Best Tent Camping near Swisher, IA

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Swisher? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Swisher, IA (27)

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

    1. Macbride Nature Recreation Area

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    5 Saves
    Coralville Lake, Iowa

    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

    2. Cedar River Campground

    8 Reviews
    17 Photos
    32 Saves
    West Liberty, Iowa

    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

    3. Wickiup Hill Primitive Campsite

    1 Review
    13 Photos
    1 Save
    Toddville, Iowa

    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
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $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

    4. Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm

    1 Review
    13 Photos
    5 Saves
    Williamsburg, Iowa

    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

      5. Wakpicada Natural Area

      1 Review
      11 Saves
      Central City, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      • Trash
      Camper-submitted photo from River Junction
      Camper-submitted photo from River Junction
      • 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
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground

        9. Wildcat Den State Park Campground

        9 Reviews
        69 Photos
        63 Saves
        Illinois City, Illinois

        Two historical attractions both have active friends groups. One is the "turn of the century" Melpine one-room schoolhouse, which is located in the park and offers visitors a glimpse of Iowa's past.

        The other historical attraction is the Pine Creek Grist Mill, which was built in 1848. The mill was built by Benjamin Nye, one of Muscatine County's first settlers. He also built the county's first store and post office in 1838. The mill is one of the finest examples of mid-19th century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill is being restored to its original condition. Great strides have been made at the mill and it is now grinding corn for the first time in more than 75 years.

        Wildcat Den is a great place for a family to "get away from it all" for a weekend or a family vacation. Campsites can be reserved in the non-modern campground which has water and vault toilets. There are no showers and there is no electrical service to the campsites.

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

        $6 - $9 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground

        10. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground

        1 Review
        6 Photos
        1 Save
        West Liberty, Iowa
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
      Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Swisher

      340 Reviews of 27 Swisher Campgrounds


      • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Louisa County Fairgrounds
        Nov. 18, 2024

        Louisa County Fairgrounds

        Tipucal Fairground Camping

        A small number of electrical sites was all that I saw. I'm sure there are bathrooms somewhere in one of the fairground buildings, but I didn't see any signage for them.

      • Misty B.
        Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
        Nov. 12, 2024

        BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

        Will not be back! Lot of Money and Issues

        Water keeps running out. When it does run its white and tastes nasty. You can't do anything with it except flush and shower and that's if it doesn't run out. Pressure horrible. Was charged $1300 for 6 weeks plus I have to pay coat of utilities. They are no longer maintaining the grounds. The pool has been left unfinished for years and is still sitting empty with minimal plastic netting around it. The streets are caving in. The swimming water is right next to the beach pond where your stool is broken down and treated (although it isn't working correctly causing massive issues with odor, color and taste and then recycled back to your camper for showering and drinking water, washing dishes, etc. Hills (where campers park) all lead to bottom of hill where pond is, so if maintenance is this bad now, imagine sliding downhill into the pond due to ice and snow. Showers have push button that only runs water for couple minutes and it's set temp so you have no control over the temp at all. The whole park is run down, lots are extremely small and parking is only on gravel, but many lots only have enough gravel to park a camper so you have to park on other side of park and rent a golf cart (which is extremely high at 100 for 2 days or 60 for one day.) or walk. I could go on, but many others will be posting to tell the same. Had to move from lot 69 to 85 because it was so slanted my disabledd daughter couldn't make it across the lot to the camper. (She has autism and cerebral palsy)

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Otter Creek Lake and Park
        Nov. 6, 2024

        Otter Creek Lake and Park

        Nice County CG along lake

        CG has basic amenities- fire ring, table, gravel pad, electric, and water though shower houses are closed for season. Nature Center offers education displays and programs. Lake offers paddling, fishing, etc.

      • 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?

      • Jeff and Linda L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Bluff County Park
        Sep. 2, 2024

        Wildcat Bluff County Park

        Nice small park

        Small quite county park with electricity at most sites. First come sites. On Labor Day weekend only 5 campers there out of 21 sites. We found one with mostly shade. There is a first class 21 hole frisbee golf course at this park. Close to 52 mile Cedar Valley Nature bike trail. On the Cedar River. Boats were going in and out, I would guess you could Kayak there. One half mile on gravel to the park. No cell service.

      • 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 Campground
        Jul. 10, 2024

        Wildcat Den State Park Campground

        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.

      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lime Creek Park
        Jun. 13, 2024

        Lime Creek Park

        Nice campground with a Quirk

        The pros: $10 fee ($15 electric), campground seems well maintained (grass is mown, security light works, tables in good repair, gravel access road in good shape, etc); no one here but us, the sound of the running Creek is soothing, vault toilet is probably the cleanest I've seen; ATT cell service was 3bars 5G The unusual: no specific site, no specific place to pull into, no site numbers or designation except on the electric pedestals. It's all grass. Pull onto the grass near the table or electric pedestal you want. The cons: highway traffic noise is easily heard and doesn't seem to stop for more than a few seconds (though the crickets/bug sounds and the creek sound is sometimes louder so you hear that instead), dust from vehicles passing on nearby dirt road filters thru the trees (due to dry weather?), and, well, it is, after all, a vault toilet-not my fav,

      • 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!



      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 Macbride Nature Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Swisher, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.