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Explore the Best Camping Near Denison, Iowa

228 Reviews

Camping near Denison, Iowa includes a mix of county parks, state recreation areas, and small municipal campgrounds set amid rolling farmland and scenic lakes. Yellow Smoke Park, located just outside Denison, serves as the area's primary camping destination with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations available from May through September. Other nearby options include Nelson Park in Dow City and Crawford Creek Recreation Area in Battle Creek, both offering water-based recreation opportunities. Prairie Rose State Park, about 30 miles south near Harlan, provides a more extensive camping experience with lakeside sites and multiple recreational facilities. The Denison area campgrounds typically feature fishing access, hiking trails, and basic amenities within the agricultural landscape of western Iowa.

Most campgrounds in the Denison area operate seasonally from spring through fall, with the primary camping season running May through October. Yellow Smoke Park is open May 1 to September 30, while Nelson Park in Dow City operates from May 15 to October 15. Prairie Rose State Park has a longer season extending from April 1 to December 31. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with Verizon providing the strongest coverage. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during peak summer months, particularly for electric hookup sites and cabins.

The camping options around Denison cater to different preferences and needs. RV campers will find several parks with electric hookups, water connections, and dump stations, including big-rig friendly sites at Yellow Smoke Park and Nelson Park. Tent campers have dedicated areas in most parks, though some reviewers note that certain campgrounds favor RVs with limited tent-specific amenities. Family-friendly features are common, with playgrounds, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities available at most locations. According to campers, Prairie Rose State Park offers "beautiful lake views" and "well-kept sites with level gravel pads." Visitors also appreciate the "clean facilities" and "family-friendly atmosphere" found at many of the county parks in the region, making them suitable for weekend getaways.

Best Camping Sites Near Denison, Iowa (83)

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Recent Reviews near Denison, IA

228 Reviews of 83 Denison Campgrounds

  • Emily F.
    Dec. 2, 2025

    Cottonwood Cove Marina & RV Resort

    Feels like home after a few years

    We’ve been seasonals at Cottonwood for a while now. We keep coming back to our spot along the Missouri River. A lot has changed through the years (mostly upgrades). Watching this place grow has felt a bit like watching a hometown reinvent itself. Our site is along the river. We love The Lodge (restaurant). They always have good live music in the summer. The pools and swim-up bar areas are great. The marina stays busy with boaters but never feels overcrowded. It’s the kind of place where you actually get to know people. Sure, every campground has things that come and go, but Cottonwood has always kept its heart. It’s peaceful, friendly, close to Omaha, but still quiet enough to feel like you’re on vacation. If you’re looking for a long-term spot or want a weekend hang out with river views, good food, and a great community vibe, Cottonwood Cove will treat you right. Darcy the manager is fantastic. We’re excited for next season.

  • A
    Dec. 1, 2025

    Cottonwood Cove Marina & RV Resort

    Accidentally found my new fave campground restaurant

    So we’re driving through Blair (kinda right outside Omaha, right on the Missourri River) and I did not expect the food at The Lodge to be this good... We wandered over because we didn’t feel like cooking and figured it’d be, you know, “campground food,” but wow. I got the wings and my husband got the burger and we both just kind of were like… wait, why is this so good? Also the patio is literally right on the river. Like you can sit there and watch the boats come in while drinking a beer. And the people working there were super nice, the kind that just make you feel like a regular even if it’s your first time. There was live music when we went—great energy & vibes. 

    Anyway, if you’re staying here or even just passing through anywhere near Omaha, go eat at The Lodge. It’s way better than you’d expect from a campground restaurant and the river view alone is worth it.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2025

    Littlefield Rec Area

    Very nice park

    Lots of spots with water and electric and right on the lake. Very friendly staff. 20 bucks a night. They were winterizing it during my stay and came by to tell me the services still open.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    Elkhorn Creek Recreation Area

    Rustic but quiet. A trip to town is awesome

    We are here on a tuesday in november, so we don't expect to see very many people. There are at least 10 spots. Half of that, with electricity and several primitive areas further up the hill where the sites are very pretty. I don't think this is a heavily used park. Probably mostly by hunters. It is connected to a preserve which has a myriad of trails as well as there being trails in the park. The bathroom in the main campground is closed and the water is off. Looks like the water hasn't been used in a while and there are landscaping flags about so im guessing renovations are planned. But the electricity is working. There is a pit toilet at the top of the hill where frankly the cutest camp spots can be found.

    Just 3 miles away is the town of Elk Horn. You really need to go see it. I added some pictures and there is just an awesome amount of things to see there. Have fun.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Willow Lake Recreation Area

    Pretty lake, lots of trails, nice campground spots

    This is a very nice recreation area with about fifty spots. They all seem to have electric and water. And it's twenty five dollars a night. The spots are first come. First serve, there's a very nice bathroom with showers. The lake is small and meant for non. Motorized boats. There's a ton of trails around the outside of the park. If you follow the far outside one, it's almost three and a half miles.

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground

    Mosquitos and undrinkable water.

    Mosquitos are a given in a wetland refuge, but since this was just an overnight stay, I wasn't especially concerned. What DID concern me was:

    1. The camp host was present, but not at all helpful. A bad storm was moving in, and so I asked about tornado shelters in the area...he said there were none. Funny as the ranger station was within walking distance, but nobody was attending.

    2. It's a state park, and so the water stations are sprinkled throughout the camping areas. I was going to fill my kettle and was stopped by one of the campers who said that the water was bad and that if I needed water, she had extra. The camp host didn't mention the contamination issue, nor were the spigots marked. I did see a weathered "boil notice" on the door to the showers that evening. 

