Best Campgrounds near Sumner, IA

Several established campgrounds surround Sumner, Iowa, providing year-round options for outdoor recreation. North Woods Park features camping along the Little Wapsie River with tent and RV sites that include electric hookups and drinking water access. Within a 20-mile radius, visitors can find additional options like Klocks Island Park near Fayette and Split Rock County Park near Fredericksburg. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of amenities and hookup availability.

The camping season in this region generally runs from May through October, with many parks closing or reducing services during winter months. Campground accessibility varies by location, with most sites being drive-in friendly. Electric hookups are common across the area, though full-hookup sites with sewer connections are more limited. "Sigglekow Campground in Black Hawk County Iowa is one of a kind! Quiet and secluded, if that's what you're looking for," noted one visitor. Water access is available at many locations, either through individual hookups or central water stations. Several campgrounds feature dump stations for RVs, though travelers should verify availability as not all facilities provide this service.

Riverside camping represents a significant attraction in the Sumner area, with multiple parks offering water access. North Woods Park receives positive reviews for its quiet setting and affordable rates, with reviewers noting it's "very quiet place to camp along the Little Wapsie River." Fishing opportunities exist at several locations, including Split Rock County Park, which features a pond for fishing and a swimming beach. Most campgrounds maintain basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets, with shower facilities available at select locations including North Woods Park and Klocks Island Park. Shade coverage varies by campground, with many sites featuring mature trees that provide relief during summer months. Travelers seeking more secluded experiences might consider Echo Valley State Park, which offers primitive camping with no electric hookups but provides access to hiking trails and a trout stream.

Best Camping Sites Near Sumner, Iowa (157)

    1. North Woods Park

    2 Reviews
    Sumner, IA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (319) 882-4742

    "Very well maintained and a couple nice trails. Dog friendly."

    2. Siggelkov County Park

    4 Reviews
    Oelwein, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 433-7275

    "Sigglekow Campground in Black Hawk County Iowa is one of a kind! Quite and secluded, if that's what you're looking for. To get out and decompress it's a great spot."

    "Would be nice if it had gravel parking but that's a small inconvience.. also good kyack location."

    3. Split Rock County Park

    1 Review
    Sumner, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 394-4714

    $12 - $18 / night

    4. Klocks Island Park

    3 Reviews
    Fayette, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 425-4316

    $12 / night

    "Large park, no designated sites, fire rings spread around. Elect posts spread around.water available a dump station on site $2.00 charge. Very green, a river all around the park."

    5. Lakeview Campground — Volga River State Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Fayette, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 425-4161

    $15 - $40 / night

    "Went there last weekend had to do a walk up everything else was reserved. Clean park area, bathrooms were disgusting though. Talked to the DNR he was very friendly and knowledgeable."

    6. Little Turkey Campground

    1 Review
    Calmar, IA
    15 miles
    +1 (319) 334-0135

    7. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    29 Reviews
    Dundee, IA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 924-2527

    $12 - $25 / night

    "Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."

    "The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere."

    8. Echo Valley State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    West Union, IA
    17 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "There are pit toilets at the upper sites, near the pavilion."

    "The hiking trail was perfect for a morning stroll with my dog and coffee and there certainly is a petting zoo (my German Shepard was a little uncertain about the goats)"

    9. George Wyth State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Cedar Falls, IA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 232-5505

    $12 - $20 / night

    "** Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.)"

    "On Cedar Valley bike trail (100+miles of interconnecting bike trial. major Hwy on two sides of park, sleeping in a tenet it was very noisy at night. and a train track close by (again at night)"

    10. Oelwein City Park

    1 Review
    Oelwein, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 283-5440

    "It's located on the south end of town, there is only one business within walking distance. It's a great restaurant (Oelwein Family Restaurant) and it's about a 15 minute walk."

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Recent Reviews near Sumner, IA

309 Reviews of 157 Sumner Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Pulpit Rock Campground

    Excellent

    The camp ground is split in two separate sections. We camped in the south section and found it to be pretty nice spot. Although the north section looks to be a little nicer. Definitely a popular spot so book in advance! The dump station is really small and kind of wonky but works good. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Definitely would recommend during the fall time! The area is absolutely stunning!

  • Karla J. B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    George Wyatt City Park

    Small town overnight

    We stayed for one night so we could go fossil hunting at nearby Fossil and Prairie park. This campground has full hookups and gravel pads in what is basically a small town park. It was perfect for our needs -a place to stay. There are no reservations, just pay cash in an envelope at the info sign. There were 2 bigger RVs there the night we were. Bathrooms were adequate, with running water, soap and paper towels.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Black Hawk County Park

    On the bike trail

    Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp...

