Best Tent Camping near Wheatland, IA

Searching for a tent camping spot near Wheatland? Find the best information on tent camping near Wheatland, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Wheatland campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Wheatland, IA (18)

    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.

    1. 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 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

    2. 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

    3. 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 #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
    Camper-submitted photo from #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
    Camper-submitted photo from #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
    Camper-submitted photo from #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
    Camper-submitted photo from #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional
    Camper-submitted photo from #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

    4. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

    1 Review
    26 Photos
    13 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. Consider booking a massage while on property.

    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. 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. Host is professionally trained in massage and offers both indoor and outdoor sessions. Check out www.bodyfantasy-iowa.com for details.

    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 for more information: www.bodyfantasy-iowa.com

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

    $20 - $45 / 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 Joinerville County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joinerville County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joinerville County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area

    7. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    9 Photos
    11 Saves
    Monmouth, Iowa

    The 273-acre area is located along the South Fork of the Maquoketa River. The unique beauty of Northeast Iowa is very evident here with limestone rock outcroppings, upland timber, flood plain, wildlife, and panoramic scenery. Wildlife food plots are planted throughout the area to help wildlife survive harsh winters. Primitive camping is available by the river with restroom facilities nearby. This area is a convenient stop for canoeists traveling down the Maquoketa River.

    primitive camping (walk-in or paddle-in, tent only) pit toilets

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    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

    8. 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

    • No image available

      9. Hidden River Campground

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

      10. 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

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    Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Wheatland

    602 Reviews of 18 Wheatland Campgrounds


    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park
      Jan. 20, 2025

      Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park

      Nice wooded primitive County campground

      Although this campground is closed for the winter, these sites offer wooded and shaded spots. Sites themselves offer tables and firings. The campground has a seasonal host offering firewood on site, showers and restrooms, play area, trails, and overflow parking just adjacent for the entrance.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa
      Jan. 20, 2025

      Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

      Nice, newer campground with solar power!

      Campground is closed for the winter season. Campground offers host, nicely maintained heated showers and restrooms, play area, firewood, available on site, RV pads are hard surface, have fire rings, water, electric, tables. Since this campground is newer, not much shade yet.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pine Grove Campground, Scott Co Park
      Jan. 20, 2025

      Pine Grove Campground, Scott Co Park

      Smaller campground in primitive tent, site area

      Pine Grove campground has primitive tent sites open this time of year, the other portion, including RV spots are closed for the season. The tent sites are well shaded, gravel, parking area, tables, firings included. There is firewood at the campground, and cabins for rent at the end of the Lane. The park itself offers many trails, pride Lake for paddling and fishing. The campground itself offers, restrooms, showers, dump station, and a seasonal host.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
      Jan. 20, 2025

      Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

      Very nice, year round camping in large county park

      This campground is the largest RV campground in the park. A portion of this campground is sectioned off for the season, though plenty of spacious sites are available that include: fire pit, tables, water, electric, hard pads, firewood, available, heated shower house, very clean, Recycling bins, overflow parking, electric vehicle charge station, wheelchair, charging station, seasonal host ( currently vacant ).The park offers miles of trails, fishing at pride Lake, a historical Pioneer Village within the park at the north, equestrian trails, bicycle trails.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Palisades-Kepler State Park
      Jan. 18, 2025

      Palisades-Kepler State Park

      Nice Park & CG off US-30

      Park offers lots of amenities and recreation opportunities. Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done. Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations. Campground offers pads, firings, electric, tables, and there is a dump station. Restrooms, shelters, overflow parking, and a youth campsite is available. Sites include tent and RV sites.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
      Jan. 1, 2025

      Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

      The Robin to the Bat Caves of Campgrounds

      Hand’s down, this is one of Iowa’s best state parks, so if you’ve never made your way here to Maquoketa Caves SP, you need to start making your plans. And if you are coming with a large group of kiddos, Maquoketa SP has you covered with not one 1, but 3 individual large group sized campsites with each accompanied by its own duo split restroom albeit basic with a simple, but very clean privy. You’ll access all three of these youth camping sites by taking your second left after accessing the SP turning left on 98 Street after passing the Maquoketa SP Visitor Center. Each site is completely shrouded by tall grasses providing some solid privacy as you stare up at an unobstructed view of a perfect star-filled night sky. Each site has its own designated firepit accompanied by several picnic tables and chopped logs, which serve as extra seating.

