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Best Campgrounds near Denison, IA

223 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 region's 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Denison, Iowa (82)

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Recent Camping Photos near Denison, IA

29 Photos of 82 Denison Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Denison, IA

223 Reviews of 82 Denison Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • V
    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).

  • sparkleblaster S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Moorehead Pioneer County Park

    Safe and lots of trees

    I stayed on the picnic loop at one of three designated camp spots (according to the map posted at the end of the picnic loop). There was a nice shade structure, picnic table, fire pit, and grill. Pit toilets and trash bins nearby and a water spigot that wasn't working. I got in late on a Sunday. I saw some fishermen around the pond on my way in but no one else. There's a playground and a couple small pavilions across from where I camped, so I imagine it can be busy on the weekend.

    It's not really a campground. It's a county park with a few camp spots. If I hadn't found the sign with tent symbols I would have doubted it was a legitimate place to camp.

    The coordinates in the description here took me to a boat launch. This is the coordinate to the camp spot I stayed at: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BziGswnzeFVjgVxV6

  • J
    Aug. 24, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Overnight stay

    This campsite was everything we were needing for the night plus more. The people were very friendly.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Comforting

    Night 1 of a 60 day trip with 42 moves. Super clean park and very well taken care of. I watched a youtube video that showed the park and it was like re-living a dream. Pulled in, stopped at office, John came in and helped me, asked me if I was a GoodSam member and charged me $43.34 for a full-hookup, super long pull thru. There were a lot of open spaces so the park felt very comfortable. Totally worth it.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Comforting

    Night 1 of a 42 moves trip. You can find a few decent youtube videos that show the park and it was like living a dream. Pulled in, John came into the office, asked if I was a Good Sam member and charged me $43.34 for a full hook-up, extra long pull thru on the outside of the trees. I watch for that now after the top of a tree fell on power lines above my camper last year. Seemed pretty vacant but there were people here that looked like travelers. Very comfortable.

  • Holly M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Schildberg Recreation Area

    Didn't care

    We couldn't even get a return phone call for availability. We are seniors been travelling for months and driving almost 300 miles today. Pretty bad when you can't get a 2 minute call. Disappointed in this campgrounds protocol.

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 82 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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