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.
