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Best Tent Camping near Homestead, IA

325 Reviews

Tent campers near Homestead, Iowa can choose from several established campgrounds offering primitive and walk-in sites. Macbride Nature Recreation Area provides secluded tent-only sites set in wooded terrain, while Wakpicada Natural Area offers tent camping with good tree cover adjacent to fishing ponds. Walking Stick Adventures Farm also maintains primitive tent sites on private land approximately 30 miles west of Homestead.

Most tent campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities with varying levels of accessibility. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite requires a short hike to reach the camping area, making it ideal for those seeking a more authentic tent camping experience. Sites typically include fire rings with grates, and some offer picnic tables. Campers should note that while toilets are available at most locations, they are often primitive pit or composting styles without running water. According to one visitor, "Linn County's pack-in primitive site is near nature scape, pit toilets, offers fire pit with sitting blocks and firewood included with camp fee."

The tent camping experience around Homestead provides opportunities for nature immersion with moderate privacy between sites. Wooded areas provide natural shade and windbreaks for tents, particularly at Macbride Nature Recreation Area where walk-in tent sites are nestled among trees. One camper noted that "evenings at this farm are memorable with dark skies and billions of stars," referring to the private farm camping options. River Junction offers primitive tent sites along the Iowa River with good fishing access. During summer months, insects can be prevalent, so proper tent setup with adequate mesh screening is essential. Most tent-only areas remain quieter than mixed-use campgrounds, especially during weekdays when visitation is lower. Water access for fishing and paddling is available at several locations, making these tent sites good basecamps for water recreation.

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Best Tent Sites Near Homestead, Iowa (24)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Homestead, IA

13 Photos of 24 Homestead Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Homestead, IA

325 Reviews of 24 Homestead Campgrounds

  • C
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    Nice little inexpensive primitive site... spaces almost always available

    Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this "best kept secret" for primitive and inexpensive camping sites. Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Good for RV, trailer or tent camping… level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2022

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp

    Neat Primitive Tent CG along water

    The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too. Sites are spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling etc. Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics.

  • Jessica H.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    Ranger Review: VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens at Saulsbury Bridge

    Campground Review:

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area is 675 acres, nestled between rolling fields of corn, dairy farms, native prairie, and the Cedar River. Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting.

    There are three separate campgrounds. The main campground has electrical hookups, picnic benches, fire rings, modern restroom facilities including showers, a dump station, playground, and firewood for purchase. There are 24 sites, and they run $20 per night.

    The primitive campground area sits along Chicken Creek and offers four, tent-only sites, and is just off the main campground. The sites are well spaced and surrounded by large trees. These are walk in sites with parking in the main campground. It’s a short hike in from the parking area, and within walking distance of the restrooms and firewood. Primitive sites are $10 per night.

    Across the road from these two campgrounds is the main boat access and fishing dock for Chicken Creek. Only non-motorized boats are allowed here. If you don’t have your own, you can rent kayaks and canoes through the Muscatine County Conservation office. There is also a large shelter, which is reservable along with day use picnic areas, playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, and vault toilets. There’s large, open expanses of grassy fields and oak shade trees; perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day.

    The river campground sits right along the Cedar River and allows easy access to fishing along with a boat ramp. This campground is a short hike to the old Saulsbury Bridge and Lodge. The bridge has a small gazebo-like structure and bench which provides a nice view of the river. There are vault toilets in this campground, but the modern restrooms are within walking distance as well. There are 10 sites in this campground and run $17 per night.

    All campsites are self-registration and are on a first come, first served basis. There is a campground host on duty in the main campground and the park officer lives on site. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash in the campgrounds and on trails. However, they are allowed to run in the designated hunting areas. These areas are marked with signs. If you plan to hike during hunting season, it’s a good idea to wear bright colors/blaze orange so you are visible to hunters and not mistaken for a deer or other wildlife.

    This park also has prairie/natural habitat restoration areas that, in spring and summer, attract Monarch butterflies, and an abundance of birds including indigo bunting, red headed woodpecker, and goldfinch. In the colder months you can spot bald eagles flying along the river. There are also deer, wild turkey, and pheasants. While there, we walked around the campground areas that were open and over to the day use area along Chicken Creek to roast marshmallows. We hiked the short distance out to the Saulsbury Bridge to watch the Cedar River flow by and caught a beautiful sunset.

    The one downfall to this park is the possibility for flooding. When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds.

