Top Tent Camping near West Union, IA
Looking for tent camping near West Union? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near West Union. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of West Union's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near West Union, IA (29)
1. Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest
12 Reviews•46 Photos•4 SavesYellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units.
The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist, with well-kept camping areas, equestrian accommodations, fishing, hunting, and over 45 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
$12 / night
2. Echo Valley State Park
2 Reviews•4 Photos•10 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$5 / night
3. Little Turkey Campground
1 Review•2 Photos•5 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4. Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest
2 Reviews•10 Photos•3 SavesYou may hear a cow moo at the hike-in sites in Camp John Shultz but you’ll not likely hear people. If you do have to share the camp, there are five segregated campsites that are well spaced and feel private. Sites range from partial shade to full shade and all but two have fire rings.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
6. Gateway Park Campground
1 Review•1 Photo- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$20 / night
7. Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest
1 Review•8 Photos•1 SaveYellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units.
The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist, with well-kept camping areas, equestrian accommodations, fishing, hunting, and over 45 miles of trails for hiking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Frontier equestrian campgrounds are non-modern and have non-electric sites with hitching rails and vault toilets
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
$16 / night
8. Chimney Rock County Park
1 Review•1 Save- Tents
- Toilets
9. River Ranch Camping
1 Review•1 Save- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Picnic Table
10. Chickasaw Park
1 Review- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In West Union
350 Reviews of 29 West Union Campgrounds
- DDaniel R.
Guide
Beaver Creek Valley State Park
Cozy hideaway
A great place for a weekend camping trip. We had an excellent spot (35). One of the only sites with grass. Great hiking and trout fishing.
- R
Ryan S.Guide
Cedar View Park
Beautiful park, gross bath house
This is a lovely park. It is fairly quiet, you can hear some highway noise in the distance. The lake is lovely and clean. The spots are gravel, most sites will require some leveling but are not too bad.
Each site has a newer electric pedestal with 30 and 50 amp service, and each site has a water spigot, as well as a picnic table and fire ring.
There are a few sites that back up directly to the lake. There is a swimming beach and a dock. There is a city park adjacent to the campground with a playground and picnic shelter.
I had 3 bars on on T-mobile which got me 64 down and 18 up. On Verizon I had 3 bars which got me 65 down and 12 up.
The shower house was pretty bad though. It was older, which doesn't bother me, but it was dirty. There are camp hosts on site but I guess their duties do not include ever cleaning the restroom. There was food trash in there all week, and if you look around you'll find feces, blood, and personal hygiene trash including used condoms.
I would stay in this campground again because I have a self contained unit and do not need to use the on-site shower house.
Ashley F.Guide
Nelson Dewey State Park
Great place for a short trip
I’ll begin by saying this is by far the cleanest campground I have stayed at. The facilities were well kept including the vault toilet houses. We stayed in a walk to site and the views were incredible. Our tent pad was quite rocky so I would recommend sleeping pads or you will be very uncomfortable. Our site was also extremely dusty which wasn’t a problem at all just be prepared to be a little dirty. The campground was quiet except for the occasional train that rolled through those are quite loud due to how close they are to the campground. I would definitely come back to Nelson Dewey and stay again. There was not a ton to do in the area so a short weekend stay was perfect. A highlight is that the park provided cart to use to haul all your stuff to the walk to sites. There is 1 designated parking spot per walk to site as well. The walk to sites are small and only accommodated our one (6 person) tent which was not a problem for us as we knew this ahead of time.
- RRyan S.Guide
Oelwein City Park
This is a beautiful city park campground
I enjoyed my 5 night stay at Oelwein City Park Campground. It's located on the south end of town, there is only one business within walking distance. It's a great restaurant (Oelwein Family Restaurant) and it's about a 15 minute walk.
There is one shower house, and several vault toilets throughout the park. The shower house is old and a little run down but was very clean. I had no problems using it.
The city park is adjacent to the campground and has picnic shelters, a playground, and a dog park.
There are electric and water hookups at most sites, and there is a dump station. The park was pretty full on the weekend as you would expect, but very quiet during the week.
I had great Verizon and T-mobile service here.
- RRyan S.Guide
Elkader City Park
Close to town, nice facilities, not quiet
I had good Verizon signal here (70 down, 20 up) but zero T-mobile signal.
The campground is close to down, there are two museums within walking distance (just steps from the campground entrance). Across the street is a walking & biking trail that will take you straight to downtown, where you'll find a coffee shop, a few restaurants, and other shopping. It's less than a 5 minute bike ride to get there, and very scenic as it follows the river.
The facilities are newer and pretty nice. The showers are the single-button kind with no temperature adjustment. If you wait a while, the water does get barely warm enough for a comfortable shower.
This is not a quiet campground, it has a well traveled highway on one side, and a city main street on the other side that semi trucks use during the day. Sometimes there are highschool football games at the stadium next to the campground. Late at night it does get quiet.
The sites are grass or gravel. There are electrical hookups at most sites, with water faucets spread throughout the campground. The sites are mostly shaded.
I enjoyed the George Maier Rural Heritage Center and Museum ($5 admission) and the Elkader Depot Museum (free) which are located right next to the campground.
