Top Tent Camping near Smithland, IA
Searching for a tent camping spot near Smithland? Finding a place to camp in Iowa with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Smithland, Iowa's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Smithland, IA (7)
1. Preparation Canyon State Park
6 Reviews•44 Photos•62 SavesTen hike-in camp sites, each with table and fireplace, are provided in the eastern half of the park. Registration for the isolated and secluded sites are obtained by self-registration at the east parking area. Camping Fees are to be paid at the registration area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
$9 / night
3. Loess Hills Hideaway
1 Review•9 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Cabins
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
4. Ranney Knob Area
1 Review•1 Photo- Tents
- Toilets
5. Stieneke Area Park
1 Review•2 Photos- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
6. Pelican Point State Rec Area
2 Reviews•1 Save- Pets
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
$15 / night
Recent Tent Reviews In Smithland
168 Reviews of 7 Smithland Campgrounds
- R
Roberto G.
Traveler
Jones Pond
Hidden Gem
Very quiet and peaceful place I have been there few times and I never see anyone else around. There is no bathroom or drinking water so make sure you are ready for that. October is a very colorful time of the year very peaceful the pond for what I heard isn’t a good place for fishing but just a mile away there is a hunting park highly recommend it
Pat V.
Ranger
Scenic Park
Great spot close to everything
We found the Scenic Park RV Campground when we were looking for a spot to stay close to Sioux City, IA for a sports event for our sons. We were extremely happy with this city run campground.
The pads are in great shape. They offer full hookups. We did not have a full hookup site, but still had water, electric, and free cable tv. The view from our camper of the Missouri River and the Sioux City skyline was pretty great.
The staff is friendly and welcoming. The location is quiet and everyone staying there seemed very nice as well. Will definitely be back when we’re up that way again next year.
Edger G.
Scout
Nelson Park Crawford County Park
Descent place for camping
It’s a good place for camping not perfect. Has a descent size lake good for kayaking and fishing.
Steve R.TravelerDecatur Bend Access
Quiet and safe. Been twice now
We live(my dog and I) on a motorcycle - think Van Life on two wheels. A quiet place to put up a tent is so welcome. There are no amenities. It's strictly dry and pack out but a great place for a few tents or a couple vans. Highly motorcycle travel recommended
Julia V.
Guide
Stone State Park
Great for a night
Had a grassy & shady tent site. 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. Wish we had more time to explore the park itself because there was lots of hiking/waking trails. Overall no complaints
Christopher W.Guide
Hildreth Lighthouse Campground
Nice flat piece of grass
Stayed July 2024,
Good: Flat piece of grass to place two tents for only $ 20 bucks. Just what I needed at 10pm
Bad: One quote from son sums it nicely, "saw the mens room and so used the women's". Also, two miles of dirt road was less than fun. Would have been nice if the pay station had more directions.
Future: I would remember to make a reservation at the KOA 10 minutes away.
Melissa C.Guide
Lewis and Clark State Park
Beautiful Park - Amazing Campground
Beautiful park, beautiful scenery and amazing playground!
Rich J.Ranger
Cottonwood Cove Park Campground
Nice
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. Water and electric only....there is a sewer dump near the bathrooms but not at the sites.
Elizabeth D.TravelerScenic Park
Close to river.
Great place very dog friendly. Spots are spacious and on pavement. Close to the river for your fishing needs.
- JJohn R.
LegendScenic Park
Beautiful city life in a park.
Spacious site well cared for grounds. Close to everything in the city.
Joshua D.Traveler
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.
- Joshua D.Traveler
Stieneke Area Park
Small county park
Small park, peaceful, river access for canoe/kayak. No designated camp sites but plenty of space for tent or camper.
- Joshua D.Traveler
Ranney Knob Area
Small county park
Small park, has some picnic tables, a toilet, and a trash can. Says you can pay to camp but no designated camp sites and limited parking. Does offer access for canoe/kayaking on the river. Camping is $10 a night, pay on site.
Fabian S.GuideScenic Park
Central Campground
Very centrally located, well-kept complex, friendly and helpful staff, the restrooms and shower are very simple but clean.
- WWendy M.Guide
Bob Hardy RV Park
Convenient & quiet
Decent park and great price! We stayed 2 nights for my husband to do a job down the road. Shower house could have been cleaner but you can’t beat the price at $17.50/night! They had electric hookups, grills and picnic tables at every site plus a small playground for kids. Free dump station and water fill was nice. Every spot was filled the second night and the parks and recreation guys came through a few times checking on things. We’d definitely stay again if passing through!
- PPJTraveler
Snyder Bend County Park
Small quiet county park
Not too busy. Spots have water and electric for $25/ night
- MMindy S.Scout
Willow Creek Campground
Enjoyed our stay
Had a fishing derby going on but was still overall quiet. Shelter house was rented for our family reunion, was a great space.
- BBobbie C.Traveler
Lewis and Clark State Park
Not bad for after Labor Day Weekend.
Campground was as I hoped. Empty except for 3 others. Oxbow lake is nice with a sandy shoreline. The campground is set in an Aspen glade. Very nice.
