Tent camping near Spencer, Iowa offers diverse options in northwest Iowa's prairie landscape. The area sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation with a humid continental climate bringing warm summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with primitive sites available at wildlife management areas year-round when weather permits.
What to do
River recreation access: Stieneke Area Park provides river access points for canoe and kayak launches. According to Joshua D., the park offers "river access for canoe/kayak" with "plenty of space for tent or camper" despite not having designated sites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Devine Wildlife Area features wetland habitats where campers can observe local birds and wildlife. Joel S. notes it's a "swampy area nearby so bring mosquito repellent," but its primitive nature means fewer people and more wildlife encounters.
Frisbee golf course access: Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground includes recreational facilities beyond just camping. Abby F. mentions "the park itself is pretty nice with several trails and a small campground" and Joel S. notes the park offers a "Frisbee Golf course" among its amenities.
What campers like
Solitude and quieter experiences: Many tent sites near Spencer offer tranquil settings away from crowds. Kent H. says of Stieneke Area Park: "Quiet little campground. I only saw 3 sites, but there is room for 3 or 4 more... I'm the only person in the campground."
Sunset views at lakeside locations: Bright Lake Co Park provides scenic water views particularly at day's end. Wally B. enthusiastically shares it offered an "Awesome Sunset!" with "really nice spot almost overlooking the lake (Through the trees)" that was "perfect" for their family.
Convenient bike touring stops: Iowa Lake Co Campground serves as a practical rest point for cyclists. Bradley B. reports, "I found this to be a great little spot to stay bike touring through Iowa. It is right in a lake, has water, and a nice vault toilet."
What you should know
Payment systems vary: Most primitive campgrounds use self-registration. Kent H. explains at Stieneke Area Park: "$10 per night and the Rangers came at about 3:30 pm to clean the vault toilet and collect my fee from the lockbox."
Water source conditions: Potable water availability varies significantly between locations. At Stieneke Area Park, Kent H. cautions about the water pump: "Give it a dozen pumps to get it going. I don't suppose it is potable water."
Limited facilities at wildlife areas: Ranney Knob Area offers basic amenities for tent campers. Joshua D. describes it as a "Small park, has some picnic tables, a toilet, and a trash can. Says you can pay to camp but no designated camp sites and limited parking."
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with space flexibility: Certain campgrounds accommodate various tent arrangements. At Bright Lake Co Park, Wally B. found they "had fire ring, picnic tables and room for quite a lot of tents!"
Consider seasonal insect conditions: Mosquitoes can be prevalent in wetland areas during summer months. Joel S. warns about Devine Wildlife Area: "Swampy area nearby so bring mosquito repellent."
Check bathroom facilities beforehand: Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground offers improved toilets but limited facilities. Joel S. describes "Pit toilets. No showers" while noting "Sites have electricity, but water spigots are shared."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most tent-focused areas near Spencer have minimal RV amenities. Joel S. notes Devine Wildlife Area is dispersed camping where "You can bring a big rig in. No really prepared sites. Maybe 5 places you could set up. No water, no electric, no toilet."
Consider electricity needs carefully: Few primitive campgrounds offer electrical hookups. Bradley B. recommends Iowa Lake Co Campground specifically for non-motorized camping: "I highly recommend for tents. RVs not so much."
Check site surfaces for leveling: Natural ground conditions vary across campgrounds. At Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground, Joel S. mentions "Nice oak trees. No privacy between sites" which affects both shade and ground conditions for setting up.
