Polk City is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Polk City is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Polk City. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Greenhouse Camping
10 min away
Ashton Wildwood Park
30 min away
$7 / night
"The bathroom at the campground doesn’t have plumbing and no water available so make sure to bring plenty of water. There is a small park to play at for kids."
"Definitely follow the directions on Dyrt, google took us on a winding gravel road that led to the same place.
The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents."
$15 / night
"They have porta potties around. Two places to launch kayaks. Most campsites have fire rings, picnic tables and trash bins. Some have grills."
"Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites. Level enough for our rooftop tent with no difficulties. Would definitely stay here again."
"Sometimes you have to share a fire pit with other tents if it's busy. They have a small petting zoo and a small beach. This place feels more like a neighborhood verses camping in nature."
$5 - $8 / night
"Has hiking, fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife, small Bear Creek nature center, open daily 1/2 hr before sunrise to 10:30 pm, Has upper and lower (adjacent to Raccoon River) campground sites."
"If you want to go out in the country and do some tent camping this is the place!
The lake has been drained and dredged and is slowly filling back up."
$40 - $150 / night
ScoutDolliver State Park was our maiden voyage in our travel trailer and it was obvious we were pitiful newbies! The park's beauty and tranquility did get disturbed a couple times when our dogs got loose (newbs!). The park staff were friendly and very helpful as were our fellow campers. The sites are mostly level with picnic tables and fire rings. Sites range from shady to sunny and the reservation website depicts the sites with a small photo and details about the amount of slope and shade. Cell service was good but no WiFi without a hotspot for us. We had fun, learned a lot and plan to camp here again!
LegendWe went to this state park with family and had a great time. We chose to do a walk-in tent site because my brother in law recommended it. The site was great! It had tons of trees, dirt area to set up tent, and nice grass surrounding it. The fireplace and picnic table we unexpected with a walk-in site, but a good surprise :) We camped mid-October and were pleased to see the modern bathrooms still open too! Loved the canyon drive and it’s fabulous views :) We heard about an awesome bicycling trail that connects this park with another and are already planning a trip to go back and do a bike trip! Excellent experience.
RangerThis 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!
ScoutOne of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.
Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.
LegendThis 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!
RangerStayed 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.
GuideI’ve maked this down to 3 stars purely on the basis of the fee - it’s a $20 flat fee whether in an RV with a hookup, or a tent with no hookup, and for that, you get a restroom and a spigot with drinking water, but no shower. Apart from that, the location is quiet and peaceful. Lots of space in the tent area, with some shade and soft grass. Close to town, with restaurants and a grocery store.
GuideThis 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.
GuideStayed at this campground for 3 nights while visiting Des Moines. We stayed in Loop 1- site 138 because we wanted electrical. The electrical box has 2 standard household plugs which is nice. This loop was mostly RVs due to the electrical hook ups. There aren't really trees between the sites, but it is in a wooded area which is nice and there is some space between the sites so you don't feel like you are right on top of the other people. Generally, people were pretty quiet, especially once it got dark. Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate. Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up. There is a grassy area all around the gravel with plenty of room for multiple tents. 2 bath/shower houses within a short walk from the site- they were both clean and solid to use. There are some short trails within the park which are generally well marked, but just 1 trail is longer than about 1/2 a mile. Didn't check it out, but there is also a large lake. Lots of picnic areas throughout the park. There's also a volleyball court and free lending library near one of the bathhouses. Overall, I'd recommend this campground as long as you don't mind seeing your neighbors. Quick drive into Des Moines too.
Discover the charm of tent camping near Polk City, Iowa, where nature meets adventure in a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Polk City, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Polk City, IA is Ashton Wildwood Park with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Polk City, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Polk City, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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