    A call ahead to the conservation office to check on closures is a good idea. We had hoped to camp at a primitive site, but learned the trail leading into the campground was under water, which also meant the river campground was closed as well. Though there was some water over the road in the main campground, it was minimal and we were able to choose an electrical site. We opted to car camp as we were only staying one night. Only about a third of the campground was filled and we had no one on either side of us which meant for a more quiet camping experience.

    This is one of my favorite local areas to hike and camp that’s close to home. It offers a full picture of Iowa’s varied landscapes and outdoor activity opportunities.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. On this camping trip, I tried out VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens sneakers. VivoBarefoot’s goal is to provide an environment that allows the feet to remain in their natural state while providing a protective shoe. https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/womens/off-road/primus-trail-sg-womens?colour=Olive

    1. Anytime I purchase a new pair of shoes, whether for daily use or outdoor recreation, I make sure to break them in as much as possible as I’m prone to blisters. I did wear the Primus around the house a few times and on my daily walks before taking them camping. Though they have a snug fit, they’re not uncomfortable. They also include a pair of removable inserts and extra laces. The laces are adjustable which allowed me to either loosen or tighten the shoe. Bonus; no socks needed. As someone who would opt to wear sandals year round if possible, I liked the fact I didn’t have to put an extra layer on my feet.
    2. The timing couldn’t have been better for testing out these sneakers; Saulsbury was experiencing minor flooding while we were there. Not only do they have rugged soles for gripping in wet and rocky terrain, the mesh material allows for quick drying if they do get wet, and provided easy clean up of mud and other debris.
    3. Honestly, I was really pleased with the fact that many of the women’s shoes came in neutral and earth tone colors (I absolutely checked out other shoe options on their website). While I don’t mind the brighter colors that seem to be the trend for women’s trail runners, I really prefer something a little more low key.
    4. One of the best things about these shoes was the ease of slipping them on and off, say in the middle of the night when nature called.
    5. All in all, I feel this shoe is a good match for the outdoor activities I enjoy; camping, hiking, bicycling, and kayaking. I’m looking forward to seeing how they hold up while hiking in the mountains out West this summer.
  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Lime Creek Park

    Nice campground with a Quirk

    The pros: $10 fee ($15 electric), campground seems well maintained (grass is mown, security light works, tables in good repair, gravel access road in good shape, etc); no one here but us, the sound of the running Creek is soothing, vault toilet is probably the cleanest I've seen; ATT cell service was 3bars 5G The unusual: no specific site, no specific place to pull into, no site numbers or designation except on the electric pedestals. It's all grass. Pull onto the grass near the table or electric pedestal you want. The cons: highway traffic noise is easily heard and doesn't seem to stop for more than a few seconds (though the crickets/bug sounds and the creek sound is sometimes louder so you hear that instead), dust from vehicles passing on nearby dirt road filters thru the trees (due to dry weather?), and, well, it is, after all, a vault toilet-not my fav,

  • Emma N.
    Sep. 25, 2017

    Sugar Bottom Campground

    Boats and Beautiful Views

    Our one-night stay at the Sugar Bottom- Coralville Lake Campground was terrific! My husband and I stopped there during our cross-country road trip. We arrived around 7:30pm on a Sunday in September and easily got a spot. The lady at the entrance station was incredibly kind and answered all of our questions.

    The campground is very well marked, with easily visible site number labels. Each site is in a grassy area with a picnic table and fire ring with a grate. Our site had a tree or two that provided some shade, but some other sites were a but more shaded.

    We ended up staying in site #103, which is right by the water. What a beautiful view we had! Our campsite was very close to a boat dock, a sand volleyball court, and a sandy beach. We didn't have a chance to swim at the beach, but it looked really nice! It had a large, designated swimming area that was marked with floating ropes. We were also located close to a building with restrooms. Each restroom had a clean, hot shower. The showers were free, which was a plus!

    In my opinion, this is definitely a 5-star campground. I can't wait to come back!

  • Angie G.
    Oct. 2, 2021

    Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    Nice Lake View

    We stayed in a walk-in site for one night at the Non-Modern campground. It was wonderful! We arrived at dark and set up our backpacking tents but were able to see stars and be separated from our neighboring site. The campground had a water spigot to fill containers and dumpsters (no trash at site). There are no amenities at the campsites in this campground. A restroom with pit toilets similar to a National Park are on-site. They were very clean, as was the campground. It is on a lake so you will hear boats in the early morning hours and wildlife.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2021

    Cottonwood Campground/Coralville Lake (COE)

    Nice forested CG near Coralville Lake

    Tent area among trees includes fire rings. Showers/restrooms onsite, walk in sites too, firewood available at West Overlook permit station, beach nearby, Iowa River and Coralville Lake nearby (good fishing).

