Best Tent Camping near Solon, IA

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Solon? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Solon, IA (28)

    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground

    1. Cedar River Campground

    8 Reviews
    17 Photos
    32 Saves
    West Liberty, Iowa

    We are a seasonal campground open April 15 thru October 15. We have seasonal, monthly, weekly, and overnight rates. We have planned activities as well as many amenities. River frontage, canoe/ tube rental, mini golf, pool and so much more.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $35 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area

    2. Macbride Nature Recreation Area

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    5 Saves
    Coralville Lake, Iowa

    Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) is a 485-acre peninsula that has been leased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the University of Iowa since 1969. There are ten kilometers of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. MNRA is home to the Environmental Education Programs: School of the Wild, Wildlife Camps, and Iowa Raptor Project. MNRA is located 15 miles north of Iowa City at 3895 Raptor Ridge Road, near Solon, Iowa.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground

    3. Wildcat Den State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    69 Photos
    63 Saves
    Illinois City, Illinois

    Two historical attractions both have active friends groups. One is the "turn of the century" Melpine one-room schoolhouse, which is located in the park and offers visitors a glimpse of Iowa's past.

    The other historical attraction is the Pine Creek Grist Mill, which was built in 1848. The mill was built by Benjamin Nye, one of Muscatine County's first settlers. He also built the county's first store and post office in 1838. The mill is one of the finest examples of mid-19th century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill is being restored to its original condition. Great strides have been made at the mill and it is now grinding corn for the first time in more than 75 years.

    Wildcat Den is a great place for a family to "get away from it all" for a weekend or a family vacation. Campsites can be reserved in the non-modern campground which has water and vault toilets. There are no showers and there is no electrical service to the campsites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $6 - $9 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from River Junction
    Camper-submitted photo from River Junction
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground

    5. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    1 Save
    West Liberty, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    6. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    5 Reviews
    63 Photos
    5 Saves
    Wheatland, Iowa

    The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center is located along the Wapsipinicon River and consists of 225 acres of upland and bottomland forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Wapsi Center, along with Sherman Park across the river, provide a 432-acre complex offering a wide variety of uses. The larger of the two campsites at the Center, Elm Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site. The site offers flat ground for many tents, two fire pits, picnic tables, trash cans, and two sets of horseshoe pits. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site. Vincent Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site offering a fire pit, picnic tables, and trash can. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $17 - $80 / night

    • No image available
      • No image available

        8. Wakpicada Natural Area

        1 Review
        11 Saves
        Central City, Iowa
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Equestrian
        • Trash
        Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

        9. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

        1 Review
        13 Photos
        1 Save
        Toddville, Iowa

        This is a primitive, pack-in campsite. Located northwest of the Learning Center, it features a fire ring with sitting stones, an ADA platform for a tent, and one replica Wickiup. This pack-in site is designed for youth groups and single family use only. It attempts to recreate what life was like for the woodland peoples who lived here hundreds of years ago. Renters will need to carry in/carry out all equipment and refuse. There is a pit vault restroom nearby.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Trash

        $54 / night

        • No image available

          10. Hidden River Campground

          1 Review
          5 Saves
          West Liberty, Iowa
          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Electric Hookups
          • Phone Service
          • Reservable
          • ADA Access
        Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews in Solon

        442 Reviews of 28 Solon Campgrounds


        • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Louisa County Fairgrounds
          Nov. 18, 2024

          Louisa County Fairgrounds

          Tipucal Fairground Camping

          A small number of electrical sites was all that I saw. I'm sure there are bathrooms somewhere in one of the fairground buildings, but I didn't see any signage for them.

        • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Grove Rec Area
          Nov. 18, 2024

          Virginia Grove Rec Area

          Small and quaint

          This is a small campground with electric camper spots. I didn't see any dump station. It features a playground and has vault toilets. There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks. Online only reservations.

        • Misty B.
          Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
          Nov. 12, 2024

          BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

          Will not be back! Lot of Money and Issues

          Water keeps running out. When it does run its white and tastes nasty. You can't do anything with it except flush and shower and that's if it doesn't run out. Pressure horrible. Was charged $1300 for 6 weeks plus I have to pay coat of utilities. They are no longer maintaining the grounds. The pool has been left unfinished for years and is still sitting empty with minimal plastic netting around it. The streets are caving in. The swimming water is right next to the beach pond where your stool is broken down and treated (although it isn't working correctly causing massive issues with odor, color and taste and then recycled back to your camper for showering and drinking water, washing dishes, etc. Hills (where campers park) all lead to bottom of hill where pond is, so if maintenance is this bad now, imagine sliding downhill into the pond due to ice and snow. Showers have push button that only runs water for couple minutes and it's set temp so you have no control over the temp at all. The whole park is run down, lots are extremely small and parking is only on gravel, but many lots only have enough gravel to park a camper so you have to park on other side of park and rent a golf cart (which is extremely high at 100 for 2 days or 60 for one day.) or walk. I could go on, but many others will be posting to tell the same. Had to move from lot 69 to 85 because it was so slanted my disabledd daughter couldn't make it across the lot to the camper. (She has autism and cerebral palsy)

        • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from 6B's Campground
          Nov. 10, 2024

          6B's Campground

          Duo-Layered Camping Experience

          My twin brother and I discovered this little hidden gem of a campground outpost just a mile or so east of Maquoketa Caves SP. This nature-infested outpost is split into 2 levels with an upper plateau section that is more geared towards the tent-pitchin’ bredren of my tribe, while the lower level straddles the Maquoketa River and offers up splendid waterfront views of the slow-moving, fresh-water creek variety. Apart from the very welcoming folks that run this place, led by Karen Townsend, what I loved most about 6B’s was the very welcoming community of fellow campers who rolled out the‘red carpet’ treatment for us when we rocked up. The upper level offers up only a solid picnic table, in-ground fire rings w/ fold-up BBQ grills and a tree-lined backdrop with a fenced in front lawn– perfect for a quick and EZ set-up. Massive bonus points for the location of this campground, which apart from rural country farmers and bat cave tourist passerby traffic, there was virtually no noise pollution to battle with.

          If you’re rolling in on an RV, 5th wheeler or trailer, while you likely could park your mobile living room on the upper plateau, you’ll likely feel much more comfortable on the lower river basin, providing that you can make it down the somewhat steep decline gravel road(this is Iowa, so I don’t think anyone will be too challenged, but just want to put the decline out there). Before you’ve arrived at the river’s edge, you’ll notice a simply sublime solo picnic table that has strategically been placed in one of the very large, abandoned bat caves, which makes for a very special picnic outing. Turning left as you reach the riverfront, you’ll follow a single, narrow loop that offers up slots on a first-come, first-served basis, with each offering up water, 30 amp electric, boat ramp, diving platform and a fairly flat landing to park for the night or a week(or even month!).

          Downsides? This camping outpost only accepts cash, money order or checks, which was a major bummer for us as we didn’t have any of those with us and while there were banks nearby(well, some 30 miles away), we weren’t members of the bank, which wasn’t even open, on account that it was after noon on a Saturday, so yeah, while a small thing, it became quite a big deterrent for us. If you can get this solo downside, there really is nothing else but upside, chief of which includes direct access to the Maquoketa River, which we enjoyed, given we were toting my tandem kayak with us, as well as, of course, just 3 miles west to Maquoketa Caves SP.

          Happy Camping!

        • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
          Nov. 10, 2024

          Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

          Eco-Locate This Blissful Hidden Campground Gem

          This Iowa SP campground is simply AMAZING and if you are a bat cave spelunker, you are going to be absolutely excited by this place, if you don’t know it already. For the rest of us outdoor enthusiasts who are simply looking for a great campground, then you’ve also struck the campground lottery, but if you are interested in staying here, I would STRONGLY encourage you to mind your dates taking note of when bat hibernation ends and begins – for what it’s worth, my brother and I drove all the way here only to find out that hibernation began the day of our arrival. That said, we could still hike all of the amazing trails, but couldn’t access the bat caves.

          The campground that resides here, is less than a quarter mile away from the access point to the bat caves, creating huge upside for selecting this campground in the first place. A heavily wooded area encompasses every single site (there’s 28 in total w/ 24 offering 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric) providing a substantial amount of shade, will also allowing decent sunlight as well along a slowly winding lone lane that leads one into this shrouded camping haven. While the spots (#12-#16) towards the end of the lane are more earmarked for mi tent pitchin’ bredren, whereas the rest of the sites (#1-#11; #17-#28) are set-up for the RV and 5th Wheel toting crowd (although you could easily set up a tent on any one of these sites should you choose to).

          A couple of points to keep in mind– the entrance to the campground is the busiest, so if this is of concern, steer clear of #1-#3 or #27-#28. Second, if you have kids and want to be planted near the playground, you might want to target sites #26-#28, where the spacious kids playground sets right behind these sites. In the event that being nearest the built-in amenities (restroom, shower, water source, community library, trash, firewood) are important to you, then look at sites #5-7 and #23-26. With this in mind, as you meander further down the lone campground loop lane, the quieter and more sheltered the place gets, so from #6-#24 should be a prime target for you if peace & solitude are important to you. Despite all of the advice I’ve just given, I don’t think you can really go wrong with any site here.

          Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking for a primitive tent camping experience, then you’re going to want to book sites #12 and #13, which set a bit further back for the cul-de-sac end of the lane offering up more privacy and less noise from the rest of the camping commune; (2) All sites designated for RV’s are back-in and range in driveway length between 31 and 68 feet; (3) The campground itself is closed between December 1 thru February 28 each year; (4) This SP offers up more than 370 acres with 6 miles of hiking trails with 13 distinct bat caves to explore, so bring good hiking shoes, headlamps, proper long sleeve shirts and pants to keep the bugs and ticks away, which abound here aplenty; and (5) There’s plenty of picnic tables, most under shelters as well as scattered stand-up and in-ground BBQ grills all offered up on a first-come, first-served basis.

          Happy Camping!

        • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Pond
          Oct. 9, 2024

          Horseshoe Pond

          Nice smaller CG in City of Maquoketa, Iowa

          CG offers gravel pads, tables, fire rings, electric, sump station, water, small pond with fishing, paddling, dog park. Close to stores for supplies, dining, fuel.

        • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
          Oct. 2, 2024

          Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

          Nice campground, fun caves, older established state park

          My mom remembers visiting this park in the 40's. Not a surprise since Grampa was a Geologist.
          This is a small campground for such an old park, only 34 sites, walk-ins included. All sites are along one road with a turnaround at the end. There is only one building with toilets, showers and no pit toilets. These are clean and well maintained.
          There is a playground near the entrance that is shared with the caves entrance area, a bit of a walk.
          The caves themselves are down a long hill from the campground. There are facilities there too, and a concession stand with limited hours/ days. The caves are fun to explore, but not ADA accessible. Bring flashlights and in some areas watch your head.
          The Visitor's center at the park entrance is staffed by volunteers and only open on weekends.
          Once you've done the caves, there's not much else to see within the park. But visit the Hurstville interpretive center for a nice nature center and trails.

        • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
          Sep. 23, 2024

          Lake Iowa County Park

          very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

          Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

          Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

        • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
          Sep. 19, 2024

          Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

          Very nice County cabin near Wapsi River

          Cabin sleeps 6, has all amenities including firewood at no cost! Education center onsite with live animals, trails, open year round, Wapsipinicon River below bluff offers paddling, fishing. Menke Observatory offers sky programs.

        • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Bennett Park
          Sep. 19, 2024

          Bennett Park

          Nice small County CG with pond

          Campground is nice with a few newer amenities, including shower house and handicap campsite. Gravel pads at sites include tables, fire, pits, electric,. There’s a dump station, play area, shelters for rent, and a pond that you can actually swim and fish and paddling.

        • Fred S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Langwood Education Center
          Sep. 5, 2024

          Langwood Education Center

          Great place!

          Langwood Education Center looks like a great spot for a weekend camping trip, especially if you’re into outdoor education. If you’re planning to camp there with kids, it could be a fun way to blend learning and adventure. Plus, it’s close enough to larger cities, making it convenient for a quick getaway. I’ve been planning something similar but also juggling a lot of writing assignments lately. For those who need help with academic papers or essays while on the go, https://99papers.com/essay-writing/ has been a great resource. They’ve saved me a lot of time when I’ve had deadlines looming. Anyway, has anyone visited recently and can share tips on the best trails or activities for families?

        • Jeff and Linda L.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Bluff County Park
          Sep. 2, 2024

          Wildcat Bluff County Park

          Nice small park

          Small quite county park with electricity at most sites. First come sites. On Labor Day weekend only 5 campers there out of 21 sites. We found one with mostly shade. There is a first class 21 hole frisbee golf course at this park. Close to 52 mile Cedar Valley Nature bike trail. On the Cedar River. Boats were going in and out, I would guess you could Kayak there. One half mile on gravel to the park. No cell service.

        • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sherman Co Park
          Aug. 28, 2024

          Sherman Co Park

          Scenic County park along Wapsipinicon River

          The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.

        • W
          Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Ridge
          Aug. 24, 2024

          Riverview Ridge

          Unique River and Trail Access Campground

          Two hour float trips on the North Fork Maquoketa River are available directly from the campground. There is a mix of permanent and temporary campers. The tent sites, nearest the river, are well spaced with flush toilets. Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean.

        • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Interstate RV Park
          Aug. 22, 2024

          Interstate RV Park

          Overnight stop along I-80

          Campground has gravel lanes, roads pads, appears to have annual residence, campground office, pool is clean, planes, farm, and fleet nearby for Supplies. Sites include tables, water, electric, though need updating.

        • Evan G.
          Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
          Aug. 22, 2024

          F. W. Kent Park

          The perfect weekend get away

          My dad and I tent cramped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City.

        • Jim C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
          Aug. 18, 2024

          Little Bear Campground

          Great week of camping

          This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month. But they don't allow monthly stays

        • Evan G.
          Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
          Aug. 12, 2024

          F. W. Kent Park

          The perfect Amana colonies campsite

          Amazing experience with lots of amenities and space to spread out.

          Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets, lots of stuff to do, including: hiking, swimming, kayaking, easy to get to amenities and grocery stores. plenty of trails and overlooks with picnic benches. Fire pits With built in grill grates.

        • Kim F.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Ridge Campground
          Aug. 10, 2024

          Windmill Ridge Campground

          Hidden little gem

          Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.

        • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
          Aug. 9, 2024

          Lake Iowa County Park

          Great spot for a great price

          Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

          Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

          The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

          But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

          I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

          Other than that it was a great spot.

        • C
          Camper-submitted photo from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
          Jul. 26, 2024

          Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

          Great location and amenities

          I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.

        • AThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
          Jul. 10, 2024

          Wildcat Den State Park Campground

          Lovely hidden space

          Found by hiking at the Wildcat Den State Park. Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees. Places are gras. Sorry for my english, Camp from Germany :-)



        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Solon, IA?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Solon, IA is Cedar River Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 8 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find tent camping near Solon, IA?

          TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Solon, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.