Camping spots near Sperry, Iowa center around woodland areas and river access points within the region's gently rolling hills. Located in southeast Iowa, these campgrounds sit at elevations between 600-700 feet in a humid continental climate zone with four distinct seasons. The Skunk River and Mississippi River watersheds provide multiple water-based recreation options at several camping locations within 20-30 minutes of Sperry.
What to do
Fishing options: Lower Augusta Skunk River Access provides direct river access with electric sites right along the water. As one visitor noted, "Amazing view of the skunk river and eagles flying nearby."
Shooting sports: Big Hollow Recreation Area includes a shooting range among its recreational options. A camper mentioned, "Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins."
Kayaking and canoeing: Multiple water bodies support paddling activities. At Big Hollow, one camper explained, "Nearby lake has a beach and a boat ramp for launching boats (whole lake is no wake zone) or kayaks. If you are into fishing, this place has large mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish."
Hiking trails: Virginia Grove Rec Area offers walking trails connecting to a small lake. As one camper described it, "There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks."
Stargazing: Big Hollow Recreation Area provides astronomy facilities. One visitor mentioned the campground has "a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!"
What campers like
Affordable primitive camping: Lower Augusta Skunk River Access gets high marks for its basic but scenic setting. One motorcyclist who found it by chance reported, "Set up camp in the dark, when I woke up the view was amazing! Beautiful little river runs right by the campground. Amenities are basic, but in reality that's all you need."
Full-service options: Campers appreciate comprehensive facilities at certain locations. A visitor to Big Hollow noted, "This is the most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far."
River views: Keithsburg Riverside Campground offers direct Mississippi River access. One camper shared, "About 20 riverside pads are right on the river, 15-20ft from the water. There are another 20-30 sites (non waterfront). The sites are fairly level, with good space between them."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to spot eagles, deer, and waterfowl. At Lower Augusta, one camper mentioned seeing "eagles flying nearby" as a highlight of their stay.
Well-maintained facilities: Many campsites near Sperry maintain clean restrooms and grounds. A visitor to Big Hollow noted the campground has "a large playground and shower house" and is well-maintained.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Big River State Forest Campground has spotty connectivity. One camper reported, "Cell service wasn't good, used WeBoost to get any internet."
Seasonal water conditions: Several campsites experience algae blooms in warmer months. A visitor to Big Hollow reported, "The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you're wanting to fish or swim, this isn't the place for you!"
Varying amenity levels: Campgrounds range from primitive to full-service. At Big Hollow, a camper explained, "They don't have electric or water hookups for tent camping which was ok for us."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds near railways experience train disruptions. A visitor to Crossroads RV Park noted, "Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away."
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds in the area have limited operating seasons. Geode State Park operates from "April 1 to December 31" according to its official listing information.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds available: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly recreation areas. A visitor to Big Hollow noted it has "a large playground and shower house."
Beach access: Spring Lake Campground provides water recreation for children. One regular visitor mentioned, "I've stayed here every summer great place lots todo with the kids had a lake to fish, kayak, canoe. Has and outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat."
Primitive camping with kids: For families comfortable with limited amenities, Lower Augusta offers riverside camping. A visitor described it as "Awesome and quiet little campground with a fresh camp host."
Reservation advice: Popular family campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A camper at Spring Lake suggested, "Get there early or make reservations fills fast!"
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer low-cost tent camping. At Big Hollow, a camper noted, "You self check in and cost is only $10/night for primitive."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Big Hollow, specific sites offer advantages for different needs. One RVer advised, "If you are in a group you can reserve spots 8 and 9 together or there are some long spots in the Eastern part for double occupancy if you want. If you want more privacy and easy access to the lake for kayaking I'd go for 14, 15, and 16."
Hookup availability: Geode State Park Campground recently upgraded its facilities. An RVer noted, "Recent upgrades to campground include some full hookup sites and new shower house. Once blacktop roads inside campground are now 'Hardpack' with small loose gravel covering the roadways."
Big rig considerations: Keithsburg Riverside Campground accommodates larger rigs and offers good spacing. A visitor observed, "The sites are fairly level, with good space between them. $17/night with water and electric, a great deal."
Site surface types: Surfaces vary across campgrounds. A visitor to Delabar State Park mentioned, "Every spot looks very nature forwards there's not very many concrete spots to park on."
