Best Tent Camping near Urbandale, IA

Tent camping opportunities near Urbandale, Iowa include several county-managed conservation areas and public parks with primitive tent sites. Kuehn Conservation Area provides quiet camping along the Raccoon River with both upper and lower campground sites, while Ashton Wildwood Park in Mingo offers spacious, secluded tent sites tucked into wooded areas. Colfax Quarry Springs Park features lakeside tent camping with good fishing access.

Most tent sites in the Urbandale region are relatively primitive but well-maintained. Fire rings and picnic tables are common amenities at established sites, though campers should be prepared for basic facilities. Vault toilets or pit toilets are the standard at most locations, with Ashton Wildwood Park offering access to flush toilets and hot showers at the nearby observatory building. Water access varies significantly—many sites like Kuehn Conservation Area and Colfax Quarry Springs Park lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Sites typically cost between $7-10 per night, with many operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

The tent camping experience near Urbandale offers natural settings with varying levels of seclusion. Many locations feature wooded sites providing shade and privacy, particularly at Ashton Wildwood Park where campsites are spacious enough for multiple tents. Sites at Kuehn Conservation Area provide hiking, fishing, and paddling opportunities along the Raccoon River. Wildlife viewing is common throughout these areas, with camping permitted from a half hour before sunrise until established closing times, typically 10:30 PM. According to one visitor, "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents. The entire property was well maintained."

Best Tent Sites Near Urbandale, Iowa (13)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Urbandale, IA

5 Photos of 13 Urbandale Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Urbandale, IA

530 Reviews of 13 Urbandale Campgrounds


  • Sara S.
    Jul. 25, 2016

    Ledges State Park Campground

    great walk-in site

    We went to this state park with family and had a great time. We chose to do a walk-in tent site because my brother in law recommended it. The site was great! It had tons of trees, dirt area to set up tent, and nice grass surrounding it. The fireplace and picnic table we unexpected with a walk-in site, but a good surprise :) We camped mid-October and were pleased to see the modern bathrooms still open too! Loved the canyon drive and it’s fabulous views :) We heard about an awesome bicycling trail that connects this park with another and are already planning a trip to go back and do a bike trip! Excellent experience.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • Willy W.
    Oct. 22, 2019

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Great Place

    This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing.

    There is a half mile portage with a campsite on the river which you must call to reserve. The other campsites are $10.00 registration. They have porta potties around. Two places to launch kayaks. Most campsites have fire rings, picnic tables and trash bins. Some have grills. They also have firewood for sale or you can find enough wood around still. I didn’t see any water hookups so bring a filter or water. There is a Kum & Go up the road to get missing supplies.

    The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it’s minimal. The quiet hours are at 10:30pm and they have a gate which is closed at sunset when the park closes for non campers.

    Lots of hiking trails and wildlife. The fishing is the best place for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish. No swimming is allowed and only electric motors, no gas.

    Check out their Facebook page for more updates and if you see me out there say hi!

  • Wendy P.
    Jul. 19, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Beautiful hikes. Prepare for coons.

    One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.

    Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Beautiful place!

    This place is great! There are 10 beautiful campsites, all with new picnic tables, fire ring and cement pad so you’re chairs are actually level! The fire ring even has a grill you and flip over the fire to cook. There is a vault toilet up on the hill where the campsites are. FYI - the women’s side did not have a lock. The sites were very spacious, some massive and very spread out. You could see neighbors but you aren’t on top on them. And it’s free! You can stay for up to 14 days. They do have registration cards up on the board to complete and post on your site. I had 2-3 bars of LTE via AT&T. The closest gas station is about 7 minutes away and a grocery store about 10 minutes away.

    Let’s talk ticks!! I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van. They always got on his feet every time he used the restroom and made their way inside. If you travel with a pet, check them constantly and make sure they are on a tick med!

  • Dare To Everywhere  .The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Great free campground!

    Stayed 7/13/20- FREE 

    Coming off the main road, you’ll enter onto a Dead End gravel road. You’ll eventually see the park entrance(a sign and fence). Pass the first bathrooms/shelter/info board. Continue down the gravel road that looks kinda like a trail. You’ll open up into the campground. The first site to the left of the info board is the most private, with the fire ring being way off the road. I got in late, in the dark, and turned around because the first board said“no camping”. I gave it another shot and continued down the road and was glad when I saw site numbers. Was in and out pretty quick, but it seemed like a really nice place and the fire pits are awesome! Vault toilets available. 

    I had 3 bars LTE AT&T, with no problems.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Lenon Mill Park

    Good Campsite but expensive compared to other similar sites

    I’ve maked this down to 3 stars purely on the basis of the fee - it’s a $20 flat fee whether in an RV with a hookup, or a tent with no hookup, and for that, you get a restroom and a spigot with drinking water, but no shower. Apart from that, the location is quiet and peaceful. Lots of space in the tent area, with some shade and soft grass. Close to town, with restaurants and a grocery store.

