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Best Tent Camping near Castana, IA

234 Reviews

The Loess Hills region surrounding Castana, Iowa offers several primitive tent camping options, with Preparation Canyon State Park standing out as the premier backcountry tent destination. Located about 15 miles southwest of Castana in Onawa, this park features 8-10 hike-in tent campsites scattered throughout its 340 acres. Other tent-friendly options include Stieneke Area Park near Washta, Ranney Knob Area, and Hildreth Lighthouse Campground in Whiting. For tent campers seeking more amenities while still enjoying a natural setting, Loess Hills Hideaway in Moorhead provides designated tent sites alongside other accommodations.

Most tent-only sites in the region require self-registration at trailhead parking areas, with fees typically around $10-15 per night. Preparation Canyon's walk-in tent sites each include a fire ring and picnic table, with sites positioned along creek beds or on hillsides. Vault toilets are available near parking areas but not at individual campsites. Water must be filtered from nearby creeks or carried in, as potable water is limited or unavailable at most locations. Campers should bring all necessary supplies as surrounding towns offer minimal amenities. Fire restrictions may apply during dry periods, and sites remain open year-round though spring can bring muddy conditions.

The backcountry tent camping experience in this area offers exceptional solitude and scenic views. According to reviews, Site 3 at Preparation Canyon is particularly noteworthy, offering "phenomenal star gazing opportunity" from its hillside position. Campers noted that the sites are "always private" due to their dispersed layout throughout the park. The area features nearly 8 miles of trails within the park boundaries, with additional hiking available in the adjacent Loess Hills State Forest. One visitor described finding "a little creek if you need water" near their secluded walk-in site. The unique geology of the Loess Hills provides tent campers with distinctive landscapes not commonly found elsewhere in the Midwest, making these primitive tent sites particularly valuable for those seeking both solitude and natural beauty.

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Best Tent Sites Near Castana, Iowa (7)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Castana, IA

3 Photos of 7 Castana Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Castana, IA

234 Reviews of 7 Castana Campgrounds

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Peaceful Serenity

    I arrived just in time to see the beautiful sunset over the small lake near the primitive campground closest to the Park Office. It only cost $10 for tent camping and $3 for a vehicle pass. Campground and vault toilets were pretty clean. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each tent campsite and there are plenty to choose from near the water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe and even fish here. We had a nice encounter from the campground employee who explained how to put the stake out to claim our campsite. Right away, I saw abundant wildlife, including turkey, deer, black squirrels, woodpeckers, geese, ducks and bats. Come prepared for the mosquitoes but overall I would highly recommend this place!

  • Sarah H.
    Aug. 7, 2016

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Easy Family Camping Near Omaha

    Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Nice and peaceful

    Great spot for an overnight! Restroom is clean w/ pit toilet and tp. Wifi is only accessible in the upper area of the grounds. Site number 13 is the most cozy as there’s no one next to your rig. Firewood is at the right of the entrance. Potable water available!

  • Allison J.
    Jul. 8, 2016

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Loess hills getawayg

    The park has cabins, rv sites, tent camping and backcountry hike in camping. The nature center is a nice place to cool down the the summer and learn about the loess hills. The backcountry campsite have pads with pea gravel for tents and fire rings. Nice and quiet.

  • S
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Stone State Park Campground

    Quick weekend trip

    Planned to stay for the weekend to test out new tent but storms came through & we left after one night. Basic campground in shady area under trees. We did not get an electric hookup. Ground was mostly dirt not grass on our site & mostly dry. Large trees provided shade which helped as very hot & humid. We were next to a ravine but with plenty of bug spray did not get many bites. Hiked the Bear & Buffalo trails. Campground very quiet though a few people came & went. Washrooms are very basic & chose not to use shower. The Park Ranger did check on us & advise on weather conditions. Picnic table & fire pit were fine. Got only 1 bar signal on both Verizon & AT&T. No WiFi. Overall basic, woody/shaded. Good for short stay.

  • Alison D.
    Oct. 9, 2020

    Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

    Surprise find in Iowa!

    I stayed here on a long road trip across the country. Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded. Picnic table and fire ring included. Also, there’s a trail up a hill right near by that had great views of the area and a lovely sunset! I would definitely recommend. Just a head’s up: I saw some pics of people car camping here on this site. Not sure how that would work since it’s supposed to be walk-in only and pretty clearly roped off from access with a car.

  • Kyla B.
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Dead Timber State Rec Area

    Quiet retreat

    There are areas dedicated for daily use, primitive camping and electric sites. Great Lake for kayaking or a small jon boat. Has restrooms available, no showers. No dumpsite. Fire pit and picnic table available at sites.

    Appears to be a quiet retreat with minimal campers.

  • S
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

    Short weekend getaway

    Nice campground. Very few tent only - mostly RVs/trailers. Washrooms basic but clean. Large site under trees with mix of sun & shade. Grassy area for tent. Access to water close by. Large playground for kids. Campground host had firewood. Picnic table & firepit with grill rack in good condition. Nearby boat ramp to load kayak onto Blue Lake. Many water lilies but sheltered at one end so good for kayak. Everyone seemed friendly though some folk stayed up pretty late on Friday!

