Best Campgrounds near Spencer, IA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Spencer, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Spencer, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Spencer, Iowa (75)

    1. Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    Milford, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Emmerson Bay is the Best for Tubing on tbe Iowa Great lakes so access for your boat here too is also amazing, However theres not a place here to park it."

    "Nice state park campground in West Okoboji Iowa. Close enough to the action of Lake Okoboji yet has a fairly remote feel."

    2. Gull Point State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Milford, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $12 - $20 / night

    "However, at the time, there were very few campers (none around us) and it had basic amenities like bathrooms, sinks, etc."

    "Very close to the lake and a neat nature walk. The campsites were a but muddy, but not too bad."

    3. Minnewashta Lake

    1 Review
    Milford, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 332-2341

    4. Marble Beach State Recreation Area Campground

    8 Reviews
    Spirit Lake, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $15 - $33 / night

    "Marble Beach`s campground is the largest in the Iowa Great Lakes Region."

    ", Easy driving distance to Arnold's Park. Campground is Clean, Showers/Bathrooms are new and modern. Full Hookups are easy to use. many spots in the Oak Woods."

    5. Buena Vista Co Park

    3 Reviews
    Sutherland, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 295-7985

    $12 - $15 / night

    "The trails are very well maintained! Shower facilites are super clean! 10/10"

    "Trails are nice. Everything is well maintained. Showers & bathrooms are awesome! We almost always see wildlife when hiking😁"

    6. Cuttys Okoboji Resort Members Club

    2 Reviews
    Spirit Lake, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 336-2226

    "Uncle Lester had a membership and since we were related we could use his pass for mini golf, the pool, and the big shelter house near his favourite spot he always rented for his RV."

    8. Robertson Park

    10 Reviews
    Spirit Lake, MN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 847-2525

    9. Vicks Corner

    1 Review
    Spirit Lake, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 336-5602

    10. Fort Defiance State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Estherville, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 337-3211

    $10 - $16 / night

    "A hidden gem in Northwest Iowa. It is Memerial Day Weekend and on Friday night we had one other tent camper on Friday. None on Saturday. 

    The bathrooms are the old hole going down into a pit."

    "Fort Defiance is a forresty natural state park in Iowa. There is Electrical Hook ups a picnic Table and a charcoal Grill already at the camp site."

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Showing results 1-10 of 75 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Spencer, IA

128 Reviews of 75 Spencer Campgrounds



Guide to Spencer

Camping near Spencer, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Explore local attractions: Check out the Jeffers Petroglyphs and the historic fort in Jackson. One camper mentioned, "The park is small, but very well maintained, and man, literally every person there was INCREDIBLY nice!" This friendliness adds to the charm of the area.
  • Enjoy outdoor activities: Many campgrounds, like Jackson KOA, offer great biking trails. A visitor shared, "We unloaded our bikes and enjoyed the bike trails that encircle and go through Jackson."
  • Visit nearby towns: New Ulm is about an hour away and has a cool downtown area with history, restaurants, and shops. A camper noted, "Cool little downtown area with lots of history, great restaurants, and cool shops."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. One review from Marble Beach State Rec Area said, "The 6 room restroom/shower was clean."
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors rave about the helpfulness of campground owners. A camper at Flying Goose Campground & Resort mentioned, "Gary was very helpful. This campground is just beautiful."
  • Scenic views: Campgrounds like Everett Park offer breathtaking scenery. One visitor said, "The sunset over the water was absolutely amazing."

What you should know:

  • Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Jackson KOA is open from April 15 to October 13. Make sure to check the dates before planning your trip.
  • Site spacing: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A camper at Iowa Marble Beach State Rec Area noted, "Lots of sloping on sites. Generally tight quarters to other campers."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have markets or stores nearby. A review from Gull Point State Park Campground mentioned, "They DO NOT have water hookups at each site."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One camper at Magnolia City Campground said, "The playground was nice for the kids."
  • Quiet spots: Choose campgrounds that offer a peaceful environment. A visitor at Kilen Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "The park is quiet, clean and very easy to hike."
  • Family activities: Many campgrounds have activities for kids. A camper at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area shared, "There is so much fun for the kids to bike, swim, and fish."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site accessibility: Some campgrounds can be tricky for larger RVs. A review from Gull Point State Park Campground said, "This park is a CCC built park. Lots of twists and turns for an RV to get to their spot."
  • Bring extension cords: Power boxes may not be conveniently located. A camper at Magnolia City Campground noted, "The electrical and water are a little spaced out."
  • Book in advance: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly. A visitor at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area mentioned, "It was full the entire time that we were here and it does fill up quickly."

Camping near Spencer, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Spencer, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Spencer, IA is Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

What parks are near Spencer, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 1 parks near Spencer, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.