Tent campsites near Stanton, Iowa offer distinct camping experiences across Montgomery County and neighboring areas. The region features a mix of public lands and county parks with various levels of accessibility and amenities. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,000-1,200 feet, with rolling hills and occasional forested areas breaking up the predominantly agricultural landscape. Seasonal weather patterns bring hot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional spring flooding around waterways.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Brownville Riverside Park provides access to the Missouri River, though the area has faced flooding challenges. "Let me start by saying that I think Brownville is a nice little town. That being said. The 2019 floods took a toll on this park," notes Tony B., who visited during recovery efforts.
Disc golf adventures: Mozingo Lake County Tent Campground features excellent recreational facilities beyond just camping. "There is a brand new 18 hole course right next to the camp!" reports Sayler O., who visited with a 5-year-old in October.
Explore small towns: The Brownville area offers historical attractions within walking distance of camping areas. "We stayed here so that we would be within walking distance of Brownville. It took a while to figure out how to make a reservation (you call the River Inn Resort)," shares Danni A. about her experience at Brownville Riverside Park.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Mozingo Lake stands out for its thoughtful tent camping layout. "Loved that the tent camping sites were actually surrounded by trees, I see way too many tent campsites that are basically just in the middle of a grass field," notes Sayler O. about the campground's design.
Minimal crowds: Ross County Park attracts those seeking true solitude away from populated areas. Jayson H. describes it as "not so much for camping. Its more of a day trip kinda place. Multiple ponds. People also go out there and shoot off guns on the upper pond. Personally..... I fucking love this place."
Recreation options: Walking paths and playgrounds provide activities beyond the campsite. "There are walking paths and a couple of playgrounds around the lake close enough to walk to but far enough away they won't ever be a bother," reports a Mozingo Lake camper about the family-friendly amenities.
What you should know
Flood recovery status: Several camping areas near water bodies have faced flooding damage. John A. notes about Brownville: "This is a park that was previously a State Recreation Area that was given over to the Village of Brownville prior to the flooding in 2011. A majority of the silt and debris has been cleared."
Amenity variations: Tent campsites near Stanton range from bare-bones to moderately equipped. Ross County Park offers minimal infrastructure, with Kory K. noting there are "no services of any kind, there is a shelter house, and trash barrel."
Reservation systems: Many campgrounds operate on different reservation platforms. For Brownville Riverside Park, "you call the River Inn Resort" to secure a spot, according to visitor reports.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near recreational facilities for children. At Mozingo Lake, campers appreciate that "there are walking paths and a couple of playgrounds around the lake close enough to walk to but far enough away they won't ever be a bother."
Fall camping benefits: Consider autumn visits for cooler temperatures and fewer bugs. "We stated on a Friday night in October and the campground was not too busy at all.. maybe only 5 other groups there," notes a Mozingo Lake visitor about the lighter crowds.
Pack for variable conditions: Terrain and weather can change quickly in this region. A visitor to Ross County Park advises being prepared for remoteness as it's a "nice out of the way location" that's "perfect" for getting away from populated areas.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most tent campsites near Stanton offer no RV hookups or services. At Ross County Park, RVers need to be self-contained as there are no water, electric, or sewer connections available.
Ground conditions: Pay attention to recent weather before bringing larger vehicles. William S. warns about one park: "Not ready for business since flood 2 years ago. We turned around and left."
Verify before arrival: Call ahead to confirm current park status, especially after extreme weather events. John A. shares that one site had "a number of large pieces of industrial equipment that are staged in part of the park that will likely not be moved until fall."
