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Best Campgrounds near Maxwell, IA

528 Reviews

Central Iowa surrounding Maxwell provides campers with a blend of county and state park options within a 30-minute drive. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt in Maxwell offers tent and RV camping with boat-in access and electric hookups. The area extends to nearby options like Jester County Park in Granger, featuring tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations. Most campgrounds in this region maintain seasonal availability from April through November, with a few year-round options like Jester Park.

Campground amenities vary significantly throughout the Maxwell area, with most locations offering electric hookups, drinking water, and basic facilities. Many county parks have picnic tables, fire rings, and trash service, while shower facilities are available at select locations including Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt and Thomas Mitchell County Park. Reservations are recommended at popular sites, especially during summer weekends when capacity can be limited. As one camper noted about Thomas Mitchell Park, "There are electric and non-electric sites available. The outer loop has a creek that flows behind the sites with large stairs to get down to it. Kids were having a blast in the water."

The terrain around Maxwell features a mix of prairie, woodland, and water access points that influence the camping experience. Hickory Grove Campground in Colo provides boat-in access with electric hookups and dump stations but no showers. Several campgrounds offer water recreation opportunities, with fishing and boating access at various locations. Campers report varied levels of privacy between sites, with some parks offering more secluded options than others. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available... It is very peaceful but we also camp Sun-Wed when there isn't a ton of people." Wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and seasonal activities enhance the camping experience throughout the region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Maxwell, Iowa (108)

    1. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

    8 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    7 miles
    Website

    "Next to skunk river oxbows, kayak, no swimming, water stagnant, no fish, about 4ft depth everywhere. Great hiking trails, clean, great camp hosts, ranger. All sites first come."

    "We haven't camped here, but have seen that the tent areas are right next to the water. Super serene with great hiking trails and bird watching!"

    2. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"

    "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."

    3. Ashton Wildwood Park

    5 Reviews
    Mingo, IA
    8 miles
    Website

    $7 / night

    "Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious.  It's only $7/night!  There is some play equipment for children. "

    "There are a couple of hiking trails in the park that are maintained. One goes to a creek and a bird watching station."

    4. Hickory Grove Campground

    5 Reviews
    Collins, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 232-2516

    $17 / night

    "Lots of trees for shade but the lake has trails and a swimming beach with watercraft rentals. Truly a hidden gem in central Iowa!"

    "Got to the campground around 6pm on a Friday and no one was at the primitive campground which was nice. The picnic table and fire ring were clean and in good condition."

    5. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $20 - $336 / night

    "The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."

    "Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites. Varying levels of shade. A25, had a good amount of shade and was near the nice playground and nice bathrooms. No view of the lake from loop A."

    6. Griffs Valley View RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    16 miles
    Website

    $35 - $90 / night

    "Has a cute pond and is adjacent to a bike and running trail. The main lodge has very clean restrooms and showers with hot water! Recommended"

    "There is also a very nice bike trail right outside the park."

    7. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $17 - $35 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    8. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    Mitchellville, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 967-4889

    "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."

    "The drive into the grounds was a little confusing, but I imagine that in the daylight we would have had an easier time."

    9. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 964-8792

    $24 - $26 / night

    "Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service."

    "Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."

    10. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0873

    $22 - $26 / night

    "We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced."

    "Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations. Peaceful lot near the river. Great fishing in the river."

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Recent Camping Photos near Maxwell, IA

78 Photos of 108 Maxwell Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Maxwell, IA

528 Reviews of 108 Maxwell Campgrounds

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Winterset City Park

    Peaceful

    Our first time staying here and we extended twice because we like the area so much. It’s been a peaceful two weeks and we love the town of Winterset. The campground has a variety of FHU and or just W& E, also some shared water.

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Diamond lake

    Clean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.

  • Bethanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Sportsman Park

    Sportsman Park

    Dawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!

    They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.

    The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Nice campground. Clean. Well kept.

    We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.

  • Bethany G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    I stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent. I butted up against woods with neighbors to one side which made me feel like I had a pretty private area to myself. Other than the bugs, which it is that time of the year, I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service. However, I was able to text my family via satellite to let them know I was okay. It could be seen as a pro or con, but I think we all need no phone time at some point to just set still and relax. I look forward to camping here again soon!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Jester County Park

    Nothing but exceptional

    Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Adventureland Campground

    Great campground and amazing amusement park

    July, 2017

    Great place but not quiet at all.  Short walk to the amusement park.  We were there for most of the early summer so we got a season pass to the park which included the water park.  They also have workcamper programs.

    We especially loved the fireworks display on the 4th.

Guide to Maxwell

Camping near Maxwell, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Rock Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy a no-wake lake perfect for fishing and kayaking. A reviewer noted, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities."
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Families can enjoy the playgrounds at Jester County Park. One visitor shared, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Prairie Flower Recreation Area stated, "Clean shower house and restrooms. Would we go back? That's a definitely yes."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the roomy sites at Cherry Glen Campground. One camper mentioned, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A review for Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A camper at Ledges State Park Campground noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially in summer. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground area is clean, but the RV section was nearly full."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, so it's best to reserve your spot ahead of time. A camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds and family-friendly activities. Jester County Park has a kids' playground and hiking trails, making it a great choice for families.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Pizza on site is excellent and you can order it ahead for your arrival."
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained. One camper at Yellow Banks County Park said, "Lots of shade, fairly level sites, clean bathrooms, right off the river with boat access."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your site can accommodate your RV. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park Campground noted, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. A camper at Bob Shetler Recreation Area mentioned, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near public areas. A visitor at Cherry Glen Campground said, "The public parking lot is also just a few feet from a lot of the campsites so it gets loud."

Camping near Maxwell, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Maxwell campground located?

Maxwell campground is located in central Iowa. While specific information about Maxwell campground is limited, several excellent camping options are available in the surrounding area. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is located near Maxwell, offering boat-in and drive-in access. For those willing to explore a bit further, Hickory Grove Campground is situated near Colo, which is in the same general vicinity. The region offers beautiful Iowa landscapes with rolling hills, wooded areas, and waterways typical of central Iowa's natural environment.

What amenities are available at Maxwell campground?

Maxwell campground likely offers standard amenities typical of Iowa county parks. Based on similar campgrounds in the region, you can expect basic facilities like toilets, picnic areas, and possibly water access. For comparison, Timmons Grove County Park offers electric sites for $18/night with basic restroom facilities but no showers. Diamond Lake County Park provides freshwater lake access and fall foliage viewing opportunities. Most Iowa county parks offer a mix of electric and non-electric sites, with varying levels of shade and proximity to natural features like creeks or lakes.

Do I need reservations for Maxwell campground?

Reservation policies for Maxwell campground would be similar to other Iowa county parks. Many Iowa campgrounds operate on a mixed system. Thomas Mitchell County Park uses a combined approach with some sites available for reservation and others designated as walk-up only. Briggs Woods Park offers reasonable rates without requiring reservations far in advance. It's generally recommended to make reservations during peak camping season (late spring through early fall) and especially for weekend stays. For the most current reservation information, contact the Story County Conservation office that likely manages Maxwell campground.

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