- JJanet K.Guide
Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park
Riverfront Campground
We camped in the Riverfront campground. No one else there on a Thursday night so we had the whole river to ourselves. Very peaceful. Good-sized grassy sites. Table, fire ring, water, pit toilet. Large park with plenty of amenities. We were only stopping for the night so we didn’t explore the other areas. Nice overlook of the river and 3 states.
Mary M.Scout
Elk Point City Park Campground
Nice level park
This is a really nice campgrounds. It only has electricity but for $15.00 it was very nice and quiet. We also were able to watch the kids play baseball in the park
Luckybreak R.Ranger
Huff - Warner Access Area
Not at all what I expected
Clean and well kept campground. The Monona County has raised the bar. 5 concrete pads with gravel on the rest. Level and well spaced sites. Located far enough from the interstate to avoid any traffic noise River barges were unloading next to the campground when we were here.
Charlie B.TravelerRiverfront Campground — Ponca State Park
Tentrr site saves the day
We booked a last minute stay in a Tentrr canvas tent. It came with a portable toilet, chairs, mattress and bed frame. We were thankful to have booked it due to the torrential downpour all night. We stayed in Riverview sites and were right on the river. Gorgeous view and glamorous site. You do have to carry your gear about 25ish yards down a bit of an incline.
- S U.Guide
Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park
Beautiful place!
So much to do on site. Miles of trails! My family did 7 miles. Wonderful views of 3 states. Along the Missouri River. Lovely welcome center with puzzles and games. Beautiful cabins that are responsibly priced and have fun names.
Victoria S.GuideBob Hardy RV Park
Simple park. Shower house
This park was a nice find. It had a decent shower house and bathrooms. The park stayed pretty clean. The park was simple nothing fancy. The dump station was free. We made $15 per night. But on some spots it says it $17.50 a night. All camps for 30amps. Only 2 drinkable water fountains.
- CChris A.Guide
Summit Lake State Rec Area
Quiet and worth booking
Pros: Quiet, walking trails, lake, bar nearby, clean showers and bathroom, building a new playground as of 10/2022
Cons: Dump station is on a noticeable uphill slope, so you won't be able to completely empty a tank if your setup is the wrong way. No water hookups at sites.
We stayed in October 2022 at site 28. This is my favorite site because it has a convienient water spicket right next to it if you want to fill your freshwater tank without moving your rig. The only drawback is that it is right next to the showers so a little busy. Campground is well kept. Lake is low as of 2022 but looks to be refilling.
- HHoward R.Scout
Missouri Valley City Park
Great place to stop
Stayed twice this summer. Handy off hwy 30. Fairgrounds with lots of spots. Be aware that it would not be available during fair week. Has dumping station. Self pay.
- Lynz N.Scout
Black Hawk State Park
Nice views!
Beautiful view of the lake! Multiple options of camping sites. Clean RR and showers. Nice area!
Guide to Smithland
Camping near Smithland, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.
What to do:
- Fishing and Boating: The Lewis and Clark State Park Campground is right by Oxbow Lake, which has a sandy shoreline perfect for fishing. One camper mentioned, "The campground was as I hoped. Empty except for 3 others. Oxbow lake is nice with a sandy shoreline."
- Hiking: At Preparation Canyon State Park Campground, you can explore trails that offer stunning views of the unique landscape. A visitor shared, "The flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America."
- Playgrounds and Family Activities: The Lewis and Clark State Park Campground features an amazing playground, making it a hit with families. One review noted, "Beautiful park, beautiful scenery and amazing playground!"
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at places like Scenic Park. A reviewer stated, "The restrooms and shower are very simple but clean."
- Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Snyder Bend County Park. One camper said, "Spots have water and electric for $25/night."
- Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peaceful environment at Browns Lake Bigelow Park. A visitor remarked, "This place was so beautiful and peaceful."
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Preparation Canyon State Park Campground, don’t have drinking water or electric hookups. A reviewer pointed out, "There are about 8 sites dispersed around the area so camping is always private."
- Seasonal Availability: The Stone State Park Campground is open from April 1 to December 31, so plan your trip accordingly. One camper noted, "Ground was mostly dirt not grass on our site."
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the warmer months. A camper at Snyder Bend County Park mentioned, "Mosquitoes were bad."
Tips for camping with families:
- Check for Play Areas: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like the Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, which has a great playground for kids. One parent said, "Beautiful park, beautiful scenery and amazing playground!"
- Plan for Quiet Time: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours, which is great for families. A visitor at Snyder Bend County Park noted, "Busy but not noisy and quiet by 9."
- Bring Bug Spray: To keep the mosquitoes at bay, especially at places like Snyder Bend County Park, where they can be a nuisance.
Tips from RVers:
- Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Scenic Park offer electric hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A reviewer mentioned, "Spots are spacious and on pavement."
- Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so bring leveling blocks. A camper at Snyder Bend County Park said, "Plan on using your leveling blocks."
- Be Mindful of Space: Sites can be close together at some campgrounds, like the Sioux City North KOA, where a visitor noted, "Campsites are very close together."
Camping near Smithland, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Smithland, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Smithland, IA is Preparation Canyon State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Smithland, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Smithland, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.