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Best Campgrounds near Denison, IA

220 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 (81)

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Recent Camping Photos near Denison, IA

29 Photos of 81 Denison Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Denison, IA

220 Reviews of 81 Denison Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Abby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Simple Overnight Stay

    Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Nice stop for a night on the road

    20$ is a really good deal for a nice site with electricity, a picnic table on a cement slab and a hot free clean shower. We were hesitating between this spot and a truck stop with shower. More than happy and satisfied with our choice.

  • Laura N.
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Onawa-Blue Lake KOA

    Rude Manager, Unsafe Site, and Terrible Customer Service

    We travel full-time with a 40′ fifth wheel and have stayed at many KOAs— but this was by far the worst experience we’ve had. Upon arrival, we were placed in Site 29, which was muddy on both sides, narrow, and clearly not suitable for a rig of our size. We asked for another option and were moved to Site 27, which wasn’t much better. The sites here are shockingly narrow— barely enough width to safely open your slides, let alone enjoy the space. When my husband asked why no gravel had been put down, the staff responded that it had been raining a lot. He said,“Don’t make excuses for someone else. That pisses me off.” He didn’t yell, threaten, or use foul language— just expressed his frustration after a long day on the road. The employee left without issue. Minutes later, the manager came to our site angry, accused my husband of cursing at her staff, and demanded we pack up and leave immediately, despite us having already set up. When I tried to clarify what had actually been said, she refused to listen and insisted she believed her employee. She even told us she“couldn’t help that people didn’t know how to drive,” which I guess was her explanation for the mud— an inappropriate and dismissive response. Meanwhile, we took photos of visible cracks in the soil— clearly it hadn’t been as wet as claimed. To make things worse:• There’s almost no signage for this KOA until you’re practically on top of it— very difficult to find without GPS.• Another campground nearby welcomed us without issue and told us we weren’t the first to show up after leaving this KOA due to similar poor treatment. We’ll be sharing this experience on our blog and social media platforms— and we’ve heard this manager has a habit of calling guests liars when she receives bad reviews. So let me be clear: we stayed there, we have the photos, the receipt, and the conversation details. This was an unacceptable experience, and we strongly recommend avoiding this KOA.

Guide to Denison

Camping near Denison, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and well-maintained campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds, like Hitchcock County Nature Center, have access to scenic trails. One camper mentioned, "Camping here also gives you access to the playground and nature trails into some beautiful countryside."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Anita State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy fishing and swimming. A reviewer noted, "The lake is beautiful with bike paths and walking trails around the entire lake."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Lewis and Clark State Park Campground are great for spotting wildlife. One happy camper shared, "Great sites right on the water. Easy back in for my rig."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A review for Hitchcock County Nature Center highlighted, "Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A visitor at Arrowhead Park Campground said, "The people who run this campground are really nice!"
  • Affordable Rates: Campers love the low prices at places like Adair City Park. One reviewer mentioned, "$15 full power / $6 tents / $5 dump only."

What you should know

  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center reminded others, "Friendly reminder to bring CASH."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A review for Lake Manawa State Park Campground noted, "There are tons of things to do here... unless you have your own kayak or boat."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center warned, "The only downside is bring several bottles of bug spray; the mosquitoes are terrible!"

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. A family at Spring Lake County Park enjoyed, "This park is peaceful... with a playground and disc golf."
  • Safety and Cleanliness: Choose campgrounds known for cleanliness and safety. A parent at Lake Anita State Park Campground mentioned, "Great location, good facilities... Plenty of space in the tent area."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise levels, especially at night. A camper at Springbrook State Park Campground noted, "Campers are loud well beyond midnight."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground said, "My 35-foot rig made it to the back-in spot easily."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Lake Cunningham Campground appreciated, "Full access with concrete pad. Tons of room between spots."
  • Reservations Recommended: During peak seasons, make reservations to secure your spot. A visitor at Adair City Park mentioned, "Arrived around 10 pm on a Tuesday and there were 3 spots left."

Camping around Denison, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to pack your bug spray and enjoy the great outdoors!

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).

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.

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