79 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Smithland, Iowa offers camping destinations within Woodbury County, with campgrounds like Southwood Conservation Area and Lewis and Clark State Park accommodating tent, RV, and cabin campers. Camping near Smithland ranges from county-managed parks with full electric hookups and showers to cabin retreats, giving both tent campers and RV travelers solid options. Southwood Conservation Area offers both standard campground facilities and cabin options directly south of Smithland, while other nearby options include Peters Park in Hornick and Little Sioux Park Campground in Correctionville.
Many campgrounds in the Smithland area operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with limited or no availability during winter months. Water access is a highlight for most locations, with fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities at lakes and rivers throughout the region. The majority of campgrounds provide drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and toilets, though specific amenities vary by location. Roads generally allow standard vehicle access, with most sites categorized as drive-in locations suitable for both small and large recreational vehicles. One camper noted, "Nice campground, clean bathrooms, the trails are really good, quiet and peaceful."
Visitors to Smithland area campgrounds frequently mention water activities as primary attractions, with fishing being particularly popular. Several campgrounds provide beach areas for swimming during summer months. Campfire restrictions are minimal, with fires permitted at most locations, and firewood is often available for purchase on-site. While some campgrounds like Southwood Conservation Area receive excellent reviews for their peaceful atmosphere and recreational opportunities, others like Onawa Blue Lake KOA have mixed feedback regarding management and site conditions. A visitor commented that Little Sioux Park Campground has "plenty to do for everyone" and is a "very well kept park." Families appreciate the multiple playgrounds available at several locations, making the area suitable for campers of all ages.
"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"Nice, clean, quiet, lake for swimming and fishing, playground, store, movie nights for kids on Fri and Sat."
"Nice campground clean bathrooms the trails are really good quiet and peaceful"
"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."
"Conveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet."
"Lake facing spaces available if not already taken. Nice walking trail lakeside. Yes. There are mosquitoes at dusk."
"Next to a county park. Decent bath house with showers. Fire pits, water and electric hook ups at each site. $25 a night"
from $17 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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
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ScoutWe stay here as much as we can. There is lots of trees with a bit of shade at most all sites. You can camp at the waters’ edge. We love to fish and can fish off the back of our RV. Most sites are spacious, some a bit smaller. It only has electric hook ups, but you can fill up with a hose at water sites. Has a dump spot by bathrooms. Bath and toilets are clean. Over Al this camp is our favorite!
TravelerThe tree was blocking the road to the pin so I set up next to the state forest sign. Very peaceful and serene. People who live here are very friendly and helpful. Love this spot though. Still perfect for a quiet night.
ScoutLoved this location! I gave it a shot after reading the reviews. I went during the summer in July and would love to have seen it during the winter. I would suggest for those with a trailer like mine wait till spring or fall to see if the grass have come down to have a better clearance and view of the ground to know how to get around.
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.
ScoutNew pads. Grills. Fishing Lake. Tennis Courts. Basketball. Sand Volleyball. Pool.
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.
GuideGood hiking. Slightly over grown in areas, lots of ticks, pulled at least 20 off my dog.
GuideThis is a nice city maintained campground, with level grass pads, electric hookups, shower house, fresh water fill, and dump station. There is also a new playground for the kids and a large picnic shelter as well. Could be a hidden gem, there was only one other camper present on Memorial Weekend! 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! Prices are $10 a night for non-electric and $20 for electric.
TravelerWe have grown fond of the city parks we have discovered in our travels - this is no exception. It has the added bonus of being an historical landmark for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Great looking park, walking paths, ball fields and an electrical hook up. Only $15. Total bargain.
Camping near Smithland, Iowa centers around multiple county-managed conservation areas in the western section of Woodbury County. The region typically experiences warm, humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F in July and cooler fall camping seasons dropping to 45-65°F in September and October. Most campgrounds operate on a seasonal schedule from April or May through October, with camping sites situated along various water features including Blue Lake and the Little Sioux River.
Explore historical exhibits: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground features educational opportunities beyond just camping. As one visitor 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" while another mentioned you can see "a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago. They will also occasionally take it out and give rides."
Enjoy water recreation: Crawford Creek County Rec Area offers multiple water activities as mentioned by a camper: "Water good for fishing, kayaking and swimming." The recreation area maintains several access points for water sports during the summer season.
Take lakeside walks: Walking trails provide scenic recreation options at Snyder Bend County Park, where a visitor highlighted "a nice long sidewalk for an evening stroll" and another pointed out "nice lakeside walking path" around the park perimeter, making it suitable for evening exercise.
Clean facilities: Browns Lake Bigelow Park receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. One camper observed that "Restrooms/showers were newer, modern and spotless and also served as a tornado safe shelter. 4 individual shower rooms+ 4 individual/private toilet, sink, shower rooms handicapped accessible."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and water access points provide fishing options throughout the Smithland area. At Bigelow Park, a visitor mentioned "You can fish on Dock by river" while another noted the "newly constructed Handicapped ramp to fishing jetty and nice big fishing/boat dock that is at the rear of the CG."
Quiet atmosphere: Little Sioux Park Campground offers a peaceful setting with varied recreational opportunities. Visitors have commented that it has "plenty to do for everyone" and describe it as "very well kept park." The park maintains both electric-only sites and electric/water sites across its two camping loops.
Reservation systems vary: Most county parks near Smithland operate on a first-come, first-served basis. At Snyder Bend County Park, a camper noted "No reservation needed. Self check-in before 10pm. $25 for electric & water hookup." Similarly, at Browns Lake, a visitor mentioned "All sites are 1st come 1st serve."
Seasonal limitations: The majority of campgrounds in Woodbury County close during winter. Peters Park operates "all year" while most others like Southwood Conservation Area follow a "May 1 to Oct 31" schedule. Plan accordingly as facilities are reduced or unavailable during off-season months.
Site leveling requirements: Prepare to level your camping setup at several area campgrounds. At Snyder Bend, one camper advised "Plan on using your leveling blocks" as the sites aren't naturally level, despite being spacious.
Multiple playground options: Southwood Conservation Area and surrounding parks feature play areas for children. The area has recently been upgraded according to one visitor who mentioned "Campground has recently been upgraded and heading back soon" after having "spent easily 100 nights here" previously.
Beach areas for swimming: Several parks offer swimming beaches during summer months. At Browns Lake, a visitor pointed out they "have a Beach..No Life Guard on Duty" while Crawford Creek features "Multiple play areas for kids. Water good for fishing, kayaking and swimming."
Special events: Some campgrounds host family-oriented activities during peak season. At Lewis and Clark State Park, a camper mentioned "the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too!" making it an appealing destination for families with children during holiday weekends.
Hookup options: Most campgrounds offer electric hookups, with varying amperage options. At Lewis and Clark State Park, one RVer noted "the rate was 19.00 for full 50 amp hookup" with "beautiful state park in the water nice level sites paved."
Site spacing considerations: Space between sites varies significantly between campgrounds. Some locations like Lewis and Clark were described by one RVer as "a bunch of campers all piled on top of each other with no real views" while Browns Lake was praised for "spacious sites, full hookups" with "some sites have shade."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Smithland, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Smithland, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 79 campgrounds and RV parks near Smithland, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Smithland, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Smithland, IA is Lewis and Clark State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Smithland, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Smithland, IA.
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