Camping near Shellsburg, Iowa provides access to the Wapsipinicon River watershed with elevations typically ranging between 750-850 feet above sea level. The region experiences humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, making late spring through early fall the prime camping season. Most campgrounds remain open from mid-April through mid-October, though several offer year-round access for winter enthusiasts.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Wildcat Bluff County Park features a "first class 21 hole frisbee golf course" that draws enthusiasts from across the region. According to Nick B., the park offers "very nice little park if you like hiking or Frisbee golf" with trails connecting directly to the campground area.
Kayaking opportunities: Several waterways provide excellent paddling experiences near Shellsburg. At Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground, Chelsea M. notes it's an "awesome lake to go kayaking on" with easy shore access for launching small watercraft.
Hiking trails: The region offers numerous walking paths for all skill levels. At Pinicon Ridge Park, trails are "well marked and all over the park and state land nearby" according to Beau Z., who recommends the "Lookout Tower is a must see" for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Brewery visits: Local craft breweries provide refreshment after outdoor activities. Brandon T. shares that from Pinicon Ridge Park "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
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Morgan Creek County Park, Kristin B. found "beautiful park with trails and playgrounds. Site was great and had everything we needed. Bathrooms were very well kept."
Playground areas: Families appreciate dedicated recreation spaces. Chelsea D. discovered that Pinicon Ridge Park has "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."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. Michael J. at Amana RV Park & Event Center mentioned "ground squirrels" among the park's residents, while other campgrounds feature bird watching opportunities along waterways.
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer shoreline fishing. At Rodgers County Park, Zeb R. notes it "has a lake where you can fish swim kayak or troll with your boat," making it ideal for anglers seeking variety in their fishing experience.
What you should know
Site availability systems: Some campgrounds operate on reservation systems while others use first-come basis. Terry M. noted that Morgan Creek County Park has "beautiful facilities. Pleasant camp hosts. The only problem is it's first come first serve. Hard to get a site."
Bathroom conditions vary: Facility quality differs between parks. At Wildcat Bluff County Park, Raq warns "bathrooms... oh my lanta, that smell will haunt me for the rest of my days" suggesting visitors should "not if you have to rely on their bathroom facilities."
Flooding potential: Some areas experience seasonal high water. Jeff and Linda L. reported at Wildcat Bluff "boat access not far down the road but the vehicle access to it was flooded, with a sign noting that high water was common and impassable."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some locations. David W. noted that Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres is "near the highway so it has truck noise" though the campground offers many amenities to compensate.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad activities: Water features provide entertainment for children. Wheelin With Hope shared that Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres "had a little train ride, miniature golf course, catch and release fishing in their pond, splash pad, lots of cool things hand built structures to see as well."
Storm shelters: Safety features are important during severe weather. Beau Z. mentioned Pinicon Ridge Park has a "storm shelter right on site. Playground is awesome for kids of all ages" with county staff being "very proactive and hospitable with helping campers relocate from dangerous areas."
Educational opportunities: Nature centers enhance camping experiences. James M. notes Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite offers "primitive amenities near Wikiup Hill learning Center" and "along the trail into the site, you will find a large play area for families."
Accessible camping: Some sites accommodate mobility needs. Wheelin With Hope appreciated that at Beyonder Getaway "my daughter is in a wheelchair so we requested the accessible site. It's right next to the showers with an adapted pic-nic table and raised fire pit!"
Tips from RVers
Pull-through access: Level sites make setup easier. Ash B. found Amana RV Park offers "wide open park with very very easy access" though "the roads and pads are gravel so I could see it becoming an issue during weather but we didn't have much trouble leveling."
Dump station locations: Know where services are available. Clint G. shared that at Wanatee Park they "camped for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance" making longer stays convenient for RV camping.
Site spacing considerations: Privacy varies between parks. Leslie P. found Morgan Creek County Park to be a "small campground, so not a lot of people. Site was pretty level. But, closer to your neighbors than I would like."
Shade availability: Tree cover differs across campgrounds. Christoph R. noted Amana RV Park is "functional but barren" and "great for RVs and anybody who has a setup that doesn't rely on shaded areas," suggesting sun protection for summer visits.