The downside to this campground is the dump station. It is just a hole in a manhole cover. It's in a dirt/weedy area and smells terrible. It's located across the street from the campground.
- LLonnie C.
ScoutRiver of Lakes Campground
Ok. Great checkin - however..
Nice campground with many sites on the Mississippi backwaters and decent fishing stayed two days and opted on a third. However, after we paid for the third night we noticed a campsite on the other side. Of course the first amendment is everyone’s freedom but really ,do campers need to put out “2024 No More Bulls***” AND how about 2024 Fu** your Feelings” that was in front of their welcome sign. These phrases were on massive flags nailed to trees. Of course we all have freedoms but because these vulgar, in your face phrases were seen every time we left the campground we did not feel comfortable. Good thing I did not have my grandkids along. We all have our beliefs, but is offensive language regarding politics have a place in campgrounds have a place? I say “No!” those folks were out of line and it is wrong. We will never return to this campground again.
- JJohn B.
Traveler
Wyalusing State Park
Nice Park
Nice sites, trails and facilities. Stayed during the week in mid September. Beautiful sites overlooking the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. Great hiking with clean bathrooms and toilets. Private with plenty of room from neighbors for our teardrop.
- TTom
RangerBeaver Creek Valley State Park
Beautiful & peaceful
Very nice QUIET park! RV Campsites are gravel with fire ring and picnic table. The sites are fairly level. There is also a cabin to rent. Many electric sites.
Very nice hiking trails, make sure to check the map to plan easy hike up and steep hike downhill! Beautiful vistas on the Switchback trail.
The Mossy Seep trail has interesting plants and unique growth.
Big Spring Trail boarders the campground, easy walk to see the Spring. Tried to dip feet in the water but couldn’t leave them in the COLD water for long! Water is crystal clear and flowing fast.
Bathroom (men’s) if functional, has running water at the sinks and showers work well.
NO PHONE SERVICE which we appreciated.
The Restaurant “Good Times” is 4 miles away and has good food and service. Also a grocery store in town in case you need more supplies.
Leaves are just starting to change in September.
- RRyan S.Guide
Fontana County Park
New, clean, no trees
There is a brand new campground here with full hookups. There are no trees so I decided to pass and not camp here. Evidently there is an "old" campground somewhere in this park also that I did not find. The signs will direct you to the new campground.
I had good T-mobile and Verizon service here.
- RRyan S.Guide
Klocks Island Park
Crowded and quiet
This seems like a quiet campground. It's just off the highway but there was almost zero traffic on this small highway. I drove through here on a Saturday in mid September. All spots were taken. I had barely usable Verizon service here and no T-mobile service. I was not able to camp here. The restroom building looked fairly new.
- Niki S.Scout
R Campground, Inc
Very clean, friendly owners, great co-campers
Randy was amazing and very attentive to my questions. Check in was super easy and the directions for check in were clearly spelled out. Everything was mapped out and the website was easy to use as well. The pond itself was pretty to look at and made for great photos, however it was loaded with geese which made it not user friendly. I would recommend this campground, and I will definitely go back to camp again!
Kenneth M.Scout
Clayton Hills Campground
Best Owners Ever
I was looking around for a place and being the weekend after the 4th of July, I knew there wouldn't be many options. This place is literally a hidden gem and should get more focus!!! The owner had a spot for my family and me!!! When he found out that I was only tent camping, he even lowered the price!!! He didn't have to do that at all and it wasn't expected. Grassy locations everywhere. Wonderful water and electric hookups!!! A little piece of heaven here. JJ is an AMAZING host!!!
- Ashley F.Guide
Baileys Ford
Excellent campground
What more can I say than this place was stellar. We were tent camping the site we picked was big (there were smaller sites if that’s what you need). Access to the trout stream directly from our site! The facilities were clean even for a vault toilet (regular toilets and showers available at the main building which were extremely clean) the showers had hot water and real on and off handles NOT the push to start ones. Access to the river was available and there was a boat launch site. Staff we encountered were all friendly. Firewood available to purchase on site (only available Friday and Saturday night it was $10 a bundle during our stay). Plenty of things for kids to do volleyball ball court, softball field, and several playgrounds! Many shelters available for larger gatherings. This place even had an outdoor chapel. Baileys Ford exceeded my expectations for a county campground and I will be returning 100% my only complaint was spotty service (Verizon) but then again the point of camping is to disconnect so this was not a big deal. Minimal bugs considering how close we were to the water as well!
- Tori L.Scout
Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest
Dream stay.
Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.
Tiffany K.Guide
Pikes Peak State Park
Quaint Campground with River Views
Loved this campground but it does have some drawbacks. Set up a lot for rv camping with site layout and connections. Some sites have the fire ring very close to the parking area and some spots have limited shade (compared to the majority of the campground that is in the trees). The bathrooms and showers are in good condition. The Mississippi River overlooks are a short walk away. There were lots of birds and spiders around the campground. There are a good number of hiking trails in the park.
