Best Campgrounds near Woodbine, IA

Campgrounds near Woodbine, Iowa feature a mix of county and state parks offering diverse camping experiences in the scenic Loess Hills region. Hitchcock County Nature Center provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and reservable sites. Preparation Canyon State Park offers a more primitive backcountry experience with hike-in tent sites and unique geological features. Several campgrounds in the area, such as Arrowhead Park and Prairie Rose State Park, provide lakeside camping with both developed and primitive options, making the region suitable for various camping preferences.

Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with most facilities operating from April through October or November. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly for electric hookups and cabin accommodations. "Iowa state parks are extremely clean and well taken care of," noted one visitor to Prairie Rose State Park. Flooding has historically affected some campgrounds along the Missouri River, with Wilson Island State Recreation Area experiencing closures due to flood damage. Weather conditions can be challenging, with reviews mentioning strong winds in open areas. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, though primitive sites may have limited facilities.

Campers consistently highlight the unique landscape of the Loess Hills as a major draw to the region. One visitor to Preparation Canyon State Park described it as having "flora, fauna, and geology that are amazing and unique to North America." Family-friendly amenities are common at developed campgrounds, with several reviews mentioning playgrounds, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails. Prairie Rose State Park receives praise for its large lake with multiple viewpoints and family-oriented facilities. While some campgrounds offer privacy and seclusion, particularly at primitive sites, others feature more closely spaced RV hookups with limited separation between campsites. The region provides a good mix of developed campgrounds with full amenities and more remote options for those seeking a quieter experience in Iowa's distinctive landscape.

Best Camping Sites Near Woodbine, Iowa (99)

    1. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    30 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    24 miles
    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."

    2. Arrowhead Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 485-2295

    "Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site."

    "I like that you can tent camp anywhere in the Camp area down by the lake with all your friends close by. the trails and playground equipment is nice and the fishing is great!"

    3. Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Moorhead, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-2829

    $9 / night

    "Located directly adjacent to the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest; the flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America."

    "Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded."

    4. Schaben County Park

    1 Review
    Dunlap, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 647-2785

    5. Missouri Valley City Park

    4 Reviews
    Missouri Valley, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 642-2857

    "It is right next to a busy railroad, but we cranked up our fans and barely noticed the trains and their horns."

    "Besides the traffic noise because it's close to the hwy, the train passed at night like 4 or 5 times, so have that in mind if you light sleep."

    6. Loess Hills Hideaway

    1 Review
    Moorhead, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 551-0690

    7. Nelson Park Crawford County Park

    2 Reviews
    Dunlap, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 643-5426

    "I wanted a weekend away from the craziness so chose to go "home" for my first solo trip in quite awhile."

    "Has a descent size lake good for kayaking and fishing."

    8. Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Harlan, IA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 773-2701

    $15 - $50 / night

    "These Iowa state parks are extremely clean and well taken care of. The lake is huge with multiple trails that the kids loved. Playground was directly behind us which is a plus for us."

    "Reserved electric unit 090 for the weekend, which had a scenic corn field for a backdrop - this is Iowa!"

    9. Nelson Park

    1 Review
    Dunlap, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 263-2748

    "There’s trails to walk and fishing right on site."

    10. Jones Pond

    1 Review
    Pisgah, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 456-2924

    "Very quiet and peaceful place I have been there few times and I never see anyone else around. There is no bathroom or drinking water so make sure you are ready for that."

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Recent Reviews near Woodbine, IA

325 Reviews of 99 Woodbine Campgrounds



Guide to Woodbine

Camping near Woodbine, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Platte River State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are tons of trails and many of them are tailored to mountain biking." This makes it a great spot for both hikers and bikers.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Two Rivers State Recreation Area, you can fish in the river or enjoy tubing. A camper shared, "The river is decently safe and a good place to tube."
  • Playgrounds and Family Fun: Families will love the playgrounds at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday. One parent noted, "The camp store is well stocked with RV supplies and parts. After driving all day, it was nice to get a pizza and relax."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hitchcock County Nature Center said, "Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell."
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. At Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area, one camper remarked, "The host was so kind and helpful to us new timers."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Populated but spacious. Friendly staff. Lots of greenery and trees."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or train tracks. A camper at Louisville State Recreation Area noted, "With a large amount of active train tracks, this place is the opposite of peaceful."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area only offers electric hookups and no showers.
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A visitor at Louisville State Recreation Area warned, "This is one of my top 3 for mosquitoes. Those things are relentless."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds and family-friendly activities. Platte River State Park Campground has great facilities for kids, including paddle boats and swimming.
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, make sure to bring plenty of bug spray. A camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center advised, "Friendly reminder to bring CASH. The mosquitos are terrible!"
  • Plan for Noise: If your kids are light sleepers, consider campgrounds away from busy roads or train tracks. A camper at Louisville State Recreation Area mentioned the noise from trains made it hard to sleep.

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Full Hookups: If you're traveling in an RV, check for campgrounds with full hookups. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday offers electric and water hookups, making it convenient for RV travelers.
  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the sites can accommodate your RV size. A reviewer at Lake Anita State Park Campground said, "My 35-foot rig made it to the back-in spot easily."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Louisville State Recreation Area noted, "The campsites are close together but the area is well kept."

Camping near Woodbine, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Woodbine, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Woodbine, IA is Hitchcock County Nature Center with a 4.7-star rating from 30 reviews.