Best Tent Camping near Sheldon, IA

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Sheldon? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Sheldon. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Sheldon, IA (5)

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Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Sheldon

172 Reviews of 5 Sheldon Campgrounds


  • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Palisades State Park Campground

    beautiful area, clean campsite

    This was a wonderful spot.  Lots of really nice short hikes down by the water which was really beautiful with the cliffs on the water.  Sites were very nice and clean.  We were able to get a site on a Friday night last minute by calling ahead.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Carolyn M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Split Rock Park

    Beautiful Scenery, Clean Park

    This place is so cool! The falls was constructed during the Great Depression by the WPA, and the visitors center is made from the same pink quartz that lines the river. Really cool kayaking into Devils Gulch and up the Split Rock Creek. Will return to this nicely kept State Park. Gas station in town is quaint but has a public restroom and some basic supplies. Really lovely town. Falls lull you to sleep at night and the trains passing by are really neat to hear. Trains will go by till around midnight.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Palisades State Park Campground

    New King section open in Palisades

    Totally new entrance with easy access to new section that will handle larger RVs with toads. Open area with no shade but easy placement for satellite reception on RV or ground. New hard surface roads with gravel sites.

  • Dave K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Island Park - Rock Rapids

    Campground Currently Closed

    Drove over tonight excited for my stay at this neat looking park. Unfortunately it appears that the June 2024 flood damaged the campground and it’s currently closed for repair.

  • Nathan L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Nice little nook with lots of cover!

    This campsite was great! We had a tent site, number 24, and it was tucked into the woods but still close to the parking lot!

    The neighboring sites are far enough away where you still have privacy but if you had two next to each other with a large group it could still function as one. Beautiful hiking trails, play grounds, disc golf, volleyball net, and so much more. Also, the lady at the front was cute as a button!

    Highly recommend!

  • Jessie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Fun and relaxing

    We booked this site last minute as we needed a place to stop for the night. The website was pretty easy to use to book the site. The ranger at the station was super friendly and helpful. Our camp site is beautiful and there is plenty of room. There are lots of trails here, so I got a good run in. My husband biked over to Brandon to get a good ride. There is a sweet disc golf course too! I’m mad I didn’t bring my discs!

  • Ila R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Split Rock Park

    No showers/toilets

    It is a beautiful little park. Good place for kayaking or fishing. I was just there to camp. The park is small. There are no showers or toilets, just outhouses, and they were a good distance for me to walk being disabled. If you have T-Mobile, there is absolutely NO service.

  • 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.

  • Joshua D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stieneke Area Park
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Stieneke Area Park

    Small county park

    Small park, peaceful, river access for canoe/kayak. No designated camp sites but plenty of space for tent or camper.

  • Joshua D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ranney Knob Area
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Ranney Knob Area

    Small county park

    Small park, has some picnic tables, a toilet, and a trash can. Says you can pay to camp but no designated camp sites and limited parking. Does offer access for canoe/kayaking on the river. Camping is $10 a night, pay on site.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Marble Beach State Rec Area
    May. 21, 2024

    Marble Beach State Rec Area

    Van camping here was just okay

    Camped in Site #59 on Oct. 6-7, 2023. Our site had a fire ring, table, as well as electric & water. Spirit Lake is behind the site, although there was no lake access from there. Nice hearing the water lapping on shore. Registering for a site was a little confusing. There was a friendly host in the campground. Our site sloped down toward the lake; had to use our traction boards to level the van as best we can. No privacy between sites. The 6 room restroom/shower was clean. Overall, the campground was large and well maintained. It had an RV park feel to it, which is not our preferred type of camping. I believe folks in larger rigs will be comfortable here.

  • Nicholas S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Oct. 15, 2023

    Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    Perfect to relax and bring the kids!

    I had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children. The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city. The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings and participating in the family-friendly activities. This campground is a true gem for those seeking a wholesome outdoor experience.

