Top Tent Camping near Shell Rock, IA

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Shell Rock? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Shell Rock with tent camping. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Shell Rock, Iowa's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Shell Rock, IA (28)

Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Shell Rock

163 Reviews of 28 Shell Rock Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dows Pool Park & Campground
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Dows Pool Park & Campground

    Shady, quiet campground with electric & water hookups and a dump station

    I only drove through here I did not camp. It was quiet and the sites were shaded. I saw water, electricity and a picnic table at every site. The pads are gravel and very level.

    You can easily bike into town.

    There is a dump station.

    I had 3 bars of Verizon 4G which provided 70 down and 12 up.

    On T-mobile I had 5 bars of 5G and 100 down and 7 up.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar View Park
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Cedar View Park

    Beautiful park, gross bath house

    This is a lovely park. It is fairly quiet, you can hear some highway noise in the distance. The lake is lovely and clean. The spots are gravel, most sites will require some leveling but are not too bad. 

    Each site has a newer electric pedestal with 30 and 50 amp service, and each site has a water spigot, as well as a picnic table and fire ring.

    There are a few sites that back up directly to the lake. There is a swimming beach and a dock. There is a city park adjacent to the campground with a playground and picnic shelter.

    I had 3 bars on on T-mobile which got me 64 down and 18 up. On Verizon I had 3 bars which got me 65 down and 12 up.

    The shower house was pretty bad though. It was older, which doesn't bother me, but it was dirty. There are camp hosts on site but I guess their duties do not include ever cleaning the restroom. There was food trash in there all week, and if you look around you'll find feces, blood, and personal hygiene trash including used condoms.

    I would stay in this campground again because I have a self contained unit and do not need to use the on-site shower house.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oelwein City Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Oelwein City Park

    This is a beautiful city park campground

    I enjoyed my 5 night stay at Oelwein City Park Campground. It's located on the south end of town, there is only one business within walking distance. It's a great restaurant (Oelwein Family Restaurant) and it's about a 15 minute walk.

    There is one shower house, and several vault toilets throughout the park. The shower house is old and a little run down but was very clean. I had no problems using it.

    The city park is adjacent to the campground and has picnic shelters, a playground, and a dog park.

    There are electric and water hookups at most sites, and there is a dump station. The park was pretty full on the weekend as you would expect, but very quiet during the week.

    I had great Verizon and T-mobile service here.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fontana County Park
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Fontana County Park

    New, clean, no trees

    There is a brand new campground here with full hookups. There are no trees so I decided to pass and not camp here. Evidently there is an "old" campground somewhere in this park also that I did not find. The signs will direct you to the new campground.

    I had good T-mobile and Verizon service here.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Klocks Island Park
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Klocks Island Park

    Crowded and quiet

    This seems like a quiet campground. It's just off the highway but there was almost zero traffic on this small highway. I drove through here on a Saturday in mid September. All spots were taken. I had barely usable Verizon service here and no T-mobile service. I was not able to camp here. The restroom building looked fairly new.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake State Park
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Clear Lake State Park

    Nice but crowded campground

    Nice campground with grassy pull thru sites. But very close together. If full, you would have no privacy. Fortunately, it was 1/4 full, so no problem. Bathrooms clean, nice warm showers! Nice beach, lots to do. Would be a fun place if you don’t mind camping next to neighbors!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Grove State Park
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Union Grove State Park

    Loved it!

    Loved this campground! We just stayed for one night, but wish it had been two. Small and quiet. A few trails to hike and a horse camp that I didn’t have time to explore. Nice lending library as well. Bathroom/shower combos are nice (1 is ADA). Not far off the interstate. Some sites are off with level & weird (ie stairs/door open on an incline and away from the table), and our picnic table was sloped. So pick your site carefully. 19E was ok - table not level and high stairs required from TT but good for Starlink connection and close water spigot (elec only at these sites)

  • Niki S.
    Camper-submitted photo from R Campground, Inc
    Jul. 15, 2024

    R Campground, Inc

    Very clean, friendly owners, great co-campers

    Randy was amazing and very attentive to my questions. Check in was super easy and the directions for check in were clearly spelled out. Everything was mapped out and the website was easy to use as well. The pond itself was pretty to look at and made for great photos, however it was loaded with geese which made it not user friendly. I would recommend this campground, and I will definitely go back to camp again!

