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Campgrounds surrounding Little Sioux, Iowa range from developed facilities with modern amenities to primitive hike-in sites. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground near Onawa provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and shower facilities. Meanwhile, Preparation Canyon State Park offers a more remote experience with hike-in tent sites. The Loess Hills region features several campground options, including county-managed areas along the Missouri River and privately operated RV parks that cater to travelers passing through on Interstate 29.
The camping season in this region generally runs from April through October, with some campgrounds like Lewis and Clark State Park remaining open year-round. Many sites require reservations during peak summer months, while others operate on a first-come basis. According to one visitor, "Preparation Canyon State Park has 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." Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds - some like Huff-Warner Access Area offer full hookups, while primitive sites at Preparation Canyon have no drinking water access. Cell service is generally reliable near developed areas but may be limited in more remote settings within the Loess Hills.
Campers frequently mention the unique landscape of the Loess Hills as a highlight of the region. These distinctive landforms create scenic vistas and hiking opportunities not commonly associated with Iowa. One camper noted, "I had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great!" River access points along the Missouri River provide opportunities for boating and fishing. Sites with shade are particularly valued during summer months when temperatures can climb into the 90s. Campgrounds closer to Interstate 29, such as On-Ur-Wa RV Park, provide convenient overnight stops for travelers, while more remote sites in the hills offer greater solitude and opportunities to explore the unusual terrain.
"Located directly adjacent to the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest; the flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America."
"Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded."
from $9 / night
Check Availability"Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa!"
"There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. 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."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Really impressed with this location. Incredible hiking just outside your door."
"It took a lot of driving to get back in here, but the payoff was a lovely little isolated, three or 4 acres of grass and hardwood trees by a sweet little cemetery of the hill."
"They have a table near the boat ramp that, I assume, is for cleaning your caught fish. If it matters, it did not have running water."
"Located far enough from the interstate to avoid any traffic noise River barges were unloading next to the campground when we were here."
"Pros: Quiet, walking trails, lake, bar nearby, clean showers and bathroom, building a new playground as of 10/2022 Cons: Dump station is on a noticeable uphill slope, so you won't be able to completely"
"Summit is a great lake just west of Tekamah, and less than a hour from Omaha."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Lots to do in the area, especially with the State Forests nearby. Be warned however, the showers are cold water only, so don't expect a hot shower at the end of the day!"
"Pulled in, John came into the office, asked if I was a Good Sam member and charged me $43.34 for a full hook-up, extra long pull thru on the outside of the trees."
"Great location. Very nice campground. Large spacious pull thru sites. Extremely clean bathrooms and showers. We stayed twice, westbound and eastbound. Very friendly, nice people."
"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."
"I pulled in late at night easy to navigate stayed the next day and did some trails apparently the land formations are 1 of only 2 in the world how about that Iowa."
"We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."
from $10 - $50 / night
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TravelerIt took a lot of driving to get back in here, but the payoff was a lovely little isolated, three or 4 acres of grass and hardwood trees by a sweet little cemetery of the hill.
GuideWe were coming into town for the College World Series and intended to stay at Arrowhead. I called ahead and talked to a kind gentleman who let me know that Arrowhead would likely be full, but the fairgrounds would surely have space. With 24-hour self check-in, it was a perfect solution. Twenty-five minutes from Omaha and full, pull-through hook ups made this a solid stop over.
GuideCamp spots are close together and not private. But it's a beautiful spot with lots of hiking trails. Bathrooms are spotless and the host is super nice.
LegendI was here on a very hot June day. Grateful for the electricity so I could run my A/C. Would have been much nicer if there were some actual trees for shade. No privacy between sites.
You need a code to get inside the park. I saw camp hosts drive by in golf carts, but did not interact with them.
All the pads look like they're very new. Cement and level.
While this park is right on the lake, there is no easy access to the lake from the campground. A few of the sites back up to the lake, but even those you'd have to bushwack to get to the water. I did find a spot that I had to practically trespass on another camper's site to get to. It was a small opening between weeds and down some treacherous rocks to launch my paddleboard.
There's a beach a few hundred yards down the path that you have to pay $5 to enter.
The lake does not look very clean. I wouldn't swim in it.
The shower was one of those push button ones and it was fine. Lots of kids running around and being loud past 11pm. Looks like people come here to spend the night and spend the day someplace else.
GuideThis was a beautiful little spot in town. All the spots were decently spaced out so you had your privacy, and it was surprisingly quiet. It is on the edge a housing area, so you can see people's porches across the street, but it wasnt bad. The price is very reasonable especially if you're just spending the night while driving through. Its very green, well maintained and pretty, we even saw some fireflies! It has electric hook ups and a dump station as well.
ScoutNew pads. Grills. Fishing Lake. Tennis Courts. Basketball. Sand Volleyball. Pool.
ScoutI called because there was no link to book and the RV park has closed. There is RV parking if you want to stay in the hotel, but the park with hookups is closed.
TravelerBeautiful city owned campground. 50 and/or 30 amp electric at all sites. No water hookups, but spigots are located throughout the park. No shower house, only pit toilets. However, at $20 a night a steal!
GuidePreparation Canyon has multiple hike-in sites available, in different distances (1/4 to 1 mile) from the trail head. The sites are each provided with a picnic table and fire ring, and are situated a little distance back from the main trail. I camped for three nights around site #4 which was secluded and had great privacy from those hiking nearby. The site seemed well maintained and was mostly level.
Lots of wildlife to view and spots to explore. If hiking in the area remember to bring bug spray, the flies and mosquitoes were thick at my camp spot! I think it was the result of the standing water in the creek, which is the result of a small dam.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Little Sioux, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Little Sioux, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 93 campgrounds and RV parks near Little Sioux, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Little Sioux, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Little Sioux, IA is Preparation Canyon State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Little Sioux, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Little Sioux, IA.
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