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Best Tent Camping near Pella, IA

360 Reviews

Tent camping options near Pella, Iowa include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and natural settings. Fifield Campground in Pella offers tent sites with electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables. Other nearby options include Colfax Quarry Springs Park and Ashton Wildwood Park, both within 30 miles of Pella and offering tent-specific camping areas.

Most tent sites in the Pella region are drive-in accessible, though Colfax Quarry Springs Park and Ashton Wildwood Park also offer walk-in tent sites for those seeking more seclusion. Campgrounds typically provide basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, but facilities vary significantly. Colfax Quarry Springs Park has portable toilets and trash collection, while Ashton Wildwood Park features pit toilets but no running water at the campground itself. Campers should bring adequate water supplies, as drinking water is limited or unavailable at most tent camping locations.

The tent camping experience around Pella offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. Colfax Quarry Springs Park provides access to kayaking and fishing, with campsites situated near the water. Ashton Wildwood Park features hiking trails, a creek, and even an observatory open on Saturday evenings. The campgrounds are generally uncrowded, offering peaceful natural settings. A visitor to Ashton Wildwood Park noted, "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents. The entire property was well maintained." Sites at these parks are typically nestled among trees, providing shade and natural surroundings for tent campers seeking a connection with nature without traveling far from Pella.

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Best Tent Sites Near Pella, Iowa (18)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Pella, IA

12 Photos of 18 Pella Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Pella, IA

360 Reviews of 18 Pella Campgrounds

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 24, 2016

    Honey Creek State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Goal Zero Light House 250 at Honey Creek State Park

    Campground Review: Honey Creek State Park is on Rathbun Lake, a very popular place to boat, fish and camp in Southern Iowa. We camped in the Group Campground with out Boy Scout Troop. We pulled into camp after dark and between the headlights of our vehicles and our lanterns (My Goal Zero Light House 250) we set up camp in the dark.

    We explored the campground, there were some nice trails and nice spots to camp. The bathrooms were clean but they were a little bit of a walk from the Group Site. The weather was great and the bugs weren't bad. I would recommend Honey Creek State Park.

    Ranger Review: The Goal Zero Light House 250 is a nice lantern. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. The light settings are perfect. You can use half of the lantern or the full lamp power. You can adjust the lighting power by turning the knob on the front. It can be charged with a wall charger, a solar panel, or the green hand crank on top of the lantern.

    We used it when setting our tent up in the dark and it did a good job. At 250 lumens it is just the right amount of light to let you see what you need with out blinding you in the dark. We did not start a campfire that night, instead we placed the Goal Zero Light House 250 on the ground and we surrounded the lantern with our camp chairs as if it was a camp fire. We were up for three hours talking and never did the lantern light weaken.

    I like this light. It is too heavy and bulky for backpacking but it is great for car camping. There is a smaller model but I don't know if it will work for backpacking.

  • Willy W.
    Oct. 22, 2019

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Great Place

    This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing.

    There is a half mile portage with a campsite on the river which you must call to reserve. The other campsites are $10.00 registration. They have porta potties around. Two places to launch kayaks. Most campsites have fire rings, picnic tables and trash bins. Some have grills. They also have firewood for sale or you can find enough wood around still. I didn’t see any water hookups so bring a filter or water. There is a Kum & Go up the road to get missing supplies.

    The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it’s minimal. The quiet hours are at 10:30pm and they have a gate which is closed at sunset when the park closes for non campers.

    Lots of hiking trails and wildlife. The fishing is the best place for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish. No swimming is allowed and only electric motors, no gas.

    Check out their Facebook page for more updates and if you see me out there say hi!

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Beautiful place!

    This place is great! There are 10 beautiful campsites, all with new picnic tables, fire ring and cement pad so you’re chairs are actually level! The fire ring even has a grill you and flip over the fire to cook. There is a vault toilet up on the hill where the campsites are. FYI - the women’s side did not have a lock. The sites were very spacious, some massive and very spread out. You could see neighbors but you aren’t on top on them. And it’s free! You can stay for up to 14 days. They do have registration cards up on the board to complete and post on your site. I had 2-3 bars of LTE via AT&T. The closest gas station is about 7 minutes away and a grocery store about 10 minutes away.

    Let’s talk ticks!! I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van. They always got on his feet every time he used the restroom and made their way inside. If you travel with a pet, check them constantly and make sure they are on a tick med!

  • Dare To Everywhere .The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Great free campground!

    Stayed 7/13/20- FREE 

    Coming off the main road, you’ll enter onto a Dead End gravel road. You’ll eventually see the park entrance(a sign and fence). Pass the first bathrooms/shelter/info board. Continue down the gravel road that looks kinda like a trail. You’ll open up into the campground. The first site to the left of the info board is the most private, with the fire ring being way off the road. I got in late, in the dark, and turned around because the first board said“no camping”. I gave it another shot and continued down the road and was glad when I saw site numbers. Was in and out pretty quick, but it seemed like a really nice place and the fire pits are awesome! Vault toilets available. 