      Beyond this, there’s no additional amenities, however there are more than 6 miles of hiking trails that await your ‘spazierengehen’ pleasure as well as pretty close access to Raccoon Creek, which is not big enough to do anything that includes oars (but at least you’ll have a good view of a trickling stream). Apart from the youth campground itself, there’s 13 bat caves to explore and scattered throughout the SP, you’ll find plenty of shelters with picnic tables featuring an assortment of both in-ground and stand-up BBQ grills. There’s a very good children’s playground near the only other campground here at Maquoketa SP, and it’s just a short hike up the hill past the bat cave entrance– about ¾ mile hike from the youth campground.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While there’s not much in the way of decent, deep waterways at this SP to explore, if you head due east, check out 6B’s Campground, which on its lower level you’l discover has direct access to the Maquoketa River, which is definitely worth your oar paddling effort, but do yourself a favor and reach out to 6B’s before paying a visit; (2) In the event that you grow weary of trying to conjure up your next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler and you want to check out some local fare, trust me, there’s not much in these parts, although there is a small hidden-in-the-weeds joint called Bluff Lake Catfish Farm that not only serves up some amazing Midwest comfort food (fried catfish, cole slaw, fried shrimp, sirloin, fried chicken, prime rib, fried haddock), but the food shack sits in front of a lake complete with ducks who will eat your leftovers right out of your hand; and (3) If you’ve never gone spelunking before – and trust me, if you come here to Maquoketa SP, you’re going to want to – then make sure you bring the right gear: headlamp, good sturdy hiking boots, pants to keep the bugs, spiders and ticks away as well as plenty of water to stay hydrated.

      Happy Camping!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Geneseo Campground
      Jan. 1, 2025

      Geneseo Campground

      Hidden Gem Along the Hennepin Canal

      This campground is the Geneseo Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, which coming across one fine Autumn day, I was completely unaware of this organization, which apparently is America’s oldest and most successful conservation organizations. This particular chapter in Geneseo was chartered back in 1952 and shortly thereafter founded Ike’s Park located right here along the Hennepin Canal, which features among other things: picnic facilities, fishing, boating and kayaking, a boat ramp, handicapped accessible fishing pier as well as a community lodge that you can book in advance, in addition to a primitive style campground offering up some 20 or so sites on a first-come, first served basis.

      To put it bluntly, this place is incredibly simple and basic, which is its beauty in a nutshell. This undiscovered little gem will make you feel as though you’ve just hit the primitive camping lottery jackpot as very few folks outside of Geneseo even know of this place. So if you’re coming from slightly further afield, you’ll appreciate getting in on something special. Upon arrival from Route 82, which if you are coming from the nearest major highway of I80, you’d be heading northbound, you need to simply hang a right onto a very modest gravel road that has an immediate declining slope upon entry. Once you turn into Izaak Walton Park, you’ll feel embraced by something truly special with mature maples and oaks surrounding you before coming across a sign marking this territory as Ike’s Place with the community lodge on the right. If you continue on, just about 30 yards further you’ll come across the self-check-in kiosk where you just need to fill out the required information and drop your$10 (member) or$20 (non-members) in an envelope and you can set up wherever you’d like.

      As you are literally right next to the Hennepin Canal, you’ll want to set up as near the canal as you can get, although, you could sit back a bit further south if you’d like under the canopy of a mature treeline. Beyond the beautiful, scenic riverview, there’s just a couple of community shelters, basic restroom facilities with vault toilets, a fishing pier and a large area that faces a larger swath of the Hennepin Canal that for a short bit resembles a lake, although when you are on the water, you’ll learn it’s just the bend in the river. Here at Izaak Walton Park alongside the property immediately to the south, Geneseo Prairie Park, there’s lots of decent hilly hiking trails to keep you occupied. And of course, if you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the quick and easy access to casting a line where you’ll be able to catch panfish, small- and large-mouth bass as well as catfish.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While you are north of Geneseo, you shouldn’t have too much problem with cell coverage out in these parts – we got 4 bars with Verizon and 3 bars with AT&T; (2) Not all of the sites are level, so you definitely want to check out a number of the sites before deciding upon which to choose from – where you’ll also want to keep in mind that not all of the sites have electricity, so either plant yourself near an outlet or bring a long electrical cord; (3) While there is a dump station on-site, when we were there, it was locked, so while we were able to place most of our trash in the garbage receptacles, be prepared to haul yours out with you before leaving; and (4) You’ll want to take note that you are sitting alongside the Hennepin Canal, which if you haven’t been to before, provides about 100 miles worth of some pretty amazing slow-moving current that is excellent for kayaks and canoes, so if you’ve got one, bring it, but if not, the good folks at Geneseo Campground just due north of this location across the river will rent you one.

      Happy Camping!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa
      Dec. 26, 2024

      Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

      Nice Flat, Well-Groomed Albeit Barren CG

      This CG is one of 6 that you have to choose from here at Scott County Park, wherein Woodside is definitely more geared for the RVs – especially the much larger ones, so if you have a very big rig, this likely is the best CG for you – with each site offering FHUs with electric, water& sewage, fire rings and picnic tables. If you wanted to tent camp here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias or Sac-Fox as better for tent campers. Unlike some of the other campgrounds, Woodside is somewhat bare and desolate inside the actual campground with the land being incredibly flat, but wide open so therefore not providing much privacy or shade whatsoever. Back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level with the grounds being incredibly well-kept and impeccably clean bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water.

