Best Campgrounds near Chariton, IA

Camping near Chariton, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Jester County Park. One camper mentioned, "The campgrounds have amazing views and plenty of hiking trails."
• Fishing and Boating: Head to Rock Creek State Park Campground for fishing and kayaking. A visitor noted, "The lake is pretty, and boat rentals seemed reasonable."
• Visit Local Attractions: Check out the covered bridges near Winterset City Park. One reviewer said, "Great city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Des Moines West KOA Holiday stated, "Bathhouses were clean and private."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area mentioned, "Level sites, easy to back in, plenty of room."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One visitor at Bob Shelter Recreation Area said, "Friendly hosts & Rangers."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A review for Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground mentioned, "The web link from Dyrt is out of date, and thus park is closed for 2022."
• Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise from nearby roads or other campers. A camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area noted, "The public parking lot is also just a few feet from a lot of the campsites so it gets loud."
• Wildlife Encounters: Campers should be cautious about wildlife. One camper at Yellow Banks County Park warned, "Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night because teenagers come through sometimes looking for stuff to steal."

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. A review for Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has a kids playground, hiking trails, and nature center."
• Spacious Sites for Family Gatherings: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Cherry Glen Campground said, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. One visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, "Gathering room on site and pedal car racetrack."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A review for Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are relatively small and close together."
• Leveling Needs: Be prepared to level your RV. A camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
• Access to Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations nearby. A visitor at Bob Shelter Recreation Area mentioned, "Dump station and water fill in the back."

Camping near Chariton, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!