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 (25)

  • 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
    61 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 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

    4.

    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

    5.

    Macbride Nature Recreation Area

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    4 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

    6.

    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

      7.

      Hidden River Campground

      1 Review
      4 Saves
      West Liberty, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      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.

      8.

      Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

      4 Reviews
      40 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

    • 10.

      #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

      1 Review
      26 Photos
      11 Saves
      Wyoming, Iowa

      Are you looking for the opportunity to be free and connect with nature naturally? A place to reconnect with your soul or reconnect with your significant other(s). Do you need to escape life for even just a little bit? A place to safely be your true self or selves. Our spaces are all about privacy and relaxing in nature peacefully. Perfect for first time clothing optional experiences. Maybe you just prefer a quiet natural low key space to relax.

      Are you a regular camper who is tired of the busy big campgrounds? Need a overnight camping spot that is more nature and less people?

      Looking for a place to relax in the sun naturally and just take some time for yourself or time with the special people in your life? Along with offering overnight camping sites, we offer day passes for those who just want some chill time within the day. A day pass gives you access to the property, relaxing chairs for that perfect moment in the sun and the woods to wander as you connect with nature. Perfect for a lunch break or just a step away from life for a few hours. Sneak away and take some moments to recharge yourself naturally. Day passes can be a bit tricky to book, reach out if you need help with the site.

      We hope you will find that this is a place for everything listed above and so much more. A space to enjoy some downtime, quiet at peace with nature, and a place for restorative just-for-me time. Perfect for yoga in the woods or a natural spot to meditate. Not a commercial campground, just a piece of personal property that we are looking to share with others who enjoy time in nature. We enjoy our natural privacy and welcome you to experience the same. We are stewards of the property and are charged with taking care of all that Mother Nature has given us. If you need space to think, read a book, or just be you, this could be the right fit. Very private and peaceful, perfect for those looking for some alone time or time with family/friends. Forget the news, forget work, forget city life, and just take in the moments; while listening to the birds sing, (Pull out your Merlin app) to see who's singing!

      Your hosts are here if you need us, but we leave you to enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace. We give you privacy to enjoy your stay fully.

      We have 15 acres of woods with a natural rock bluff, so many different spaces which allow you to fully bond with nature. Trails to wander and wildlife to see. Clothing is optional through out all of the property; overnight camping and sunbathing/day pass spots are available.

      Located on the Wapsipinicon River. Camp sites are very private and tucked away from life's stresses. Relax in the woods. Watch the cows and calves moo in the nearby pasture. Walk nature trails with native wildlife and flora. Great photo opportunities abound. Cast a line to catch dinner. Escape to nature is the key to this property; find yourself tucked away from city sounds and light pollution. Come out to see the sunset/sunrise, check out the stars, read a good book, lay out in your favorite hammock, find yourself, and be at peace. Great place for a nice camping fire; treat yourself to some smores. Peaceful sounds at night of the river flowing as you drift off to sleep in your tent. Perfect little spot for peaceful relaxation and just taking some time. Walk the trails in your natural skin, shoot photos of all the different plants, listen to the birds and animals scurry, enjoy the sunshine, and feel the warmth on all of your body. Put in your canoe or kayak at Olin for a 3-4 hour float to our camping area. There are lots of state parks within a short drive; visit the only Presidential library in Iowa; and tour some amazing caves in nearby parks. Enjoy the Great Jones County Fair only 30 mins away.. So much to do, and then come back to a space without crowds and just chill.

      Welcoming to all, we love to meet new people and let them share in the joy of bonding with nature freely.

      **Property Owner is certified in Massage, offering sessions at the property.

      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Picnic Table

      $20 - $45 / night

    Showing results 1-10 of 25 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews In West Branch

    485 Reviews of 25 West Branch Campgrounds


    • Camper-submitted photo from Langwood Education Center
      September 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?

    • Camper-submitted photo from Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA
      September 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Bluff County Park
      September 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Sherman Co Park
      August 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Ridge
      August 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Interstate RV Park
      August 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
      August 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
      August 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

    • Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
      August 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Ridge Campground
      August 10, 2024

      Windmill 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
      August 9, 2024

      Lake 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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
      July 26, 2024

      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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
      July 10, 2024

      Wildcat Den State Park Campground

      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 :-)

    • Camper-submitted photo from Blue Inn Campground
      June 26, 2024

      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

    • Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
      June 24, 2024

      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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Tailwater West Campground
      June 16, 2024

      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.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
      June 13, 2024

      Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

      Beautiful State Park

      This park is beautiful and perfect for an adventurous hike. The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous. It proved to be tons of fun for me, my son and his friends. We would definitely go back.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Bluff County Park
      June 6, 2024

      Wildcat Bluff County Park

      Quiet with good trails

      Very nice little park if you like hiking or Frisbee golf. There is not much to the park besides campsites and the Frisbee golf course. It has a small playground with just a few swings and a slide. Bathrooms were horrible. I would not suggest staying unless you have your own restroom. Also there is no dump station so be prepared to take your shit home with you.

    • Camper-submitted photo from brinton timbers park
      May 31, 2024

      brinton timbers park

      Great park no showers though

      I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Keokuk County Belva Deer Park
      May 31, 2024

      Keokuk County Belva Deer Park

      Clean park warm showers

      $12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance. Stand-alone bathrooms throughout the park have the deep composting toilets that smell bad but whatever the ones up front are nice. Would recommend 10/10

    • Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
      May 30, 2024

      Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

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    • Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
      May 28, 2024

      BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

      I'll never stay here again.

      I will start by saying the staff was very friendly. Outside of that this was the worst place we have ever camped. Not only did it look like EVERY site was uneven this place was extremely outdated. When you look at the website it makes it sound like they have kid activities(the kid activities was kite making with dollar tree plastic kites and a"mud pit" that was a kiddie pool they added some dirt to and water.) Their kid activies are definitely for ages 7 and under. They had no activities for pre teen/teen age other than cornhole/bags on Sunday afternoon at 5pm when most people would be checking out at 2pm if they only came for the weekend. The golfcart rentals are$60 per day or$100 for two days which seems extreme but there isn't much reason to rent one unless you just want to drive around the pothole filled roads in the park. We drove all around the park and never seen a water trampoline, the pool is being built not sure how long that has been in progress, the live music they had NO live music in a huge camping weekend(memorial day weekend). The showers/bathrooms are extremely outdated gross. We have had this location saved since last year on our must camp list but wanted to make it a time the entire family could join and it was a huge let down! At over$200 for three nights(which was required for a holiday weekend) you would expect this place to be nice. Unfortunately the places we have stayed for$15-$20 a night are by far way nicer than this place. I would not recommend this location to anyone. Attached are the lovely playground photos. I cropped the kids out so one swing does look like it's missing but it is not.

    • Camper-submitted photo from Clarks Ferry
      May 9, 2024

      Clarks Ferry

      Great campground

      This campground sits between the Mississippi River with barge traffic and busy rail road tracks. I knew this up front because you can see it on the map. To me this just means people are working which is great. I know the horns blow all night and day long but i choose to ignore it. The campsites are great. The hosts are warm and welcoming also very helpful. I missed a great photo opportunity last night. Birds were migrating to the north and flying very close to the river. It was awesome to watch. We love this campground!

    • Camper-submitted photo from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
      May 2, 2024

      Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

      Very well kept and quiet campground.

      This is a newer campground so is a mixture of mature and young trees. It is very clean and well cared for. Lots of opportunity to ride the numerous bike trails nearby and hike in wanatee park and nearby pinicon. The Cedar river and the wapsicon for fishing. This area has something for everyone.



    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:

    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 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.