Best Campgrounds near Thor, IA

Campgrounds near Thor, Iowa include several county and state park options within a 20-mile radius, offering a mix of tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Kennedy County Park in Fort Dodge provides electric hookups, water access, and shaded sites, while Brushy Creek State Recreation Area features multiple campground areas including specialized equestrian camping zones. Joe Sheldon County Park in Humboldt accommodates tent, RV, and cabin campers with full hookup options available at most sites.

Many campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operations with most facilities open from April through October, though a few like Briggs Woods Park remain open year-round. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months, particularly for weekend stays and holidays. Most developed campgrounds provide drinking water, electric and sewer hookups, and shower facilities, though amenities vary by location. Cell service can be limited in certain parks, with Kennedy County Park noted for having minimal coverage. According to one visitor, "No cell service provider functions in this park. The WIFI is shared between dozens of sites, speed averages right around 5mps."

The regional camping experience features a mix of lakeside settings, wooded areas, and prairie landscapes. Dolliver Memorial State Park offers scenic hiking trails through forested terrain with historical features, while Lake Cornelia Park provides water recreation opportunities with generous lakefront camping spots. Several visitors mention the quality of fishing in area lakes and streams, with one camper noting Brushy Creek's "great new beach area and fishing." Campground layouts vary considerably, with some parks featuring spacious sites and others arranged more closely together. Families appreciate the numerous playgrounds, beaches, and recreational facilities available at many locations, making the Thor area popular for multi-generational camping trips during summer months.

Best Camping Sites Near Thor, Iowa (67)

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Recent Reviews near Thor, IA

203 Reviews of 67 Thor Campgrounds


  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Siems County Park

    Nice little campground

    Mix of sites. Some have electric and water. Some have electric but have to share a water spigot. Small lake. Public restrooms and shower. Frisbee Golf. Well kept.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Ambrose A. Call State Park Campground

    Mixed bag

    Small campground. Not busy while I was here. Sites have electricity, but water spigots are shared. Free firewood is provided. Nice oak trees. No privacy between sites. Pit toilets. No showers. Park is very nice with hiking trails and a Frisbee Golf course. $18 per night.

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Devine Wildlife Area

    Free and fairly primitive

    Dispersed camping really. You can bring a big rig in. No really prepared sites. Maybe 5 places you could set up. No water, no electric, no toilet. Swampy area nearby so bring mosquito repellent. But the price is right.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lotts Creek Co Park

    Camping in the shade of tall oaks

    Nice little campground. 5 sites. Water, electricity, picnic table and fire pit with grilling grate at each one. Flush toilet and sink in bathroom. Old style playground. Shelter with more picnic tables. First come, first serve. $15 per night. Nicely set up for a multiple family campout.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Smith Lake County Park

    Good value camping

    This is a pretty quiet campground in my experience. For $15 you get water/electric sites with access to bathrooms and showers. Dogs are allowed on leash. Pretty nice playground. The beach area has been taken over by geese though.

  • Kristy E.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lake Cornelia Park

    Beautiful place

    This is a beautiful county park with lots of camping sites with great views and generous camping spots. It is on a small lake that has good fishing, full hookups, and very nice swimming b each beach. We also enjoyed walking on the many trails.

  • Bethany G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    I stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent. I butted up against woods with neighbors to one side which made me feel like I had a pretty private area to myself. Other than the bugs, which it is that time of the year, I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service. However, I was able to text my family via satellite to let them know I was okay. It could be seen as a pro or con, but I think we all need no phone time at some point to just set still and relax. I look forward to camping here again soon!

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Don Williams Park

    Beautiful park

    Great sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views.


Guide to Thor

Camping near Thor, Iowa, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: There are plenty of trails to explore. At Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "The hiking is so good, it'd be silly to worry about much of anything down here." The scenic trails are perfect for both hiking and biking.
  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Briggs Woods Park, offer access to lakes and rivers. A visitor shared, "Boone River, Briggs Woods Lake good for paddling with rentals available, fishing, beach."
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Campgrounds like North Equestrian Campground — Brushy Creek State Recreation Area have playgrounds for kids. One review noted, "There was also a nice playground for the kids surrounded by a well-maintained, large, grassy area."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground said, "Clean restrooms & shower stalls. Water. Playground."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Briggs Woods Park mentioned, "Very quiet park, we stayed in the back. We had water/power but no sewer hookup."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One reviewer at Little Wall Lake County Park said, "Spacious sites along a gorgeous lake..quiet..wish every campground was this nice!"

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Kennedy County Park noted, "There is no cell service provider that functions in this park."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Beeds Lake State Park mentioned, "You can reserve a spot by going online, though they do keep some as FCFS."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A camper at Pilot Knob State Park shared, "Got to see turtles laying eggs and deer were all around."

Tips for camping with families

  • Look for Kid-Friendly Amenities: Choose campgrounds with playgrounds and open spaces. At North Equestrian Campground, one reviewer said, "There was also a nice playground for the kids."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for family fun. A camper at Spring Lake County Park mentioned, "Bike/hiking trail, disc golf, kayak/paddle boat rentals, swimming beach."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand makes it easier to enjoy the outdoors. A visitor at Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground noted, "If you have anything you'd like to listen to or watch, download it before going in."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Briggs Woods Park said, "Site with full hook-ups was only $30."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have close sites. A visitor at Pilot Knob State Park mentioned, "The sites are somewhat modest in size and the one-way roads are narrow and unmarked."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds lack amenities, it's good to have extra water and food. A camper at Eagle City County Park noted, "The grounds are peaceful and there's lots of great plant and flower spotting."

Camping near Thor, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Thor, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Thor, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 67 campgrounds and RV parks near Thor, IA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Thor, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Thor, IA is Kennedy County Park with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Thor, IA.