privacy.

    Regardless, the location is a hidden gem among a lot of farmland kind of in the middle of nowhere. It’s actually really stunning. When you leave, be sure to take the little one lane road out back (from 1E toward the tower)—it’s a magical little drive through the hills the park is named after.

    No comments on the bathrooms/facilities as I didn’t use them, but the rest of the park was very cleaned and well maintained.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Adrian City Park
    Jun. 11, 2023

    Adrian City Park

    Lovely green spaces

    Nice Grassy site, dogs had a wonderful time. Loads of things for kids to do. In fact other site’s kids were up and playing far past 10 pm. Loudly enough we had to turn our ac on in order to sleep.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawarden City Park Campground
    Mar. 10, 2023

    Hawarden City Park Campground

    City park CG, good for an overnight

    City CG has standard sites though close together. Since it is located in town, supplies are easily found. Park has seasonal outdoor pool, enclosed shelter for rent, city walk/bike trail. Big Sioux River nearby for fishing boating wildlife. Good for an overnight rest camp stop.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Hollow Park Campground
    Mar. 9, 2023

    Sandy Hollow Park Campground

    New CG with lots of amenities

    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. Playground, canoe/kayak rentals.Entry fee is $5.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Marble Beach State Rec Area
    Oct. 9, 2022

    Marble Beach State Rec Area

    Great campground! Limited people for fall camping

    Easy to access- large site campground. Nice sites that back up to spirit lake with enough room for bigger rigs to get into easily and have tree coverage to feel wooded. Easy to check in and out of. Great price for a full hook up site. Plan to return again and again! We loved it.

  • Dan C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Marble Beach State Rec Area
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Marble Beach State Rec Area

    Good, but not great

    Camp sites for tents are super tiny and irregular shaped. Lots of sloping on sites. Generally tight quarters to other campers and plenty of road noise until about 10 PM. A few good options for fishing, boating and hiking near by.

  • Mike
    Camper-submitted photo from Marble Beach State Rec Area
    Sep. 2, 2022

    Marble Beach State Rec Area

    Close enough to Okoboji

    Excellent Campground!, Easy driving distance to Arnold's Park. Campground is Clean, Showers/Bathrooms are new and modern. Full Hookups are easy to use. many spots in the Oak Woods. Good place for Bicycling, 4 miles mostly bike path to town. Around Spirit Lake is a nice 16 miles bike ride. I rated 4 stars, because there is a little traffic noise, and the lake is a little weedy.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Aug. 24, 2022

    Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    Beautiful, spacious sites but average showers and baths.

    Beautiful, quiet, shaded, level sites with plenty of space between. Great trails and a short scenic road, plus some nice open spaces. Bath facilities are convenient, but seem old and marginally maintained. Great stargazing.



Guide to Paullina

Camping near Paullina, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Newton Hills State Park. One visitor mentioned, "Great trails and a short scenic road, plus some nice open spaces." Another camper noted, "The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings and participating in the family-friendly activities."

  • Wildlife Watching: At Blue Mounds State Park Campground, you might catch a glimpse of bison. A reviewer shared, "We drove in the morning to the bison area and saw about 12 of them roaming near the fence."

  • Fishing and Water Activities: The Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. One camper said, "So much to do on site. Miles of trails! My family did 7 miles. Wonderful views of 3 states."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Big Sioux Recreation Area remarked, "Bathrooms exceptionally clean. Showers great."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Jackson KOA stated, "Our site was level, easy to get into, and had a nice tree providing some shade."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One visitor at Union Grove State Park Campground said, "Host is very friendly and helpful!"

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at Scenic Park advised, "The park is beautiful with tons of trails and things to explore."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have markets or stores nearby. A visitor at Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park noted, "We were only stopping for the night so we didn’t explore the other areas."
  • Noise Levels: Depending on the location, some campgrounds can be noisy. A reviewer at Union Grove State Park Campground mentioned, "Convenient to the interstate, but that also means some highway noise."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and trails. A family at Newton Hills State Park enjoyed, "The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. One camper at Big Sioux Recreation Area shared, "We booked this site last minute as we needed a place to stop for the night."
  • Check for Events: Some parks host special events. A visitor at Ponca State Park mentioned, "They hold a Harvest/Halloween event over a few days in October each year."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Oak Bluff — Ponca State Park noted, "Tight squeeze for larger campers, not all sites are 50 amp."
  • Use Dump Stations: Many campgrounds have dump stations available. A camper at Jackson KOA appreciated, "They had a good sewer hose at the dump station for guests to use."
  • Stay Connected: Some areas may have limited cell service. A visitor at Stone State Park Campground mentioned, "Got only 1 bar signal on both Verizon & AT&T. No WiFi."

Camping around Paullina, Iowa, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Paullina, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Paullina, IA is Mill Creek State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

  • What parks are near Paullina, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 1 parks near Paullina, IA that allow camping, notably Saylorville Lake and Conestoga Lake.