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Lake Hendricks Co Park

    Paved sites, simple Accomodations

    A good place for a place to stop next to a lake. Good hookups and picnic tables

  • Isaac H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Deerwood Park

    Cash Only

    Good place to camp. Seems safe and friendly. Only down side is that it's cash only. Who carries cash these days?!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Pulpit Rock Campground

    Very Nice

    Very nice City owned facility . City water only available central locations otherwise a delight spot in a wonderful town

  • b
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Klocks Island Park

    Klocks island

    Large park, no designated sites, fire rings spread around. Elect posts spread around.water available a dump station on site $2.00 charge. Very green, a river all around the park. Our favorite place in the area. $12.00 a night.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    George Wyth State Park Campground

    Great State Park

    This is a clean and well kept campground. There are great paved trails, and it is close to the free John Deere Museum, and the Cedar Valley Arboretum. I’m not giving it a 5 star rating for two reasons: one there are a lot of mosquitoes (I get that it is their home), and two the showers are the type that don’t allow you to mix your own water temperature, and they only stay on for a few seconds every time you press the button. The water was a comfortable temperature for me though. Also, the park does occasionally close for flooding.

  • Truly W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Pikes Peak State Park Campground

    Good proximity to Effigy Mounds

    Some bugs, decent service, great bathrooms, Very close to a cute town (McGregor) and Effigy Mounds NM.


Guide to Sumner

Camping near Sumner, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for scenic views, hiking trails, or family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the numerous trails available at Wyalusing State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Great hiking trails, overall a great place to stay,” highlighting the park's natural beauty.
  • Kayaking: Enjoy kayaking on the backwaters of the Mississippi River. A visitor at Backbone State Park noted, “Awesome campground with lots of hiking trails, and access to backwaters of Mississippi.”
  • Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in the nearby rivers. A review for Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground mentioned, “Good trout fishing here, some sites are primitive, some have electric and water.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground. One camper said, “Campsite D's views were unbeatable,” making it a favorite for those who love nature.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A visitor at George Wyth State Park Campground remarked, “Clean shower house and flush toilets,” which is always a plus when camping.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families enjoy the welcoming environment at Pikes Peak State Park Campground. One review stated, “Easy level sites, and helpful neighbors,” making it a great spot for kids.

What you should know:

  • Train Noise: Be prepared for train sounds at some campgrounds. A camper at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground mentioned, “There’s a train track right next to the river,” which can be quite loud at night.
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground noted, “There is no cell phone service,” so plan accordingly.
  • Primitive Sites: Some campgrounds, like Camp Glen Wendel, offer primitive camping. A review stated, “Well spaced out camp sites, very primitive,” which is great for those looking for a more rustic experience.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A camper at Old Barn Resort said, “The bathrooms were nice, coin-operated showers,” which can be convenient for families.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Pulpit Rock Campground enjoyed, “Bike trails and good trout fishing,” which kept everyone entertained.
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring along items to keep the kids comfortable. A review for George Wyth State Park Campground mentioned, “The connection to hiking trails throughout the park is fantastic,” so having good hiking gear is essential.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the RV sites. A visitor at Backbone State Park noted, “The sites are big so you can camp far back,” which is helpful for larger RVs.
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Wyalusing State Park Campground appreciated the “electric hookups” available, making it easier to enjoy modern conveniences.
  • Plan for Noise: Be aware of potential noise from nearby roads or trains. A review for George Wyth State Park Campground mentioned, “The major Hwy on two sides of the park,” which could affect your stay.

Camping near Sumner, Iowa, has a lot to offer, from beautiful views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for some noise and plan your activities ahead of time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year for RV camping in Sumner?

The prime season for RV camping around Sumner is late spring through early fall (May-September). During this period, Little Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest and other area campgrounds offer excellent trout fishing and comfortable weather conditions. Be aware that some facilities begin closing in mid-October, as noted at Big Paint Campground. For budget-conscious campers, shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer reduced rates at many state parks while still providing pleasant camping conditions with fewer crowds.

Where can I find RV camping near Sumner?

Several RV-friendly options exist near Sumner. George Wyth State Park Campground offers affordable electric sites at just $16 ($11 in off-season from October to April) with no separate park entry fee. For riverside camping, Upper Iowa Resort and Rental provides excellent RV sites along the Upper Iowa River. Other nearby options include North Woods Park near Sumner and Split Rock County Park near Fredericksburg, both offering water hookups and being big-rig friendly.

What amenities are available at RV campgrounds in Sumner?

RV campgrounds around Sumner offer various amenities to enhance your stay. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park provides electric hookups, modern shower houses, and flush toilets in their modern campground area. The park also features a lake for swimming and kayaking. At Elkader City Park, you'll find good connectivity with strong Verizon signal, plus easy access to museums and downtown via nearby walking and biking trails. Many local campgrounds offer fire rings, picnic tables, and access to recreational activities like fishing and hiking.