Top Tent Camping near Swisher, IA

Looking for tent camping near Swisher? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Swisher, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Swisher, Iowa's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Swisher, IA (28)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride Campground

    1. Lake Macbride Campground

    25 Reviews
    86 Photos
    83 Saves

    From the website: UPDATE 10/5/2020: The north and south campgrounds, and day-use lodge will remain closed the remainder of the recreation season due to the August 10 severe weather event. Visitors are discouraged from using trails at this time due to hazard trees, with exception of the North Shore Trail and Beach to Dam Trail. The remainder of the park is now open. This recreation area is part of Coralville Lake

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $9 - $19 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area

    2. Macbride Nature Recreation Area

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    5 Saves

    Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) is a 485-acre peninsula that has been leased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the University of Iowa since 1969. There are ten kilometers of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. MNRA is home to the Environmental Education Programs: School of the Wild, Wildlife Camps, and Iowa Raptor Project. MNRA is located 15 miles north of Iowa City at 3895 Raptor Ridge Road, near Solon, Iowa.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground

    3. Cedar River Campground

    8 Reviews
    17 Photos
    32 Saves

    We are a seasonal campground open April 15 thru October 15. We have seasonal, monthly, weekly, and overnight rates. We have planned activities as well as many amenities. River frontage, canoe/ tube rental, mini golf, pool and so much more.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $35 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

    4. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

    1 Review
    13 Photos
    1 Save

    This is a primitive, pack-in campsite. Located northwest of the Learning Center, it features a fire ring with sitting stones, an ADA platform for a tent, and one replica Wickiup. This pack-in site is designed for youth groups and single family use only. It attempts to recreate what life was like for the woodland peoples who lived here hundreds of years ago. Renters will need to carry in/carry out all equipment and refuse. There is a pit vault restroom nearby.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $54 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm

    5. Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm

    1 Review
    13 Photos
    5 Saves

    Our private four acre site is now available for winter tent camping. Services include an outhouse, electricity, fire ring and wood is provided. There are trails to hike around the pond and in the prairie. Tents can be set up anywhere, however, you can use the tipi pad(outdoor carpet over sand} without stakes. Winter camp is open from January 1 to April 30. A great meeting place for families and friends willing to experience the outdoors throughout the year. 5 miles from Williamsburg and I-80, within 30 minutes of Amana Colonies, Outlet Mall, Fireside Winery. We also offer wildlife, historical or cultural hikes to the Amana/Iowa River Valley area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Market

    $25 / night

    • No image available

      6. Wakpicada Natural Area

      1 Review
      11 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from River Junction
      Camper-submitted photo from River Junction

      7. River Junction

      1 Review
      2 Photos
      6 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay
        Camper-submitted photo from Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay
        Camper-submitted photo from Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay
        Camper-submitted photo from Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay
        Camper-submitted photo from Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay
        Camper-submitted photo from Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay

        9. Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay

        2 Reviews
        6 Photos
        16 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Group

        $24 - $45 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park

        10. Wildcat Den State Park

        9 Reviews
        69 Photos
        63 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • RVs
        • Tents

        $6 - $9 / night

      Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews In Swisher

      329 Reviews of 28 Swisher Campgrounds


      • Leslie K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Outback Campground & Resort
        Oct. 7, 2024

        Outback Campground & Resort

        Wallaby Cabin Review

        This review is for the Wallaby cabin. This cabin supposedly has a bathroom with a shower, 3 beds and a kitchenette. The bathroom has a shower so small it is difficult not to rinse one's hair while applying shampoo. There is no sink in this room for brushing teeth, washing hands or face, etc. There is no mirror either, or hooks for towels or washcloths or clothes. There is also no heater. The cabin has no closet or any place to hang any clothes. There were several bugs crawling on the ceiling. The wall A/C could not help but spew dust, as it was coated with that on the filter and cover. The trash can had a clean bag, which occupants are required to leave in dumpster at checkout. When removing the bag, the stuck-on mess under it was appalling. The bed in each loft area had obviously been used and not changed, as the covers were in disarray and the bottom sheets not clean. The main bed has a zipped on plastic cover which the loose fitting fitted sheet will not stay on, causing occupants to end up sleeping on plastic. We purchased a blanket to go over it for the next night. We would not have stayed more than one night but, as we had reserved 3, it is not refundable. The tv is to the side of the immovable chairs, so that one must have head turned completely to one side to watch. The cabin has such a slant that a ball will roll by itself to the entrance side. All this for more than$350 for 3 night stay.

      • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
        Sep. 23, 2024

        Lake Iowa County Park

        very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

        Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

        Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Sep. 19, 2024

        Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

        Very nice County cabin near Wapsi River

        Cabin sleeps 6, has all amenities including firewood at no cost! Education center onsite with live animals, trails, open year round, Wapsipinicon River below bluff offers paddling, fishing. Menke Observatory offers sky programs.

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Bennett Park
        Sep. 19, 2024

        Bennett Park

        Nice small County CG with pond

        Campground is nice with a few newer amenities, including shower house and handicap campsite. Gravel pads at sites include tables, fire, pits, electric,. There’s a dump station, play area, shelters for rent, and a pond that you can actually swim and fish and paddling.

      • Fred S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Langwood Education Center
        Sep. 5, 2024

        Langwood Education Center

        Great place!

        Langwood Education Center looks like a great spot for a weekend camping trip, especially if you’re into outdoor education. If you’re planning to camp there with kids, it could be a fun way to blend learning and adventure. Plus, it’s close enough to larger cities, making it convenient for a quick getaway. I’ve been planning something similar but also juggling a lot of writing assignments lately. For those who need help with academic papers or essays while on the go, https://99papers.com/essay-writing/ has been a great resource. They’ve saved me a lot of time when I’ve had deadlines looming. Anyway, has anyone visited recently and can share tips on the best trails or activities for families?

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sherman Co Park
        Aug. 28, 2024

        Sherman Co Park

        Scenic County park along Wapsipinicon River

        The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.

      • W
        Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Ridge
        Aug. 24, 2024

        Riverview Ridge

        Unique River and Trail Access Campground

        Two hour float trips on the North Fork Maquoketa River are available directly from the campground. There is a mix of permanent and temporary campers. The tent sites, nearest the river, are well spaced with flush toilets. Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean.

      • Evan G.
        Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
        Aug. 22, 2024

        F. W. Kent Park

        The perfect weekend get away

        My dad and I tent cramped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City.

      • Jim C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
        Aug. 18, 2024

        Little Bear Campground

        Great week of camping

        This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month. But they don't allow monthly stays

      • Evan G.
        Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
        Aug. 12, 2024

        F. W. Kent Park

        The perfect Amana colonies campsite

        Amazing experience with lots of amenities and space to spread out.

        Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets, lots of stuff to do, including: hiking, swimming, kayaking, easy to get to amenities and grocery stores. plenty of trails and overlooks with picnic benches. Fire pits With built in grill grates.

      • Kim F.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Ridge Campground
        Aug. 10, 2024

        Windmill Ridge Campground

        Hidden little gem

        Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.

      • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
        Aug. 9, 2024

        Lake Iowa County Park

        Great spot for a great price

        Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

        Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

        The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

        But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

        I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

        Other than that it was a great spot.

      • C
        Camper-submitted photo from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
        Jul. 26, 2024

        Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

        Great location and amenities

        I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park
        Jul. 10, 2024

        Wildcat Den State Park

        Lovely hidden space

        Found by hiking at the Wildcat Den State Park. Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees. Places are gras. Sorry for my english, Camp from Germany :-)

      • Robert P.
        Camper-submitted photo from Blue Inn Campground
        Jun. 26, 2024

        Blue Inn Campground

        Reservations

        I made a reservation back in April 20 q24 June 26th 6 days before vacation I received a refund notice from them not in the full amount I paid less than a half

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
        Jun. 24, 2024

        F. W. Kent Park

        Great County park with lake

        Park offers: lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails, education center. Sites offer: hard surface, table, fire rings, hosts, firewood for purchase, play areas, RR, storm shelters, views.

      • Nick B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Tailwater West Campground
        Jun. 16, 2024

        Tailwater West Campground

        Fishing excursion

        Very nice and clean. It is right at the base of a dam on one side and calm backwater on the other. Also very nice place to find fossils among the back rocks. Don't plan on using Verizon. I had 1 bar could get texts but not enough to have internet.

      • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Baileys Ford
        Jun. 12, 2024

        Baileys Ford

        Excellent campground

        What more can I say than this place was stellar. We were tent camping the site we picked was big (there were smaller sites if that’s what you need). Access to the trout stream directly from our site! The facilities were clean even for a vault toilet (regular toilets and showers available at the main building which were extremely clean) the showers had hot water and real on and off handles NOT the push to start ones. Access to the river was available and there was a boat launch site. Staff we encountered were all friendly. Firewood available to purchase on site (only available Friday and Saturday night it was $10 a bundle during our stay). Plenty of things for kids to do volleyball ball court, softball field, and several playgrounds! Many shelters available for larger gatherings. This place even had an outdoor chapel. Baileys Ford exceeded my expectations for a county campground and I will be returning 100% my only complaint was spotty service (Verizon) but then again the point of camping is to disconnect so this was not a big deal. Minimal bugs considering how close we were to the water as well!