  • I
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Acres RV Park
    May. 25, 2024

    Lazy Acres RV Park

    Don’t recommend

    We stayed here towards the end of May. They hadn’t cut the grass but was in the process of cutting it. This caused swarms of bugs. We are from Ky backwoods and are use to bugs but this was awful. The bathhouse was clean. The campground is right off the main highway so easy getting off and right back on.

  • Greg K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alden riverview campground
    May. 5, 2024

    Alden riverview campground

    15$! Alden Riverview Campground

    30/50/110 power. Drinking water and dump onsite but not on sites. Wifi! Hot showers, playground,boat launch,fire pits,grills,good camp host.town is right there 2 bars and restaurants. Gas station I think was 8 blocks up to the right. Been hard to find all this for 15 bucks a day!

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp At The Woods
    May. 3, 2024

    Camp At The Woods

    Open year round

    Very accommodating super nice people helped us back in and set up in middle of winter after dark after we had drove 2 days from the east coast. Our spot was on an incline but the water worked when temp was below freezing the camp was nice with new park for kids new basketball court new pavilion wish we could have been there in the summertime I’m sure the pool is nice when uncovered. I saw laundry and bathrooms by the river.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Twins Campground
    May. 3, 2024

    Twins Campground

    Serene

    Serenity, nature at its best, birdsong all day long wildlife at every turn our campsite was level the owners and manager were great hosts. We stayed several weeks the price was very reasonable, honey wagon service was included ; riding/ hiking trails from campsite.

  • Greg K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twins Campground
    Apr. 13, 2024

    Twins Campground

    Twins campground- cresco,Iowa.

    Very friendly and helpful owner. He even drove to town so we could follow him in. Has playground community area fire pit and a structure built to cover picnic tables. atv trails. Turkey river right there was 20 feet from my site. Porta potty and shower water is hot. 30/50 amp power with water on each site. Water fill station and dump station. Garbage .

  • Lisa T.
    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park
    Nov. 10, 2023

    George Wyth State Park

    Good local camping

    Easy in and out late fall camping.  I got a great tent spot next to the river.  This is a fine campground that I much prefer during the off season (it gets too busy during the warm season for my liking).  The connection to hiking trails throughout the park is fantastic.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Bend Park
    Sep. 7, 2023

    Cedar Bend Park

    Peaceful place

    It was so clean and peaceful. Not overly crowded. The camp host was so friendly and helpful.

  • v
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar View Park
    Sep. 3, 2023

    Cedar View Park

    Wonderful Find!

    Great find! We thought we would be dry camping because it was Labor Day weekend. We found this Park on the app and thought we would check it out. It’s first come first serve. I really never thought there would be any hookups because of what I had read, but they had electric and water! We found a spot right on the Lake! Very busy but wonderful view, location and was only $20.00!

  • Matthew S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

    Nice Park/Clean Bathrooms

    This is a quiet and nice park. Lots of pull through lots. I am missing a swimming pool but they do have a beach by a pond if that interests you. Bathrooms are cleaned daily but at times are quite nasty. Not their fault people are just nasty.

  • Jason H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Interstate Co Park
    Aug. 10, 2023

    Interstate Co Park

    Empty but lovely.

    Here on a Wednesday (which is the only night the nearby restaurant is closed). It was empty. It's on a lovely river with swimming. Mostly people here for day use putting boats in.

    Showers have hot water.

    They don't take reservations. Would definitely stay here again if I'm in the area.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Park Campground
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Riverview Park Campground

    Clean open Campground

    There’s a bit of road noise, but there’s lot of room here on a Tuesday. The grounds are well kept. Was able to get a clear view to the north for excellent Starlink reception.

  • Becky M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake State Park
    Jul. 3, 2023

    Clear Lake State Park

    Great State Park

    This is our second time camping at the Clear Lake State Park. The park is clean, the shower house is nice. It’s hard to control the temperature in the showers, too hot for little kids to stand directly in the water. The playground was fun for the kids, nice beach access! Limited full hook up sites. I wish there were more full hook ups that you could reserve. Paved roads are great for bike riding. Great shaded spots. DNR cruises the park daily which is nice to see.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from MacNider Campground
    Jun. 23, 2023

    MacNider Campground

    Pretty good

    Was a quick stop. Surprised when we pulled up it was only $19 a night for only electric & $28 for full hook ups. We came in the end of June & it is not too busy. Still plenty of parking. There is a community pool right beside the camp.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA
    Jun. 22, 2023

    Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

    Great place to stay

    We stayed at started at the Lost Island water park KOA for just one night while passing through the area. We were in our class C while slowly making our way across the country. We had no problems getting a spot here. Sites are gravel for the RV, reasonably level, and very well maintained. Most sites are pull through. Hookups are in very good condition. Each site had a grassy area with a picnic table. Staff was very friendly and helpful. There was a playground, beach and fenced dog area. Cost was very good for the amenities provided.

