Campgrounds near Quimby, Iowa range from primitive sites to full-service facilities across several county-managed parks. Most are located within a 30-mile radius, primarily along the Little Sioux River watershed where wooded areas break up the agricultural landscape. Camping fees typically range from $5-15 for primitive sites and $15-25 for sites with hookups, with most parks operating on a seasonal basis from April through October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Little Sioux Park Campground features a stocked lake where visitors can fish without traveling far from their campsite. "If half of a star was an option, I'd probably lean towards 3.5 stars... Small beach area for swimming. Two playgrounds. Very nice field of wild comb flowers blooming near the shower house," noted Tim K. about this popular park.
Kayaking access: Stieneke Area Park provides direct river access for paddlers. "There's a river behind and the sign says you can launch a kayak," explains Kent H., who appreciated the quiet setting, adding "I'm the only person in the campground."
Trail exploration: Buena Vista Co Park offers well-maintained hiking paths through wooded terrain. Ashley N. commented, "The trails are very well maintained! Shower facilities are super clean! 10/10." The park is particularly accessible for beginners due to its straightforward layout and amenities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention appreciating the spacing between campsites at Buena Vista Co Park. "Sites aren't crunched together, so you have privacy. Trails are nice. Everything is well maintained. Showers & bathrooms are awesome! We almost always see wildlife when hiking," reports Lori N.
Clean facilities: The shower houses at Silver Sioux Recreation Area receive consistent positive reviews despite the primitive tent camping options. One camper noted, "The shower house was nice and clean. There is a barn there to use as a picnic shelter which is very pretty."
Wildlife viewing: Several parks in the region offer opportunities to spot local wildlife, particularly during morning and evening hours. "We almost always see wildlife when hiking," shared Lori N. about Buena Vista Co Park, making it a good option for nature enthusiasts with approximately 20 miles of trails to explore.
What you should know
Tent camping limitations: Some parks in the region have few designated tent sites or primitive options. At Silver Sioux Recreation Area, one visitor observed, "The campsite seems to be more for RVs. Tent camping is just a field with a few picnic tables in it and has a bit of a walk from the parking lot with your equipment."
Water availability: Not all parks offer potable water. At Stieneke Area Park, Kent H. mentioned, "There's a hand pump water well. Give it a dozen pumps to get it going. I don't suppose it is potable water." Campers should bring drinking water or verify water safety before arrival.
Limited site identification: Some smaller county parks lack clear campsite markings. At Moorehead Pioneer County Park, a camper reported, "It's not really a campground. It's a county park with a few camp spots. If I hadn't found the sign with tent symbols I would have doubted it was a legitimate place to camp."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Little Sioux Park Campground features multiple play areas for children near camping areas. The park includes "two playgrounds" according to Tim K., while another visitor, Benjamin P., summarized it as "Plenty to do for everyone. Very well kept park. Can't be beat."
Swimming options: Several parks offer water recreation suitable for families during summer months. Little Sioux Park includes "a small beach area for swimming" as noted by Tim K., providing a place for children to cool off during hot weather.
Buddy camping setups: Some parks accommodate families camping together with specific site layouts. At Little Sioux Park Campground, Deb W. appreciated that "they have lots of buddy system sites!" allowing multiple families to camp adjacent to one another while sharing common areas.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Martin Area County Park offers sites with electric, water, and sewer connections for self-contained camping. While reviews of the full-hookup sites are limited, the park maintains a 5-star rating and offers cabin options for non-RV campers.
First-come access: Many campgrounds in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Tim K. noted about Little Sioux Park, "All sites are first come first serve. We arrived on a Saturday evening around 5:30pm and found a site no problem."
Electric-only options: Several parks offer electric sites without other hookups at lower rates. At Little Sioux Park, "There are two loops. One has electric only sites and the second has electric/water sites," according to Tim K., giving RVers options based on their needs and budget constraints.
