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Best Campgrounds in Iowa

2,273 Reviews

Iowa's campground landscape includes a mix of well-developed state parks and county-managed recreation areas. Parks like Ledges State Park, Maquoketa Caves, and Pike's Peak offer established camping options with varying amenities and hookup availability. Many campgrounds throughout the state accommodate both tent and RV camping, with locations such as Hitchcock Nature Center, Jester County Park, and Backbone State Park also featuring cabin accommodations for visitors seeking more comfort. Several campgrounds near lakes and rivers provide water-based recreation opportunities, particularly at parks like Lake Anita and Lewis and Clark State Park.

Camping season for many Iowa state parks runs from April through December, with some parks open year-round. Reservations are recommended, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Electric hookups are common at developed sites, though availability of water hookups and shower facilities varies by location. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and cold winters with potential for snow and ice from November through March. Access to most campgrounds involves paved or well-maintained gravel roads suitable for standard vehicles. One camper noted, "Level cement pads with hookups. Short walk to the lake and playgrounds. Bar and grill 1/4 mile away."

Many Iowa campers appreciate the state's waterfront camping options, with several highly-rated campgrounds situated near lakes and rivers. Facilities at county and state parks generally receive positive reviews for cleanliness and maintenance. Multiple reviewers highlighted the abundant recreational opportunities available at Iowa campgrounds, from hiking trails to fishing access. One visitor to Hitchcock Nature Center shared, "The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate. Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn't smell." Campground prices remain reasonable compared to neighboring states, with several reviewers noting the value proposition of Iowa's camping options. Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly in wooded areas and near water sources during summer months, so adequate insect protection is advisable.

Best Camping Sites in Iowa (743)

    1. Ledges State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $18 - $38 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    2. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-5833

    $20 - $28 / night

    "cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa."

    "This is a great weekend stay, with short trails that show some beautiful and unusual scenery for central Iowa. The natural bridge is incredible, and the sites are well spaced out."

    3. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    32 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    Website
    +1 (712) 328-5833

    $10 - $50 / night

    "I pulled in late at night easy to navigate stayed the next day and did some trails apparently the land formations are 1 of only 2 in the world how about that Iowa."

    "We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."

    4. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"

    "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."

    5. Pikes Peak State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    McGregor, IA
    Website
    +1 (563) 873-2341

    $20 - $38 / night

    "Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa’s state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!"

    "It is within walking distance of the overlook of the magnificent Upper Mississippi River at the confluence of the Wisconsin River. There are other walking/hiking opportunities."

    6. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    29 Reviews
    Dundee, IA
    Website
    +1 (563) 924-2527

    $16 - $25 / night

    "Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."

    "The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere."

    7. Lake Anita State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Anita, IA
    Website
    +1 (712) 762-3564

    $15 - $36 / night

    "This campground has both RV full hookup and electric sites very close to the lake. Campsites offer a great view of lake and close access to docks."

    "Beautiful lake, great walking trail, close to town and I-80, but quiet and peaceful. Can’t beat it for $11 a night."

    8. Sugar Bottom Campground

    24 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2102

    $14 - $260 / night

    "Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."

    "Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."

    9. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    24 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    Website
    +1 (515) 834-2729

    "Roadside Oasis, a place to rest a weary head, food, showers, etc. Cabins always help get you in and get out early without setting up camp."

    "I love the beautiful surroundings here. Definitely worth the visit."

    10. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Onawa, IA
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-2829

    $15 - $52 / night

    "Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa!"

    "There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers."

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Recent Reviews in Iowa

2273 Reviews of 743 Iowa Campgrounds

  • Ashley D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2026

    Iowa State Fairgrounds

    Horrible & expensive

    They show tent camping reservations allowed online and they even let you book a tent to Camp online for paying $32 but then when they come around and talk to you they don't say anything about not having a tent allowed and they don't give you the codes to the restroom and then they just close the office and go to bed and then at 11:00 at night the sheriff comes and tells you to grab all your stuff because there's no camping allowed and put you out on the street with nowhere to go and no more money cuz you wasted all your money on that stupid site that you didn't even get to stay at and then you realize that after you carried all your stuff over to the bar and had to sleep outside on the streets with your service dog when you have disabilities and you told them you have seizures that you had a seizure and now you have to go to the hospital and you lost your tent because somebody stole it so now you have nowhere to live because you're homeless and somebody stole your only house which was your tent because the sheriff kicked you out at 10:00 or 11:00 at night that was really great thanks that was the best experience in my whole life not really and thanks for putting my stress level so high that I went to seizures when people have disabilities you guys should be more accommodating and be more open and honest and be more willing to talk to people

  • Lynette B.
    May. 30, 2026

    Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park

    Perfect tent camping spots!