    The campground had a store, gas station and propane available.

    We had 4 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well. We enjoyed our brief stay at this campground. We will stay again when traveling this way.

  • Nicolas N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lime Creek Park
    Jun. 14, 2023

    Lime Creek Park

    Can’t go wrong for $15

    Electric, pit toilets, fire ring, picnic table, fishing stream, playground and NOBODY AROUND. This is a gem no more than 5 min off the highway. It might not have the views and whatnot but can’t beat that for convenience!

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake State Park
    Jun. 12, 2023

    Clear Lake State Park

    Nice place

    Overall nice place to stay. We stay each year with family so there are about 4 of our campers all there together.distance between sites can be wide or narrow depending on which site you’re on.

    Pros: Clean/well maintained, easy short path through the trees to get to the beach, sturdy picnic tables all around, long “driveway” for campsite

    Cons: pads are gravel and not very level, pads are very narrow, beyond the trees on one side of the campground is a major road so you’ll hear cars passing by, not a lot of restroom/bathhouses

  • Becky M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake State Park
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Clear Lake State Park

    Very clean park!

    We spent 4 days here and the park is a busy place! Very clean!!!!! Dump station was easy access! We were right by the shower houses. Check in and out was simple. We made our reservations online. The park had paved roads, great for bike riding, playground was a hit! The sunset was gorgeous in the evenings at the beach! We will be back!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Deerwood Park
    May. 30, 2023

    Deerwood Park

    Great we spot

    Quiet, camp host was nice. Firewood available for purchase for $1. Nice lake very close to the campground.



Guide to Shell Rock

Camping near Shell Rock, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, there's something for everyone, whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing in nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Backbone State Park is a great spot for hiking. One visitor mentioned, "The scenery on the hiking trail was amazing," highlighting the beautiful views you can enjoy while exploring the trails.
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, check out the trout streams at Backbone State Park. A reviewer noted, "The fishing is easy as most of the fish are stocked," making it a fun spot for anglers.
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground offers easy access for kayaking and tubing on the Upper Iowa River. A camper shared, "This campground has it all," emphasizing the fun water activities available.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. One reviewer at George Wyth State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were warm and really clean," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the spacious sites at Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park. A visitor remarked, "Great spacious, level sites," making it comfortable for families and groups.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground noted, "We have been here during the week and have had the place pretty much to ourselves," which is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Pulpit Rock Campground, can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper mentioned, "There was only one site available when we made the reservation," so it's wise to book ahead.
  • Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park noted, "Service was definitely spotty in most areas of camp," which might be a concern for those needing to stay connected.
  • Mosquitoes: Some campgrounds, like George Wyth State Park Campground, can have a lot of mosquitoes during certain seasons. One camper warned, "There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground during our visit."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. Pulpit Rock Campground has a large playground that kids will enjoy, as noted by a happy camper.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer activities for all ages. A reviewer at Clear Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The playground was fun for the kids, nice beach access!" which is perfect for family fun.
  • Quiet Spots: Look for quieter campgrounds if your family prefers a peaceful environment. One camper at Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground appreciated the laid-back vibe, saying, "We have been here during the week and have had the place pretty much to ourselves."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Make sure to choose campgrounds with level sites for easier parking. A reviewer at Pine Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are spacious enough," which is a plus for RVers.
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds that offer full hookups. A camper at Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA noted, "Decent sites with full hookups," making it convenient for RV travelers.
  • Amenities: Check for amenities like laundry and stores. One visitor at Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA appreciated the "gas station and propane available," which adds to the convenience of the stay.

Camping near Shell Rock, Iowa, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, you'll find a spot that suits your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shell Rock, IA is River Ranch Camping with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Shell Rock, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.