The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Polk City, IA

524 Reviews

Tent camping options near Polk City, Iowa include multiple established campgrounds with spacious sites for traditional tent setups. Notable tent-friendly campgrounds include Ashton Wildwood Park in Mingo, approximately 15 miles east of Polk City, and Colfax Quarry Springs Park, located south of Polk City in Jasper County. Both parks offer designated tent camping areas with varying amenities and natural surroundings.

Most tent campsites in the Polk City region feature basic amenities with picnic tables and fire rings, while bathroom facilities vary significantly between locations. Ashton Wildwood Park provides spacious, wooded sites with pit toilets in the campground area and flush toilets available at the nearby observatory building. Sites typically have sandy or grassy surfaces with good tree cover. Access routes include both drive-in and walk-in options depending on the campground. According to one visitor, "Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious," making them suitable for multiple tents. Water availability is limited, with some parks lacking potable water sources, so campers should plan accordingly.

Tent campers visiting the Polk City area will find relatively quiet natural settings with moderate privacy between sites. Ashton Wildwood Park offers a particularly secluded experience with trails accessible directly from the campground. The park includes hiking opportunities and an observatory that opens on Saturday evenings. A camper noted that "the campground has some very nice spots and wasn't busy at all," suggesting good availability even during peak season. Colfax Quarry Springs Park provides waterfront tent camping with good fishing opportunities and hiking trails. The tent-only campgrounds provide a more authentic outdoor experience compared to the area's RV-focused facilities, with campers reporting well-maintained grounds and clean facilities despite the primitive nature of some sites.

Map showing campgrounds near Polk City, IowaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Polk City, Iowa (17)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Polk City Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Polk City, IA

5 Photos of 17 Polk City Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Polk City, IA

524 Reviews of 17 Polk City Campgrounds

  • L
    Nov. 5, 2021

    Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    Beautiful and tranquil

    Dolliver 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!

  • Sara S.
    Jul. 25, 2016

    Ledges State Park Campground

    great walk-in site

    We 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.

  • 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.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both 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; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (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 the entrance 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!

  • 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!

  • Wendy P.
    Jul. 19, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Beautiful hikes. Prepare for coons.

    One 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.

  • 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Lenon Mill Park

    Good Campsite but expensive compared to other similar sites

    I’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.

  • 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.

Guide to Polk City

Discover the charm of tent camping near Polk City, Iowa, where nature meets adventure in a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a peaceful stay at Ashton Wildwood Park, where spacious sites tucked into the woods provide a serene backdrop for hiking and family gatherings.
  • Experience the thrill of fishing at Colfax Quarry Springs Park, which offers campsites right on the water and great fishing opportunities.
  • Explore the trails at Kuehn Conservation Area, where you can hike, fish, and enjoy wildlife along the Raccoon River.

Tent campers should check out local amenities

  • Twin Anchors Campground features electric hookups and a small petting zoo, making it a family-friendly spot for a summer getaway.
  • At Grant Park, you'll find clean facilities, including showers and drinking water, perfect for a comfortable camping experience.
  • Mariposa Recreation Area offers spacious tent sites and access to hiking trails, along with a playground for kids to enjoy.

Tent camping features to enjoy

  • Otter Creek Park provides a secluded atmosphere with picnic tables and fire pits, ideal for a cozy camping experience.
  • Experience the rustic charm of Fifield (IA), where you can enjoy campfires and the beauty of nature without the distractions of modern amenities.
  • Whispering Oaks RV Park is big rig friendly and offers electric hookups, making it a convenient choice for those who want to blend tent camping with some comforts.

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.

Keep Exploring