Glamping close to Whittemore, Iowa offers overnight accommodations in yurts, canvas tents, and cabins throughout Webster, Winnebago, and Martin counties. Situated in the Des Moines Lobe landform region, this area features gently rolling terrain with prairie pothole wetlands and elevations averaging 1,200 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 0°F, making most facilities seasonal with peak availability from May through September.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Clear Lake at McIntosh Woods State Park Campground provides excellent fishing access within 40 miles of Whittemore. "Short walk to nice lake & marsh. Walking trails," notes one visitor who appreciated the convenient water access during a one-night stay.
Water recreation: Swimming and boating at Lake Imogene make Flying Goose Campground & Resort a destination for water activities. A camper observed, "Right on Lake Imogene, which comes out of nowhere surrounded by farm land, and you can't even see it from the road." The lake offers kayak and canoe rentals for visitors without their own watercraft.
Hiking trails: Wooded paths through Pilot Knob State Park Campground provide hiking options for various skill levels. "Nice hiking trails too," comments a reviewer who found the park well-maintained and reasonably priced. The observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps offers panoramic views of the surrounding farmland.
What campers like
Affordable rates: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the value at many area campgrounds. Sites at Pilot Knob State Park cost "$10.00 for non-electric sites and electric are $18.00," making it accessible for weekend or longer stays.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and shower buildings. At Jackson KOA, "In the COVID-19 times we found this campground to be clean and easy to distance. Bathrooms/showers had a fan blowing and window open," demonstrating attention to cleanliness and ventilation.
Natural settings: Mature trees provide shade at many sites. One visitor to Flying Goose noted, "Mature shade trees everywhere, impeccably clean bathrooms, showers, etc." The established tree cover helps moderate summer temperatures that typically reach the mid-80s during peak season.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping accommodations near Whittemore close during winter. The camping season typically runs April through October, with limited options in shoulder seasons.
Reservation requirements: Plan ahead during summer weekends. "We were there for a one night mid-week stay, and it was so quiet and calm because ~70% of the spots are taken by seasonal guests who are primarily at the campgrounds on the weekends," reports a visitor to Flying Goose.
Utility connections: Electric hookup distances vary between sites. At Land of Memories Campground, "The electric hook ups are really far from the pad so bring an extension." Water connections may require additional planning as many campgrounds have central water stations rather than site-specific hookups.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas at some locations keep children entertained. Flying Goose features "a play park and other sporting area" plus "three playgrounds (one at the swimming beach), a mini golf course, and an actual phone booth."
Kid-friendly activities: Plan interactive outings appropriate for various ages. Land of Memories offers "a playground & trails to walk along the Minnesota River. It is a beautiful area." The "wide open grass center of Park is wide open for frisbee kids and such," making it suitable for active families.
Safety considerations: Water features require adult supervision. At Robertson Park, visitors noted issues with vehicles "speeding in the park," suggesting families select sites away from main roads for added safety.
Tips from RVers
Extension cords: Pack additional power cords for sites with distant electrical boxes. A Land of Memories camper advised, "The electric hook ups are really far from the pad so bring an extension."
Leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some locations. At The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park, "Sites are on lush grass and include a view of the grotto, a pond and surrounding residences," but may require leveling equipment for larger rigs.
Dump station access: Not all parks offer full hookups. The Grotto of the Redemption provides "rest rooms, showers, fresh water and a dump station," making it suitable for shorter stays without sewer connections at individual sites.
