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Best Tent Camping near Saylorville Lake

523 Reviews

Tent campsites around Saylorville Lake, Iowa offer primitive camping experiences with varying amenities and natural settings. Ashton Wildwood Park provides spacious tent sites tucked into wooded areas, while Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers well-maintained tent camping with sites that include fire rings, picnic tables, and trash bins. Middle River Forest Area and Kuehn Conservation Area provide additional primitive tent camping options with access to hiking trails and natural features.

Tent camping facilities range from basic to minimal across these locations. Most tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, but water availability varies significantly. At Ashton Wildwood Park, campers need to bring sufficient water as the campground bathroom lacks plumbing, though water is available at the nearby observatory. Colfax Quarry Springs Park utilizes portable toilets throughout the grounds and has sandy sites due to its former quarry status. A camper noted that "most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that." Kuehn Conservation Area offers walk-in tent sites along the Raccoon River with drinking water available.

The tent camping experience near Saylorville Lake generally provides quiet, natural settings away from RV areas. Ashton Wildwood Park features large, secluded tent sites with $7 per night fees and easy access to hiking trails and an observatory that opens on Saturdays. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, the park offers "very spacious sites that could easily accommodate multiple tents" with most "tucked into the woods." Colfax Quarry Springs Park provides waterfront tent camping with fishing opportunities. The campground is tent-focused with no RV accommodations, creating a more primitive outdoor experience. Most tent areas maintain quiet hours starting at 10:30 pm, though highway noise can be heard at some locations. Seasonal considerations include potential closures, as seen with Otter Creek Park which is reportedly closed indefinitely for camping according to recent visitor reports.

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Best Tent Sites Near Saylorville Lake (17)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Saylorville Lake

5 Photos of 17 Saylorville Lake Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Saylorville Lake

523 Reviews of 17 Saylorville Lake Campgrounds

  • Sara S.
    Jul. 25, 2016

    Ledges State Park Campground

    great walk-in site

    We went to this state park with family and had a great time. We chose to do a walk-in tent site because my brother in law recommended it. The site was great! It had tons of trees, dirt area to set up tent, and nice grass surrounding it. The fireplace and picnic table we unexpected with a walk-in site, but a good surprise :) We camped mid-October and were pleased to see the modern bathrooms still open too! Loved the canyon drive and it’s fabulous views :) We heard about an awesome bicycling trail that connects this park with another and are already planning a trip to go back and do a bike trip! Excellent experience.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • Willy W.
    Oct. 22, 2019

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Great Place

    This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing.

    There is a half mile portage with a campsite on the river which you must call to reserve. The other campsites are $10.00 registration. They have porta potties around. Two places to launch kayaks. Most campsites have fire rings, picnic tables and trash bins. Some have grills. They also have firewood for sale or you can find enough wood around still. I didn’t see any water hookups so bring a filter or water. There is a Kum & Go up the road to get missing supplies.

    The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it’s minimal. The quiet hours are at 10:30pm and they have a gate which is closed at sunset when the park closes for non campers.

    Lots of hiking trails and wildlife. The fishing is the best place for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish. No swimming is allowed and only electric motors, no gas.

    Check out their Facebook page for more updates and if you see me out there say hi!

  • Wendy P.
    Jul. 19, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Beautiful hikes. Prepare for coons.

    One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.

    Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Beautiful place!

    This place is great! There are 10 beautiful campsites, all with new picnic tables, fire ring and cement pad so you’re chairs are actually level! The fire ring even has a grill you and flip over the fire to cook. There is a vault toilet up on the hill where the campsites are. FYI - the women’s side did not have a lock. The sites were very spacious, some massive and very spread out. You could see neighbors but you aren’t on top on them. And it’s free! You can stay for up to 14 days. They do have registration cards up on the board to complete and post on your site. I had 2-3 bars of LTE via AT&T. The closest gas station is about 7 minutes away and a grocery store about 10 minutes away.

    Let’s talk ticks!! I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van. They always got on his feet every time he used the restroom and made their way inside. If you travel with a pet, check them constantly and make sure they are on a tick med!

  • Dare To Everywhere .The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Great free campground!

    Stayed 7/13/20- FREE 

    Coming off the main road, you’ll enter onto a Dead End gravel road. You’ll eventually see the park entrance(a sign and fence). Pass the first bathrooms/shelter/info board. Continue down the gravel road that looks kinda like a trail. You’ll open up into the campground. The first site to the left of the info board is the most private, with the fire ring being way off the road. I got in late, in the dark, and turned around because the first board said“no camping”. I gave it another shot and continued down the road and was glad when I saw site numbers. Was in and out pretty quick, but it seemed like a really nice place and the fire pits are awesome! Vault toilets available. 

    I had 3 bars LTE AT&T, with no problems.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Lenon Mill Park

    Good Campsite but expensive compared to other similar sites

    I’ve maked this down to 3 stars purely on the basis of the fee - it’s a $20 flat fee whether in an RV with a hookup, or a tent with no hookup, and for that, you get a restroom and a spigot with drinking water, but no shower. Apart from that, the location is quiet and peaceful. Lots of space in the tent area, with some shade and soft grass. Close to town, with restaurants and a grocery store.

  • D
    Oct. 8, 2020

    Cherry Glen Campground

    Better than most in Central Iowa

    Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service.

  • Tiffany K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Howell Station

    Laid-back Campground

    This campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large trees that provide a lot of shade for the campground. There are play grounds for the kids. It is along a river for fishing and bird watching.

Guide to Saylorville Lake

Tent camping near Saylorville Lake in Iowa offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors. With well-maintained facilities and plenty of activities, these campgrounds cater to all types of campers.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Explore hiking trails and fishing opportunities at Kuehn Conservation Area, where you can immerse yourself in nature along the Raccoon River.
  • Mariposa Recreation Area offers hiking trails and a butterfly garden, perfect for families looking to enjoy the outdoors together.
  • For a unique experience, visit the observatory near Ashton Wildwood Park for stargazing and educational programs.

Tent campers enjoy these special features

  • Twin Anchors Campground provides a small petting zoo and a beach area, making it a fun spot for families with kids.
  • Experience the tranquility of Otter Creek Park, where you can enjoy secluded camping away from the hustle and bustle.
  • Colfax Quarry Springs Park is known for its fishing spots, making it a great choice for anglers looking to catch some local fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Saylorville Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Saylorville Lake is Ashton Wildwood Park with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Saylorville Lake?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Saylorville Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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