  • Clint G.
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Pinicon Ridge Park

    Perfect County Campground

    We stayed at this campground for 7 nights with W/E hook ups.  Dump available on entrance/exit.  The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table.  Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles.  The bathrooms and shower were very clean with lots of hot water.  There is hiking in the park and very little road noise.

  • Emily B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Junction

    Great views and location, but not private and not well-marked

    This was our first time camping here. We pulled in around 8pm when it was already dark and there was another car that had just entered the campground in front of us. After driving down the hill, he saw the basic “welcome” and “Pay here” signs next to a 4-car parking area. There were no signs marking where the bathroom was or any directions on how to choose a site. The group ahead of us chose to camp next to the boat ramp, so we circled around the loop and chose a dirt pad on the right side of the loop next to the river. We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen. It was getting late, so we set up the tent and went to bed. It wasn’t until the morning that we had discovered that we weren’t camping in one of the marked sites! As it turns out, all 4 sites were walk-in sites on grass behind the parking area that had been occupied by 2 cars when we pulled in. The signage didn’t clarify this and we couldn’t see the marked sites when it was dark! The marked sites were pretty close together and they offered no privacy between groups. Additionally, upon leaving we discovered that the toilet was on the top of the hill right by the entrance. Due to the lack of signage and privacy in between the official campsites, I rate 3 stars. It was very beautiful and peaceful, but it was very confusing in the dark.

Guide to Homestead

Tent camping near Homestead, Iowa offers opportunities across wooded county parks and private farms within a 35-mile radius. The region experiences humid continental climate with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and moderate rainfall. Most tent sites in the area are situated among deciduous forests providing natural shade during peak camping months from May through September.

What to do

Fishing at natural ponds: Wakpicada Natural Area provides tent camping adjacent to stocked fishing ponds with quality bass and panfish fishing. According to one camper, "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."

Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies are a highlight at Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay, where light pollution is minimal. A visitor noted, "Dark skies with billions of stars. Enjoy a campfire, that's a must. Primitive and private."

Water recreation: Several campgrounds offer water access beyond fishing. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground features "lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming" according to a recent visitor, making it suitable for multiple water activities in one location.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: While some campgrounds have closely positioned sites, Wakpicada Natural Area stands out for site spacing. One camper appreciated that the "campgrounds aren't right next to each other" and called it a "little hidden gem."

Educational opportunities: Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite provides nature education alongside camping. A visitor mentioned the "nature center just yards away, trails, forested areas, ADA platform for tent" making it suitable for educational camping experiences.

Natural play areas: Several campgrounds feature natural recreation spaces rather than constructed playgrounds. One visitor to Wickiup Hill noted, "Along the trail into the site, you will find a large play area for families."

What you should know

Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others are first-come, first-served. At Macbride Nature Recreation Area, one camper advised, "If you can tolerate the odd way to reserve a spot here it's 100% worth it. Small quiet and secluded."

Wildlife encounters: Insects and spiders are common in the wooded sites. A camper at Macbride Nature Recreation Area warned, "The spiders were everywhere when I woke up," suggesting proper tent setup is essential.

Campsite identification challenges: Without proper signage, finding designated sites can be difficult after dark. A River Junction visitor reported, "There were no signs marking where the bathroom was or any directions on how to choose a site... The signage didn't clarify this and we couldn't see the marked sites when it was dark!"

Tips for camping with families

Family-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific features for children. At Cedar River Campground, families appreciate that there are "so many things to do for adults and kids," according to one reviewer, though the campground has mixed reviews overall.

Water recreation for children: Several sites offer safe water activities. Gardner Family Farm includes a "pond for recreation, fishing, and swimming. Kids be sure to try the rope swing."

Educational camping: Combine nature learning with camping at locations with interpretive centers. Wickiup Hill offers "the site near Wikiup Hill learning Center" with trails and natural areas for family exploration.

Tips from RVers

Site spacing considerations: RV campers should note that tent areas and RV areas have different spacing. At Cedar River Campground, one RVer commented, "Spots are tighter than what we prefer, but will be back again."

Road access quality: Access roads to more primitive sites may present challenges. At Windmill Ridge Campground, a visitor noted the "gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers."

Highway noise levels: Some campgrounds are situated near highways, affecting the camping experience. One Cedar River Campground visitor mentioned, "It is right off the highway, so it was loud when we were outside, but we couldn't hear it at all when we were in our Tab 400."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Homestead, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Homestead, IA is Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Homestead, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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