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Tent Camping near Solon, IA

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    Several tent campgrounds dot the rural landscape surrounding Solon, Iowa, providing options for primitive camping in woodland settings. Macbride Nature Recreation Area offers walk-in tent sites within a natural environment that features hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite provides another tent-focused option with basic amenities in a forested setting. Most sites in the region are managed by county conservation boards and require minimal fees for overnight stays.

    Tent campsites in the Solon area typically include fire rings and picnic tables, but amenities vary significantly between locations. Many primitive tent camping areas lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Wakpicada Natural Area offers tent sites with trash service and firewood availability but no toilets, creating a more rustic experience. Most tent campgrounds permit fires when conditions allow, though several locations prohibit alcohol. Access types range from drive-in sites to walk-in and hike-in options that require carrying gear short distances from parking areas.

    The wooded settings of tent campgrounds near Solon provide natural shade during summer months when temperatures can reach uncomfortable highs. Sites positioned along waterways like the Cedar River or Wapsipinicon River allow fishing and paddling opportunities directly from camp. Macbride Nature Recreation Area connects campers to an injured raptor center with outdoor aviaries accessible by forest trails. The relatively flat terrain throughout the region makes most tent sites suitable for less experienced campers. According to one visitor at Wakpicada Natural Area, "Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun even when it was 110 degrees with humidity. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren't right next to each other."

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Solon (28)

      1. Macbride Nature Recreation Area

      4.5(2)3mi from SolonTents

      "My son and I tent-camped at Macbride Nature Recreation Area (not nearby Lake Macbride State Park) several times circa 2005. Always a good time."

      2. Cedar River Campground

      3.2(12)22mi from Solon1 siteRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"

      Campground full this weekend

      from $35 - $50 / night

      Check Availability

      3. River Junction

      4.0(2)22mi from SolonTents

      "24 years ago River Jct Lone Tree Iowa was Just stumptown. Outhouse at the top. Just a spot by the river. A lone camper. How things have changed . Still primitive tent campgrounds there."

      4. Draco Hill Farm and Prairie

      Be the first to review13mi from Solon3 sitesTents

      from $24 - $34 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground

      4.0(1)22mi from SolonRVs, Tents

      "This CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming."

      6. Hidden River Campground

      3.0(1)21mi from SolonTents

      7. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

      4.0(2)24mi from SolonTents

      "The site offers primitive amenities near Wikiup Hill learning Center. Taking a short trail to the site, the permanent wake up offers shelter, fire ring with grate, and restrooms nearby."

      "Linn County, Iowa, county pack in Primitive site is near nature scape, pit toilets, offers fire pit with sitting blocks and firewood included with camp fee, nature center just yards away, trails, forested"

      from $54 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Windmill Ridge Campground

      5.0(1)26mi from SolonTents, Cabins

      9. Wakpicada Natural Area

      5.0(1)27mi from SolonTents

      "Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren’t right next to each other."

      10. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

      5.0(1)28mi from Solon10 sitesTents

      "Jungletown Ridge is perfect for those looking to get some space from others and enjoy some quiet nights int he woods. Check them out and share some pics from your stay!"

      from $20 - $45 / night

      Check Availability

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    Tent Camping Reviews near Solon, IA

    540 Reviews of 28 Solon Campgrounds

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 24, 2026

      Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park

      Quad Cities Sweet Camping Retreat

      Just minutes west of Davenport, Park Terrace Campground is a delightful county-operated camping destination nestled within the sprawling 620-acre West Lake Park. With four picturesque lakes, rolling green lawns, mature shade trees and an impressive assortment of recreational activities, this is much more than your average roadside CG. Whether you're passing through the Quad Cities or settling in for a relaxing weekend, there's plenty to keep you entertained, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, disc golf and a seasonal swimming beach. It's an especially appealing destination for families who appreciate having a little adventure right outside their camper door.

      The campground itself features approximately 77 campsites, including spacious RV sites with 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer hookups, plus 13 primitive tent sites tucked toward the wooded perimeter in the rear - so for those tent campers that like to be somewhat removed from the RV crowd, this is an excellent option. Most RV sites are reasonably level, with gravel parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings, although spacing can be a little cozy (er, tight) in places. Mature trees provide welcome shade throughout portions of the campground, while the modern bathhouse offers restrooms and showers. Additional conveniences include a dump station, playground, seasonal campground host and firewood availability. Best of all, the CG delivers an impressive collection of amenities without the hefty price tag of a commercial RV resort.

      A few things worth knowing before arriving: the CG is accessed through Gate 5 off 110th Avenue, and water hookups are generally seasonal despite the CG's year-round designation. Some sites are more exposed than others, and the relatively close spacing means privacy isn't necessarily its strongest selling point. Nevertheless, for RV travelers, tent campers and families seeking affordable accommodations with outstanding recreational opportunities, Park Terrace is a terrific little discovery.

      Insider's Tip: Tent campers should head toward the designated wooded camping area toward the back of the CG for a more traditional outdoor experience. RV travelers should bring an extra-long drinking-water hose, as some sites share water connections positioned several campsites apart. Also, the park gates close overnight, so plan your arrival accordingly.

      Happy Camping!

    • Brenda Y.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Morgan Creek County Park

      Great little county park! Lots of back in sites; we found a pull-through that fit our 43' motorhome towing a truck with room to spare (site #20). $25 a night for water and elec is a fair price, and there's a dump station on the way out. My only reason for marking 4 stars is that trees could be trimmed back a bit more for big rigs to navigate without brushing up against them. (See couple pics). However it was late in the season -- we stayed Oct 22 and the park closes for winter on Oct 25, so maybe they'll be due for a trim next spring.

    • mThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

      I arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky

    • Benjamin S.
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Louisa County Fairgrounds

      $25 a night with Wi-Fi that actually works! I absolutely love it out here I'm not sure how busy it gets but there's no one out here right now in Oct! Electrical hookup at every site, water hook up every other site. But lots of sites available!

    • TThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 12, 2026

      Lake Iowa County Park

      Nice campground

      Nice quiet campground. The front looks like more long timers and it was a little noisier up there but I drove to the back loop and it's nice and quiet back here. PLENTY of 50/30/20 amp hookups and the shower house in the back was nice. Water was just lukewarm but it was hot out so no problem. Might be less pleasant in colder weather though. Pull through spots available. I would stay here again for sure.

    • James M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 10, 2026

      Wildcat Den State Park Campground

      Great State Park with Great trails and mature forests.

      This campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.

    • James M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 9, 2026

      Buffalo Shores County Park

      Nice county campground on the Mississippi River

      This campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa. Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi river, sites include hard pads, fire rings, electric, water, showers, and restrooms, campground Office, seasonal host with wood. There is a playground, volleyball, Sandy beaches, boat ramps. This campground recently connected to City water instead of septic.

    • Mary H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 1, 2026

      West Overlook Campground

      Sweet campground

      We had a delightful afternoon and overnight stay here. We were warmly welcomed by the volunteer at the registration booth, who filled us in on the area and what we might see during our short visit. Our site was lovely, tucked at the end of a loop overlooking the woods, where we spotted several deer. We explored a bit while we were there, including the dam and the nearby fossil site—both very cool. Bathrooms were clean, and the showers had plenty of hot water and good pressure. We only wish we could have stayed longer at this lovely park. It was a wonderful final stop on our trip.

    • tThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 29, 2026

      Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

      Grea clean campground

      Tons to do, trails, the caves, playground, picnic areas The sites are average The caves are amazing Water, power, bathrooms and dumping station

    Guide to Solon

    Tent camping near Solon, Iowa offers access to several natural areas within the region's rolling hills and river valleys. The climate features hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F and cold winters that limit camping seasons at most locations. Many sites operate from April through October, closing during winter months when conditions become less favorable for tent camping.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: At Wakpicada Natural Area, campers can catch bass and panfish directly from shoreline sites. "Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren't right next to each other. I consider it a little hidden gem," notes one visitor.

    Nature center exploration: Tent campers at Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite can access the adjacent learning center and nature scape. "The site offers primitive amenities near Wikiup Hill learning Center. Taking a short trail to the site, the permanent wake up offers shelter, fire ring with grate, and restrooms nearby," explains one camper.

    River activities: Access the Cedar River for paddling and fishing at Cedar River Campground. The campground provides river access with boat launch facilities. "Recently under new ownership, you can tell they've been working hard getting the place going again. They had a great fireworks display for the fourth," reports a visitor.

    What campers like

    Secluded camping spots: Jungletown Ridge appeals to those seeking isolation. "Jungletown Ridge is perfect for those looking to get some space from others and enjoy some quiet nights in the woods," notes one camper. The clothing-optional designation provides a unique camping experience not found at other area campgrounds.

    Covered sites during extreme weather: Many tent sites offer tree cover that provides essential shade during peak summer heat. "Went when it was 110 degrees with humidity. Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway," reports a camper about Wakpicada Natural Area.

    Accessible amenities: Some campgrounds offer convenient facilities despite their rustic setting. At Wickiup Hill, "Linn County, Iowa, county pack in Primitive site is near nature scape, pit toilets, offers fire pit with sitting blocks and firewood included with camp fee," according to a regular visitor.

    What you should know

    Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds like Macbride Nature Recreation Area have unique booking procedures. "If you can tolerate the odd way to reserve a spot here it's 100% worth it. Small quiet and secluded," mentions one camper who rated their stay highly despite this inconvenience.

    Insects can be prevalent: Prepare for encounters with various insects, especially during warm months. "Let me tell you. The spiders were everywhere when I woke up," reports a camper at Macbride Nature Recreation Area, highlighting the need for proper tent setup and inspection.

    Limited water sources: Most primitive tent sites lack drinking water. At Wakpicada Natural Area, there are no toilet facilities despite trash service being available, requiring campers to pack in water and practice proper waste disposal techniques.

    Tips for camping with families

    Look for recreational amenities: Some campgrounds offer activities specifically for children. At Cedar River Campground, "They have mini-golf, a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids," notes one family. The site charges additional fees for these amenities.

    Choose sites with playground access: Windmill Ridge Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site," reports a satisfied visitor.

    Consider walking distances: At Wickiup Hill, families should note, "Along the trail into the site, you will find a large play area for families." This campground requires a short hike to reach the sites, so plan accordingly when packing gear and bringing young children.

    Tips from RVers

    Limited options for RVs: Most primitive tent camping areas near Solon don't accommodate RVs. "This CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming," notes a visitor to Koch's Meadow Lake Campground, one of the few in the area offering RV hookups.

    Site proximity concerns: At Cedar River Campground, one RV camper notes, "Sites are really close if you're a tent camper but it is good as far as RV parks are concerned." RVers should expect less privacy at locations that accommodate both tents and RVs.

    Seasonal considerations: Many RV-friendly campgrounds operate seasonally. Hidden River Campground, for example, operates from April 15 to October 15, with many visitors taking advantage of seasonal rates for extended summer stays.

    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 Macbride Nature Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 2 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.