    It has the potential to be a nice park, but is unkept and all but neglected by the camp host.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    loess hills state forest

    Loess Hills State Forest

    Really impressed with this location. Incredible hiking just outside your door.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Onawa-Blue Lake KOA

    Convenient and quiet

    Conveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Sac City Park

    Right on the Raccoon River

    Nice clean campground with water and electricity at the RV sites. Some of the tent sites also have electricity. RV sites are $20 (for the 2025 season).

Guide to Denison

Camping near Denison, Iowa centers around a mix of county-operated recreation areas, municipal sites, and state parks situated within western Iowa's agricultural landscape. The region receives approximately 35 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush surroundings during the primary camping season. Camping facilities range from basic electric-only sites to full-service campgrounds with modern amenities, all positioned within driving distance of Denison's conveniences.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Crawford Creek Recreation Area offers multiple fishing spots around its small lake. "We camped here over the weekend, sites are pretty spacious and friendly camp hosts!" notes camper Deb W., who appreciated the peaceful setting for angling.

Water recreation: Nelson Park Crawford County Park provides lake access for various activities. According to Edger G., "It's a good place for camping not perfect. Has a descent size lake good for kayaking and fishing."

Cultural exploration: The Hausbarn Heritage Park campground offers unique historical attractions. Reviewer Lee D. mentions, "Nearby is a 350-year-old authentic German Hausbarn, brought over from Germany, where you can learn about life in Germany in the 1600s. It is across the street from the beautiful Trinity Lutheran Church and there is a historical farmstead nearby."

What campers like

Quiet atmosphere: Many campers highlight the peaceful settings around Denison. Brian F. describes Prairie Rose State Park Campground as "An oasis of solitude. The park is somewhat small but laid out nicely... It is 9 or so miles north of the highway so it was actually quiet."

Wildlife viewing: The natural surroundings provide wildlife observation opportunities. Lynn G. notes about Prairie Rose State Park, "We saw bald eagles and deer very close to the tent," adding that "trails are perfect for XC skiing in winter."

Clean facilities: Multiple reviewers mention well-maintained amenities. Shana L. comments that Nelson Park has "nice bath houses," noting "There's trails to walk and fishing right on site."

What you should know

Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Denison area operate on limited schedules. Schaben County Park runs from April 1 to October 31, while Yellow Smoke Park operates May 1 to September 30.

Bathroom access limitations: Some facilities have restricted hours. At The Hausbarn Heritage Park, reviewer Lee D. cautions, "The bathrooms are closed from 9 pm-9 am! If you are not in a self-contained RV, this could be problematic."

Weather considerations: Summer temperatures can fluctuate significantly. Joel R. mentions stopping at Prairie Rose State Park "for one night on our way to South Dakota. Very nice campground with a large lake, and almost empty!"

Tips for camping with families

Cabin options: MomOfBoys W. recommends Yellow Smoke Park for family gatherings: "This campground was perfect for a small family reunion. We rented out their 3 cabins and had a whole area to ourselves. The kids could walk down to the sand and a bridge."

Multiple play areas: Crawford Creek County Rec Area caters specifically to families with children. Megan H. highlights "Multiple play areas for kids. Water good for fishing, kayaking and swimming. Nice cabins for rent."

Playground accessibility: John K. appreciates the thoughtful layout at Prairie Rose State Park: "The playground was directly behind us which is a plus for us," adding "These Iowa state parks are extremely clean and well taken care of."

Tips from RVers

Small municipal options: Christine notes that Schaben County Park offers "just 15 camper sites varying in size. We had lengthy back in sites that were very level. 30 and 50 amp and water. Very quiet, only hearing a distant train horn and cattle."

Small town convenience: For those seeking minimal amenities, Odebolt Memorial Walk RV Park provides basic services. Kim K. describes it as a "Cute tiny town with a cute little spot to park the camper. Located near the crick and manicured walking path. It didn't offer much but it's a nice spot to park for a night or two."

Self-contained camping: SteveFagerhaug points out The Hausbarn Heritage Park is a "Very small self service campground. Only 20 or so sites on a first come first served system. Only $20 for full hookups."

Frequently Asked Questions

What scenic camping spots are available in Denison?

The Denison area offers several scenic camping destinations. Preparation Canyon State Park Campground stands out with its unique Loess Hills landscape, secluded walk-in sites near creeks, and excellent hiking trails. The geology and natural features make it a surprising gem in Iowa. For waterfront views, Lewis and Clark State Park Campground provides well-maintained electric sites directly on a lake with playground access and family-friendly amenities. Other scenic options include Yellow Smoke Park and Prairie Rose State Park, which features spacious sites with Iowa's signature landscape - some units even offer picturesque cornfield backdrops that capture the essence of rural Iowa's beauty.

Where are the campgrounds in Denison?

Denison and the surrounding area have several campground options. Yellow Smoke Park is located near Denison with drive-in access, reservable sites, water, toilets, and accommodations for larger RVs. Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground is another nearby option situated along the Missouri River and connected to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. While the campground itself is an open space with limited tree cover, it offers access to abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and trails. Other nearby options include Crawford Creek County Recreation Area, Albert the Bull Campground in Audubon, and Botna Bend County Park with its three distinct camping areas (South, Middle, and North campgrounds).

What camping is available near Denison, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Denison, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 83 campgrounds and RV parks near Denison, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Denison, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Denison, IA is Yellow Smoke Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Denison, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Denison, IA.

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