      Albeit with a short hike through the forest, Woodside CG is near Cody Lake and Glynn’s Creek, which offers some decent oaring in your kayak or canoe. Sitting adjacent to Cody Lake is an eponymous community shelter than can be reserved or used on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s also a playground for the kiddos and a restroom facility that is also spartan-clean as well access to Glynn’s Creek Trailhead which is a moderate hike and further afield throughout the rest of the park, there’s no shortage of hiking / biking / horse trails. We found Woodside to be fairly quiet, although lacking in privacy without the benefit of any real brush or trees to blot out our next-door neighbors, but that said, everyone was incredibly friendly with full displays of Midwestern hospitality that this area is known for.

      Scott County Park is easy to fall in love with, whether traveling solo or with a family as there is a lot that this park offers up: from fresh water catch & release lakes, combination of topographies, from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands, beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park. Oh, and the incredibly friendly rangers that constantly patrol and keep this beautiful park in full working order were nothing short of amazing.

      Happy Camping!

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

      Louisa County Fairgrounds

      Typical 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.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lundeens Landing
      Nov. 10, 2024

      Lundeens Landing

      Rock Riverside Oasis

      Hiding underneath of the I80 bridge carrying you over the Rock River, you’ll spot Lundeens Landing on the EAST side of this interstate (you’ll want to take note of this as The Dyrt has this campground in the wrong location on the WEST side of I80 in the small town of Barstow). Getting here to Lundeens is not the easiest journey, as you’ll need to head northwards on I80 crossing the bridge (if you are coming in by way of Colona), where you’ll want to get off on I88 heading west, where shortly after the exit, you’ll have to make a U turn and take the frontage road (193rd Street) that straddles I80 heading south until you can catch Route 4 / Barstow Road heading east, where you’ll pass underneath that bridge holding up I80 and continue east about 2 miles before spotting Lundeens on the left with a gorgeous view of the Rock River.

      Now that you’ve made your way here, let me tell you about this place. First, you’ll be greeted by the main office that sits up about a story on stilts, which BTW isn’t for bird watching, but rather to safeguard the building from any river flooding that may happen (and trust me, in this parts, it happens). After checking in with the owner, Joe, or one of his few employees, you’ll make your way down a single narrow loop that will take you to your designated plot of land. It goes without saying that the best sites are those located right in front of the Rock River. And if you’re a tent camper, you’ll find bliss at the far end of the loop as far away from the main office as possible, where you’ll find water & electric-equipped sites tucked into some really thick brush complete with your own mini-forest.

      Apart from the very warm Midwestern hospitality that you’ll receive here from Joe, his father and the rest of the Lundeens crew, this medium-sized camping outpost offers up a no-frills, basic level of camping comfort with direct access to one of the most exciting rivers I’ve had the great pleasure of kayaking and fishing on. Amenities include: pull-thru and back-in sites for RVs, general market, typical RV hook-ups (water, 15 / 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric), concrete patios, picnic tables, fire rings, honey wagon, dump station, pet-friendly, playground, nature trails, weekly events, boat ramp & 7 river docks, shuttle service, canoe & kayak rentals, pretty clean restroom & showers, innertubes, adventure island (located just across the river) and a small beachhead.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) While it’s likely the direct access to Rock River that attracted you to this location, if you have bikes, you should bring them as the frontage road that brought you here is one very EXCELLENT road to bike on to see and explore the gorgeous Midwestern country landscape that exists here; (2) In speaking with Joe’s father at length about the campground, there’s plans to put in another campground area just across the street and due northwest of this property, which will offer additional RV spots, a designated laundry facility with coin-operated washers & dryers as well as many more amenities; and (3) Depending upon your interest and a craving, if you want to gnosh on some local grub, the best nearby spots include: Choppers Bar & Grill, Tap 22 Bar & Grill and 11th Hour Bar & Grill (yes, everything's a Bar & Grill out in these parts).

      Happy Camping!

    • 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 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.

    • 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.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground
      Sep. 4, 2024

      Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

      Super cheap for what you get.

      I got a primitive tent site in an area all to myself, with a shower house just down the road, in a beautiful and quiet campground for $10 cash. You really can’t beat that. Campground is separate from the park so you don’t have to pay a park entrance fee to stay here.

    • 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.


    Drive Time


    Guide to Wheatland

    Wheatland, Iowa, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a memorable experience in nature.

    Tent campers should check out Cedar River Campground

    • Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with numerous activities at Cedar River Campground, where both adults and kids can have fun together.
    • This campground features essential amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making it a convenient choice for families.
    • With a beautiful riverside location, it’s perfect for those who enjoy fishing and paddling.

    Explore the natural beauty at Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    • The Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. offers a unique experience with access to trails and live animal exhibits, ideal for nature lovers.
    • Campers can enjoy the serene environment while staying in a cabin or pitching a tent, with modern amenities available.
    • The nearby Wapsipinicon River provides excellent opportunities for fishing and paddling, enhancing your outdoor adventure.

    Experience the tranquility of Wildcat Den State Park Campground

    • Nestled within the scenic Wildcat Den State Park, Wildcat Den State Park Campground features rustic sites surrounded by trees, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
    • Campers can explore historical sites and enjoy hiking trails that wind through beautiful landscapes.
    • The campground is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, allowing for cozy evenings under the stars.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wheatland, IA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wheatland, IA is Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Wheatland, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.