Best Campgrounds near Calmar, IA

Camping near Calmar, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. With stunning views, hiking trails, and family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Backbone State Park. One visitor mentioned, “Great hiking couldn’t swim on our stay but nice beach canoe rentals small store bathrooms were very clean.”
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Beaver Creek Valley State Park is known for its trout fishing. A reviewer noted, “Good trout fishing here, some sites are primitive, some have electric and water. World class trout fishing!”
• Cave Tours: Don’t miss the cave tours at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park. One camper shared, “Love the cave tours! Some trails in the park are horse trails also, so you may encounter the occasional horseback rider.”

What campers like:

• Beautiful Views: Campers rave about the views at Nelson Dewey State Park. One happy camper said, “Campsite Ds views were unbeatable. A storm rolled in over the Mississippi as we were heading to bed; it was a magical experience.”
• Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A visitor at Eagle Cliff Campground remarked, “Facilities were clean and well-maintained. Not a lot of trees between sites but still far enough apart for privacy.”
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Pikes Peak State Park are noted for being family-friendly. A reviewer mentioned, “Absolutely BEAUTIFUL overlooks above the great Mississippi River! Very nice trails!”

What you should know:

• Train Noise: Some campgrounds, like Nelson Dewey State Park, are near train tracks. One camper warned, “When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries. When they go past the site, it's incredibly loud!”
• Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in areas like Minnesota Whitewater State Park. A visitor noted, “Spotty cell service. Hiked a trail with lots of steps.”
• Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Pulpit Rock Campground mentioned, “There was only one site available when we made the reservation 3 weeks ago.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Sites Wisely: Look for sites that offer privacy and space for kids to play. A family at Beaver Creek Valley State Park found, “Site 39 was honestly massive and secluded so we didn’t even end up using our other site.”
• Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep everyone entertained. One family at Pikes Peak State Park said, “Hiking was phenomenal at Pikes Peak! We will never forget those views!”
• Pack for Bugs: Be ready for bugs, especially near water. A camper at Nelson Dewey State Park advised, “Insect repelling incense and spray kept us comfortable.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Backbone State Park mentioned, “I have camped here twice, both times in my travel trailer. Overall, it is a nice campground with decent space in between campers.”
• Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups for convenience. A camper at Eagle Cliff Campground noted, “Great camp ground along the root river. Very clean and quiet.”
• Dump Stations: Ensure there are dump stations available. A visitor at Minnesota Whitewater State Park mentioned, “Showers, water, dump station available here, no playground.”

Camping near Calmar, Iowa, has a lot to offer, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, you’ll find a spot that suits your needs.