Camping sites near Shellsburg, Iowa include a mix of county and state facilities with varying amenities and seasonal availability. The town sits in the Cedar River valley with elevations around 800 feet above sea level. Winter camping options remain limited, with temperatures typically dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Wildcat Bluff County Park features a highly-rated 21-hole disc golf course with trails connecting directly to the campground. One camper noted, "There is a first class 21 hole frisbee golf course at this park. Close to 52 mile Cedar Valley Nature bike trail. On the Cedar River."
Kayaking on Pleasant Creek Lake: The 410-acre lake at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground provides excellent kayaking opportunities with minimal boat traffic. According to a visitor, "It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground, tent camping is a breeze with very secluded sites, and well water very close to each site and a trail that leads to a large dumpster. Awesome lake to go kayaking on too!"
Hiking the lake trail: Pleasant Creek offers an 8-mile loop trail around the lake with moderate elevation changes. One reviewer advises, "There is a nice hiking trail around the lake, about 8 miles complete loop. There is a bit of elevation change and not many opportunities to 'bail out' so take water and pace yourself."
Explore Central City: Visitors staying at Pinicon Ridge Park can hike into town for local brews and food. A camper shared, "We all took the trail into town and found a BIT Brewery where we enjoy woodfired pizza and brought some beer home in a growler for around the fire that night."
What campers like
Private tent sites: Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area receives praise for its secluded tent camping areas. One reviewer mentioned, "The tent sites are very nice and private. There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty. New picnic tables. Lots of shade."
Clean facilities: Morgan Creek County Park maintains well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. A camper noted, "Great little campground. Beautiful park with trails and playgrounds. Site was great and had everything we needed. Bathrooms were very well kept. Love this park."
Affordable rates: Many county parks in the area offer competitive pricing compared to commercial campgrounds. At Wildcat Bluff County Park, a visitor reported, "$10 for primitive, $16 for electric."
Storm shelters: Safety features at some campgrounds provide peace of mind for severe weather. A Pinicon Ridge Park camper mentioned, "Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table."
What you should know
Bathroom quality varies: While some parks maintain excellent facilities, others struggle. At Wildcat Bluff County Park, one camper warned, "Bathrooms were horrible. I would not suggest staying unless you have your own restroom. Also there is no dump station so be prepared to take your shit home with you."
Reservation systems differ: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. For Morgan Creek Campground, a visitor explained, "Morgan Creek has amazing trails and the location is fantastic if you are looking for the camping experience but still have work or other things to get done."
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds position sites close together. A Morgan Creek visitor noted, "Small campground, so not a lot of people. Site was pretty level. But, closer to your neighbors than I would like."
Limited water access: Access to potable water can be challenging at certain parks. For Rodgers County Park, a camper advised, "This campground offers electric only sites for RVs. Water can be a bit tricky to get in the park and there was not host onsite to assist."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) offers excellent play facilities for children. A visitor shared, "This is our go to campground! We have stayed at this campground several times and plan to several more times!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Pinicon Ridge Park stands out for family entertainment options. One reviewer raved, "Our kids had more fun at this campground than any other so far. They have the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen. There were activities for kids of all ages, and they used a rubber composite on the ground at the playground so when kiddos fall, they aren't injured."
Water recreation options: Several parks offer swimming and fishing opportunities suitable for children. At Rodgers County Park, a camper appreciated, "Love that they have a beach and ample fishing right on the pond with the campsites over looking beautiful water."
Family-oriented activities: Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres provides numerous entertainment options. A visitor reported, "Great owners, loads of stuff for kids (putt putt, paddle boats, horseshoes, basketball, Gaga, trampoline, playground)."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Many campgrounds in the area feature relatively flat parking pads. At Wanatee Park, a reviewer mentioned, "There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
Access considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. For Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres, a camper observed, "Near the highway so it has truck noise."
Utility hookups: RV sites at most area campgrounds offer electric and sometimes water, with dump stations typically available upon exit. A Pinicon Ridge visitor noted, "We stayed at this campground for 7 nights with W/E hook ups. Dump available on entrance/exit. The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table."
Site spacing: Large RVs will find adequate room at some parks. At Beyonder Getaway, a camper shared, "Huge grass pull through lots everywhere. The biggest I have been in and actual real, full grass."
