Top Tent Camping near Ruthven, IA

Searching for a tent campsite near Ruthven? Find the best information on tent camping near Ruthven, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Ruthven, IA (7)


Recent Tent Reviews In Ruthven

116 Reviews of 7 Ruthven Campgrounds


  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Point Park
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Sandy Point Park

    Beautiful, quiet spot

    We struck out 4times before finding this place and we are so happy that we did! What a great little gem - lakeside, crickets chirping and perfect

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Goose Campground & Resort
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Flying Goose Campground & Resort

    Nice campground on nice lake

    Large campground with a play park and other sporting area. Lake to swim in - no lifeguard offered. Large sites with water/electric hook up - some full hook sites and big rig friendly. The site we were put in was not set up well for the connections however it was a large site. Very muddy site but they offered to let us use a rug so we didn’t get ours all Muddy.

  • Jenni C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Olson City Park
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Olson City Park

    Great Spot

    Though we didn’t stay long, this campground was tidy, well marked, and a perfect stop for the night. The campsites were clean, facilities were top notch, and the park and walking path provided a great spot to wear kids out before continuing on.

  • Joshua D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Sioux Recreation Area
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Silver Sioux Recreation Area

    Hidden gem

    Was it expecting how nice this campground was compared to more primitive ones in the area. Beautiful site! Has tent camping, full rv hook ups, and a nice playground for the kids.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Goose Campground & Resort
    May. 30, 2024

    Flying Goose Campground & Resort

    Just beautiful

    Very quiet and clean, goid WiFi. Gary was very helpful. This campground is just beautiful. There is a lake you can fish,swim,rent kayaks and canoe. Laundry and showers.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Everett Park
    May. 29, 2024

    Everett Park

    Beautiful, peaceful, not too far out of the way.

    It was serene and beautiful. The sunset over the water was absolutely amazing. Breathtaking scenery. There is a shower and toilets. And it costs $20 for a tent sight, $25 for a power hookup sight. We'll worth the stop, I almost didn't want to leave. I would stay here again!

  • Matthew  H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kilen Woods State Park
    Feb. 13, 2024

    Kilen Woods State Park

    Great Campground! Conveniently located!

    Great Campground. The park Ranger on Duty was very helpful. Campsites were generous in space. Well kept. Fire Ring and picnic table on site were kept up well. Trails and scenery through the back hills are well kept and maintained.

  • Dean G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Brown County Park
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Brown County Park

    Brown County

    This place is HUGE. We were shocked at the size of the state park and how many many campsites there were. We were back on Taylor Ridge so we had a noticeable drive in/out anytime we went anywhere. Bathrooms were clean and maintained. Sites had ample space. Because it is all on the ridges of the park, there is a significant decline after the campsite “flat area”

  • Meg W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kilen Woods State Park
    Sep. 17, 2023

    Kilen Woods State Park

    Peaceful Prairie Spot

    Chosen at the last minute for its proximity to the Twin Cities area, the drive was about 2 hrs 45 minutes. Park is quiet, clean and very easy to hike. Entire park can easily be hiked in a day, with prairie, river and oak savanna views. The park rangers were not at the station at any point while we visited, meaning payment for firewood and parking must be done online. Really nice facility with flush toilets and showers sits between the two campground loops. Camped in Walk-In Site #1 and the seclusion from the electric sites was great. The walk-in sites are nestled in the woods and fairly private. From the parking spot to the campsite was an easy ~100’.

  • Pam H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Grotto Campground
    Sep. 5, 2023

    Grotto Campground

    Nice quiet camping

    Stopped for the night , so I could see the Grotto in the morning. Very clean restrooms/showers. Only one other camper here. Shaded spots, great Wi-Fi, good cell service. Next to train tracks but only one train came by and it wasn’t loud. Definitely recommend if you’re in the area. You pay at the gift shop across the street. $20 for RV and $10 for tent.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ludlow Park
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Ludlow Park

    Not a camping site

    Contacted the office that manages these campgrounds and was told that the Olson Park campground is the only park with camp sites in Worthington…

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Robertson Park
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Robertson Park

    DO NOT GO

    We decided to camp here after a long day on I-90. We got here at 3am and the first thing we saw was a “historic cemetery”. After setting up camp an old mini van kept driving by us, with no one there. He had stopped for a second to look at us and drove away. 10 minutes later he was back and we PACKED up and left. This place is suspicious, take caution.

