The northeastern corner of Iowa features diverse elevation changes and limestone bluff terrain surrounding West Union. Located about 850 feet above sea level, this region offers camping experiences across rolling hills, trout streams, and river valleys. Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, though some maintain sites year-round.
What to do
Trout fishing opportunities: Bloody Run County Park provides direct access to stocked trout streams. "Caught plenty of German brown trout and cooked over the fire pits at the site (grate included)," reports one visitor. The park maintains a fishing calendar for stocked species.
Hiking trail networks: Yellow River State Forest offers extensive hiking with varied terrain. "We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground," according to a camper. Trail maps available at the information center show interconnected paths suitable for day hikes.
Water recreation: Skip-A-Way Resort features multiple water activities during summer months. "Some weekly activities include canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake, a splash pad for kids," notes a reviewer. Equipment rentals available on-site from April 15 through October 15.
What campers like
Natural features: Backbone State Park campers appreciate the geological formations. "We loved waking up in the morning and going for a walk along the many trails, seeing deer on the trail, and the lake," shares one visitor. The park contains Iowa's first designated state park with distinctive rock formations.
Waterfront sites: Campgrounds along rivers offer premium experiences for RV camping near West Union. "Each sight also has a table and ample space to park car and pitch tents. We had three tents and 2 SUVs and lots of space," writes a Bloody Run camper about their creekside spot.
Spacious layouts: Big Paint Campground provides well-separated sites. "The sites there are pretty spacious and level, but they don't feel very private because this campground is essentially just an open field with line of sight to all other campsites," according to a visitor. Sites typically include fire rings and tables.
What you should know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: At Bloody Run County Park, overnight noise can be significant. "First night at 3am we were awoken but a train blaring its horn the whole way threw the camp ground and the second night it happend at midnight and 3 am," warns a camper. Consider packing earplugs if selecting this location.
Reservation requirements vary: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "You're not getting much (and that's not a bad thing) so the $9 fee seems fair. Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at last 2 days ahead of time," explains a Yellow River State Forest visitor.
Varying levels of facility development: Campgrounds range from primitive to full-service. "There's water at the information center (and a camp host site) outside the campground about 100 yards to the left," notes one visitor about Big Paint Campground's limited facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Pulpit Rock Campground offers convenient access to trails and water. "City campground run by great staff. A quick bike to town to enjoy breweries, restaurants, ice cream and shops," explains a visitor. Sites accommodate various camping setups including tents and RVs.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. "They have a beach for swimming. Boats for renting but they were out of order for repairs when we were here. You can rent kayaks, bikes. They have mini golf but you have to pay 8 dollars for that," reports a Skip-A-Way visitor.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs operate seasonally at select parks. "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time," shares a family who visited Wyalusing State Park. Many parks offer ranger-led activities during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: When motorhome camping near West Union, check site specifications. "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," notes a visitor to Wyalusing State Park, which accommodates larger rigs.
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds provide varying levels of service. "Sites are primitive with tables, fire rings/grates, pit toilets, self registration, ice/wood available across road at visitors station," explains a camper about Yellow River State Forest, where RVers should be prepared for minimal hookups.
Seasonal availability: Many West Union area RV sites close during winter. "I was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station," reports a late-season visitor to Big Paint Campground. Most full-service RV parks operate April through October.
