Camping spots near Webster City, Iowa provide year-round options for outdoor enthusiasts in the Des Moines River valley. The area features rolling farmland with elevations between 950-1,150 feet and average summer temperatures in the mid-80s. Winter camping remains available at select locations like Little Wall Lake County Park, which maintains open sites even during colder months when temperatures can drop into the single digits.
What to do
Horseback riding opportunities: At Brushy Creek State Recreation Area's South Equestrian Campground, visitors can bring horses and enjoy dedicated equestrian facilities. "People are here camping with their horses but the campground is still nice and quiet," notes Andrea H.
Water sports on multiple lakes: Webster City area camping offers both river and lake access within short distances. At Dolliver Memorial State Park, one camper mentioned "they rebuilt the boat ramp and it's really nice now. Nice river to kayak, not as scenic as some but fun even though the rivers low."
Hiking networks: Trails range from easy to moderate difficulty throughout the region. A visitor to Dolliver Memorial State Park shared: "We LOVE the hiking trails. Some can be a pretty good workout & steep for a 61 year old, but they are do-able & have resting benches along the way. There are some beautiful old bridges if you get on the right trails."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to hear and observe local fauna. At Little Wall Lake County Park, a camper noted "The frogs in the nearby swamp were fun to hear. Lots of birds too."
Spaciousness between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites for privacy. "We stayed Sun-Wed in May. Closest other campers were about a football field away," reported Cari W. about Briggs Woods Park.
Star viewing: Minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky conditions. A camper at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area shared: "The Stars Were So Bright! This little nugget is laid out on a vast prairie... Very little light pollution."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Dolliver Memorial State Park reported "Wifi is virtually non-existent there, but it is nice to be 'unplugged'. We have a DVD player & watch old movies if its raining."
Firewood restrictions: Due to invasive species concerns, outside firewood is restricted. "You can't bring in any wood outside the area because of the Elm Tree Borer possibly being transported, so you will need to go to Ft Dodge to buy some (Menards & possibly some gas stations)," advises a camper at Dolliver.
Seasonal closures: Many facilities operate on limited schedules. A visitor to Little Wall Lake County Park mentioned "Showers were not open yet in April" despite the campground itself being accessible.
Varying terrain: The landscape can present accessibility challenges. At Ledges State Park, a camper warned about "a lot of up and down terrain, stone steps, etc" and advised "I would be careful hiking in the winter for obvious reason, especially because of the steep edges."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. A visitor to Brushy Creek's North Equestrian Campground noted "There was also a nice playground for the kids surrounded by a well maintained, large, grassy area."
Beach activities: Swimming opportunities exist at multiple locations. "Great place to camp if you like fishing, horseback riding or a nice place to get away," shares a camper about Brushy Creek's Beach Campground.
Tent site considerations: Some campgrounds require significant walking to reach tent areas. A Ledges State Park camper advised, "If you want to tent camp, bring a cart or something to haul everything with. The parking lot is a LONG WAY from any private tent site."
Group camping options: Bells Mills County Park accommodates large parties. "We had 12 campers pull in together and was able to camp all together!" reported Kaylyn S.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for potential uneven grounds. A visitor to Briggs Woods Park mentioned "Our space was out of level but manageable."
Power options vary: Confirm electrical capabilities before booking. At Brushy Creek's North Equestrian campground, a camper advised "If you need 50 amps, you're going to want to head to the Beach Camp."
Wifi availability: Some campgrounds offer surprisingly good connectivity. Bells Mills County Park received this feedback: "Cell service wasn't good but the WiFi was great!"
Buddy site benefits: For RVers traveling together, special site arrangements exist. A visitor to Briggs Woods observed "One area is good for a group of campers as the sites are in a circle" while another noted Brushy Creek has "GREAT buddy sites!"
