Best Tent Camping near Riverside, IA

Recent Tent Reviews near Riverside, IA

391 Reviews of 23 Riverside Campgrounds

• 

  Kimberly B.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 18, 2021

  Amana RV Park & Event Center

  Very convenient for visiting the Amana Colonies.

  We tent camped here for two nights so we could visit the Amana Colonies. This is an RV park with tent sites on the lawn around the perimeter. A bit of a walk to the bathroom and showers, but the sites were level with short grass. The bathrooms and showers were very clean, and everyone was extremely friendly. The only drawback was that the tent sites don’t have picnic tables, but for two nights we made it work. We’d stay here again.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 28, 2024

  Sherman Co Park

  Scenic County park along Wapsipinicon River

  The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 26, 2022

  Jolly Rogers Campground

  Larger CG along Iowa River (Seasonal) currently named Scales Pointe

  Large marina on Iowa River, Bobbers Grill restaurant on site, sand volleyball lots, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, camp store with propane/firewood, shower house, full hookups, tent sites.

• J

  Jamee H.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 18, 2016

  Lake Macbride State Park Campground

  Highly recommend! Non-modern site was great for us! Clean, family-friendly, quiet, but no shower house

  Lake MacBride State Park is divided into two areas, and you need a car (or boat) to get between the two sections. You may also be able to take the dam trail with a bike, but I'm not totally sure about that. One side is called the "modern campground" and has spots for RV camping and tent camping, and this campground has toilets, playground, beach, and shower house. The other side is the "non-modern campground" and has RV and tent sites, playground, boat access to the lake, modern bathroom and pit latrine, but NO shower house. Our family of two parents and 2 young boys stayed a Friday night in the non-modern campground in site #49, which is off to the side, close to the woods, and is appropriate for two tents. We had no complaints at all! The campground is well-maintained, the lake is beautiful, the modern toilet house was clean, there was water on site. Our kids played with other kids in the campground at the small but nicely maintained and modern playground. There were some safe little trails in the woods next to our campsite that our kids walked around on with lanterns and looked for bugs and spiders. There was a normal amount of chatter from a Boy Scout group that was near us, but the sound died down fairly early, and it was quiet sleeping. The next morning, we got up and did some exercise and watched the lake while the fog was still low. Saw lots of neat birds, including a great blue heron. There is no swimming beach on this side, but you can launch a boat (boat ramp) or kayaks and canoes. Many of the campsites were empty when we went, and for the empty ones, you just get your campsite on the honor system. I do sort of wish there was a shower house on that side, just in case, but that is probably what is keeping this site quiet. We reserved the campsite through ReserveAmerica, and unfortunately we had to reserve for a minimum of 2 days, so my only other wish would be that we could reserve for just one day, BUT the campsite was very inexpensive, only $9/night, so for $18 plus a very minimal processing fee (I think we paid $22 total for the 2 nights), we had a great place to camp, and much cheaper and quieter than a cheap motel, along our destination from Wisconsin to Kansas! Things nearby to check out include: the beach at the park, the Devonian Fossil Gorge in Coralville, and the Coffee Press (for coffee lovers) in Iowa City.

• L

  Lisa M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 12, 2021

  Big Hollow Recreation Area

  Nice simple place for tent camping

  We tent camped here a few weeks ago and it was pretty nice. You self check in and cost is only $10/night for primitive. They don’t have electric or water hookups for tent camping which was ok for us. It was easy to find and quiet. The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you’re wanting to fish or swim, this isn’t the place for you! There’s a gun range, horse farm, playground, bathrooms, and even a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!

• J

  Jeri B.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 27, 2020

  Geode State Park Campground

  Relaxing

  Grew up camping here every summer! Nice tent sites and good hiking!

• 

  Sarah H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 23, 2016

  F. W. Kent Park

  Nice Midwest Campground off I-80

  Our family enjoys tent camping at Kent Park because the sites are grassy and open, but more private than many Midwest campgrounds because they are lined with tall prairie grasses and trees. We stayed during an Iowa Football weekend, attended the game in nearby Iowa City, and then enjoyed the rest of our weekend exploring the ponds and trails in the park. Prairie life makes for good photo ops and bird-watching. Restrooms and campsites were clean and well maintained. We will definitely be back!

