Camping near Sumner, Iowa offers sites throughout northeastern Iowa's rolling countryside where the Little Wapsipinicon River connects many recreation areas. Most campgrounds in the region operate at elevations between 900-1,100 feet above sea level, creating cooler evening temperatures even during summer months. Seasonal availability typically runs April through October, with limited winter camping options in select locations.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Echo Valley State Park Campground provides primitive camping sites near a stocked trout stream. "There is a nice trout stream, with a few sites right by the stream. It is most suitable for tent, truck, or teardrop camping… large RVs would not do well," notes camper Kerry M.
Kayaking opportunities: Siggelkov County Park offers river-based recreation with electric sites alongside the Wapsipinicon River. "Has electric sites and also places to tent camp right on the Wapsi River," mentions Chantal C., while Travis R. adds it's a "good kyack location" with "a water source."
Hiking trails: Backbone State Park features multiple trail options, including the popular Backbone Trail. One visitor shares, "We loved waking up in the morning and going for a walk along the many trails, seeing deer on the trail, and the lake." The park also offers "caves" and "photography opportunities" according to multiple reviewers.
Swimming options: Several parks provide swimming areas beyond the Little Wapsie River. Split Rock County Park includes "a pond for fishing and a beach for swimming," according to Carolyn M., who adds there's "a playground and plenty of shade" making it family-friendly.
What campers like
Affordable camping: North Woods Park receives positive feedback for its value. Kim B. notes it's a "Nice, quiet, well-kept campground" where her group stayed "in Spot #1, which is by the water" in tents.
Spacious sites: Klocks Island Park offers uncrowded camping with "large park, no designated sites, fire rings spread around. Elect posts spread around," according to bob S., who adds it's "our favorite place in the area" at "$12.00 a night."
Shaded camping areas: Klocks Island Park provides "very shady camping right along the river," according to Dennis G. The campground has "water and electric hookups" with an easily accessible dump station, making it suitable for both tent and RV campers.
Clean facilities: Little Turkey Campground maintains well-kept facilities that campers appreciate. Douglas M. reports "Clean shower free wood staff is friendly" in his review, highlighting the complementary firewood that many other area campgrounds charge for.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the region close during winter months. George Wyth State Park Campground operates from "April 1 to December 31," while Split Rock County Park runs "May to October 31," limiting cold-weather camping options.
Reservation requirements: Lakeview Campground at Volga River State Recreation Area often fills quickly. Visitor cody shares: "Went there last weekend had to do a walk up everything else was reserved. Clean park area, bathrooms were disgusting though."
Site limitations: Echo Valley has only "6 first come first serve camping sites" according to Wilber S., who noted he "was a quarter mile from the next nearest site" and that it's "certainly a tent oriented campground, RVs would have a difficult time."
Cell service variability: Coverage changes significantly between campgrounds. Ryan S. reports about Klocks Island: "I had barely usable Verizon service here and no T-mobile service," while at Oelwein City Park he had "great Verizon and T-mobile service."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Split Rock County Park offers multiple recreation options in one location. "This is a great place for families to spend time together. There is a pond for fishing and a beach for swimming. A playground and plenty of shade," notes Carolyn M.
Educational opportunities: Backbone State Park provides learning experiences through nature exploration. Rachel H. reports, "I went with a group of entering sixth grade Girl Scouts on a weekend tent camping trip to this park. The campsites were simple to access and the grounds were easy to navigate."
Multi-generation options: George Wyth State Park Campground features "a large sand playground area with slides and swings" and "a sand beach to swim, where they also rent kayaks & canoes," according to Steve R., making it suitable for visitors of varying ages and abilities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Oelwein City Park provides necessary connections for RV campers. Ryan S. notes "There are electric and water hookups at most sites, and there is a dump station," making it practical for extended stays.
Level sites: George Wyth State Park Campground offers suitable parking for larger rigs. J.T. describes it as a "very nice park" with "decent campsites" that provide good access even in a "semi-urban area."
Big rig access: Several campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles, but with limitations. Wilber S. cautions at Echo Valley that "RV's would have a difficult time" navigating the sites, while Dennis G. notes Klocks Island has "grass camping spots" that might be challenging for heavier vehicles during wet conditions.