  • Wade G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ludlow Park
    Aug. 16, 2023

    Ludlow Park

    Not what it says

    There doesn't seem to be any overnight camping at this spot. There is no indication that there is any spots to do any camping. Don't stop here.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Flying Goose Campground & Resort
    Aug. 5, 2023

    Flying Goose Campground & Resort

    Well kept campsite

    Well maintained campground with fishing piers and a swimming beach. A lot of seasonal/permanent sites. Transit spots were a little tight but owners did what they could to space you out. Very accommodating.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park
    Jun. 22, 2023

    The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park

    Nice place to stop while visiting the Grotto

    We stayed at the Grotto of the Redemption RV park for two nights. We were in our class C while slowly making our way across the country. We had no problems getting a spot here. There are two areas. One is very close to a train line, which runs infrequently. Sites are grass, level, and reasonably well maintained. All sites are pull through. Only electrical hookups are available at the sites. This is in good condition. There is fresh water and a dump station available. Each site has a nice grassy area and there are plenty of large trees. Staff was very friendly and helpful. There was a park nearby with a playground. 

    The RV park is near the Grotto. The Grotto is a fascinating achievement worth a look if you are in the area.

    We had 2 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well. Campground wifi was not available.

    We enjoyed our brief stay at this campground. We will stay again when traveling this way.

  • Jeannie D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Featherstone County Park
    May. 25, 2023

    Featherstone County Park

    Snug

    Snug if you have slide outs, must watch to see you don't hit neighbor's trailer as you extend. Awnings literally touch neighbors. Crazy good time, if that's what you're into. I like the cabins!

  • Jeannie D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Joe Sheldon County Park
    May. 25, 2023

    Joe Sheldon County Park

    Beautiful hiking!

    This is a lovely and expanding park. Spacious, level pull through sites with full hookups. Decent Verizon coverage. Shower houses could use updates.

  • Gregory L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson KOA
    May. 21, 2023

    Jackson KOA

    Great little park!

    We stopped here for 2 nights on our way to South Dakota. The park is small, but very well maintained, and man, literally every person there was INCREDIBLY nice! I met the previous owner of the park and his wife, and told about some cool things to do in the area including the Jeffers Petroglyphs, a fort in the town of Jackson, and the town from Little House on the Prairie.

    Our site was level, easy to get into, and had a nice tree providing some shade. Water pressure was good, no issues with electric. One thing I noticed that I thought was really cool was they had a good sewer hose at the dump station for guests to use so they didn’t have to dig theirs out. That is the kind of thought the owners put into the experience at their park. Simple, nice perks that make the experience just that little bit extra good, and there were things like that throughout the park.

    There is a small grocery store about 5 mins south of the park, a Burger King right across the street, and a few gas stations. New Ulm is about an hour away and well worth the visit! Cool little downtown area with lots of history, great restaurants, and cool shops.

  • Lory B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Prange City Park
    Mar. 18, 2023

    Gordon Prange City Park

    gordon prange campground

    hope you like flooding and bugs all over the bathrooms.the city clerk was nice to your face but not when your back is turned , but other than that the town people are very nice

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Marble Beach State Rec Area
    Oct. 9, 2022

    Marble Beach State Rec Area

    Great campground! Limited people for fall camping

    Easy to access- large site campground. Nice sites that back up to spirit lake with enough room for bigger rigs to get into easily and have tree coverage to feel wooded. Easy to check in and out of. Great price for a full hook up site. Plan to return again and again! We loved it.

  • Dan C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Marble Beach State Rec Area
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Marble Beach State Rec Area

    Good, but not great

    Camp sites for tents are super tiny and irregular shaped. Lots of sloping on sites. Generally tight quarters to other campers and plenty of road noise until about 10 PM. A few good options for fishing, boating and hiking near by.

