Best Campgrounds near Preston, IA

Camping near Preston, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Explore the Caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, you can hike through unique caves. One visitor said, “The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous. It proved to be tons of fun for me, my son and his friends.”
• Enjoy Water Activities: Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground has a large lake with boat launches and fishing piers. A reviewer mentioned, “There’s a boat rental place run by the nearby Cork Down Saloon.”
• Hiking Trails: Many campgrounds, like Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground, offer well-maintained trails. One camper noted, “The trails are well kept, clean bathrooms, nice campsites and the best camp hosts ever!!!”

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and showers. A visitor at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River said, “The bathrooms were quite clean. Water was a little hard to get, depending on the site.”
• Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at Shady Creek mentioned, “Nice quiet spot on the Mississippi.”
• Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their hospitality. A camper at Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA said, “The staff were great!”

What you should know

• Train Noise: Some campgrounds, like Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, are near train tracks. A visitor warned, “When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries. It’s incredibly loud!”
• Site Selection: Choosing the right site is important. A camper at White Pines Forest State Park Campground advised, “This is the type of campground you go and check your spot out before you reserve it.”
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have stores or markets nearby. A reviewer at Chief Keokuk Campground noted, “The restaurant and rental building is closed until future notice.”

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground mentioned, “The playground was nice for the kiddos.”
• Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially near water. A visitor at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground suggested, “Insect repelling incense and spray kept us comfortable.”
• Bring Entertainment: Pack games or outdoor activities to keep kids engaged. A camper at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River shared, “We loved walking the campground as well as the bike path nearby.”

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground noted, “The campground provided a quieter respite.”
• Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric sites. A visitor at Shady Creek said, “Good cell reception. We have Verizon. Clean showers and 50 amp sites.”
• Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds may have noise from nearby roads or trains. A camper at Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA mentioned, “There may be some full-timers, but not in our area.”

Camping near Preston, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to make the most of your trip!