    We had a BLAST!! Stayed the night here driving to PA. Very welcoming, you have to enter in gate 5, set up your tent site(towards the back near the woods) then pay $20. It's not free, but there are restrooms and water near the tents and a shower near the office. Great hiking trails, we went on 2 hikes last night. 10/10 highly recommend! Watched Netflix so the Internet is great!!!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2026

    Popejoy Conservation Park

    Daytime Fun

    This is a day use conservation only area.  No camping is currently allowed.  

    There is a nice accessible vault toilets, play ground, and it has the Iowa River passing through it.  There is also a very nice community building at the property.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2026

    Bigelow Park

    Camp and Fish

    This little camp ground is part of the Iowa River Trail system.  There is a good sized parking / turn around area.  It was well kept and it costs about $10 a night and is in Hardin County.  

    The gravel road is fairly busy, but it could just be due to planting season starting.  There were quite a few annoying gnats / mosquito's.  There is a ramp for access, but it is dirt and gravel, so not something you can back a boat down in there easily.  

    I spent a night here and it was a pleasant experience, other than the flying bug annoyances.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2026

    Reece Park

    Remote and Relaxing

    Arrived at Reece Memorial Park in the early afternoon. I stopped by the Octagonal shelter at the south entrance of the park. This is a large shelter house with a fireplace in the middle of the building with several picnic tables. 

    I then drove down the road and entered into the west entrance of the park and followed it around the loop. There is a wide open area with a small slide and Merry-go-round, along with a couple of picnic tables. 

    I found, what I think, the best campsite in the park, and it was open. It sits along the creek and there was a fire ring there. This park is all primitive campsites, and so be prepared for that, although the description of the campground mentions vault toilets, I did not see them. 

    It was a very nice relaxing campsite, and the fact that there was no cell service, made it even better! There were a few vehicles drive through, and a little road noise, but I enjoyed my stay there. The creek was up, and it looks like part of the park might still be closed on the South side. 

    To primitive camp, the cost is $10.00 a night, and registration is with a QR Code, but since there is little to no cell service, it was difficult to get registered, so you may want to pay before you go.

  • Angela E.
    May. 29, 2026

    Prairie Ridge Camping

    Quiet and peaceful

    Such a wonderful, quiet, and peaceful place. We stayed Thur-Sat so we were basically the only ones here.

    I have never seen such clean and gorgeous bathrooms at a campground before along with a very clean laundry room. The bathrooms were large and HC accessible with rain showers and benches.

    There are campers and a cabin to rent, and a nice walking trail. While we didn't use any, they have a driving range, archery, waterside, and paddles boats. 

    There's a gas station only a couple miles away so we could gas up the night before leaving without pulling our camper with. 

    The only downside was the amount of Ticks. I know with camping comes Ticks but I wish they would spray or something to control the amount of them crawling across our camping rug and into our camper. 

    If we come this way again, will definitely stay here as it's just a 15 minutes off I-35.

  • Craig L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2026

    Lake Considine

    Serene, beautiful, easy access, great birding

    Coming in from the west there is a large u-shaped pull-off to the left just before a gate that is used to close the road for flooding. There are no signs. The lot area appears to be mowed annually. I parked along the lake/river shore without issues and popped up my truck tent. Over 40 bird species and a curious bald eagle dropped in and observed me through sunset.

  • S
    May. 25, 2026

    Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

    Secluded Hike-In Camping

    Preparation Canyon has multiple hike-in sites available, in different distances (1/4 to 1 mile) from the trail head. The sites are each provided with a picnic table and fire ring, and are situated a little distance back from the main trail. I camped for three nights around site #4 which was secluded and had great privacy from those hiking nearby. The site seemed well maintained and was mostly level.