    I had 3 bars LTE AT&T, with no problems.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2024

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Lakeside Campground Bliss

    While it was our first time camping in Iowa, we were extremely lucky to land upon this slightly hidden fresh water centered campground just a 20 minute drive south of Route 80 near Montezuma, wherein one needs only follow Road#63, before coming across Diamond Lake County Park. With the fall colors being in full bloom when we visited, the entire campground was awash in bright yellows, reds and oranges from the changing colors of the leaves. Also, as we were visiting in mid-October, versus some of the other reviews here, we found that we had the place mostly to ourselves, which made for a rather peaceful sublime respite we were searching for. 

    As for the campground itself, what we enjoyed most was how this location is, for the most part, very well organized in keeping the RV'ers and 5th Wheeler crowds together, while preserving a nice slice of verdant lakeside pasture for us primitive camper types. Each of the sites for camping come equipped with (in most cases) fairly new aluminum picnic tables, fire ring with folding BBQ grill. While we didn’t stay in the RV areas, given our tent-pitching persuasion, what we did see was fairly impressive and looked altogether rather brand new with freshly poured concrete slots and fairly mint-looking RV hook-ups (50 amp electric and water) and this same area also boasted a brand new restroom facilities. 

    Obviously, the main attraction here is Diamond Lake itself, with its more than 90 acres of fresh water, albeit murky fresh water, was certainly a hit with this camping family. We enjoyed being able to get out on the lake with our kayaks and canoes as well as go for very long walks around the circumference of the lake itself, with which you will find simply splendid trails. And if that’s not enough exploration for you, then head further inland and away from the lake to explore this parks other 660 acres of grassy prairieland. 

    From an amenities standpoint, there’s a decent amount, including: three shower houses, four shelters, 2 dump stations, three his / her latrines (some much more dated than others), boat ramp and fishing dock, a dedicated fish cleaning station and what looked to be a fairly new kids playground. In all there’s a total of 120 sites to choose from, with 80 designated for RVs / 5th Wheelers and 40 earmarked for primitive camping, which do not come with any electric, which was on one hand the biggest bummer, but on the other hand, offered up front-row access to lakeside camping bliss as many of these primitive campsites are located right on the water’s edge. 

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Check-in is self-registration and is done onsite, so net-net, this place is first-come, first served as no online or advanced registration is taken. While we didn’t mind this, and given that we arrived right around noon as folks were actually checking out, we got the ‘pick of the litter’ of campsites. Electric sites are $20 / night and non-electric are $10, so this place is incredibly affordable; (2) If you are looking for some grub nearby after growing weary of another meal of franks & beans, then there’s really just a few nearby options: Subway, Sauced Pizza & Pub, Casey’s and Yolanda’s Tacos over in the little town of Montezuma; (3) While there are actually few different campgrounds here at Diamond Lake, for primitive campers, the best sites IMHO are located as far southwest as you can possible go around the lake, where there’s more than a dozen or so sites that sit right in front of the water and present a completely isolated surrounding. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    Highs:(1) Fairly EZ access from I-80;(2) Incredibly well-manicured campground– very clean and well-organized;(3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe;(4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community;(5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas;(6) Picnic tables& fire rings are in pretty good condition;(6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton;(7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities;(8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    Lows:(1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa;(2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG;(3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter;(4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors;(5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and/ or refurbished;(6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA;(7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG;(8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • Tiffany K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Howell Station

    Laid-back Campground

    This campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large trees that provide a lot of shade for the campground. There are play grounds for the kids. It is along a river for fishing and bird watching.

  • M
    Jun. 27, 2019

    Honey Creek Resort

    Not your typical RV site

    Honey Creek resort run by the state of Iowa (not to be confused with Honey Creek State Park nearby) is not your typical camping spot. There is a resort hotel with an indoor waterpark, cabins for rent, and an RV Park. The hotel and the RV park are right on the lake. Rathbun is maybe the nicest lake in Iowa (I would say Okoboji, however that has become an overcrowded mess). 

    The RV sites: There are not many of them, 20 I think. But they are all paved, level, full hook ups, spacious, with a view of the lake. I don't even think we exchanged harsh words setting up it was so easy. ;)  There are even a couple sites on the side that have equipment for fall hunters. Trees around the RV area, but not in. Fire ring and picnic table. The boat ramp is at one end of the RV area, so people may drive through with boats. Playground a short walk away on a path, but not right in the RV area. 

    Indoor waterpark: Probably geared to the 4-10 crowd. Only one bigger slide, lazy river, hot tub, pool with some balance platforms and a rope and a basketball hoop. Then a small kiddie pool with a pirate ship structure with some small slides and some fountains. Not a ton to do, however when we were there it rained for an entire day so that was very handy. Snackbar that serves booze. 

