Top Tent Camping near Sheldon, IA

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Sheldon and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Sheldon. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Iowa camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Sheldon, IA (5)


Recent Tent Reviews In Sheldon

159 Reviews of 5 Sheldon Campgrounds


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

    Palisades State Park

    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.

  • 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
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Big Sioux Recreation Area

    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
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Big Sioux Recreation Area

    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.
    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.

  • N M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park
    Sep. 28, 2023

    Palisades State Park

    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
    Sep. 13, 2023

    Big Sioux Recreation Area

    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.

  • 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Adrian City Park
    Jun. 11, 2023

    Adrian City Park

    Lovely green spaces

    Nice Grassy site, dogs had a wonderful time. Loads of things for kids to do. In fact other site’s kids were up and playing far past 10 pm. Loudly enough we had to turn our ac on in order to sleep.

  • Charlie B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park
    May. 20, 2023

    Palisades State Park

    Great spot close to Sioux Falls

    We enjoyed our stay in site 10. It was a large site, though on a busy weekend the proximity of 7, 8 and 9 would be bothersome. They have RV/Camper sites, tent only and adorable camper cabins. We were very happy to stay somewhere without a fire ban. The park is also close to Split Rock Park and Devils Gulch. There is plenty of hiking and it is only about 30 min from Sioux Falls. Overall, after looking around, I think 20 would have been the best tent site.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawarden City Park Campground
    Mar. 10, 2023

    Hawarden City Park Campground

    City park CG, good for an overnight

    City CG has standard sites though close together. Since it is located in town, supplies are easily found. Park has seasonal outdoor pool, enclosed shelter for rent, city walk/bike trail. Big Sioux River nearby for fishing boating wildlife. Good for an overnight rest camp stop.



Guide to Sheldon

Camping near Sheldon, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Blue Mounds State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We went on a couple trails and just enjoyed the beautiful fall colors."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Check out the bison at Blue Mounds State Park Campground. A camper shared, "We could hear the Bison, wasn't able to see them but we could hear them."
  • Disc Golf: Enjoy a round of disc golf at Big Sioux Recreation Area. One reviewer said, "The disc golf course really took this park to the next level."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Palisades State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Big Sioux Recreation Area mentioned, "Sites are big and roomy."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families enjoy the activities available. One camper at Sioux Falls Yogi Bear said, "It was an absolute blast for our kids with plenty of activities to keep them entertained."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways. A camper at Sioux Falls KOA mentioned, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway."
  • Reservations: It's a good idea to book your site in advance, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Union Grove State Park Campground noted, "The lady was unhelpful and rude" when trying to make a reservation.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have markets or stores nearby. A camper at Newton Hills Campground mentioned, "There are plenty of parks and paved roadways to wander around on."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One family at Sioux Falls Yogi Bear said, "Great pool and kid activities."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: If you want a peaceful experience, consider visiting during weekdays. A camper at Newton Hills Campground noted, "It was very busy with lots of families out and about."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save you trips to the store. A visitor at Big Sioux Recreation Area mentioned, "The ranger at the station was super friendly and helpful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Palisades State Park Campground said, "Open area with no shade but easy placement for satellite reception on RV."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Sioux Falls KOA noted, "Clean and easy to pull in & around."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: If you're near highways, expect some noise. A visitor at Shady Grove Campground mentioned, "Highway noise was very very loud."

Camping near Sheldon, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

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.