Several campgrounds near Sumner, Iowa provide camping options within a 30-mile radius. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 950 to 1,200 feet and average summer temperatures around 80°F. Most sites offer electric service with both 30-amp and 50-amp connections available, though water hookups vary significantly between parks.
What to do
River activities: Skip-A-Way Resort in Clermont offers multiple water-based recreation options. "They have permanent sites and rentals. There is tent sites and rental campers also. Sewer, water and electric. Some weekly activities include canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake," according to visitor Lourene M. The resort provides tube and canoe rentals for visitors without their own equipment.
Hiking trails: Backbone State Park features several walking paths suitable for various skill levels. One camper noted, "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's namesake trail runs along a narrow limestone ridge providing views of the surrounding woodland.
Kid-friendly activities: Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres offers numerous recreation options. "Great owners, loads of stuff for kids (putt putt, paddle boats, horseshoes, basketball, Gaga, trampoline, playground)," writes David W. The campground includes a splash pad for summer cooling, making it popular with families during hot weather.
What campers like
Fishing access: Klocks Island Park provides affordable waterfront camping. "Very shady camping right along the river. $12 per night. Worth the money. Not busy and no limit on stay duration," reports Dennis G. The park features open grass camping spots with most having water and electric hookups.
Quiet settings: Some campers prefer the less crowded parks outside peak season. "Quiet and well maintained. Lots to do, hiking and bike trails, fishing and boating, beach for swimming," notes Diane A. about George Wyth State Park. Most campgrounds report less crowded conditions on weekdays compared to summer weekends.
Value pricing: Area campgrounds offer reasonable rates compared to other regions. At Klocks Island, one visitor reported, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most rv parks near Sumner close between October and April. "Dump station and potable water... Flush toilets and running water in bathrooms along with push button showers," notes Mary S. about one park, though these amenities typically shut down during freezing months. Check ahead as operating dates vary by location.
Water quality concerns: Some lakes experience periodic issues. One camper at Backbone State Park noted "Lakewater often unsafe for swimming. To the extent the beach had weeds growing on it." Water conditions can change throughout the season, with spring typically offering clearest water.
Road noise: George Wyth State Park experiences some highway sounds. "Very nice park with some easy hiking trails and great bike paths... because it is so close to river anytime it rains heavily there is flooding in several areas of the park," explains Jennifer T. The park's convenient location comes with some ambient noise from nearby roadways.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas for children. "This campground has a lot of fun activities from April 15 thru Oct 15. They have permanent sites and rentals... a splash pad for kids and occasionally a dumping tank for free, also miniture golf," notes a visitor about Skip-A-Way Resort.
Accessibility features: Pulpit Rock Campground provides convenient facilities. "City campground run by great staff... Clean bathrooms/showers. Bring your bikes! A quick bike to town to enjoy breweries, restaurants, ice cream and shops," writes Keri S. The campground's proximity to town amenities makes it practical for families needing supplies.
Kid-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "Great clean campground with lots to do. Mini golf, basketball, paddleboat on a small pond, horseshoes, and plenty of swings and playscapes for kids," reports Ben P. about Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA offers level parking areas. "Sites are gravel for the RV, reasonably level, and very well maintained. Most sites are pull through. Hookups are in very good condition. Each site had a grassy area with a picnic table," notes Richard, highlighting the campground's practical layout for larger vehicles.
Cell coverage: Mobile service varies significantly between parks. "We had 4 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well," reports one KOA visitor. However, another camper at a different park noted, "I had barely usable Verizon service here and no T-mobile service," indicating connectivity depends heavily on specific location.
Dump station quality: Facilities vary widely between rv parks around Sumner. "Dump station with nonpotable water is easily accessible," notes a visitor at Klocks Island Park, though quality and maintenance of dump stations differs significantly between campgrounds. Some parks offer full-hookup sites eliminating the need for dump stations.
