Best Campgrounds near Sioux Rapids, IA

Sioux Rapids, IA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Sioux Rapids. Find the best campgrounds near Sioux Rapids, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Detours Nearby

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Grotto Campground

Grotto Campground

45 min away

Joe Sheldon County Park

Joe Sheldon County Park

58 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Sioux Rapids, Iowa (75)

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Recent Reviews near Sioux Rapids, IA

98 Reviews of 75 Sioux Rapids Campgrounds


  • Dawn S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Relaxing

    This place offers cabins places for tent camping as well as places for dispersed free camping

  • sparkleblaster S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Moorehead Pioneer County Park

    Safe and lots of trees

    I stayed on the picnic loop at one of three designated camp spots (according to the map posted at the end of the picnic loop). There was a nice shade structure, picnic table, fire pit, and grill. Pit toilets and trash bins nearby and a water spigot that wasn't working. I got in late on a Sunday. I saw some fishermen around the pond on my way in but no one else. There's a playground and a couple small pavilions across from where I camped, so I imagine it can be busy on the weekend.

    It's not really a campground. It's a county park with a few camp spots. If I hadn't found the sign with tent symbols I would have doubted it was a legitimate place to camp.

    The coordinates in the description here took me to a boat launch. This is the coordinate to the camp spot I stayed at: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BziGswnzeFVjgVxV6

  • True I.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Camp site not recommended

    The lake is not too deep for boats. In the camping area there are people with motorcycles speeding and making unnecessary noise. I went to complain to the manager and he did nothing about it because the owners of the motorcycles are friends.

  • Xiomara M.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Robertson Park

    Do not recommend

    Never again, because since we arrived, people have complained about my family without us doing anything. They even watched us go to the bathroom. They called the police, claiming we were littering in the street and making unnecessary noises and speeding in the park. To top it all off, they're friends of the manager. It's three spaces against one. I don't recommend anyone staying here, because they recorded everyone who passed by and took pictures of their cars. When we went to tell them we wanted a refund quickly, they told them to call the manager.

  • E
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Robertson Park

    DONT GO!!

    It's a nice place with electricity and great bathrooms. But a lot of people from a trailer near us were all the weekend complaining for no reason, yelling at everyone and calling the cops on a lot of people. It's unacceptable that people that are calm trying to have fun with our family have to deal with people feeling entitled of everyone else free time. Will not be here again. I know the camp has no fault of other people's behavior, but admin should be more aware of this behavior and stop it.

  • Matt M.
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Tjossem County Park

    Beautiful views

    The camping sites are a little close to each other. 10 sites with full hookups. If electrical comes out of the rear of your camper you need an extension cord or just pull the camper forward in the site. None of the sites are far from the shower/restroom facilities. Fishing in the pond had a lot of small bluegill and crappie. Perfect for the young fishermen with little patience. Using an ultralight and small jig I was catching them about every second cast. Beautiful sunrise/sunset views if you like that.

  • Cody H.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2025

    Tjossem County Park

    Small but still a good campground.

    This is a great campground for a weekend getaway. The pros of this campground are It’s full hook up. It has a brand new shower house. It has a brand new playground. The cons to this campground are the campsites are really close together. overall, it’s a great campground and would recommend.

  • Kent H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2025

    Stieneke Area Park

    Small, quiet, and $10.

    Quiet little campground. I only saw 3 sites, but there is room for 3 or 4 more. $10 per night and the Rangers came at about 3:30 pm to clean the vault toilet and collect my fee from the lockbox. It's about a half mile from a well traveled road, but as I write this it's 7 in the evening and there's no more traffic. I'm the only person in the campground. There's a hand pump water well. Give it a dozen pumps to get it going. I don't suppose it is potable water. There's a river behind and the sign says you can launch a kayak.

  • Joshua D.
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Silver Sioux Recreation Area

    Hidden gem

    Was it expecting how nice this campground was compared to more primitive ones in the area. Beautiful site! Has tent camping, full rv hook ups, and a nice playground for the kids.


Guide to Sioux Rapids

Camping near Sioux Rapids, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore local attractions: Check out the nearby Jeffers Petroglyphs and the historic fort in Jackson. One camper mentioned, “I met the previous owner of the park and he told me about some cool things to do in the area including the Jeffers Petroglyphs” at Jackson KOA.
  • Enjoy outdoor activities: Many campgrounds are close to lakes and trails. A visitor at Marble Beach State Rec Area said, “We unloaded our bikes and enjoyed the bike trails that encircle and go through Jackson.”
  • Fishing and boating: The lakes around the area are great for fishing and boating. One reviewer at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area noted, “This place is awesome for tubing on the Iowa Great Lakes.”

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Willow Creek Campground said, “The shower house is newly renovated and very nice.”
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming hosts. One camper at Kilen Woods State Park Campground shared, “The park Ranger on Duty was very helpful.”
  • Peaceful surroundings: Campers enjoy the tranquility of the area. A review for Everett Park mentioned, “Very quiet and peaceful here.”

What you should know:

  • Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Jackson KOA operates from April 15 to October 13.
  • Site sizes vary: Campers have noted that some sites can be small or uneven. A visitor at Gull Point State Park Campground mentioned, “The campsites were a bit muddy, but not too bad.”
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have markets or stores nearby. A camper at Marble Beach State Rec Area pointed out, “NO market available.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Willow Creek Campground noted, “The sites sit on a small rise between the swimming pond and willow creek.”
  • Plan for activities: Bring bikes or outdoor games to keep kids entertained. One family at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area enjoyed biking around the lake.
  • Check for kid-friendly amenities: Look for playgrounds or swimming areas. A visitor at Korte's Checkers Welcome Campground mentioned, “The grounds are beautiful... playground is kind of small and old.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Level your site: Make sure to find a flat area for your RV. A camper at Gull Point State Park Campground said, “The spot we found was on a slope and uneven.”
  • Check for hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Willow Creek Campground noted, “The RV spots have a really nice level concrete pad.”
  • Book in advance: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area advised, “This is a good place to stay for a few days if you want to explore all that Okoboji has to offer.”

Camping near Sioux Rapids, Iowa, has its perks and quirks, but with a little planning, you can have a great time in the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping spots in Sioux Rapids, Iowa?

While there aren't major campgrounds directly in Sioux Rapids, several excellent options exist in the surrounding area. Linn Grove Dam Co Park is just minutes away, offering basic drive-in sites with toilet facilities. For a more developed experience, Buena Vista Co Park near Peterson provides reservable sites with water access. Within a reasonable driving distance, you'll find additional campgrounds in towns like Storm Lake, Cherokee, and the Okoboji Lakes region, giving you plenty of camping options within 30-45 minutes of Sioux Rapids.

What amenities are available at Sioux Rapids campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Sioux Rapids offer varying amenities to suit different camping styles. Thirty Acres Campground — Black Hawk State Park provides a beautiful lakeside setting with walking paths. For budget-friendly options, Alton Roadside Park offers electric hookups, water access, and a dump station for just $10 per night (self-pay). Many area campgrounds feature basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and rustic toilets, while the larger recreation areas include modern shower facilities, boat ramps, and playground equipment.

Is fishing allowed at Sioux Rapids camping areas?

Fishing is definitely permitted and popular at camping areas near Sioux Rapids. Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground offers excellent fishing access with docks and boat ramps on West Okoboji Lake, and is particularly known for ice fishing in winter. Marble Beach State Recreation Area Campground also provides great fishing opportunities on Spirit Lake with modern facilities. Many of the county parks near Sioux Rapids feature small lakes, rivers, or creeks where you can fish while camping. Remember to obtain an Iowa fishing license before your trip.