Camping sites near Spencer, Iowa offer opportunities for lake recreation, woodland exploration, and overnight stays within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in the Western Corn Belt Plains ecoregion with a humid continental climate that averages 28 inches of annual precipitation. Most campgrounds in the area are situated on relatively flat terrain between 1,200-1,400 feet above sea level, creating accessible sites for both tent and RV camping.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Marble Beach State Recreation Area Campground, anglers can enjoy some of the best fishing in the state on Spirit Lake. According to Mick P., "Spirit Lake is the largest natural lake in Iowa and provides some of the best fishing in the state. Anglers will find challenging sport pursuing a variety of game fish including walleye, northern pike, muskellunges, largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish, and bullheads."
Biking trails: The Great Lakes bike trail network connects multiple campgrounds and towns. One visitor at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground notes, "This is a great location as a home base to everything in Okoboji. Start the morning with coffee at the beach, hop on the Great Lakes bike trail and everything is nearby." For those staying at Marble Beach, another camper reports, "The bikes trails are great! We rode around the lake."
Hiking and nature walks: Several parks feature wooded trails for exploring. At Fort Defiance State Park Campground, visitors can find "plenty of trails in the park" with "the big creek that runs through the kiddos can play in." Adrian D. adds that "Fort Defiance is a forresty natural state park in Iowa... The valley has a small river or a big creek... what you can cross over a few times on the trails."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area receive high marks for cleanliness. At Emerson Bay, Alec S. reports, "The sites are well maintained, bathrooms are IMPECCABLE someone was out cleaning the shower house at 11pm one night." Similar praise comes from Samantha S., who noted, "Spaces were clean, bathrooms were nice. Beach is very close. Showers were private."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer comfortable spacing between sites. At Buena Vista Co Park, Lori N. appreciates that "Sites aren't crunched together, so you have privacy." Another camper, Ashley N., confirms, "The lots are spacious and have a pull through so you dont have to back up!"
Quieter options: While many parks get busy during peak season, some offer more solitude. According to a camper at Gull Point State Park Campground, it's "By far quietest park at lake which is nice if you are looking for less crowds." The visitor explains it's "a great, unknown campground" where "there were very few campers (none around us)."
What you should know
Reservation timing: The most popular sites fill quickly during summer. For Emerson Bay, one camper advises, "It was full the entire time that we were here and it does fill up quickly so book your trip well in advance."
Site terrain varies: Some campgrounds have uneven or sloped sites. At Marble Beach, one camper notes, "Site 59 has a downward sloping driveway and the camping area is sloped and tilted but neither we're too challenging so we set up easily." At Gull Point, another camper cautions, "We had reserved a spot that was supposed to be long enough for our trailer, but was not... the spot we found was on a slope and uneven."
Water hookup confusion: Not all sites advertised with water actually have individual hookups. At Gull Point, Daniel N. warns, "They DO NOT have water hookups at each site, the lady in the phone said they had water but didn't clarify you have to fill up. I got trailer all disconnected and leveled and finally realized, no water. Had to re hook up and go to spicket to fill."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April 1 through December 31, with weather being a key factor. The most comfortable camping is typically from late May through early October.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: For families with children, campgrounds with swimming areas are popular. At Minnewashta Lake, visitors appreciate that "it a boat launch with a couple campsites" that provides water access. Adrian D. notes that Emerson Bay is "the Best for Tubing on the Iowa Great lakes so access for your boat here too is also amazing."
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer play equipment for children. At Fort Defiance, one visitor mentions "the playground is ok" and notes that "Around the camping area, the kids rode their bikes."
Bug preparation: Several campgrounds have significant insect activity, especially in summer months. One camper at Gull Point notes "The camp is near a swampy area so bugs kinda rough." For comfort, bring insect repellent and consider camping in less marshy areas.
Local attractions: The region offers activities beyond camping. Mallory S. reports, "There are plenty of places to visit in the area. We enjoyed the beer at West O and had a superb lunch at Monarch Art Cafe."
Tips from RVers
Site lengths: RV campers should verify site lengths before booking. At Gull Point, one RVer warns, "This park is a CCC built park. Lots of twists and turns for an RV to get to their spot. We have a longer TT, and it was tight and nerve wracking to navigate."
Hookup options: Full hookups are available at several campgrounds but not all. Fred S. explains that at Marble Beach, "Our site had a fire ring, table, as well as electric & water." For overnight stops with minimal needs, Vicks Corner offers basic amenities with "a gas station, U-Haul, Bait and Tackle, Mini-Campground."
Surface types: RV sites have varying surface materials. At Emerson Bay, Samantha B. cautions, "All the campsites are on crushed gravel so be prepared to sweep frequently or leave your shoes outside."
Dump station access: Most larger campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations, which is important for extended stays. Marble Beach offers "modern restroom and shower facilities, as well as a sanitary dump station."
