Best Campgrounds near Stanton, IA

Established campgrounds surround Stanton, Iowa, primarily offering RV and tent camping sites with varying levels of amenities. Viking Lake State Park Campground serves as a focal point for outdoor recreation in the area, providing tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations approximately 7 miles southeast of Stanton. Lake Icaria County Park, located about 15 miles northeast, offers similar camping options with additional cabin rentals and access to water activities. Hacklebarney Woods County Park and Nodaway Valley County Park round out the developed camping options, each providing electrical hookups and basic amenities for overnight stays.

Camping season typically runs from April through December at the state parks, while some county parks remain open year-round with limited winter services. Most campgrounds offer electrical hookups and basic amenities, though drinking water availability varies by location. Shower facilities and modern restrooms are common at the larger parks like Viking Lake and Lake Icaria, while smaller county parks may have more rustic facilities. Reservations are recommended during summer months and holiday weekends when sites fill quickly. A visitor commented that "Viking Lake is clean and well managed. It has several amenities including a restaurant if you left your cooler at home."

The camping experience in the Stanton area centers around lake recreation and quiet, rural settings. Lake Icaria stands out as a popular destination for water activities with one camper noting it's "one of the best campgrounds in SW Iowa, the lake is great, nice beach and boating!" Viking Lake provides fishing opportunities, though some visitors report mixed results following lake restoration efforts. Several campgrounds feature hiking trails varying from flat, easy paths to more challenging terrain. While Pilot Grove County Park receives high marks for seclusion, some smaller county parks like Nodaway Valley have been described as needing updates to facilities. Tree cover is abundant throughout most campgrounds, providing ample shade during summer months and creating a pleasant forest setting for overnight stays.

Best Camping Sites Near Stanton, Iowa (77)

    1. Viking Lake State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Stanton, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 829-2235

    $12 - $40 / night

    "We have been going to Viking lake for years. We hadn't been back until just recently. Our absence was due to an invasive species in the lake a few years back."

    "We been to Viking Lake a few times over the years. And it has been cool to see this place evolve over time. They did drain this lake a few years back."

    2. Hacklebarney Woods County Park

    3 Reviews
    Villisca, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 623-4753

    "Hacklebarney is very close to home so it makes for a great quick camping trip destination. Has surprisingly nice shower room for the size of the park."

    3. Lake Icaria Co Park

    9 Reviews
    Corning, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 322-4793

    "This lake has multiple campgrounds spread throughout. It one of the only lakes in Iowa where you can drive your boats fast. Great fireworks show on the 4th of July."

    "One of the best campgrounds in the SW Iowa, the lake is great, nice beach and boating!"

    4. Pilot Grove Co Park

    1 Review
    Lewis, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 623-4753

    5. Pierce Creek Rec Area

    2 Reviews
    Stanton, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 542-3864

    "Pierce creek is just on the out side of the town Essex. There is nice quiet lake, with some fish jumping. On the Southside there is a day area with grills and picnic tables."

    6. Nodaway Valley County Park

    2 Reviews
    Villisca, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 542-3864

    7. Page County Park Pierce Creek Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Stanton, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 542-3864

    "It has a quiet lake, with fish a jumpin. It also has multipurpose trails. There are a few different accesses around the lake. There is the south access that is day use area."

    8. Lake View Campground

    2 Reviews
    Corning, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 322-4793

    "Always seems to be a lot of kids running around and riding bikes. Individual shower rooms. Clean bathrooms. Friendly staff."

    9. Lake of Three Fires State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Bedford, IA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 523-2700

    $10 - $75 / night

    "There is a legend about how the Lake of 3 Fires got its name. The legend says that the “Fire Nation”, which was a local Pottawatomi tribe, lived in the area around Southwest Iowa."

    "This is one of our favorite campgrounds in Iowa. It has a good sized lake for fishing and kayaking, but not to big for large speed boats."

    10. Lake Anita State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Anita, IA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 762-3564

    $12 - $20 / night

    "This campground has both RV full hookup and electric sites very close to the lake. Campsites offer a great view of lake and close access to docks."

    "Beautiful lake, great walking trail, close to town and I-80, but quiet and peaceful. Can’t beat it for $11 a night."

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Recent Reviews near Stanton, IA

317 Reviews of 77 Stanton Campgrounds


  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    Road to Mackinac

    Just an overnight on our way to Michigan. Yeah it's a parking lot! Visited family just in the NE side of the river. Water and electric, not a bad price. Interstate was RIGHT THERE..... but the noise of our AC downed it out! 😎 Showers were low pressure and could have been better maintained.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Waubonsie State Park Campground

    Over looking the Missouri River

    This is a very nice and clean spot to camp for a bit. They have great hiking and bike trails. If you go make sure you hike over to the sunset viewpoint that looks out to the West.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • J
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Charity Lake

    Did NOT Feel Safe

    Gravel road is narrow w/ very sharp left turn to enter. Steep grade up to parking area required 4W drive. I do NOT recommend for over 24’ pull-behind camper. Once arrived, it’s a quiet & beautiful location. Very secluded & has no lighting. We were the only campers there, however, there was a single truck present. They were fishing, & the driver & passengers sharply eyed us up & down , then grimaced, which made us feel VERY uncomfortable, so we left immediately & made sure that they didn’t follow us. Our “Spidey Senses” were going off, so bugging out asap was the best option. Ended up camping behind a fuel station in the next town b/c we were so tired, but slept w/ one eye opened b/c it shook us so much. Reminded us of the movie “Deliverance” in a non-funny way. Would not recommend staying overnight if you’re there alone, it’s way too sketchy. Plus the skeeters ate us up & the toilet was putrid.