    Lots of wildlife to view and spots to explore. If hiking in the area remember to bring bug spray, the flies and mosquitoes were thick at my camp spot! I think it was the result of the standing water in the creek, which is the result of a small dam.

Guide to Iowa

Camping in Iowa offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for a weekend getaway or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure, Iowa's campgrounds have something to offer.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Ledges State Park Campground, have scenic trails. One camper mentioned, “The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals.”
  • Fishing and Boating: At Rock Creek State Park Campground, you can rent boats and kayaks. A reviewer noted, “Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities.”
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Campgrounds like Jester County Park have playgrounds and trails for kids. One family shared, “Campgrounds amazing views airsoft gun and archery ranges snowshoeing equestrians and cross-country skiing.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, “Bathhouses were clean and private.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A camper at Cherry Glen Campground mentioned, “This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One reviewer at Bob Shelter Recreation Area said, “Friendly hosts & Rangers.”

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Some areas have poor reception. A camper at Iowa Ledges State Park noted, “Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected.”
  • Busy During Peak Season: Popular spots can get crowded. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “The campground area is clean... but the RV section of campground was nearly full.”
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, “You must reserve these sites in advance.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for spots like Jester County Park that have playgrounds. A parent shared, “Kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course and nature center. Plenty to do.”
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or outdoor games. A family at Yellow Banks County Park enjoyed, “Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table.”
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have food options nearby. A camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, “Small store with Hunt Brothers pizza to order.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park noted, “The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups for convenience. A camper at Lake Ahquabi State Park appreciated, “The bathroom/showers were decent.”
  • Be Ready for Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. A visitor at Walnut Woods State Park mentioned, “The road around the campground is paved, but very narrow.”

Camping in Iowa is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Iowa for tent camping?

Ledges State Park Campground stands out as one of Iowa's premier tent camping destinations with well-shaded sites, excellent hiking trails, and hike-in spots that offer privacy while still being relatively close to parking. The park's natural beauty and wooded setting create an ideal tent camping atmosphere. Beed's Lake State Park Campground offers picturesque tent camping by a beautiful lake with a scenic waterfall. For a quieter experience, Prairie Bridges Park provides a peaceful small-town campground with great walking paths and natural scenery. Most tent-friendly campgrounds in Iowa feature level sites, access to water, restroom facilities, and often fire rings and picnic tables. Be aware that wildlife, particularly raccoons, can be plentiful at wooded campgrounds.

What amenities are available at Iowa's top-rated campgrounds?

Iowa's top campgrounds offer excellent amenities to enhance your camping experience. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground provides electric hookups, lakefront sites, and an impressive playground system with multiple setups for different age groups. West Overlook Campground, maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, features electric sites with convenient dump and water stations at the entrance. Many Iowa campgrounds include clean restrooms, picnic areas, and well-maintained trails. Several parks offer water access for fishing and boating, playground equipment, and nearby convenience stores. Higher-rated campgrounds typically provide shaded sites, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. Some campgrounds also feature shower facilities, though availability varies by season.

Where are the most scenic campgrounds located in western Iowa?

Western Iowa offers several scenic camping destinations with diverse landscapes. Hitchcock County Nature Center near Honey Creek provides stunning views of the Loess Hills, a unique landform found primarily in western Iowa, with excellent hiking trails that showcase the rolling topography. Lake Anita State Park Campground features beautiful lakeside camping with opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The western region's landscape transitions from the flatter central areas to more varied terrain near the Missouri River, creating scenic bluffs and valleys. Many western Iowa campgrounds offer water features including lakes, rivers, and small waterfalls. The area's expansive skies make for spectacular sunsets and stargazing opportunities, especially at campgrounds away from larger towns.

When is the best season for camping in Iowa's state parks?

Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the best camping conditions in Iowa state parks. Summer provides warm temperatures ideal for water activities, while Waubonsie State Park Campground offers beautiful hiking even in February for cold-weather enthusiasts, though most campers avoid winter months. Fall brings spectacular colors, as experienced at Diamond Lake County Park where the autumn foliage creates stunning views around the freshwater lake. Most state parks are less crowded in spring and fall, offering more peaceful experiences while still providing comfortable temperatures. Be prepared for occasional summer thunderstorms and higher humidity in July and August. Many campgrounds reduce services or close completely during winter months.

Keep Exploring

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