      • Nick B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Bluff County Park
        Jun. 6, 2024

        Wildcat Bluff County Park

        Quiet with good trails

        Very nice little park if you like hiking or Frisbee golf. There is not much to the park besides campsites and the Frisbee golf course. It has a small playground with just a few swings and a slide. Bathrooms were horrible. I would not suggest staying unless you have your own restroom. Also there is no dump station so be prepared to take your shit home with you.

      • K
        Camper-submitted photo from brinton timbers park
        May. 31, 2024

        brinton timbers park

        Great park no showers though

        I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.

      • K
        Camper-submitted photo from Keokuk County Belva Deer Park
        May. 31, 2024

        Keokuk County Belva Deer Park

        Clean park warm showers

        $12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance. Stand-alone bathrooms throughout the park have the deep composting toilets that smell bad but whatever the ones up front are nice. Would recommend 10/10

      • Lisa M.
        Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
        May. 28, 2024

        BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

        I'll never stay here again.

        I will start by saying the staff was very friendly. Outside of that this was the worst place we have ever camped. Not only did it look like EVERY site was uneven this place was extremely outdated. When you look at the website it makes it sound like they have kid activities(the kid activities was kite making with dollar tree plastic kites and a"mud pit" that was a kiddie pool they added some dirt to and water.) Their kid activies are definitely for ages 7 and under. They had no activities for pre teen/teen age other than cornhole/bags on Sunday afternoon at 5pm when most people would be checking out at 2pm if they only came for the weekend. The golfcart rentals are$60 per day or$100 for two days which seems extreme but there isn't much reason to rent one unless you just want to drive around the pothole filled roads in the park. We drove all around the park and never seen a water trampoline, the pool is being built not sure how long that has been in progress, the live music they had NO live music in a huge camping weekend(memorial day weekend). The showers/bathrooms are extremely outdated gross. We have had this location saved since last year on our must camp list but wanted to make it a time the entire family could join and it was a huge let down! At over$200 for three nights(which was required for a holiday weekend) you would expect this place to be nice. Unfortunately the places we have stayed for$15-$20 a night are by far way nicer than this place. I would not recommend this location to anyone. Attached are the lovely playground photos. I cropped the kids out so one swing does look like it's missing but it is not.

      • I
        Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Acres RV Park
        May. 25, 2024

        Lazy Acres RV Park

        Don’t recommend

        We stayed here towards the end of May. They hadn’t cut the grass but was in the process of cutting it. This caused swarms of bugs. We are from Ky backwoods and are use to bugs but this was awful. The bathhouse was clean. The campground is right off the main highway so easy getting off and right back on.



      Guide to Swisher

      Camping near Swisher, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or an adventurous family trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

      What to do:

      • Explore Caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, you can hike through unique caves. One visitor said, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous."
      • Fishing and Boating: Rock Creek State Park Campground has a no-wake lake perfect for fishing and kayaking. A camper mentioned, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities."
      • Hiking Trails: Backbone State Park features extensive trails. A reviewer noted, "There are tons of trails, specifically the spot we camped at was right by the trail so we had easy access."

      What campers like:

      • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms. One visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "Clean bathrooms and good Starlink north clearing."
      • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Scott County Park, offer large, shaded sites. A camper shared, "The sites themselves are HUGE and some of them would accommodate the largest camping rigs you could imagine."
      • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at F. W. Kent Park said, "The park staff were very friendly and helped me get to the campsite I needed."

      What you should know:

      • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sugar Bottom Campground, do not have showers. A visitor noted, "NO showers, toilets, trash, water hookups."
      • Busy Seasons: Campgrounds can get crowded during peak seasons. One camper at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground mentioned, "We were dismayed when we arrived at 3 pm on a Sunday to find the place packed with day-use visitors."
      • Cell Service: Depending on the campground, cell service can be spotty. A camper at Backbone State Park said, "Service was definitely spotty in most areas of camp."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family-friendly activities. A reviewer at Scott County Park mentioned, "There are playgrounds for your kids to play in."
      • Plan for Meals: Bring your own firewood and food, as some campgrounds lack markets. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "There’s no place to buy firewood nearby so come prepared."
      • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground noted, "Everyone was respectful of quiet hours and very friendly."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of your site before booking. A camper at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "The sites here are closer together."
      • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. A reviewer at F. W. Kent Park said, "Electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets."
      • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station for convenience. A camper at Shady Creek noted, "Nice boat launch and a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions."

      Camping around Swisher, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Swisher, IA?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Swisher, IA is Lake Macbride Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 25 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Swisher, IA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Swisher, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.