Tent camping options around Pleasant Hill, Iowa typically range from $7-10 per night across county parks and conservation areas within a 30-minute drive. The terrain varies from wooded sites with natural ground to former quarry areas with sandy soil. Most sites feature pit toilets and fire rings, though amenities and access conditions vary by location and season, with some parks closing during winter months or after heavy rainfall due to limited road maintenance.
What to do
Observatory viewing sessions: Ashton Wildwood Park offers Saturday night observatory access where astronomers demonstrate telescope equipment and provide guided night sky viewing. According to visitor Willy W., "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) 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."
Fishing opportunities: Colfax Quarry Springs Park provides excellent fishing access from many of its tent sites. Jerry V. noted, "It had a nice access spot for fishing," while another camper, Luke C., described it as "Campsite right on the water. Great fishing. Isolated campgrounds. Tent only none of that RV B.S."
Hiking trails: Multiple conservation areas offer hiking paths ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. At Mariposa Recreation Area, trails connect to a butterfly garden and back pond. One visitor described, "There are hiking trails and one that goes to a back pond. There is a butterfly garden and playground for the kids to explore."
What campers like
Spacious, secluded sites: Tent campsites near Pleasant Hill, Iowa are known for their generous sizing. Topaz G. reported about Ashton Wildwood Park: "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents." Another camper, Michael K., appreciated that sites were "clean and well-maintained."
Paddling access: Several parks offer kayak and canoe opportunities. Willy W. mentioned at Colfax Quarry Springs Park: "There is a half mile portage with a campsite on the river which you must call to reserve. Two places to launch kayaks." The park also features kayak rentals from an on-site company.
Natural surroundings: The primitive camping areas prioritize natural settings over development. At Kuehn Conservation Area, James M. described "Nice quite sites along the Raccoon River. Has hiking, fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife, small Bear Creek nature center, open daily 1/2 hr before sunrise to 10:30 pm."
What you should know
Limited water access: Most tent sites require campers to bring their own water. At Ashton Wildwood Park, Willy W. cautioned, "The bathroom at the campground doesn't have plumbing and no water available so make sure to bring plenty of water." Some parks have water spigots at central locations but not at individual sites.
Varying bathroom facilities: Restroom quality differs significantly between parks. Christopher M. noted at Colfax Quarry Springs Park: "Even the outhouses smelled good." The park recently added shower facilities, though most other tent camping areas offer only pit toilets or porta-potties.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise. Willy W. mentioned at Colfax Quarry Springs: "The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it's minimal." Twin Anchors Campground has reported issues with after-hours noise from children and golf carts.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several conservation areas include play equipment for children. Willy W. noted that Mariposa Recreation Area has "a playground for the kids to explore" along with its butterfly garden, making it suitable for family outings.
Educational opportunities: Otter Creek Park and other locations offer nature exploration opportunities. Steve H. described it as a "Little limited, secluded" county park that operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though recent reports indicate camping may be temporarily suspended.
Site selection: For families with multiple tents, select larger sites at Ashton Wildwood Park. Deb K. recommends: "I love to take my grand daughter here for overnight camping. Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. It's only $7/night! There is some play equipment for children."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup limitations: While most tent camping areas around Pleasant Hill accept small RVs, hookup options are minimal. Twin Anchors Campground provides more RV amenities but differs significantly from the primitive camping experience found at conservation areas.
Surface conditions: RV campers should be aware of terrain variations. Jerry V. cautioned about Colfax Quarry Springs: "Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that." This can affect stabilization and setup requirements for campers.
Size restrictions: Most conservation areas cannot accommodate large RVs. Abby F. noted about Twin Anchors Campground: "The campground was nice, but it seems more for RVs. Sometimes you have to share a fire pit with other tents if it's busy."
