Camping spots near Salix, Iowa offer easy access to the Missouri River and its surrounding bluffs. The region features a mix of river valleys and prairie lands with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows reaching 10°F. Most campgrounds remain open from May through October with fall colors peaking in mid-October.
What to do
Water activities on Blue Lake: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground provides access to Blue Lake with kayaking opportunities among water lilies. One camper noted, "Large playground for kids. Campground host had firewood. Picnic table & firepit with grill rack in good condition. Nearby boat ramp to load kayak onto Blue Lake."
Fishing at multiple locations: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground offers several fishing options on their lake. A visitor mentioned, "This place has great fishing and is very well maintained not to mention that they have a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago."
Historical exhibits: Visit the Lewis and Clark exhibits at the park's visitor center. According to a camper, "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."
What campers like
Large, well-spaced sites: Cottonwood Cove Park Campground receives praise for its spacious sites. A camper observed, "Concrete pads, very little leveling needed. Plenty of space in between sites. Dappled shade. Easily accessible for any size rig."
Riverside views: Scenic Park Campground offers sites with views of the Missouri River. One reviewer said, "Scenic Park Campground is in South Sioux City along the Missouri River. Our campsite had a river view, picnic table, and fire ring."
Clean facilities: Snyder Bend County Park maintains good bathroom facilities. As one visitor noted, "This campground is secluded and quiet. Next to a county park. Decent bath house with showers. Fire pits, water and electric hook ups at each site. $25 a night."
What you should know
Self-check-in systems: Snyder Bend County Park uses a self-check-in process. A camper explained, "No reservation needed. Self check-in before 10pm. $25 for electric & water hookup. Lake facing spaces available if not already taken."
Water level fluctuations: Some lakes in the area may be completely drained at times. A visitor at Snyder Bend County Park reported, "This was a restful stop. Sites had plenty of space between and it was very quiet. There's a nice long sidewalk for an evening stroll. The lake was drained but the views were still nice."
Reservation requirements vary: Scenic Park Campground requires reservations while others operate first-come, first-served. A reviewer noted, "The staff is friendly and welcoming. The location is quiet and everyone staying there seemed very nice as well."
Seasonal closures: Most parks shut down during winter. Danish Alps State Recreation Area remains accessible but with limited services. One visitor mentioned, "I pulled in and found a wide open campground. I picked a site high on the bluff overlooking the reservoir. It had quite the view."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Stone State Park Campground has playground facilities, though not directly in the camping area. A camper advised, "There is a nice playground, but it is not located anywhere near the campground (it is located closer to two of the cabins). If you are camping with children, please note this."
Recreational options: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground offers multiple play areas. One visitor noted, "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!"
Swimming opportunities: Several parks offer swimming areas. A camper at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground shared, "Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa! We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Danish Alps State Recreation Area Camping sites are relatively level. According to a visitor, "Sites are spacious with water and both 30 & 50 amp hookup. Clean dump station that also has a fish cleaning station."
Pull-through availability: Scenic Park Campground offers convenient pull-through sites. A reviewer mentioned, "Our site was a pull through. The area was clean and had a nice appearance. There was also 4 unique modern looking cabins and a tent area."
Full hookup options: KOA Campground North Sioux City provides complete services for RVs. One camper reported, "This KOA is well-maintained, a little older but the grounds are nice and it is well organized and maintained. The dog park is not so well-maintained but was adequate."