    Lake: one of the biggest in the state, not too busy as it is 2 hours from Des Moines so not a lot of day traffic (unlike Saylorville and Red Rock). Boat rentals available. 

    Resort hotel: I haven't been in the guest rooms. There is a lobby, restaurant/bar. I have not eaten at the restaurant. There is a little shop with necessities and firewood. There is a nature program where you can check out backpacks for kids to explore nature. Grounds are nice and lush, paths for walking and biking. There's a golf course.

  • Kerry M.
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Timmons Grove County Park

    Electric sites only, but beautiful area

    All campsites at Timmons Grove are$18/night and are electric. I have visited this place many times but only camped once. This place has never been busy when I have visited.

    I generally do not camp electric, so$18/night was steep for non-electric tent camping. There is no shower and the restroom is a port-a-potty.

    The area itself is really beautiful. There are good hiking trails, including a walk through some wildflowers. Bird watchers will love this place. Also expect to see deer and turkeys.

    There is boat access to the Iowa river as well as a public hunting area(I have not gone boating or fishing here, or hunting).

    Other than the nearby highway, which is not too bad for noise, the campground is really quiet.

    The price and the nearby highway are my only real complaints here. I am giving it 4 stars.

Guide to Pella

Tent camping near Pella, Iowa features established campgrounds scattered across rolling woodland and prairie terrain, typically situated at elevations between 800-900 feet. Most campgrounds in this region remain open from April through October, with July temperatures averaging 86°F during the day and 65°F at night. Seasonal considerations include spring flooding along river access points and fall hunting seasons that affect campground availability.

What to do

Kayaking at quarry waters: Visitors to Colfax Quarry Springs Park can rent kayaks on-site during summer months for exploring the former quarry waters. "This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing. Two places to launch kayaks," notes camper Willy W.

Astronomical observation: Saturday evenings (except first Saturdays) at Ashton Wildwood Park feature public observatory access with guided telescope viewing. "The observatory that's open on Saturday's was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom," according to reviewer Willy W.

Orienteering course: Ashton Wildwood Park maintains a marked orienteering course through woodland terrain for navigation practice. "There is also a orienteering course but you have to walk in the woods to finish it," notes one visitor who enjoyed this unique activity option.

What campers like

Budget-friendly rates: Most tent sites near Pella maintain affordable fees with basic amenities. At Ashton Wildwood Park, camper Deb K. confirms, "It's only $7/night! There is some play equipment for children. There is only a pit toilet in the campground and it's nice enough for midnight runs."

Spacious tent sites: Mariposa Recreation Area offers generous camping areas with minimal crowding. "It's pretty spacious and has lots of room for tent camping. I wouldn't bring an RV here," mentions reviewer Willy W., highlighting the tent-focused nature of this location.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple water access points support diverse fishing options. "The fishing here used to be really good with catfish, bluegill, bass. They do allow boats (electric motor only), kayaks and canoes," reports a Mariposa Recreation Area visitor, while another camper at Colfax Quarry Springs Park states, "Great fishing. Isolated campgrounds. Tent only none of that RV B.S."

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most tent camping locations have minimal amenities requiring preparation. For Ashton Wildwood Park, camper Deb K. advises, "Drive up the road to the observatory and there is a bathroom with flush toilets and a hot shower, also a water spigot on the back side."

Sandy terrain: The quarry origins of some sites affect tent setup. At Colfax Quarry Springs Park, Jerry V. notes, "Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that."

Noise considerations: Highway proximity impacts sound levels at certain campgrounds. "The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it's minimal. The quiet hours are at 10:30pm and they have a gate which is closed at sunset when the park closes for non campers," explains a reviewer at Colfax Quarry Springs Park.

Tips for camping with families

Observatory programs: Children interested in astronomy benefit from scheduled observatory programs. "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable," shares a visitor to Ashton Wildwood Park.

Local camping options for residents: Local families find overnight camping opportunities without extensive travel. "I live just 7 miles away, but I love to take my grand daughter here for overnight camping. Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious," explains Deb K. about her experiences at Ashton Wildwood Park.

Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain basic play equipment for younger visitors. "There is a butterfly garden and playground for the kids to explore. There is also a shelter to have parties with picnic tables," mentions a camper at Mariposa Recreation Area.

Tips from RVers

Tent-focused sites: Many camping areas near Pella prioritize tent camping over RV accommodations. At Colfax Quarry Springs Park, Luke C. appreciates the "Isolated campgrounds. Tent only none of that RV B.S."

Level sites for vehicle-mounted tents: For those using car-top tents, site grading matters. "Level enough for our rooftop tent with no difficulties. Would definitely stay here again," reports Christopher M. about his experience at Colfax Quarry Springs Park.

Firewood availability: Campers can either purchase or collect firewood depending on location policies. "They had firewood already staged for $7 and even came back on day two with more firewood for the same fee," notes Jerry V. about Colfax Quarry Springs Park, while another visitor mentions, "you can find enough wood around still."

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