• C

  Cassie K.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 5, 2022

  Sleepy Hollow

  No Pets?

  Was looking forward to camping there until I found out they do not allow pets at tent sites. Apparently they don’t feel responsible pet owners use tents. Not happy will never stay there

• 

  .! E !.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 5, 2024

  Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA

  Perfect!

  Very nice, affordable and peaceful campsite. Stayed one night for tent camping, campsite was clean and accommodating with fire pit, picnic table, lights, Wi-Fi, and power plug. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Perfect camping site.

• 

  Susanjoy P.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 17, 2021

  River Junction

  I camped in "stumptown "

  24 years ago River Jct Lone Tree Iowa was Just stumptown. Outhouse at the top. Just a spot by the river. A lone camper. How things have changed . Still primitive tent campgrounds there. Alot of sites. Boat ramp. Camper sites no electricity. $10 per night. Bear & Sue's Adventure 2021.

• 

  Dani K.

  Guide

  

  May. 31, 2017

  Lake Darling State Park Campground

  Favorite Childhood Site

  The Lake has been recently drained and refilled. The new trails around the lake are so wonderful. Electric and tent sites. Brand new five season cabins. Great all year round!

• 

  J. T.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 13, 2021

  Sugar Bottom Campground

  Sweet tent sites on the lake!

  Great open air tent sites right on the side of the lake. Perfect access to restrooms close to the beach and close to the beach and write-off the boat dock.

• 

  John S.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 18, 2018

  Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

  Close to town camping

  A little pricy for tent camping. Ten dollars per tent per night and you’re restricted to the primitive area. It’s not bad if you’re just wanting to get away for a little bit but stay close to town. Otherwise if you’re looking for a better get away from it all I’d recommend some place else.

• 

  Chelsea M.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 31, 2019

  Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

  Beautiful

  It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground, tent camping is a breeze with very secluded sites, and well water very close to each site and a trail that leads to a large dumpster. Awesome lake to go kayaking on too!

• P

  Patti M.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 19, 2018

  Scales Pointe Camping and Boating

  Super nice owner!

  Just looking for a layover spot after a long day of driving. Couldn't figure out where to register so we walked into the bar/restaurant, Bobber's Grill. The owner was at the bar. Was going to charge us $35 because he thought we needed hook ups. Explained we were self sufficient and really just needed a place to park...very willing to pay for a tent site. After confirming we needed nothing else, he said "Well if that's all you want, you can park in my lot here and buy a beer." Deal!! The tent sites were really muddy that day so we were thrilled to have a lot. Place is right on the lake. Lots of boating. Quiet at night. Really a fun place to be.

• A

  Ann B.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 9, 2018

  Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

  Well maintained with trees!

  The tent sites are very nice and private. There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty. New picnic tables. Lots of shade. visited in July

• 

  Iris A.

  Ranger

  

  Dec. 8, 2021

  Sleepy Hollow

  Under new ownership

  This campground has many amenities for the whole family. From tent sites, to Airbnb cabins for 9 people they have a site for everyone. They have laundry, showers, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, fishing and a swimming beach.

• 

  Haley C.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 22, 2022

  Summit Campground - West Lake Park

  Green, clean and tidy

  Very well organized, friendly host, green and easy to access off the highway even though we got in after dark. We were able to register our campsite the following morning since we got in late. We’re tent camping and thrilled with the clean hot showers. Just had a bit of road noise.

• 

  Mary H.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 28, 2019

  F. W. Kent Park

  Pleasant stay, quiet campground

  Unique mix of RV and tent sites in a variety of sizes. Some close together would be good for groups and some remote. One shower room with flush toilets near entrance but vault toilets and water available throughout park. No other services.

