If you want to explore the beauty of Shellsburg, glamping is an excellent option. The Dyrt can help find the best glamping in and around Shellsburg, IA. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a site closer to all the action, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect glamping spot.
$11 - $16 / night
A wide variety of natural and recreational features can be found at the 352-acre Morgan Creek County Park. The arboretum and butterfly park is plentiful with over 250 species of native and exotic trees and shrubs, which is located on the northside of the park at 7439 Worcester Rd, Palo.
$23 - $40 / night
$11 - $16 / night
Lake Iowa Park offers a quiet, safe and beautifully-maintained campground that includes 120 rocked pads with electricity, shower houses and a dump station. There are water hydrants with rural water spread throughout the campground to fill your camper tanks. There are two non-electric areas suitable for tents which are within a short walk to the shower house. Currently there are no reservations for camping, it is all first come first served.
2 cabins are available for rent. Each cabin has a full kitchen and ADA compliant bathroom and will sleep 8 people.
As of June 2023, Otter Creek Lake & Park has reopened to the public.This reopening includes all camping area, roadways, trails, etc. Though the refilling process has begun, the lake is still mostly empty. Fishing, swimming, boating, and other water activities are unavailable, as the lake has not yet filled with water. Restoration includes establishment of excellent fish habitat, improved angler access, removal of sedimentation, irrigation improvements, and more.
Seventy (70) acre lake hosting quality fishing, boating, and swimming.
Two open air shelters with approx. capacity of 72 persons each.
Electric camp section with 65 unit capacity.
Tent section with 18 sites, 45 tent capacity
Swimming beach offered at no charge
Picnicking. Tables to entertain up to 400 persons
Concrete boat ramp providing safe and convenient access to lake
Fish cleaning station located next to boat ramp
Sanitary dump station for trailer units using campground
Modern showerhouse (for campers)
Six vault latrines scattered throughout park
Two acre native prairie (never tilled by man)
Headquarters for maintenance operations
Two play areas with assorted play equipment including swings, jungle gyms, spring toys, slides.
3.0 mile loop scenic hiking trail around lake
Handicap access provides safe and easy access to beach play area.
Tama County Nature Center houses main office, 5,600 sq. ft. on main floor, 2,600 sq. ft. in basement, handicap accessible building. The Nature Center is popular for social events including weddings, receptions, family reunions, and workshops.
Visitors kiosk with vending machine is located directly south of the concrete boat landing.$10 - $20 / night
Legend
CG has basic amenities- fire ring, table, gravel pad, electric, and water though shower houses are closed for season. Nature Center offers education displays and programs. Lake offers paddling, fishing, etc.
Scout
It was beautiful, full of wildlife, easy to find,not too far from highway but far away enough to not hear
Scout
This review is for the Wallaby cabin. This cabin supposedly has a bathroom with a shower, 3 beds and a kitchenette. The bathroom has a shower so small it is difficult not to rinse one's hair while applying shampoo. There is no sink in this room for brushing teeth, washing hands or face, etc. There is no mirror either, or hooks for towels or washcloths or clothes. There is also no heater. The cabin has no closet or any place to hang any clothes. There were several bugs crawling on the ceiling. The wall A/C could not help but spew dust, as it was coated with that on the filter and cover. The trash can had a clean bag, which occupants are required to leave in dumpster at checkout. When removing the bag, the stuck-on mess under it was appalling. The bed in each loft area had obviously been used and not changed, as the covers were in disarray and the bottom sheets not clean. The main bed has a zipped on plastic cover which the loose fitting fitted sheet will not stay on, causing occupants to end up sleeping on plastic. We purchased a blanket to go over it for the next night. We would not have stayed more than one night but, as we had reserved 3, it is not refundable. The tv is to the side of the immovable chairs, so that one must have head turned completely to one side to watch. The cabin has such a slant that a ball will roll by itself to the entrance side. All this for more than$350 for 3 night stay.
GuideNot too far off the highway. Very clean and quiet. The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake. Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite. Nice little visitor area. Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.
Great place to spend one night. If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.
RangerVery well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?
Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.
The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.
But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.
I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.
Other than that it was a great spot.
Scout
Camped there for years. Never again. Last 2 years under current owners\ management, I would not spend another dime there. They are nothing but drama. Behind office towards owners home looks like a salvage yard. They have removed families who have camped there for years. Only ones left are scared, no place to move to, or suck up to them for special privileges. Last two years were horrible. Will only return if sold to again new owners who care about campers vs money.
ScoutSo many things to do for adults and kids!! Family fun, The owners are so helpful too.
ScoutAlways working to keep the Campground an inviting fun place to come and enjoy some family time make some memories.
ScoutConvenient location a lot of amenities and activities
Scout
Bailey's Ford has everything you need for a night or a week. It's clean and beautiful. Trout stream, trails, river access, showers and a playground. I recommend!
Scout
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.
Scout
We love this place , very quiet
Traveler
The tent area is on a small mound, not a very level area. But was able to make it work. $18 a night for tents
ScoutNice, smaller campground! No designated spots, so great for groups to circle up and camp together (we camp here every year for our family reunion). Newer playground that my kids love, sand so that’s an extra play optional. Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in.
Scout
Was looking forward to camping there until I found out they do not allow pets at tent sites. Apparently they don’t feel responsible pet owners use tents. Not happy will never stay there
GuideBe sure to go to Diner 63 for lunch or dinner while you’re there. Outstanding food great value
LegendThis park is well maintained with full service and primitive sites. Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas.
Traveler
Super chill and plenty of space, especially for tents on site 39. Bathrooms are very nice and modern and clean, maintenance was very nice to let me shower before he could clean it. It was our only night there and we heard a lot of movements by the woods that it creeped us out but we were hearing haunted stories before arriving so the Halloween vibes was definitely there. Loads of shade and quiet nice neighbors.
ScoutStayed in The Plains area. Water and electric hookups, dump station near by. Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table.
GuideThe good: The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife. We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through. The bad: very few sites have a view of the lake. To walk to the lake or near by pond you must go down hill, which could be a problem for any one with mobility issues. Once down to the water trail are easy to walk. I would say if you can try and get sites, 67-70. They have beautiful views.
ScoutRecently under new ownership, you can tell they’ve been working hard getting the place going again. Yes, you hear traffic, but it didn’t bother us. They had a great fireworks display for the fourth. Spots are tighter than what we prefer, but will be back again.
GuideThis park is beautiful and there is tons to do. The playground is fantastic and keep the kids entertained all day. The water is great for fishing, swimming and boating. Central City also has everything you need within minutes of your site. There is boat rentals and the new showers are amazing.
LegendSeasonal cg along the Cedar River with camp store, ice, wood, propane, showers/restrooms. Has playground, pool, mini golf, Cedar River access too.
RangerThis campground has many amenities for the whole family. From tent sites, to Airbnb cabins for 9 people they have a site for everyone. They have laundry, showers, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, fishing and a swimming beach.
GuidePerhaps it is just a season, but there were tremendous amount of mosquitoes at the campground during our visit. Lots of stagnant water, lake, etc. Reasonably priced, however, and close to Cedar Falls. The bathroom were a little sketchy and the noise from the highway was quite loud. OK stay for a night.
GuideGreat place to kick back and relax. The trail through the campground takes you across the river where you can find canoe and paddle boat rentals, and our favorite an off leash do area. 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.
ScoutElectric and water only. Nice playground for young kids. Limited activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Shellsburg, IA is Pinicon Ridge Park with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.
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