Glamping near Salix, Iowa offers access to the Missouri River, which runs at approximately 1,086 feet above sea level in this region. Located where Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa converge, this area experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters, with most luxury camping operations running from April through October. Most sites require reservations and offer varying levels of amenities depending on seasonal availability.
What to Do
Fishing at Blue Lake: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities with clean, well-stocked waters. "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," notes a camper who appreciated the historical elements alongside outdoor activities.
Trail exploration: Little Sioux Park Campground features several walking paths with native wildflowers. "Very nice field of wild comb flowers blooming near the shower house," mentions one visitor who enjoyed the natural landscape during their stay at this county park.
Missouri River access: At Clay County Park, visitors can walk a short trail to reach the Missouri River. "In the trees, shaded, and a short walk along a pleasant trail to the Missouri River. The trail system, which is accessible from campground, is great," notes one camper who enjoyed the river proximity.
What Campers Like
Spacious sites: Scenic Park offers full hookup RV sites with room to spread out. "All the spots are spacious...neighbors are not on top of you. This spot had a nice concrete pad with a picnic table," explains a camper who appreciated the generous spacing between sites.
Affordable luxury options: Nelson Park Crawford County Park provides cost-effective glamping alternatives with basic amenities. "It's a good place for camping not perfect. Has a descent size lake good for kayaking and fishing," mentions a visitor who enjoyed water activities during their stay.
Kid-friendly amenities: Sioux City North KOA offers numerous recreational facilities beyond standard glamping accommodations. "A tent site was $40 with no electricity so it's more pricy then other sites but they have a ton of things to do. Checkers, chess, swings, play set, mini golf, inflatable bouncy blog, pool, and more," reports a camper who found the additional activities worth the higher price.
What You Should Know
Seasonal considerations: The glamping season generally runs April to October, with most luxury sites closing during winter months. At On-Ur-Wa RV Park, guests note the seasonal appeal: "Night 1 of a 60 day trip with 42 moves. Super clean park and very well taken care of," shares a summer visitor.
Variable bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between parks. At Little Sioux Park Campground, one camper observed, "The shower house was less than stellar. IMO it's cleanliness kept this review from being considered near 4 stars. Usable bathrooms and shower stalls…yes, but definitely lacked attention."
Highway noise: Some glamping sites sit near major roads. At Crawford Creek County Rec Area, visitors appreciate that despite being accessible, the campground remains quiet. "We camped here over the weekend, sites are pretty spacious and friendly camp hosts!" notes a camper who found the experience peaceful.
Tips for Camping with Families
Multiple playgrounds: Several parks feature play areas for different age groups. At Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, one family noted, "Clean & kid 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 (~5 setups for different age groups)."
Swimming options: While some parks offer lake swimming, Onawa-Blue Lake KOA provides a pool for safer swimming with children. "Nicely maintained, beautiful lake, clean restrooms and nice pool and playground," shares a visitor, though they did note "virtually no space between sites."
Educational opportunities: Several parks include historical exhibits suitable for school-age children. At Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, a visitor commented: "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."
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Several campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations, though quality varies. At Scenic Park, one RVer noted, "We stayed with our class A RV on our way to and from a further destination. First spot was one right along the river. All the spots are spacious...neighbors are not on top of you. Full hook-ups with sewer, water, electric, cable, and wi-if."
Pull-through availability: For larger rigs, some parks offer easier access sites. At On-Ur-Wa RV Park, one RVer shared, "John came in and helped me, asked me if I was a GoodSam member and charged me $43.34 for a full-hookup, super long pull thru."
Extended-stay considerations: Some parks allow longer-term glamping. At Scenic Park, campers observed, "Many sites seemed to be extended stay and not all were well kept...plastic covering windows, haphazard decks, etc. All-in-all though an OK one night stopover spot if you're traveling through."