Marci S.GuidePikes Peak State Park
Dramatic scenery, quiet campground
This campground is a short hike away from beautiful trails that overlook the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. The boardwalk trails also lead to a small falls and more. Site 51, where we stayed, is near trailhead but on a slight slope. Showers, water, dump station available here, no playground
- ccoreyTraveler
Twins Campground
Serene
Serenity, nature at its best, birdsong all day long wildlife at every turn our campsite was level the owners and manager were great hosts. We stayed several weeks the price was very reasonable, honey wagon service was included ; riding/ hiking trails from campsite.
- Greg K.Guide
Twins Campground
Twins campground- cresco,Iowa.
Very friendly and helpful owner. He even drove to town so we could follow him in. Has playground community area fire pit and a structure built to cover picnic tables. atv trails. Turkey river right there was 20 feet from my site. Porta potty and shower water is hot. 30/50 amp power with water on each site. Water fill station and dump station. Garbage .
Pat F.Guide
Bloody Run County Park
An amazing weekend
I went fishing and hiking and it’s very scenic and beautiful area , train blairing its horn in the middle of the night sucks since it’s right by train tracks, pit toilets and clear water stream in front of the campground fishing wasn’t the best 
Jon M.ScoutBig Joes Little Campground
Never Again
It is not meant for weekenders. The campground is 97% concrete pad sites for people who want to park their camper and ent for the year. The two "weekender sites they do have are over 100 yards away and the water smells like sulphur. The owner will also personally take the time to drive out and chew you out if you inadvertently park on the grass. Bottom line, they care about getting their cash and trying to make it look like Augusta National golf course. I will never go back.
- Pat F.Guide
Big Springs Trout Hatchery Campground
A slice of heaven
This is a beautiful scenic view right next to the river and there are picnic tables fire rings and a trash can and porta potty with a water spigot for fresh water
- Pat F.Guide
Frieden Park and Campground
Cozy and peaceful
This is a nice, small, cozy campground wasn’t anybody else there but us and it was amazing
- Pat F.Guide
Bloody Run County Park
Amazing creekside
It was a beautiful area with the creek running right next to it only problem was there was some trash in the firing which we had to take care of. People are so lazy.
Lisa T.Scout
George Wyth State Park
Good local camping
Easy in and out late fall camping. I got a great tent spot next to the river. This is a fine campground that I much prefer during the off season (it gets too busy during the warm season for my liking). The connection to hiking trails throughout the park is fantastic.
Terry F.ScoutGilbertson Conservation Education Area
Great place!
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- SShirley P.Traveler
Pikes Peak State Park
Beautiful Park
Beautiful scenery. Easy parking. Dump station.
- TTomRanger
Pikes Peak State Park
Beautiful & well maintained
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL overlooks above the great Mississippi River!
Very nice trails! Some trails are long with a lot of up and down through valley and ravines, so be prepared for the hike. You can hike the trails all the way to the town of McGregor, just give yourself plenty of time to hike back uphill 480 feet.
The campground has a large new area for RV’s and trailers. The space between sites is large but no trees because it’s brand new.
New very nice bathroom and shower building. Also a vault toilet in new campground area.
Nice large fire rings with grills. Sites are well maintained.
Very Easy to use dump station.
Guide to West Union
Camping near West Union, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the trails at Backbone State Park. One visitor said, "Great hiking couldn’t swim on our stay but nice beach canoe rentals small store bathrooms were very clean."
- Fishing: The Goose Island campground is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. A camper noted, "This campground is ideal for boating, fishing and camping."
- Kayaking: Enjoy the backwaters of the Mississippi River at Wyalusing State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Awesome campground with lots of hiking trails, and access to backwaters of Mississippi."
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground. One camper shared, "Campsite D's views were unbeatable."
- Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities at George Wyth State Park Campground. A visitor said, "The bathrooms were warm and really clean, staff was really great."
- Wildlife Watching: Campers at Eagle Cliff Campground enjoy spotting wildlife. One review noted, "Our site was right along the river where we saw turtles, bald eagles and lots of other wildlife."
What you should know:
- Train Noise: If you camp at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, be prepared for train noise. A camper mentioned, "There are also train tracks on the other side of the river. When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries."
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground, have little to no cell service. One visitor noted, "There is no cell phone service."
- Site Size: Campers at Pulpit Rock Campground found some sites cramped. A review stated, "Very small campground with sites right on top of each other."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds like Backbone State Park that offer larger sites. A camper said, "The sites are big so you can camp far back and keep the vehicles at the front."
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to check out the nearby attractions. One family enjoyed the "great hiking" at George Wyth State Park Campground.
- Bring Bug Spray: Campers at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground noted the humidity and bugs. One said, "Insect repelling incense and spray kept us comfortable."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Eagle Cliff Campground mentioned, "The campground looks good but rules are ridiculous and staff and owners are very shady."
- Arrive Early: Popular spots like Goose Island can fill up quickly. A camper advised, "Arrive before dark!!"
- Be Ready for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A review for Pulpit Rock Campground noted, "The campgrounds was mostly full."
Camping near West Union, Iowa, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the quirks of each campground, and you'll have a great time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Union, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Union, IA is Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near West Union, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near West Union, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.