This is the HEADLINE

Midwestern

$150 to REI, $100 to MiiR, and 1 year of The Dyrt PRO

**GRAND PRIZE**
$150 to REI, $100 to MiiR, and 1 year of The Dyrt PRO

**4 RUNNERS UP WIN**
[The Dyrt PRO](https://thedyrt.com/pro): 6-Month Membershp


nearby

Are you planning a hike-in camping trip to Iowa? We've got you covered. These remote campgrounds can be reached by hiking in and offer the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a way you've never experienced before. Check out some of the top rated hike-in campsites for backpackers in Iowa.

Iowa

The Best Hike-In Camping in Iowa

Searching for a hike-in campsite near Saylorville Lake? Whether you sleep in a tent, hammock, or sleeping bag, hike-in camping is an adventure that everyone should try. Find the best information on hike-in camping near Saylorville Lake, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience.

Saylorville Lake

The Best Hike-In Camping Near Saylorville Lake, Iowa

## Overview

Acorn Valley Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.   
  
The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including camping, bicycling, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting. 

## Recreation

Anglers enjoy the lake for its abundance of walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike.  
  
The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.

## Facilities

The campground offers 29 family sites with electric hookups and 54 primitive walk-to tent sites. The campground also features 2 group tent camping areas; a youth group camping area with special restrictions to organized youth as well as a standard group area open to all visitors. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. Nearby facilities include picnic areas with group shelters, boat ramps, a marina and a fishing dock.

## Natural Features

The mature Bur Oaks at the entrance to Acorn Valley beckon visitors to explore its 26 acres on the fringe of an upland timber stand. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

Acorn Valley

Millions of years before the plains of Iowa were inhabited by the Sauk, Fox and Sioux peoples, much of the American Midwest was covered by a shallow inland sea. It was at this time that the area’s sandstone deposits began forming. Fast-forward to just 13,000 years ago, with the inland sea now long gone, Ice Age glacial meltwater raced across the dry plains, carving and scouring channels and canyons into the sandstone terrain. One of these canyons can be found in Iowa’s Ledges State Park. This 1,000-acre nature preserve and recreation area is located on a wide bend on the Des Moines River, and is just 40 miles north of the city of Des Moines. The park is subject to frequent flooding when the river breaches its banks, but is otherwise a popular year-round outdoor recreation destination. Visitors to Ledges can enjoy a variety of hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities, as well as explore a prehistoric river canyon that showcases nature’s ability to sculpt the landscape.  

The campground at Ledges State Park features 94 tent and RV sites situated among deciduous woods not far from the Des Moines River. Campers can choose from full-hookup, partial-hookup, or primitive tent sites. Most sites are back-in; only a few are pull-through for larger vehicles. Tent sites are located in both in the main camp area, and in a secluded walk-in area. There is also a youth group site. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills, and all have access to water faucets, flush restrooms, showers, and trash receptacles; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The campground also features a kids’ playground, outdoor amphitheater, and is within walking distance of trails and picnic areas. Some roads and/or facilities may not be open or available in the winter. Reservations are accepted, however the park saves about half of the sites for first-come, first-served campers; sites are $11–$19/night.


Ledges State Park

Colfax Quarry Springs Park

Kuehn Conservation Area

Sportsman Park

Nations Bridge Park

Lenon Mill Park

Spring Lake County Park

## Overview

Wallashuck Campground is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.

  
For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here:  
[Lake Red Rock Website](https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Red-Rock/)

  
For a virtual tour of Lake Red Rock, click here:  
[Lake Red Rock - Virtual Tour](http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/usace/redrock/tour.html)

## Recreation

Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline. Anglers will find crappie, largemouth and striped bass,walleye, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill. Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area.

## Facilities

Wallashuck offers 83 campsites with electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. A playground is also provided.

## Natural Features

Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at Wallashuck, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrates through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. White-tailed deer , turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake. 

## Nearby Attractions

Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.

## Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amound. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

Wallashuck

They offer primitive to “glamping” style camping right here is Southwest Iowa. With all the rustic amenities usually available along with some that might surprise you!

Middle River Point

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Jacksonville. Jacksonville is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Jacksonville and user-submitted reviews.

Jacksonville

The Best Camping Near Jacksonville, Iowa

Des Moines is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Des Moines campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Des Moines

The Best Camping Near Des Moines, Iowa

Are you in need of a campground near Cedar Rapids, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Cedar Rapids

The Best Camping Near Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Davenport is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Davenport, reviewed by campers like you.

Davenport

The Best Camping Near Davenport, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Sioux City, IA? Sioux City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Sioux City, reviewed by campers like you.

Sioux City

The Best Camping Near Sioux City, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Waterloo, IA? Waterloo is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Waterloo, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Waterloo

The Best Camping Near Waterloo, Iowa

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Iowa City, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Iowa City, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Iowa City camping trip.

Iowa City

The Best Camping Near Iowa City, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA? Council Bluffs is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Council Bluffs

The Best Camping Near Council Bluffs, Iowa

Ames is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Ames is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Ames, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Ames

The Best Camping Near Ames, Iowa

Dubuque is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Dubuque campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Dubuque

The Best Camping Near Dubuque, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Lake Red Rock, IA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lake Red Rock is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Lake Red Rock

The Best Camping Near Lake Red Rock, Iowa

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Rathbun Lake. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Rathbun Lake. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Rathbun Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Rathbun Lake

The Best Camping Near Rathbun Lake, Iowa

Looking for the best campgrounds near Coralville Lake, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Coralville Lake camping trip.

Coralville Lake

The Best Camping Near Coralville Lake, Iowa

Searching for the best camping near Saylorville Lake, IA? Saylorville Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

THE BEST Hike-In CAMPING NEARSaylorville Lake, Iowa

About Saylorville Lake Hike-In Camping

Top Saylorville Lake Hike-In Campgrounds