Best Campgrounds near Story City, IA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Story City, IA? Story City is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Story City, Iowa (86)

    1. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $12 - $25 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    2. Little Wall Lake County Park

    5 Reviews
    Story City, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 832-9570

    "Close to the interstate and easy to get to."

    "We went when the wind was blowing in typical Iowa summer fashion. The grounds are peaceful and there's lots of great plant and flower spotting."

    3. Dakins Lake County Park

    4 Reviews
    Roland, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 487-7477

    $17 - $24 / night

    "Close to i35, but not to close. Make reservations, facilities this good are full by Friday."

    "The shelter is very nice and overlooks Dakins Lake.  The camp host was very responsive and helpful."

    4. Hickory Grove Campground

    5 Reviews
    Collins, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 232-2516

    $17 / night

    "Lots of trees for shade but the lake has trails and a swimming beach with watercraft rentals. Truly a hidden gem in central Iowa!"

    "Got to the campground around 6pm on a Friday and no one was at the primitive campground which was nice. The picnic table and fire ring were clean and in good condition."

    5. Briggs Woods Park

    8 Reviews
    Webster City, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 832-9570

    "Brigs Woods is close to Webster City, IA.  There are several campsites, cabins, golf course, access to canoeing or kayaking on the Boone River, along with hiking trails, swimming and fishing. "

    "that hold 4 campers good for groups (friends, Family) upper camp ground has more single sites. as of 2020 more sites under construction both upper and lower area. they have some cabins and a couple walk"

    6. Jester County Park

    29 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"

    "Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit."

    7. Swede Point Park

    13 Reviews
    Madrid, IA
    25 miles
    Website

    "We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that. Nothing fancy, but has plenty of sites, flush toilets and showers available."

    "Nice little camp ground with easy access to the high trestle bike trail"

    8. Bells Mills County Park

    2 Reviews
    Lehigh, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 832-9570

    9. North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Lehigh, IA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 543-8298

    $16 - $24 / night

    "Hitching posts behind each site which we enjoyed seeing. The roads inside the campground were all asphalt so lots of bikers enjoying rides around the grounds."

    "Camped here in order to be close to Fort Dodge first thing in the morning.  I stayed in the Beach Campground.  It's not on the beach, but close to it.  There are 3 total campgrounds in the park. "

    10. Whispering Oaks RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Story City, IA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 733-4663
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Showing results 1-10 of 86 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Story City, IA

427 Reviews of 86 Story City Campgrounds



Guide to Story City

Camping near Story City, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Rock Creek State Park Campground for a relaxing day by the water. A reviewer noted, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities."
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Jester County Park has a kids' playground and hiking trails. One camper shared, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area said, "Clean shower house and restrooms."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Cherry Glen Campground mentioned, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A visitor at Ledges State Park Campground noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded in summer. A reviewer at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground area is clean... but the RV section of campground was nearly full."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for spots like Jester County Park that have playgrounds. A camper shared, "Kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course and nature center."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or outdoor games for family fun. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Gathering room on site and pedal car racetrack."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have food options nearby. A reviewer at Bob Shelter Recreation Area noted, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Walnut Woods State Park Campground said, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need them, check for campgrounds that offer full hookups. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Bring tarps or canopies for unexpected rain. A visitor at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground noted, "The lake is beautiful and the path around it is in great shape!"

Camping near Story City, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Story City, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Story City, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 86 campgrounds and RV parks near Story City, IA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Story City, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Story City, IA is Ledges State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Story City, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Story City, IA.

What parks are near Story City, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Story City, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.