  • Tiffany K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Howell Station

    Laid-back Campground

    This campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large trees that provide a lot of shade for the campground. There are play grounds for the kids. It is along a river for fishing and bird watching.

  • A
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Jester County Park

    Solid campground

    Stayed at this campground for 3 nights while visiting Des Moines.  We stayed in Loop 1- site 138 because we wanted electrical.  The electrical box has 2 standard household plugs which is nice.  This loop was mostly RVs due to the electrical hook ups.  There aren't really trees between the sites, but it is in a wooded area which is nice and there is some space between the sites so you don't feel like you are right on top of the other people.  Generally, people were pretty quiet, especially once it got dark.  Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate.  Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up.  There is a grassy area all around the gravel with plenty of room for multiple tents.  2 bath/shower houses within a short walk from the site- they were both clean and solid to use.  There are some short trails within the park which are generally well marked, but just 1 trail is longer than about 1/2 a mile.  Didn't check it out, but there is also a large lake.  Lots of picnic areas throughout the park.  There's also a volleyball court and free lending library near one of the bathhouses.  Overall, I'd recommend this campground as long as you don't mind seeing your neighbors.  Quick drive into Des Moines too.


Guide to Urbandale

Tent campsites near Urbandale, Iowa generally operate from April through October, with some sites closing earlier depending on weather conditions. The region sits within the Des Moines Lobe landform, characterized by gently rolling terrain formed by glacial deposits. Winter camping is limited in the area, and campers should note that reservation policies vary significantly between county-managed conservation areas.

What to do

Fishing at multiple lakes: Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers excellent fishing opportunities with largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish in the quarry lake. Only electric motors are permitted on the water. According to camper Jerry V., "It had a nice access spot for fishing. Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that."

Astronomy viewing: At Ashton Wildwood Park, campers can visit the on-site observatory that opens on Saturday evenings (except the first Saturday of each month). "The observatory that's open on Saturday's was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom," notes Willy W.

Hiking trail exploration: Several conservation areas feature maintained hiking paths through woodland and prairie habitats. Mariposa Recreation Area includes trails that lead to a back pond and butterfly garden. As one camper notes, "There are hiking trails and one that goes to a back pond. There is a butterfly garden and playground for the kids to explore."

What campers like

Private, wooded sites: Many tent campsites near Urbandale, Iowa provide natural screening and shade. At Ashton Wildwood Park, one camper notes, "Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. It's only $7/night! There is some play equipment for children."

Affordable camping options: Most county parks charge modest fees compared to state parks or private campgrounds. According to Christopher M. at Colfax Quarry Springs Park, "Awesome campground, clean and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good. Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites. Level enough for our rooftop tent with no difficulties."

Kayaking opportunities: Several water bodies allow non-motorized boating. Willy W. mentions at Colfax Quarry Springs, "There is a half mile portage with a campsite on the river which you must call to reserve. Two places to launch kayaks. There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks."

What you should know

Water availability limitations: Many conservation areas lack drinking water sources. Michael K. at Ashton Wildwood Park advises, "Very clean, easy to reserve. Bathroom was a pit toilet but clean. Camp spot was clean and well-maintained."

Bathroom facilities vary: Most tent camping locations feature vault toilets rather than modern restrooms. Deb K. shares, "There is only a pit toilet in the campground and it's nice enough for midnight runs. Drive up the road to the observatory and there is a bathroom with flush toilets and a hot shower, also a water spigot on the back side."

Seasonal closures: Some parks close facilities during winter months or have reduced access. Mariposa Recreation Area has undergone lake renovation: "The lake has been drained and dredged and is slowly filling back up. It's pretty spacious and has lots of room for tent camping. I wouldn't bring an RV here."

Reservation systems differ: While some campgrounds require advance reservations, others operate on first-come, first-served basis. Check county conservation websites for current policies.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. Willy W. notes that Mariposa Recreation Area features "a butterfly garden and playground for the kids to explore. There is also a shelter to have parties with picnic tables."

Nature exploration opportunities: Many sites offer educational experiences through interpretive trails or nature centers. Kuehn Conservation Area includes the small Bear Creek Nature Center with wildlife viewing opportunities.

Site selection for space: For families with multiple tents, seek out larger sites. Topaz G. mentions about Ashton Wildwood Park, "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Urbandale offer minimal or no RV amenities. One camper at Twin Anchors Campground notes, "The campground was nice, but it seems more for RVs. This place feels more like a neighborhood verses camping in nature. Most people use this as a 'summer home'."

Noise considerations: RV campgrounds may have different quiet hour enforcement than primitive sites. A visitor at Twin Anchors reported, "Its 1130 pm and we r camping by the playground and there's about 10 children at the playground with no adults. And there's about 5 golf carts running around."

Site leveling preparation: Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain. Christopher M. shared his experience: "Level enough for our rooftop tent with no difficulties. Would definitely stay here again."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Urbandale, IA is Kuehn Conservation Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Urbandale, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.