Top Tent Camping near West Branch, IA
Looking for tent camping near West Branch? Find the best tent camping sites near West Branch. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Iowa tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near West Branch, IA (26)
1. Lake Macbride Campground
25 Reviews•86 Photos•83 SavesFrom the website: UPDATE 10/5/2020: The north and south campgrounds, and day-use lodge will remain closed the remainder of the recreation season due to the August 10 severe weather event. Visitors are discouraged from using trails at this time due to hazard trees, with exception of the North Shore Trail and Beach to Dam Trail. The remainder of the park is now open. This recreation area is part of Coralville Lake
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$9 - $19 / night
2. Cedar River Campground
8 Reviews•17 Photos•32 SavesWe 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
3. Wildcat Den State Park
9 Reviews•69 Photos•63 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$6 - $9 / night
4. River Junction
1 Review•2 Photos•6 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
5. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
5 Reviews•63 Photos•5 SavesThe 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
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$17 - $80 / night
7. Macbride Nature Recreation Area
1 Review•3 Photos•5 SavesMacbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) is a 485-acre peninsula that has been leased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the University of Iowa since 1969. There are ten kilometers of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. MNRA is home to the Environmental Education Programs: School of the Wild, Wildlife Camps, and Iowa Raptor Project. MNRA is located 15 miles north of Iowa City at 3895 Raptor Ridge Road, near Solon, Iowa.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
8. Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
1 Review•12 Photos•1 SaveThere 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
9. Hidden River Campground
1 Review•5 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In West Branch
501 Reviews of 26 West Branch Campgrounds
Coty G.
Guide
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.
- j
joelle V.
Traveler
West Overlook Campground
Wonderful place to enjoy Fall Colors
We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors.
Mandy F.
Scout
Lake Iowa County Park
Wasn't free
It was beautiful, full of wildlife, easy to find,not too far from highway but far away enough to not hear
James M.
Legend
Horseshoe Pond
Nice smaller CG in City of Maquoketa, Iowa
CG offers gravel pads, tables, fire rings, electric, sump station, water, small pond with fishing, paddling, dog park. Close to stores for supplies, dining, fuel.
Brian O.Legend
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Nice campground, fun caves, older established state park
My mom remembers visiting this park in the 40's. Not a surprise since Grampa was a Geologist.
This is a small campground for such an old park, only 34 sites, walk-ins included. All sites are along one road with a turnaround at the end. There is only one building with toilets, showers and no pit toilets. These are clean and well maintained.
There is a playground near the entrance that is shared with the caves entrance area, a bit of a walk.
The caves themselves are down a long hill from the campground. There are facilities there too, and a concession stand with limited hours/ days. The caves are fun to explore, but not ADA accessible. Bring flashlights and in some areas watch your head.
The Visitor's center at the park entrance is staffed by volunteers and only open on weekends.
Once you've done the caves, there's not much else to see within the park. But visit the Hurstville interpretive center for a nice nature center and trails.- Wendy R.Traveler
Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground
Peaceful and close to a town
There are sites along the river, while others are larger tucked along the woods and not close to each other. Perfect get away. 15-20 minutes to the closest town.
- Wendy R.Traveler
Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
Primitive perfection
Indian Meadows has individual private sites. If you’re seeking seclusion, this is it! Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen. Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking.
- Ken G.Guide
Lake Iowa County Park
very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced
Not too far off the highway. Very clean and quiet. The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake. Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite. Nice little visitor area. Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.
Great place to spend one night. If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.
- James M.Legend
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.Legend
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.Scout
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 !.Guide
Rock Island-Quad Cities KOA
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.Legend
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.Legend
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.
- WWayne K.Traveler
Riverview Ridge
Unique River and Trail Access Campground
Two hour float trips on the North Fork Maquoketa River are available directly from the campground. There is a mix of permanent and temporary campers. The tent sites, nearest the river, are well spaced with flush toilets. Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean.
- James M.Legend
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.Guide
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.Traveler
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.Guide
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.
Kim F.ScoutWindmill Ridge Campground
Hidden little gem
Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.
Randall K.
RangerLake Iowa County Park
Great spot for a great price
Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?
Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.
The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.
But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.
I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.
Other than that it was a great spot.
Leslie P.Scout
Hannen County Park
Relaxing spot in Iowa
Beautiful relaxing spot. We were in a spot on a hill top.
- CColleen L.Scout
Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
Great location and amenities
I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.
- AAngelika M.Traveler
Wildcat Den State Park
Lovely hidden space
Found by hiking at the Wildcat Den State Park. Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees. Places are gras. Sorry for my english, Camp from Germany :-)
Robert P.Scout
Blue Inn Campground
Reservations
I made a reservation back in April 20 q24 June 26th 6 days before vacation I received a refund notice from them not in the full amount I paid less than a half
- James M.Legend
F. W. Kent Park
Great County park with lake
Park offers: lake fishing, paddling, swimming beach, trails, education center. Sites offer: hard surface, table, fire rings, hosts, firewood for purchase, play areas, RR, storm shelters, views.
- Nick B.Traveler
Tailwater West Campground
Fishing excursion
Very nice and clean. It is right at the base of a dam on one side and calm backwater on the other. Also very nice place to find fossils among the back rocks. Don't plan on using Verizon. I had 1 bar could get texts but not enough to have internet.
Guide to West Branch
Camping near West Branch, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to hike, explore caves, or just relax by the water, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Explore Caves: Check out the unique caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground. One visitor said, "This park is beautiful and perfect for an adventurous hike. The caves make this a unique place to visit."
- Hiking Trails: Enjoy the scenic trails at Lake Macbride State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "The park and caves are so fun!"
- Fishing and Boating: Spend a day on the water at Sugar Bottom Campground. One reviewer noted, "Great access to the river!"
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "Clean bathrooms and good Starlink north clearing."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Scott County Park shared, "The sites here are all shaded... I was next to a large shower house that had plenty of hot water."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River said, "The hosts were absolutely the best!"
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sugar Bottom Campground, do not have showers. A visitor noted, "NO showers, but toilets are available."
- Busy on Weekends: Expect larger crowds on weekends. A camper at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground mentioned, "We were dismayed when we arrived at 3 pm on a Sunday to find the place packed."
- Cell Service Varies: Depending on your provider, cell service can be spotty. One camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "Verizon service was not great in the area."
Tips for camping with families:
- Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family-friendly activities. A visitor at Scott County Park mentioned, "There are playgrounds for your kids to play in."
- Plan for Meals: Bring your own firewood and food supplies, as some campgrounds like Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River do not have markets nearby. A camper noted, "There is no place to buy firewood nearby."
- Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "Everyone was respectful of quiet hours and very friendly."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify site sizes before booking. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "The sites here are closer together."
- Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. A camper at F. W. Kent Park said, "Electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets."
- Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station if you're in an RV. A reviewer at Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA noted, "There is a dump station."
Camping near West Branch, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Branch, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Branch, IA is Lake Macbride Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near West Branch, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near West Branch, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.