Camping opportunities near Plainfield, Iowa span a range of terrains across Bremer and surrounding counties. The area sits at approximately 950 feet above sea level with rolling prairie landscapes and river valleys creating diverse camping environments. Winter temperatures can drop below -10°F while summer highs regularly reach 85°F, making mid-spring through early fall the primary camping season.
What to do
River activities: Float and tube along the Turkey River at Skip-A-Way Resort, located about 40 minutes northeast of Plainfield. "Some weekly activities include canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake, a splash pad for kids and occasionally a dumping tank for free, also miniture golf," notes reviewer Lourene M.
Hiking trails: Explore established paths at Pine Lake State Park Campground, which offers routes suitable for all skill levels around both upper and lower Pine Lake. As one visitor states, "Lovely views, great walking paths, quiet and picturesque lake. Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean."
Fishing: Cast for local species at smaller lakes or the Cedar River. Several campgrounds offer shoreline access for anglers. One camper at Pine Lake mentions, "Fishing is good here, as are the hiking trails. Can get busy on the weekends but if you camp mid-week you may be the only folks around."
What campers like
Beach access: Many campers appreciate lake swimming options during summer months. At Clear Lake State Park Campground, visitors enjoy "nice beach access" and according to Becky M., the park features "clean, the shower house is nice... nice beach access! Limited full hook up sites."
Riverside tent sites: Tent campers seeking water views have options at various parks. As Kari S. notes about Pulpit Rock Campground, "My boyfriend and I stayed right on the river with our pups (pet friendly) and it was BEAUTIFUL. Easy access to restrooms but secluded and quiet too."
Off-season quietude: For those wanting a less crowded experience, spring and fall camping can provide more solitude. A visitor to Clear Lake State Park mentioned, "We were happy to discover that despite being a full campground, it was quiet at almost all hours of the day and night."
What you should know
Reservation timing: RV sites near Plainfield, Iowa fill quickly during peak seasons. At popular locations like Clear Lake State Park, "Reserve early!" as Lisa M. recommends, noting that despite being "a big campground," you need to book in advance.
Site spacing concerns: Many Iowa campgrounds feature closely positioned sites. A camper at Beed's Lake State Park Campground observed, "Over half of the campsites are parallel parking. That means if you don't know the person camping across from you, you'll be staring at a stranger just a few feet away during your stay."
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Pulpit Rock Campground runs from "April 1 to November 1," while other sites may close due to weather conditions or maintenance needs.
Tips for camping with families
Look for family activities: Some campgrounds cater specifically to children. Skip-A-Way Resort offers numerous options as noted by jeremiah B.: "They have a beach for swimming. Boats for renting... You can rent kayaks, bikes. They have mini golf... They have river rafting, a playground for little kids, and a mini horse for petting. Lots of things for kids to do!"
Consider playground proximity: Sites near play areas can be convenient but noisy. At Cedar Bend Park in Waverly, campers find "great trails, older playgrounds, nice bathroom, good price," according to Andrew B.
Check bathroom facilities: Shower availability and cleanliness matter for longer stays. A camper at George Wyth State Park noted that "The campground's shower house is handicap accessible" and another mentioned that while the "bathrooms were a little old but clean when we were there," they experienced "massive hornets all over the bathroom area."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require some adjustment. Victoria G. reported about Clear Lake State Park, "Sites not too level, but spacious. Camped in mid April and park was not very busy which was nice. Full hook up sites and W/E only sites."
Weekday camping advantages: For RVers seeking more space at popular campgrounds near Plainfield, Iowa, weekday reservations often provide better experiences. A Pine Lake visitor noted, "Can get busy on the weekends but if you camp mid-week you may be the only folks around. Very peaceful."
Navigation considerations: Some parks have complicated layouts. At Clear Lake State Park, one RVer observed, "The paved roads leading to the sites are very narrow and would appear to be one-way but are not designated as such, resulting in some confusion. The site numbers are only listed on one side, even though most of the sites appeared to be pull-through."
