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Best Campgrounds near Slater, IA

550 Reviews

Campgrounds around Slater, Iowa include several established camping areas with mixed amenities that accommodate different camping styles. Jester County Park, located near Granger, provides year-round camping options with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Ledges State Park Campground in Madrid, just north of Slater, offers similar diversity with electric hookups and shower facilities in a natural setting. The region's campgrounds typically feature picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water access, with many sites nestled along Saylorville Lake, providing water recreation opportunities for campers seeking developed outdoor experiences.

Most campgrounds in the Slater area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Jester Park and Prairie Flower Recreation Area maintain electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, though availability varies by season. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend camping during summer months when sites fill quickly. Several campgrounds offer both reservable and first-come, first-served options, with prices typically ranging from $15-25 per night depending on amenities. Weather conditions can impact camping experiences, especially in spring when rainfall may affect site conditions. As one visitor noted, "Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit."

Campers consistently mention the variety of recreational activities available at campgrounds near Slater. Jester Park receives praise for its hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and wildlife viewing areas featuring bison and elk. The park's nature center and playground facilities make it particularly family-friendly. Sites along Saylorville Lake provide water recreation options including boating and fishing access. Many developed campgrounds in the area balance natural settings with convenient amenities. "Lots of different camp sites. Large park with great hiking trails and fishing," wrote one visitor about Jester Park. Travelers seeking more secluded experiences can find sites in the 400s loop of Jester Park, which one reviewer described as having "plenty of room for 2 vehicles and two sizable tents" with a "super quiet and relaxing" atmosphere even during busy holiday weekends.

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Best Camping Sites Near Slater, Iowa (107)

    1. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"

    "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."

    2. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $17 - $35 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    3. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $20 - $336 / night

    "The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."

    "Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites. Varying levels of shade. A25, had a good amount of shade and was near the nice playground and nice bathrooms. No view of the lake from loop A."

    4. Swede Point Park

    13 Reviews
    Madrid, IA
    9 miles
    Website

    "We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that. Nothing fancy, but has plenty of sites, flush toilets and showers available."

    "Nice little camp ground with easy access to the high trestle bike trail"

    5. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 964-8792

    $24 - $26 / night

    "Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service."

    "Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."

    6. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0873

    $22 - $26 / night

    "We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced."

    "Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations. Peaceful lot near the river. Great fishing in the river."

    7. Acorn Valley

    11 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0429

    $14 - $84 / night

    "Great find on our way through Iowa. Clean and spacious. Very quiet, just listen to the frogs at night."

    "Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees (and some pretty bold raccoons around bonfire time ;) )."

    8. Griffs Valley View RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    16 miles
    Website

    $35 - $90 / night

    "Has a cute pond and is adjacent to a bike and running trail. The main lodge has very clean restrooms and showers with hot water! Recommended"

    "There is also a very nice bike trail right outside the park."

    9. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

    9 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    15 miles
    Website

    "Next to skunk river oxbows, kayak, no swimming, water stagnant, no fish, about 4ft depth everywhere. Great hiking trails, clean, great camp hosts, ranger. All sites first come."

    "We haven't camped here, but have seen that the tent areas are right next to the water. Super serene with great hiking trails and bird watching!"

    10. Greenhouse Camping

    2 Reviews
    Ankeny, IA
    8 miles
    +1 (515) 423-8877

    "My niece lives in Desert Moines and it was a short drive for her to come for a visit and bring some local, delicious tacos for dinner. We will definitely consider this spot next time through!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Slater, IA

84 Photos of 107 Slater Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Slater, IA

550 Reviews of 107 Slater Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Winterset City Park

    Peaceful

    Our first time staying here and we extended twice because we like the area so much. It’s been a peaceful two weeks and we love the town of Winterset. The campground has a variety of FHU and or just W& E, also some shared water.

  • Bethanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Sportsman Park

    Sportsman Park

    Dawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!

    They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.

    The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Nice campground. Clean. Well kept.

    We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.

  • Bethany G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    I stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent. I butted up against woods with neighbors to one side which made me feel like I had a pretty private area to myself. Other than the bugs, which it is that time of the year, I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service. However, I was able to text my family via satellite to let them know I was okay. It could be seen as a pro or con, but I think we all need no phone time at some point to just set still and relax. I look forward to camping here again soon!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Jester County Park

    Nothing but exceptional

    Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know

Guide to Slater

Camping near Slater, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Scenic Views: Enjoy the trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Rock Creek State Park Campground, you can rent boats and kayaks. A reviewer noted, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities."
  • Wildlife Watching: Yellow Banks County Park is great for spotting local wildlife. One visitor shared, "The campground is very clean with friendly hosts."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Jester County Park. A happy camper said, "Showers are hot every time; it’s a wonderful place to be."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Cherry Glen Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, a visitor said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be aware that some campgrounds, like Iowa Ledges State Park, have poor cell coverage. One camper noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially in summer. A reviewer from Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground area is clean, but the RV section was nearly full."
  • No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. For example, Bob Shelter Recreation Area lacks showers, as noted by a visitor who said, "The bathroom/shower house was outdated and small."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds Available: Many campgrounds, like Jester County Park, have playgrounds for kids. One parent shared, "The campground has a kids playground, hiking trails, and plenty to do."
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer various activities. At Prairie Flower Recreation Area, a camper said, "The whole park was the cleanest we have seen anywhere else."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites, like Cherry Glen Campground, where one reviewer mentioned, "The sites are very large, all with concrete pads."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park noted, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check campgrounds like Des Moines West KOA Holiday, which offers various amenities. A visitor said, "Sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs and also tent campers."
  • Be Prepared for Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have narrow roads, so be cautious when maneuvering. A camper at Walnut Woods State Park mentioned, "The road around the campground is paved, but very narrow."

Camping near Slater, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Slater Campground?

For camping facilities near Slater, Thomas Mitchell County Park offers both electric and non-electric sites. The outer loop features a creek flowing behind the campsites with large stairs for access, perfect for kids to play in. Another nearby option is Ledges State Park Campground, which provides restrooms, picnic areas, and excellent hiking trails with well-shaded campsites. They even offer hike-in spots if you prefer privacy while staying relatively close to your vehicle.

Is there camping available at Slater Park?

While there isn't a specific Slater Park in Iowa's camping system, nearby options include Jester County Park which offers peaceful camping with several first-come, first-served sites. For a camping experience close to Slater, Iowa, consider Timmons Grove County Park which provides electric campsites for $18/night. This park tends to be less crowded, making it a good option if you're seeking a quieter camping experience in the area.

How do I make reservations for camping at Slater?

For camping near Slater, reservations for many county parks can be made online through their respective county conservation websites. At Briggs Woods Park, reservations can be made at reasonable rates, and they offer campsites, cabins, and access to various outdoor activities. Some parks like Little Wall Lake County Park have a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. For Iowa state parks, reservations can typically be made through the Iowa DNR website up to 3 months in advance.

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