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Best Campgrounds near Stuart, IA

474 Reviews

Campgrounds in the Stuart, Iowa area range from established parks to city-operated facilities, with most offering both tent and RV accommodations. Nations Bridge Park, located in Stuart, provides electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities across its upper and lower campgrounds. Several miles east, Beaver Lake Campground near Dexter offers similar amenities with electric sites and shower facilities. The region includes multiple county and city parks that support camping, with options for both primitive tent sites and RV hookups with 30-50 amp service.

Seasonal operation varies significantly among campgrounds in central Iowa, with many facilities open from April or May through October. Nations Bridge Park maintains year-round access, though the lower sites can become muddy during wet periods. Most campgrounds in the area feature gravel pads for RVs and grassy areas for tent camping, with varying levels of shade depending on the location. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during summer months, particularly at popular locations like Winterset City Park and Lake Anita State Park. According to one visitor, "Nations Bridge County Park was clean with great trees and hiking trails as well as open spaces for frisbee golf and picnics. It is a great campground if you have an RV or camper or just a tent."

Campers report high satisfaction with the affordability and cleanliness of campgrounds in the Stuart vicinity. Middle River Point receives positive reviews for its combination of tent, RV, and cabin options, along with full hookup availability. Several visitors mentioned the proximity to Interstate 80 as a convenience factor, making these campgrounds suitable for overnight stays during cross-country travel. The area's campgrounds typically provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. A review noted that Nations Bridge Park is "a little ways off the highway through the town of Stuart. There is an upper and lower campground and rumor has it that the lower sites can be a little muddy. Electrical at all the RV sites with grey water access and black water dumping station."

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Best Camping Sites Near Stuart, Iowa (97)

    1. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    23 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 834-2729

    "Roadside Oasis, a place to rest a weary head, food, showers, etc. Cabins always help get you in and get out early without setting up camp."

    "I love the beautiful surroundings here. Definitely worth the visit."

    2. Nations Bridge Park

    4 Reviews
    Stuart, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 523-1789

    "It’s a little ways off the highway through the town of Stuart (Home to 1600 good eggs). There is an upper and lower campground and rumor has it that the lower sites can be a little muddy."

    "It was green, very clean, and in a nice location (just on the outskirts of Des Moines). We were there on a Wednesday, and there was barely anyone there."

    3. Adair City Park

    11 Reviews
    Anita, IA
    17 miles
    +1 (641) 742-3751

    $6 - $15 / night

    "Based on other reviews we weren’t expecting much, but this spot is perfect for getting a good night’s rest when passing through Iowa."

    "Park was clean and close to highway. Husband said bathrooms were clean enough. Didn't use the showers. Arrived around 10pm on a Tuesday and there were 3 spots left."

    4. Casey City Park

    4 Reviews
    Stuart, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 746-3315

    $10 / night

    "This is a small little park off the highway, we had been traveling for two days and needed to stop for the night."

    ".  clean accessible and a drive through a quaint little town. What else could you ask for?"

    5. Lake Anita State Park Campground

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

    $15 - $33 / 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."

    6. Pammel County Park

    12 Reviews
    Winterset, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 462-3536

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Nice small park settle nicely in the iowa country side!"

    "We didn't hike this trip, but trails looked to be pretty nice.  We did kayak the loop one day-it took about an hour for the 1.9-mile loop and water levels were pretty low."

    7. Beaver Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    6 miles
    +1 (515) 789-4661

    "This campground is on the side of a lake. You hear beavers at night, see rabbits are on the sides of the lot. We came late around 8pm and the owner helped us fill the form and pick our spot."

    8. Winterset City Park

    12 Reviews
    Winterset, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 462-3258

    $15 - $22 / night

    "It is part of a city park on the outskirts of Winterset. There is a dog park and one of the Bridges of Madison County is located within walking distance of the campground."

    "This is a city campground on the outskirts of town that does not feel that way. It sits right next to a park. White rock roads and pads."

    9. Middle River Point

    2 Reviews
    Stuart, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 231-8904

    $15 - $32 / night

    10. Lenon Mill Park

    5 Reviews
    Guthrie Center, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 755-3061

    "Turn of century museum within walking distance. National golf course, par 3 golf course at nearby lake panorama is open to the public."

    "The Guthrie County Historical Village& Museum is a 5 minute walk away. It's not open evenings or weekends but there is interesting stuff to walk around and see even when closed."

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474 Reviews of 97 Stuart Campgrounds

Guide to Stuart

Camping near Stuart, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Scenic Views: Explore the 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 Water Activities: At Lake Anita State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A camper shared, "Great location, good facilities... Plenty of space in tent area - shade and soft grass."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Jester County Park has playgrounds and trails for kids. One family said, "We love it here; people are great, and the price is right!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms and showers were nice and clean."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer large sites. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area remarked, "The sites are very large, all with concrete pads, with a decent amount of spacing between them."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, one guest 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 camper at Ledges State Park Campground mentioned, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded in the summer. One reviewer at Jester County Park noted, "The campground was large but busy."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Prairie Rose State Park Campground advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for places like Jester County Park that have playgrounds. A visitor said, "Kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course, and nature center."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand makes it easier for families. One camper at Lake Anita State Park Campground mentioned, "A bit noisy when I stayed (people playing loud music into the evening)."
  • Plan for Activities: Check out local attractions. A reviewer at Bob Shelter Recreation Area said, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, "Large modern KOA with sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs."
  • Check for Full Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites feature 20/30/50 electric, a fire ring, and a picnic table."
  • Be Prepared for Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park Campground shared, "The road around the campground is paved, but very narrow."

Camping near Stuart, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Stuart, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stuart, IA is Des Moines West KOA Holiday with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.

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