Dispersed camping sites near Little Sioux, Iowa can be found throughout the Loess Hills region, a unique landform of fine-grained windblown silt deposits. These hills rise about 200 feet above the Missouri River floodplain and contain some of the last remaining prairie in Iowa. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and dropping to 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lewis and Clark State Park offers excellent fishing in Blue Lake. One camper reports, "This place has great fishing and is very well maintained not to mention that they have a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago. They will also occasionally take it out and give rides."
Wildlife viewing: Hitchcock County Nature Center provides excellent wildlife spotting from its hawk watch tower. A visitor shared, "When your done with your hiking, climb up to the top of the towering platform and bring your binoculars to checkout the visiting hawks and occasional eagle."
Educational programs: The visitor center at Lewis and Clark State Park features historical exhibits about the Lewis and Clark expedition. A camper noted, "They have a great visitor center with amazing displays and exhibits that mark the history of Lewis and Clark and their travels around the area."
Hiking trails: The Loess Hills terrain offers hiking opportunities with significant elevation changes. At Preparation Canyon State Park, a hiker shared, "The park boasts 10 backpacking, hike-in campsites... Hike through the hilled prairie trail which is the first right as you enter from the Eastside Boundary, and you'll know why you came."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: The backcountry sites at Preparation Canyon State Park provide privacy and solitude. A camper mentioned, "There are about 8 sites dispersed around the area so camping is always private. There is a parking lot where envelopes are so you can pay and hike in."
Clean facilities: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground maintains clean shower and bathroom facilities. A visitor noted, "Short walk to the very clean restrooms with flush toilets & showers. Will come back!"
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds in the area cater to families with children. One reviewer at Lewis and Clark State Park said, "The campground was very clean and quiet. They have full service hook ups. It has a playground for the kids. nice updated bathroom facilities with showers."
Star gazing: The rural location allows for excellent night sky viewing. A visitor at Preparation Canyon State Park shared, "We spent both of our nights at Site 3, which seems to be the crown jewel. It is a small trek up a hillside and looks out across the general area, with a phenomenal star gazing opportunity."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campsites have issues with water quality. At Huff - Warner Access Area, a camper warned, "The only serious complaint I can make is that the water, while potable (so we were told), has a very, very strong iron/metallic taste. To the point that, for us, it was undrinkable."
Insect preparation: Camping near water means dealing with insects. A camper at Huff-Warner noted, "You're camping by a river (i.e., water), so there are many, many flying insects. Be sure to have insect repellent, as they are merciless."
Limited supplies in surrounding towns: Plan ahead and bring necessary supplies. A visitor to Preparation Canyon State Park advised, "The immediate surrounding towns provide very little in the way of amenities, so plan ahead."
Site selection considerations: Some campgrounds have varying levels of privacy between sites. At Lewis and Clark State Park, a camper observed, "Nice facilities well maintained. I guess most people are looking for this kind of camping, but it's a bunch of campers all piled on top of each other with no real views."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer playground facilities for children. A camper at Lewis and Clark State Park shared, "We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water."
Educational opportunities: Jones Pond and surrounding areas provide learning experiences about nature. A visitor mentioned, "Very quiet and peaceful place I have been there few times and I never see anyone else around. There is no bathroom or drinking water so make sure you are ready for that. October is a very colorful time of the year."
Special events: Some parks offer seasonal family activities. A visitor to Lewis and Clark State Park noted, "When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs. At On-Ur-Wa RV Park, a camper shared, "Super clean park and very well taken care of. Pulled in, stopped at office, John came in and helped me, asked me if I was a GoodSam member and charged me $43.34 for a full-hookup, super long pull thru."
Dump station configuration: Be aware of dump station layouts at some parks. A visitor to Summit Lake State Recreation Area cautioned, "Dump station is on a noticeable uphill slope, so you won't be able to completely empty a tank if your setup is the wrong way."
Convenient overnight options: For those just passing through, some RV parks provide easy access from highways. An On-Ur-Wa RV Park visitor noted, "This small campground is right off the interstate, easy to get to. It's right by a small truck stop, but the noise was not bothersome at all. There is a small dog park for the pups."