  • N M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Sep. 28, 2023

    Palisades State Park Campground

    Quiet and quick

    We stopped here for one night, site 29E. Really nice area except there was a bunch of wasps invading our space as there is some sort of fruit tree above. Nice space, so clean, lots of amenities. Park rangers stopped by to say hi. There is a train you can hear during the night. Almost all the sites were full, mostly RVs.

  • 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”

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Willow Creek Campground
    Sep. 14, 2023

    Willow Creek Campground

    Enjoyed our stay

    Had a fishing derby going on but was still overall quiet. Shelter house was rented for our family reunion, was a great space.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Sep. 13, 2023

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Great choice

    We are on a e/w road trip. We knew absolutely nothing about this state park but it was on our route so took a chance. An excellent choice! Sites are big and roomy. We have two big dogs and were able to put them both on 30 foot leads. Lots of trails. Bathrooms exceptionally clean. Showers great. Park staff friendly and helpful. We liked it so much we stayed a second night. Definitely would return.

  • 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.

  • Cari E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    Great for families

    I spent a quick night at Newton Hills and found the park to be lovely, but it was very busy with lots of families out and about which made for a bit of a loud evening. If you have a family it’ll be a great spot—if you’re looking for quiet and calm, maybe something else. Spots are fairly spacious, but not a lot of privacy.

    Regardless, the location is a hidden gem among a lot of farmland kind of in the middle of nowhere. It’s actually really stunning. When you leave, be sure to take the little one lane road out back (from 1E toward the tower)—it’s a magical little drive through the hills the park is named after.

    No comments on the bathrooms/facilities as I didn’t use them, but the rest of the park was very cleaned and well maintained.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia City Campground
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Magnolia City Campground

    Small town park

    This is a nice campground in a small farm town. The sites are lined up next to each other. One is not and is nestled in some trees. The rest have the sun into the evening. There’s a restroom with showers by the picnic pavilion. The playground was nice for the kids. I think it’s connected to the school. We walked the length of town and it was about a mile round trip. For $15 this is a great place to stop while driving I90.

  • Cari E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Jun. 15, 2023

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Absolutely lovely

    One of my favorite state parks I’ve been to in any state. Sites are spacious and the showers/bathrooms are clean and well kept. It offers the most lovely paved path for walking/running/cycling that meanders by the river and through the woods, in addition to more dirt hiking/cycling paths. The disc golf course really took this park to the next level, though be warned—the narrow fairways and dense OB make it challenging (I lost one of my discs on 10). Site 35E was ideal as it’s angle par to the tree line for additional privacy and it’s just a 3 minute stroll to the showers. Tip: the best spots are those that back up to the river as you can cut through the tree line to pop out on the walking path. Con: there is a race track nearby that was very loud Sunday night when I arrived until nearly 11PM, but that was the only real downside.


Drive Time


Guide to Sheldon

Tent camping near Sheldon, Iowa offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. With several options available, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

Tips for tent camping near Sheldon

  • Dog Creek Co Park provides basic amenities like toilets, making it a straightforward choice for those looking to camp without frills.
  • Oneota Little Sioux Access is ideal for campers who appreciate a no-frills experience, featuring essential facilities like toilets but lacking additional amenities.
  • Ranney Knob Area allows campfires, which can enhance your camping experience with warmth and ambiance under the stars.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Stieneke Area Park offers peaceful river access, perfect for canoeing or kayaking, making it a great spot for water enthusiasts.
  • Ranney Knob Area provides opportunities for fishing and exploring the surrounding nature, catering to those who enjoy outdoor adventures.
  • Cenla Campgrounds is big rig friendly and features picnic tables, making it suitable for family gatherings and outdoor meals.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $20

  • Camping at Ranney Knob Area costs $10 per night, offering a budget-friendly option for campers.
  • Stieneke Area Park has no designated sites, allowing for flexible camping arrangements at a similar price point.
  • Cenla Campgrounds offers amenities for a slightly higher price, making it a comfortable choice for those seeking more facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sheldon, IA is Stieneke Area Park with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Sheldon, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.