• 

  Jacob W.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 1, 2021

  Lake Macbride State Park Campground

  Wooded walk-in tent sites (MNRA)

  My son and I tent-camped at Macbride Nature Recreation Area (not nearby Lake Macbride State Park) several times circa 2005. Always a good time. You can walk through the forest to get to the injured raptor center with outdoor aviaries. I marked this campground as new to the Dyrt map but the Dyrt changed it to a review of the state park. Oh well!

• 

  Therese T.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 20, 2021

  Sugar Bottom Campground

  Great campsite

  Last minute on Saturday night they had only 2 spots left. We were tent camping but they only had electric sites remaining. We got site 31, beautiful spacious area, right off the River for fishing! Bathroom facilities were clean and had hot water. Each site has a water faucet. Host was helpful and the site was well maintained. Glad we found it in a last minute change of plans. Will definitely go back again!

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 11, 2023

  Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park

  Well maintained County CG & Park

  CG open all year, offers standard sites including electric, water, septic, fire rings, tables. Firewood, ice, recycling, showers/RR, host available. Sites have shade and Tent sites available. Park offers 4 lakes for fishing, paddling, and a seasonal beach for swimming with concessions. Park has hiking trails, world-class disc golf course, playgrounds, picnicking, shelter rentals.

• C

  Carol M.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 6, 2018

  Matsell Bridge Natural Area

  Nice little inexpensive primitive site... spaces almost always available

  Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this "best kept secret" for primitive and inexpensive camping sites. Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Good for RV, trailer or tent camping… level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water.

• 

  Shannon G.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 27, 2019

  Little Bear Campground

  Cute and Quaint

  Little Bear Campground is located right off I-80 at the West Liberty exit. It is right next to a trailer park. There are a few tent sites ($22/ night)and Rv sites($33/night). We pulled in late to stay the night. It had full hook ups with a fire ring and picnic table. The spot was good sized and clean. There is an office/ gift shop and a convent store within walking distance. There is 2 cute little cabins which run $49 a night. There is a pool(closed for season), and a playground for kids. I was surprised that the interstate noise was much quieter than I thought it would be. All and all it was a pleasant place to stop over.

• 

  Julie J.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 14, 2021

  Little Bear Campground

  Great Overnight Spot

  Just off I-80 this was a clean, large, level, grassy tents sites. Gas station right next door. Owner was very friendly and helpful. No reservation needed. We came in after hours and owner greeted us and made sure we got settled. Would definitely stay here again.

• 

  Amy W.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 1, 2022

  Cottonwood Campground/Coralville Lake (COE)

  Clean, quiet, great stopover spot

  This campground has 11 tent sites spread around a level, pretty wide-open grove of cottonwoods and four larger sites in the woods (#12-#15) accessed via a path that climbs the hill behind the parking lot. Nothing fancy, but it was everything we needed. We stayed down in the flat, near the bathrooms, because we arrived late and this was just a quick stopover, but if I were planning to hang around a bit I'd probably try to get one if the wooded sites. Bathroom/shower building is older but very clean and well maintained. Its a short walk down to the Devonian Fossil Gorge - a spillway for the Coralville dam. Lots of interesting geologic history on the interpretive path (also a pretty sobering picture of the gorge full of whitewater during a flood). Would happily stay here again.

• 

  MickandKarla W.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 26, 2023

  Sugar Bottom Campground

  Okay COE

  Check-in was quick and easy. We proceeded to back-in site 61 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP). We were one and done on what we thought might be a more difficult back-in, but there was enough level ditch in front to allow an easy swing. Our site was somewhat level, but we did have to put blocks under the passenger-side tires. We could back far enough in our site to park our F-450 in front of our rig at an angle and still put our back deck out. We got 2 bars on Verizon and could put out our Starlink. They have a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions. This large COE has a variety of sites, with the 300 loop being full hook-ups. The sites down by the boat launch have electric only and tent sites. There are shower houses throughout the CG. Compared to other COEs we’ve stayed at, the sites here are closer together. The CG wasn’t full during the week but filled up on the weekend while we were there.