  • M
    May. 9, 2021

    Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    Gorgeous in the fall!

    We stayed during the campground's last weekend in October, and loved it. It was so gorgeous with all the fall colors, and it's really a gem of a campground.

    Pros:

    -Beautiful, huge lake with lots of pretty views

    -Primitive spots are separated from electric spots, which is great if you're looking for quiet, peaceful tent camping

    -Primitive spots are relatively private and generously sized, you don't feel like you're right on top of your neighbors

    -Decent portapotty in close distance

    -Plenty of picnic spots

    -Electric spots are right along the lake, which offers beautiful views

    -On-site firewood

    Cons:

    -Full modern bathrooms are a long walk/drive away

    -Not much for activities

    -Water hydrants are right in the middle of people's camping spots, so it feels awkward to grab water

    -The only hiking trail is EXTREMELY poorly marked and when it ends (it doesn't tell you it's ending) you either have to just turn around or walk a mile along the busy highway with very small shoulder. We mistakenly took the highway expecting the trail to continue, but it didn't and it was very scary, 0/10 don't recommend.

    -Not many walk-in spots

    -Lots of primitive spots are on a hill, so your tent is a little sideways

    -Not many dumpsters

    -No lights in the portapotty, so you'll need a headlamp at night

    EDITED TO ADD: We stayed again in May, and it was a great place to spend a weekend. Quiet, friendly but not a party crowd, and a nice, relaxing environment overall. Word on the streets (from the DNR warden) is that they’re looking into creating 2 more hiking trails too.

Guide to Castana

Tent camping near Castana, Iowa primarily centers on the Loess Hills region, a unique landform comprised of windblown silt deposits that can reach heights of 200 feet above the surrounding plains. This geological formation creates distinctive terrain with steep, narrow ridges and deeply carved valleys not typically found in Midwest landscapes. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with summer highs reaching into the 90s, requiring seasonal preparation for campers.

What to do

Hiking the prairie trails: Preparation Canyon State Park features nearly 8 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. One reviewer noted the "trails are well maintained as are the campsites," making this an accessible option for backpackers testing new equipment.

Stargazing opportunities: The remote location allows for exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at Preparation Canyon mentioned finding "a great sunset" from a nearby hill trail, with minimal light pollution enhancing celestial observation.

Kayaking access: Stieneke Area Park provides river access for paddlers. A visitor mentioned, "There's a river behind and the sign says you can launch a kayak," with the small county park offering a convenient entry point for water activities.

What campers like

Secluded sites: Tent campers appreciate the privacy at walk-in locations. One visitor at Pelican Point State Rec Area noted it has "2 primitive campsites and a vault toilet" with recently mowed camping areas despite the rough access path.

Natural water sources: Several sites offer creek access for water filtering. A camper mentioned finding "a little creek if you need water" near their site, though water availability can be seasonal and requires proper treatment.

Geological uniqueness: The Loess Hills provide a landscape unlike typical Midwestern camping. A visitor described being surprised, writing "Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa!" regarding their tent camping experience.

What you should know

Minimal facilities: Most tent sites provide basic amenities only. At Ranney Knob Area, a camper reported it "has some picnic tables, a toilet, and a trash can" but "no designated camp sites and limited parking."

Self-registration required: Most locations use honor system payment. A reviewer noted at Stieneke Area Park, "the Rangers came at about 3:30 pm to clean the vault toilet and collect my fee from the lockbox" with a standard $10 nightly fee.

Limited water availability: Potable water sources are scarce. One camper at Stieneke Area Park mentioned, "There's a hand pump water well. Give it a dozen pumps to get it going. I don't suppose it is potable water," confirming the need to bring or filter water.

Tips for camping with families

Consider accessibility: Choose sites based on hiking distance and terrain. A camper described Preparation Canyon as having "Beginner to intermediate level trails that are good for the whole family" with options for shorter walks to camping areas.

Playground access: Moorehead Pioneer County Park offers additional recreation options. A visitor noted, "There's a playground and a couple small pavilions across from where I camped," providing entertainment for children during daytime hours.

Park vs. campground clarification: Some locations may be difficult to identify as legitimate camping areas. One reviewer at Moorehead Pioneer County Park stated, "If I hadn't found the sign with tent symbols I would have doubted it was a legitimate place to camp," suggesting families should research thoroughly before arrival.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most sites cater primarily to tent camping. A visitor to Loess Hills Hideaway noted, "They have cabins and R.V. spots for sure," making it one of the few locations accommodating recreational vehicles.

Access road considerations: Many locations have unpaved approaches. One camper mentioned, "two miles of dirt road was less than fun," highlighting potential challenges for larger vehicles during wet conditions.

Campsite identification: Look for designated areas rather than assuming camping is permitted. A visitor explained, "It's not really a campground. It's a county park with a few camp spots," emphasizing the need for RVers to confirm their specific site location before setting up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Castana, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Castana, IA is Preparation Canyon State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Castana, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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