  • Mike
    Camper-submitted photo from Marble Beach State Rec Area
    Sep. 2, 2022

    Marble Beach State Rec Area

    Close enough to Okoboji

    Excellent Campground!, Easy driving distance to Arnold's Park. Campground is Clean, Showers/Bathrooms are new and modern. Full Hookups are easy to use. many spots in the Oak Woods. Good place for Bicycling, 4 miles mostly bike path to town. Around Spirit Lake is a nice 16 miles bike ride. I rated 4 stars, because there is a little traffic noise, and the lake is a little weedy.

  • Nancy Q.
    Camper-submitted photo from Everett Park
    Aug. 27, 2022

    Everett Park

    Peaceful and quiet between lake and corn field

    The shower had plenty of hot water with great water pressure. Dated but clean. Very quiet and peaceful here. Dog friendly.

  • l
    Camper-submitted photo from Everett Park
    Aug. 17, 2022

    Everett Park

    Beautiful surroundings

    Right by a lake. The staff is attentive, kind and welcoming. Have not been able to have a greater look of the surroundings because just staying for a night and leaving early morning.

  • Brian B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Vicks Corner
    Aug. 12, 2022

    Vicks Corner

    Perfect overnight stop

    Great stop for one night. It’s a gas station, U-Haul, Bait and Tackle, Mini-Campground. None of the back in sites are numbered.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill Creek Park
    Aug. 9, 2022

    Mill Creek Park

    Nice lake

    The campground is hard to get a spot at and is far away from the lake. The lake and grounds are well maintained. The showers are decent but take quarters to use them. Decent campground but not my favorite to go to in the area.



Guide to Ruthven

Camping near Ruthven, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or looking for a cabin, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Explore local attractions: Check out the nearby Jackson KOA for some fun activities. One visitor mentioned, "I met the previous owner of the park and his wife, and they told me about some cool things to do in the area including the Jeffers Petroglyphs."
  • Bike trails: Many campgrounds, like Blue Earth City Campground, are close to bike trails. A reviewer shared, "We unloaded our bikes and enjoyed the bike trails that encircle and go through Jackson."
  • Fishing and swimming: At Marble Beach State Rec Area, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. One camper noted, "Great location right off I-90! Camp host was very friendly and the facilities are clean!"

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Everett Park said, "The shower had plenty of hot water with great water pressure. Dated but clean."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming hosts. A reviewer at Flying Goose Campground & Resort mentioned, "Gary was very helpful. This campground is just beautiful."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful settings. One visitor at Kilen Woods State Park Campground said, "The park is quiet, clean and very easy to hike."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes can be a problem: Some campgrounds, like Gull Point State Park, are near swampy areas, which can attract bugs. A camper noted, "The camp is near a swampy area so bugs kinda rough."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Marble Beach State Rec Area mentioned, "Camp sites for tents are super tiny and irregular shaped."
  • Reservations recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area advised, "This is a good place to stay for a few days if you want to explore all that Okoboji has to offer."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and swimming areas. A reviewer at Flying Goose Campground & Resort mentioned, "There is a lake you can fish, swim, rent kayaks and canoe."
  • Choose spacious sites: Families might prefer campgrounds with larger sites. A visitor at Welcome Campground said, "The sites are huge and offer water and electric."
  • Plan for evening activities: Bring games or outdoor activities for the family. A camper at Kilen Woods State Park Campground suggested, "Great hiking with beautiful sights."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV. A visitor at Gull Point State Park noted, "We had reserved a spot that was supposed to be long enough for our trailer, but was not."
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Blue Earth City Campground mentioned, "For an incredibly low price, we were able to connect to water, dump, and electricity."
  • Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds may have tight quarters. A visitor at Marble Beach State Rec Area said, "Generally tight quarters to other campers and plenty of road noise until about 10 PM."

Camping near Ruthven, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ruthven, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ruthven, IA is Iowa Lake Co Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Ruthven, IA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Ruthven, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.