Best Tent Camping near Wapello, IA

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

Best Tent Sites Near Wapello, IA (18)

    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

    1. 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 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 Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve

    3. Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve

    2 Reviews
    15 Photos
    3 Saves
    Illinois City, Illinois

    20 primitive campsites with shower building and water access

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $14 - $32 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp

    4. Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp

    1 Review
    12 Photos
    1 Save
    Muscatine, Iowa

    There is a primitive camping area at the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area. Fees are $10 per night.

    · Primitive environment

    · Tents only

    · No vehicle parking at the campsite

    · Limited picnic tables and fire rings

    · Restrooms in Main Campground

    · Showers available in Main Campground

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $10 / night

    • No image available

      5. Spring Lake Campground

      2 Reviews
      9 Saves
      Burlington, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from River Junction
      Camper-submitted photo from River Junction
      Camper-submitted photo from Silva Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Silva Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Silva Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Silva Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Silva Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Silva Campground
      • No image available

        8. Windmill Ridge Campground

        1 Review
        1 Save
        Kalona, Iowa
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

        9. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

        5 Reviews
        63 Photos
        5 Saves
        Wheatland, Iowa

        The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center is located along the Wapsipinicon River and consists of 225 acres of upland and bottomland forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Wapsi Center, along with Sherman Park across the river, provide a 432-acre complex offering a wide variety of uses. The larger of the two campsites at the Center, Elm Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site. The site offers flat ground for many tents, two fire pits, picnic tables, trash cans, and two sets of horseshoe pits. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site. Vincent Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site offering a fire pit, picnic tables, and trash can. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site.

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

        $17 - $80 / night

        • No image available

          10. Hidden River Campground

          1 Review
          5 Saves
          West Liberty, Iowa
          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Electric Hookups
          • Phone Service
          • Reservable
          • ADA Access
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        Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews in Wapello

        427 Reviews of 18 Wapello Campgrounds


        • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Wilson Lake Park
          Dec. 9, 2024

          Wilson Lake Park

          Nice campground

          I didn't stay here as it was winter. The campground is nice with cement pads as well as primitive campsites and cabins.

        • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lee County Pollmiller Park
          Dec. 9, 2024

          Lee County Pollmiller Park

          Nice campground

          I didn't stay here, just visited. Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs.

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

          Louisa County Fairgrounds

          Typical 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.

        • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Grove Rec Area
          Nov. 18, 2024

          Virginia Grove Rec Area

          Small and quaint

          This is a small campground with electric camper spots. I didn't see any dump station. It features a playground and has vault toilets. There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks. Online only reservations.

        • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Big Hollow Recreation Area
          Nov. 18, 2024

          Big Hollow Recreation Area

          Full Featured Camping

          This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.

        • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Big Hollow Recreation Area
          Nov. 17, 2024

          Big Hollow Recreation Area

          Really excellent campground

          Lots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range.

        • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Welter Recreation Area
          Nov. 17, 2024

          Welter Recreation Area

          Primitive Campsite

          This campsite appears to not be well maintained it may even be closed. There is no electricity and one vault toilet. Weeds are overgrown, and fallen trees have not been cleared. However, it has a wonderful view of the river and is directly on the banks. Because there are fallen trees, firewood is plentiful :).

        • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lower Augusta Skunk River Access
          Nov. 17, 2024

          Lower Augusta Skunk River Access

          Great campsite

          Campsite is directly next to the river. Most sites have power but there are a few tent sits as well (those are right on the river). We'll maintained vault toilets. Site has a shared spicket.

        • Stuart O.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Nauvoo State Park Campground
          Nov. 13, 2024

          Nauvoo State Park Campground

          Late season option

          We stayed in mid-November when a lot of places are closed. They had electricity and the dump station was operating, but the water hookups were shut off and the bath house was closed for the winter. Water was available at a hydrant across from the bath house, but lacked a garden hose thread, so you could only fill water jugs. The roads are very narrow and in need of repair. Fee was $18.

        • 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 or the mains keep breaking. Pressure horrible, pump issues. Was charged $1300 for 6 weeks because they charged me for the whole month even though i wasnt there until last 2 weeks of the month. They are not 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. Trash is always overflowing all over. The swimming water is right next to the leach 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) They don't salt their roads, causing me to slip and fall. Got fractured skull and stitches. Tree fell on car due to weather but I fell due to their negligence. Salting roads would have prevented my injury. 10am the next day and nobody out cleaning up debris.

        • Coty G.
          Camper-submitted photo from Keithsburg Riverside Campground
          Oct. 14, 2024

          Keithsburg Riverside Campground

          Great river view

          Nice campground, we have camped there on several occasions. Tent, pop up, and travel trailer. Shower house is a little bit of a walk but not terrible. Bout a 3 block walk to several bars/restaurant a caseys gas station. Everyone was friendly. Would recommend.

        • Coty G.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground
          Oct. 14, 2024

          Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground

          We Camp here almost every weekend

          Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river. 2 blocks from a restaurant/tavern. City of New Boston has several different community events throught the year as well.

        • 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?

        • .! E !.
          Camper-submitted photo from Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA
          Sep. 5, 2024

          Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA

          Perfect!

          Very nice, affordable and peaceful campsite. Stayed one night for tent camping, campsite was clean and accommodating with fire pit, picnic table, lights, Wi-Fi, and power plug. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Perfect camping site.

        • 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.

        • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
          Aug. 28, 2024

          Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

          Nice modern cabin in County campground

          Cabin sits at end of campground lane with covered porch, parking for 3 cars, ADA accessible. Cabin has 2 sleeping rooms, sleeping loft, and sofa. Capacity is 10, with all kitchen amenities. Has fire pit, wood available in campground, tables, and gas grill with rental. Playground nearby, park has seasonal pool, garden of course, trails, Pride Lake for fishing and paddling.

        • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Interstate RV Park
          Aug. 22, 2024

          Interstate RV Park

          Overnight stop along I-80

          Campground has gravel lanes, roads pads, appears to have annual residence, campground office, pool is clean, planes, farm, and fleet nearby for Supplies. Sites include tables, water, electric, though need updating.

        • 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.



        Guide to Wapello

        Tent camping near Wapello, Iowa, offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from primitive sites to well-equipped campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

        Tent campers appreciate these amenities

        Activities to enjoy while camping

        Tips for tent camping near Wapello

        Frequently Asked Questions

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

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wapello, IA is Wildcat Den State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

          TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Wapello, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.