Camping spots near West Union, Iowa range from streamside sites to hilltop perches with elevations between 850-1200 feet. The region's driftless area topography creates microclimates where valley temperatures can be 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding areas. Seasonal road conditions vary significantly, with some gravel access roads becoming impassable after heavy rainfall during spring and fall.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: Echo Valley State Park Campground offers morning hiking options through varied landscapes. A camper noted, "The hiking trail was perfect for a morning stroll with my dog and coffee and there certainly is a petting zoo (my German Shepard was a little uncertain about the goats)." The park features a network of trails suitable for all ability levels.
Fishing for beginners: Pulpit Rock Campground provides accessible fishing opportunities with consistent catches. "Fishing was really great catching several fish for dinner including some really nice size rainbow trout," reports one visitor. The campground's location on the water makes it ideal for anglers of all experience levels.
Water recreation: Skip-A-Way Resort offers multiple water activities from April through October. According to a camper, "Some weekly activities include canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake, a splash pad for kids and occasionally a dumping tank for free, also miniture golf." Rental equipment is available on-site.
What campers like
Secluded locations: Klocks Island Park offers peaceful riverside camping with minimal crowding. A camper described it as "Very shady camping right along the river. $12 per night. Worth the money. Not busy and no limit on stay duration." The park features grassy camping spots surrounded by trees.
Wildlife viewing: Wyalusing State Park Campground provides opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. "Fireflies emerged as we began to setup camp and we watched the sunset over the Missippi before calling it a night," shared one visitor. Early morning and dusk offer the best viewing times.
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds in the area offer affordable rates. One camper at Klocks Island Park mentioned, "Large park, no designated sites, fire rings spread around. Elect posts spread around.water available a dump station on site $2.00 charge. Very green, a river all around the park. Our favorite place in the area. $12.00 a night."
What you should know
Site availability challenges: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons. A visitor to Lakeview Campground shared, "Went there last weekend had to do a walk up everything else was reserved." Reservations are recommended 3-4 weeks in advance for weekend stays.
Variable shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality varies significantly between parks. One camper at Lakeview Campground noted, "Bathrooms are clean and well stocked. 4 private showers available...clean." However, at another campground, a visitor mentioned, "The only not so great experience was that 2 out of the 3 showers on the women's side were out of order."
Seasonal operation limitations: Many facilities have restricted hours or limited staff availability. A Skip-A-Way Resort camper observed, "The office had strange hours limiting the use of some of the amenities (tubing, kayak and paddle boat rentals) the party floats were not accessible as advertised on the website."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Six Pines Campground offers family-friendly learning experiences. "I went with a group of entering sixth grade Girl Scouts on a weekend tent camping trip to this park. The campsites were simple to access and the grounds were easy to navigate. We hiked on the famous Backbone trail - a really fun hike that isn't too incredibly long," reported one group leader.
Multiple activity options: Skip-A-Way Resort provides diverse family entertainment. A camper noted, "Lots of things for kids to do! They have mini golf but you have to pay 8 dollars for that. They have river rafting, a playground for little kids, and a mini horse for petting." Some activities require additional fees beyond camping costs.
Site selection for families: Choose sites based on amenities and proximity to facilities. "We stayed at site #125 which has fantastic views of the river and surrounding area's, but the wind is stronger at this spot because it's open," advised one parent, suggesting families with young children might prefer more sheltered locations.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness concerns: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain challenging for larger rigs. At Lakeview Campground, a camper noted, "Gravel parking spots, fairly level, most without shade unless you get on the 'back loop' where you can find 4 with good shade." Bring leveling blocks even for sites marked as level.
Limited privacy between sites: RV sites often lack separation at popular campgrounds. One camper observed, "I didn't enjoy was how close each RV site is. The sparks from our fire were making their way to our neighbors site." Consider weekday stays for more space and privacy.
Size restrictions at some parks: Several campgrounds cannot accommodate larger rigs. One visitor to Echo Valley noted, "It is most suitable for tent, truck, or teardrop camping... large RVs would not do well." Always call ahead to confirm your specific RV length can be accommodated.
