Best Tent Camping near West Branch, IA

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

Best Tent Sites Near West Branch, IA (25)

    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

    1. 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 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

    2. 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 River Junction
    Camper-submitted photo from River Junction
    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.

    4. 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground

    5. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    1 Save
    West Liberty, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Macbride Nature Recreation Area

    6. Macbride Nature Recreation Area

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    5 Saves
    Coralville Lake, Iowa

    Macbride 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
    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

    7. 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

      8. Hidden River Campground

      1 Review
      5 Saves
      West Liberty, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • No image available
        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

        10. 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

      Showing results 1-10 of 25 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in West Branch

      518 Reviews of 25 West Branch Campgrounds


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

        Louisa County Fairgrounds

        Tipucal 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.

      • 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. Pressure horrible. Was charged $1300 for 6 weeks plus I have to pay coat of utilities. They are no longer 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. The swimming water is right next to the beach 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)

      • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from 6B's Campground
        Nov. 10, 2024

        6B's Campground

        Duo-Layered Camping Experience

        My twin brother and I discovered this little hidden gem of a campground outpost just a mile or so east of Maquoketa Caves SP. This nature-infested outpost is split into 2 levels with an upper plateau section that is more geared towards the tent-pitchin’ bredren of my tribe, while the lower level straddles the Maquoketa River and offers up splendid waterfront views of the slow-moving, fresh-water creek variety. Apart from the very welcoming folks that run this place, led by Karen Townsend, what I loved most about 6B’s was the very welcoming community of fellow campers who rolled out the‘red carpet’ treatment for us when we rocked up. The upper level offers up only a solid picnic table, in-ground fire rings w/ fold-up BBQ grills and a tree-lined backdrop with a fenced in front lawn– perfect for a quick and EZ set-up. Massive bonus points for the location of this campground, which apart from rural country farmers and bat cave tourist passerby traffic, there was virtually no noise pollution to battle with.

        If you’re rolling in on an RV, 5th wheeler or trailer, while you likely could park your mobile living room on the upper plateau, you’ll likely feel much more comfortable on the lower river basin, providing that you can make it down the somewhat steep decline gravel road(this is Iowa, so I don’t think anyone will be too challenged, but just want to put the decline out there). Before you’ve arrived at the river’s edge, you’ll notice a simply sublime solo picnic table that has strategically been placed in one of the very large, abandoned bat caves, which makes for a very special picnic outing. Turning left as you reach the riverfront, you’ll follow a single, narrow loop that offers up slots on a first-come, first-served basis, with each offering up water, 30 amp electric, boat ramp, diving platform and a fairly flat landing to park for the night or a week(or even month!).

        Downsides? This camping outpost only accepts cash, money order or checks, which was a major bummer for us as we didn’t have any of those with us and while there were banks nearby(well, some 30 miles away), we weren’t members of the bank, which wasn’t even open, on account that it was after noon on a Saturday, so yeah, while a small thing, it became quite a big deterrent for us. If you can get this solo downside, there really is nothing else but upside, chief of which includes direct access to the Maquoketa River, which we enjoyed, given we were toting my tandem kayak with us, as well as, of course, just 3 miles west to Maquoketa Caves SP.

        Happy Camping!

      • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
        Nov. 10, 2024

        Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

        Eco-Locate This Blissful Hidden Campground Gem

        This Iowa SP campground is simply AMAZING and if you are a bat cave spelunker, you are going to be absolutely excited by this place, if you don’t know it already. For the rest of us outdoor enthusiasts who are simply looking for a great campground, then you’ve also struck the campground lottery, but if you are interested in staying here, I would STRONGLY encourage you to mind your dates taking note of when bat hibernation ends and begins – for what it’s worth, my brother and I drove all the way here only to find out that hibernation began the day of our arrival. That said, we could still hike all of the amazing trails, but couldn’t access the bat caves.

        The campground that resides here, is less than a quarter mile away from the access point to the bat caves, creating huge upside for selecting this campground in the first place. A heavily wooded area encompasses every single site (there’s 28 in total w/ 24 offering 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric) providing a substantial amount of shade, will also allowing decent sunlight as well along a slowly winding lone lane that leads one into this shrouded camping haven. While the spots (#12-#16) towards the end of the lane are more earmarked for mi tent pitchin’ bredren, whereas the rest of the sites (#1-#11; #17-#28) are set-up for the RV and 5th Wheel toting crowd (although you could easily set up a tent on any one of these sites should you choose to).

        A couple of points to keep in mind– the entrance to the campground is the busiest, so if this is of concern, steer clear of #1-#3 or #27-#28. Second, if you have kids and want to be planted near the playground, you might want to target sites #26-#28, where the spacious kids playground sets right behind these sites. In the event that being nearest the built-in amenities (restroom, shower, water source, community library, trash, firewood) are important to you, then look at sites #5-7 and #23-26. With this in mind, as you meander further down the lone campground loop lane, the quieter and more sheltered the place gets, so from #6-#24 should be a prime target for you if peace & solitude are important to you. Despite all of the advice I’ve just given, I don’t think you can really go wrong with any site here.

        Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking for a primitive tent camping experience, then you’re going to want to book sites #12 and #13, which set a bit further back for the cul-de-sac end of the lane offering up more privacy and less noise from the rest of the camping commune; (2) All sites designated for RV’s are back-in and range in driveway length between 31 and 68 feet; (3) The campground itself is closed between December 1 thru February 28 each year; (4) This SP offers up more than 370 acres with 6 miles of hiking trails with 13 distinct bat caves to explore, so bring good hiking shoes, headlamps, proper long sleeve shirts and pants to keep the bugs and ticks away, which abound here aplenty; and (5) There’s plenty of picnic tables, most under shelters as well as scattered stand-up and in-ground BBQ grills all offered up on a first-come, first-served basis.

        Happy Camping!

      • 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 Horseshoe Pond
        Oct. 9, 2024

        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
        Oct. 2, 2024

        Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

        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.

      • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
        Sep. 23, 2024

        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.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.

      • Jeff and Linda L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Bluff County Park
        Sep. 2, 2024

        Wildcat Bluff County Park

        Nice small park

        Small quite county park with electricity at most sites. First come sites. On Labor Day weekend only 5 campers there out of 21 sites. We found one with mostly shade. There is a first class 21 hole frisbee golf course at this park. Close to 52 mile Cedar Valley Nature bike trail. On the Cedar River. Boats were going in and out, I would guess you could Kayak there. One half mile on gravel to the park. No cell service.

      • 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.

      • W
        Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Ridge
        Aug. 24, 2024

        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.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



      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 Cedar River Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near West Branch, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.