  • Holly M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Schildberg Recreation Area

    Didn't care

    We couldn't even get a return phone call for availability. We are seniors been travelling for months and driving almost 300 miles today. Pretty bad when you can't get a 2 minute call. Disappointed in this campgrounds protocol.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Green Valley State Park Campground

    Clean and well maintained

    July, 2017

    We stayed here for a week while working in the area.  Very nice place. Clean and well maintained.

  • Abby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Simple Overnight Stay

    Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    Nice campground but neighbors noisy

    Just stopped for one night. Some highway and train noise whenever outside. Neighbor playing music outside late at night (after 10pm) which was annoying. Came after hours and name was left on board with check in info: Sites are nice with trees and vegetation but not very level. Dog park is nice though

    Would recommend for a stopover


Guide to Stanton

Camping sites near Stanton, Iowa offer convenient access to southwest Iowa's natural attractions across Montgomery County and surrounding areas. The landscape features gently rolling hills with elevations between 1,000 and 1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for hiking and outdoor recreation. Summer temperatures typically range from 65°F to 85°F with higher humidity levels, while camping season extends from early spring through late fall with most facilities closing or reducing services after October.

What to do

Biking trails around lakes: Lake Anita State Park Campground features a 4-mile paved recreation trail circling the 171-acre lake. "The lake is beautiful, and we also saw people boating, kayaking, and fishing. Although swimming is also allowed, the beach was not the best for this activity," shares Lee D.

Disc golf courses: Lake of Three Fires State Park Campground offers a frisbee golf course among its recreational options. "It has a good sized lake for fishing and kayaking, but not to big for large speed boats. It has miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It has a great frisbee golf course that my boys loved playing," notes Caralee D.

Equestrian camping: Pierce Creek Recreation Area provides dedicated facilities for horse owners. "There is the equestrian camp grounds. This one is pretty Basic, honestly. It has electrical hook ups, horse corals, and out house," explains Tony B., making this a unique option for travelers with horses.

What campers like

Tree coverage for shade: Lake Icaria Co Park provides well-shaded sites even during hot summer months. "This is a very clean, lovely camp ground. The spots are spacious, and there are tons of options. In the fall we went and had no neighbors. It's busy in summer, but well kept," writes Nicole B.

Fishing opportunities: Viking Lake State Park offers diverse fishing environments despite mixed reviews about catch rates. "We been to Viking Lake a few times over the years. And it has been cool to see this place evolve over time. They did drain this lake a few years back. But this little place has a lot to offer for campers. There trails, fishing, and kayaking," says Tony B.

Clean facilities: Pilot Grove Co Park maintains its grounds well despite its smaller size. "Off the beat campground, perfect for those late night campfires!" mentions Deb W., highlighting its appeal for campers seeking seclusion.

What you should know

Campsite spacing varies significantly: Sites at Lake Anita State Park Campground can feel crowded during peak season. "Nice state park with all the amenities, but, this State Park definitely needs to be updated to accommodate the bigger and wider campers. If you like to be on top of each other, this is your campground!" warns Deb W.

Limited facilities at smaller parks: Hacklebarney Woods County Park offers basic amenities but might be easy to miss. "Be careful not to drive by Hucklebarney Woods, if you're not careful you will pass it by. There is a sign but it is not very visible and you may have to hit your brakes pretty hard, so be careful," advises Matt S.

Winter camping options: Some campgrounds offer year-round access with reduced services. "Very nice and cheap. 8 for camping, 12 with electric and 18 full hookups. That's a great price for the view. I will definitely be back when it's greener. Verizon is 2 bars of 4g. And Starlink is only possible in select places, as there is a lot of trees," reports 1life1try about winter camping at Viking Lake.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Lake View Campground offers family-friendly amenities beyond just camping. "Always seems to be a lot of kids running around and riding bikes. Individual shower rooms. Clean bathrooms. Friendly staff," notes Ashley B.

Beach activities: Lake of Three Fires State Park provides sandy beaches for children. "The beach sandy and clean for a refreshing dip on a hot afternoon. We love this campground for the large trees and shade they provide in the summer," mentions Caralee D.

Movie nights: Lake Anita holds special events for children during summer months. "There is a park and on Saturdays during the summer they do Disney movies and free popcorn. The lake is good for fishing. They have a beach and volleyball," shares Laura B.

Tips from RVers

Hook-up options and pricing: Lake of Three Fires State Park Campground offers various site types for different camping styles. "For the RV or trailer enthusiasts there are 24 standard electric sites and 63 non-electric sites, plus 3 buddy sites. In addition, there are 23 equestrian sites (some electrical) and 1 equestrian buddy site along with plenty of holding stalls and tie outs for horses," Kimberly W. explains.

Site selection considerations: Lake Icaria provides details about campsite characteristics when booking. "Very nice place. Full hook up spots were very nice. Easy to get into, plenty of space, fire pit, picnic table, friendly & helpful park officers," Mike S. shares about his experience.

Internet connectivity: Cell service and satellite internet access vary across camping areas. "Verizon is 2 bars of 4g. And Starlink is only possible in select places, as there is a lot of trees. It's January, so I chose my spot for the internet," notes 1life1try about Viking Lake State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Stanton, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stanton, IA is Viking Lake State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.