Best Campgrounds near Sioux City, IA

Several good camping spots can be found around Sioux City for anyone wanting to spend time outdoors. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground has shady sites and sits right by a lake, which makes it good for fishing and getting out on the water. Union Grove State Park Campground works well for both tent and RV campers with its bigger sites. Many people come here to walk the trails and look for wildlife. If you drive a bit from Sioux City, you'll reach Ponca State Park, which has different kinds of camping areas with modern bathrooms and facilities. Families like this park because it has programs for kids and a swimming pool. When camping in this part of Iowa, keep your food secured so animals don't get into it. The roads to these campgrounds are mostly in good shape, but it's smart to check the weather before you go. Most camping spots can be reached with regular cars, though you might need to carry your gear a short distance at some sites. Weather can change quickly here, so bring clothes for both warm and cool conditions. The hiking around these parks is worth checking out while you're there. Remember to pack out what you pack in to keep these places nice. Sioux City area camping works well whether you're in a tent or bringing an RV.

Best Camping Sites Near Sioux City, Iowa (87)

    1. Scenic Park

    16 Reviews
    Sioux City, NE
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (402) 494-7531

    $18 - $30 / night

    "Scenic park is across the Missouri river from Sioux CityIowa.  It is easy to get to. Very friendly staff.  Restrooms are kept clean. "

    "This is our go to spot when we travel to Sioux City Iowa for basketball. Right across the river with a great view! Clean restrooms and showers!  Third year here.  Great staff too!"

    2. Stone State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    North Sioux City, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 255-4698

    $10 - $20 / night

    "There were vault/pit toilets close and regular restrooms with showers a little walk away (showers needed to be cleaned). Water spigot was close by too."

    "Lots of trails, a little man made lake and a playground in the park for the kids. Beautiful hills and scenery and so quiet!"

    3. Cottonwood Cove Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    South Sioux City, NE
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 987-3448

    "Nice little city campground just a few miles off the interstate and right next to the Missouri River. Quiet large sites at a reasonable price. Picnic tables and fire rings."

    "The campground itself is tucked right into the middle of a neat, tidy residential neighborhood, such that it almost feels like you're part of the neighborhood."

    4. KOA Campground North Sioux City

    6 Reviews
    North Sioux City, SD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 232-4519

    "This KOA just north of the Iowa border is first class. ! Friendly staff and perfect for kiddos. The pool and adventure area are right up your alley if traveling with kids."

    "The dog park is not so well-maintained but was adequate and the pool was clean, and there is easy access to the freeway Both north and south"

    5. Sioux City North KOA

    5 Reviews
    North Sioux City, SD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 232-4519

    "The highway is very close so you do hear cars. Privacy fences around the site to block out the neighborhood. Very nice staff!"

    "Super close to stores . Nice spot."

    6. Snyder Bend County Park

    6 Reviews
    Salix, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 946-5622

    $17 - $25 / night

    "Next to a county park. Decent bath house with showers. Fire pits, water and electric hook ups at each site. $25 a night"

    "Lake is drained but it was well worth $25 mosquitoes were bad"

    7. Browns Lake Bigelow Park Woodbury County Park

    4 Reviews
    Salix, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 946-7114

    $30 / night

    "This is a beautiful park, well maintained, quiet and borders Browns Lake 10 Miles from Sioux City. CG has horse shoe pits, Basketball, volleyball courts, playground for the kids and a swimming beach."

    8. Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park

    10 Reviews
    Ponca, NE
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 755-2284

    $74 - $119 / night

    "Aside from the river, there are trails and a pool. Friends have said there are many very recent additions including rock climbing walls, archery, horseback riding, etc."

    "The drive from Omaha was so quick and easy. The park is beautiful with tons of trails and things to explore. The overlooks are great, you can see so much of the river."

    9. Oak Bluff Campground — Ponca State Park

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, NE
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 755-2284

    $30 - $126 / night

    "We pulled in after office ours and easily found several primitive walk up sites to choose from. We selected T45 for it’s proximity to a scenic Missouri River overlook and it’s flat, shaded ground."

    "Need to pay the State Park entrance fee if you don't have an annual pass, but the campground is enjoyable. Close to recreational opportunities for the kids."

    10. Danish Alps State Recreation Area Camping

    2 Reviews
    Hubbard, NE
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 632-4109

    $30 - $35 / night

    "But the lake in the area is beautiful and there's quite a large space to the park with lots of trails and open field areas."

    "Playground, boat ramp, picnic area fishing, birdwatching, equestrian camp & trails, something for everyone."

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Showing results 1-10 of 87 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sioux City, IA

217 Reviews of 87 Sioux City Campgrounds



Guide to Sioux City

Camping near Sioux City, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the numerous trails available in the area. At Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The campground is set in an Aspen glade. Very nice." This park has trails that are perfect for both casual walkers and serious hikers.
  • Fishing: The Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park is located along the Missouri River, making it a great spot for fishing. One camper shared, "We enjoyed river fishing while we were here."
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Many campgrounds, like Chief White Crane Recreation Area, have playgrounds and open spaces for kids. A family noted, "The kids and pets especially enjoyed it! There is a huge green space in the middle of the campground."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Union Grove State Park Campground, one reviewer said, "The shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Nebraska Tailwaters mentioned, "Nice large sites and enough room to move around."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One reviewer at Cottonwood Campground said, "Nice area with park for children with good water accessible."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Oak Bluff — Ponca State Park, can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. It's wise to book in advance.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. For example, Nebraska Tailwaters offers electric only, which might not suit everyone.
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Cottonwood Campground noted, "There were bison and wild horses in the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds and open spaces. At Chief White Crane Recreation Area, families can enjoy "several fantastic playgrounds as well as a small beach and a dock."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring along fishing gear, bikes, or hiking shoes. One family at Newton Hills Campground mentioned, "The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. A visitor at Stone State Park Campground appreciated the "quiet though a few people came & went."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Oak Bluff — Ponca State Park noted, "Tight squeeze for larger campers."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, check for sites with electric hookups. Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park offers electric hookups, which many RVers find essential.
  • Be Mindful of Dump Stations: Some campgrounds have dump stations nearby, like Nebraska Tailwaters, which is handy for RVers on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sioux City, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sioux City, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Sioux City, IA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Sioux City, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sioux City, IA is Scenic Park with a 4-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sioux City, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Sioux City, IA.

What parks are near Sioux City, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near Sioux City, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.