Best Tent Camping near Woodburn, IA

Tent campsites near Woodburn, Iowa include several primitive options with varying amenities and accessibility. Kuehn Conservation Area offers walk-in tent sites along the Raccoon River with a 4-star rating from campers. Otter Creek Park previously provided dispersed camping opportunities, though recent reports indicate it may be closed indefinitely for camping. Both locations are within reasonable driving distance from Woodburn and represent the more highly-rated tent camping options in the region.

Most tent campgrounds in this area feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Kuehn Conservation Area provides drinking water, toilets, picnic tables, and trash service, making it more developed than other nearby options. Fire rings are available at several locations including Otter Creek Park and South Overlook, though campers should verify current fire regulations before their visit. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak seasons is recommended. Most locations allow pets and alcohol, but these policies vary by site.

The tent camping experience near Woodburn offers opportunities for outdoor recreation in relatively secluded settings. Kuehn Conservation Area features hiking trails, fishing access, paddling opportunities on the Raccoon River, and wildlife viewing. The conservation area includes both upper sites and lower campground areas adjacent to the river. One visitor described the location as "nice quiet sites along the Raccoon River" with good access to multiple outdoor activities. Otter Creek Park, while potentially closed, was previously noted for its seclusion, with one camper commenting, "Love this little 1st come first camp county park!" Tent campers should verify operating status before planning trips, as several locations in the region have changed their availability or have seasonal limitations.

Best Tent Sites Near Woodburn, Iowa (11)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Woodburn, IA

2 Photos of 11 Woodburn Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Woodburn, IA

311 Reviews of 11 Woodburn Campgrounds


  • Matt S.
    Sep. 24, 2016

    Honey Creek State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Goal Zero Light House 250 at Honey Creek State Park

    Campground Review: Honey Creek State Park is on Rathbun Lake, a very popular place to boat, fish and camp in Southern Iowa. We camped in the Group Campground with out Boy Scout Troop. We pulled into camp after dark and between the headlights of our vehicles and our lanterns (My Goal Zero Light House 250) we set up camp in the dark.

    We explored the campground, there were some nice trails and nice spots to camp. The bathrooms were clean but they were a little bit of a walk from the Group Site. The weather was great and the bugs weren't bad. I would recommend Honey Creek State Park.

    Ranger Review: The Goal Zero Light House 250 is a nice lantern. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. The light settings are perfect. You can use half of the lantern or the full lamp power. You can adjust the lighting power by turning the knob on the front. It can be charged with a wall charger, a solar panel, or the green hand crank on top of the lantern.

    We used it when setting our tent up in the dark and it did a good job. At 250 lumens it is just the right amount of light to let you see what you need with out blinding you in the dark. We did not start a campfire that night, instead we placed the Goal Zero Light House 250 on the ground and we surrounded the lantern with our camp chairs as if it was a camp fire. We were up for three hours talking and never did the lantern light weaken.

    I like this light. It is too heavy and bulky for backpacking but it is great for car camping. There is a smaller model but I don't know if it will work for backpacking.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Beautiful place!

    This place is great! There are 10 beautiful campsites, all with new picnic tables, fire ring and cement pad so you’re chairs are actually level! The fire ring even has a grill you and flip over the fire to cook. There is a vault toilet up on the hill where the campsites are. FYI - the women’s side did not have a lock. The sites were very spacious, some massive and very spread out. You could see neighbors but you aren’t on top on them. And it’s free! You can stay for up to 14 days. They do have registration cards up on the board to complete and post on your site. I had 2-3 bars of LTE via AT&T. The closest gas station is about 7 minutes away and a grocery store about 10 minutes away.

    Let’s talk ticks!! I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van. They always got on his feet every time he used the restroom and made their way inside. If you travel with a pet, check them constantly and make sure they are on a tick med!

  • Dare To Everywhere  .The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Great free campground!

    Stayed 7/13/20- FREE 

    Coming off the main road, you’ll enter onto a Dead End gravel road. You’ll eventually see the park entrance(a sign and fence). Pass the first bathrooms/shelter/info board. Continue down the gravel road that looks kinda like a trail. You’ll open up into the campground. The first site to the left of the info board is the most private, with the fire ring being way off the road. I got in late, in the dark, and turned around because the first board said“no camping”. I gave it another shot and continued down the road and was glad when I saw site numbers. Was in and out pretty quick, but it seemed like a really nice place and the fire pits are awesome! Vault toilets available. 

    I had 3 bars LTE AT&T, with no problems.

  • Tiffany K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Howell Station

    Laid-back Campground

    This campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large trees that provide a lot of shade for the campground. There are play grounds for the kids. It is along a river for fishing and bird watching.

  • K
    Mar. 24, 2021

    Union County Park Thayer Lake Park

    Not a real campground.

    5 pedestals around new unfinished shelter. No water at all, no dump, no trash, no fire ring, lots of litter. Long winding single lane access road, be a big problem if 2 rigs met. Someone would have tough back up. Pond did look promising for fish cover. Main Amtrak RR line and highway on north border. Town of Thayer on otherside of highway is in a very bad way. Very small camper, tent for fishing only.

  • M
    Jun. 27, 2019

    Honey Creek Resort

    Not your typical RV site

    Honey Creek resort run by the state of Iowa (not to be confused with Honey Creek State Park nearby) is not your typical camping spot. There is a resort hotel with an indoor waterpark, cabins for rent, and an RV Park. The hotel and the RV park are right on the lake. Rathbun is maybe the nicest lake in Iowa (I would say Okoboji, however that has become an overcrowded mess). 

    The RV sites: There are not many of them, 20 I think. But they are all paved, level, full hook ups, spacious, with a view of the lake. I don't even think we exchanged harsh words setting up it was so easy. ;)  There are even a couple sites on the side that have equipment for fall hunters. Trees around the RV area, but not in. Fire ring and picnic table. The boat ramp is at one end of the RV area, so people may drive through with boats. Playground a short walk away on a path, but not right in the RV area. 

    Indoor waterpark: Probably geared to the 4-10 crowd. Only one bigger slide, lazy river, hot tub, pool with some balance platforms and a rope and a basketball hoop. Then a small kiddie pool with a pirate ship structure with some small slides and some fountains. Not a ton to do, however when we were there it rained for an entire day so that was very handy. Snackbar that serves booze. 

    Lake: one of the biggest in the state, not too busy as it is 2 hours from Des Moines so not a lot of day traffic (unlike Saylorville and Red Rock). Boat rentals available. 

    Resort hotel: I haven't been in the guest rooms. There is a lobby, restaurant/bar. I have not eaten at the restaurant. There is a little shop with necessities and firewood. There is a nature program where you can check out backpacks for kids to explore nature. Grounds are nice and lush, paths for walking and biking. There's a golf course.

  • Matt S.
    Jul. 15, 2017

    Thayer Lake Rec Area

    Skip Thayer Lake and go to Three Mile SP

    This is a really small campground with a few electric boxes to park your camper on the outside of the parking lot next to the lake and one average tent site with a fire ring and picnic table.

    The lake is a good local spot for fishing but I would go to Three Mile State Park to camp with my family, it's just an extra 10 or 15 minute drive away.

  • Christopher S.
    Jul. 13, 2020

    Woodburn Unit — Stephens State Forest

    Solitude, with plenty of company

    This park may deserve a different rating at a different time of the year. This is Iowa's largest State Forest, and the Woodburn Unit plays host to several Backcountry campsites and 6 miles of trail. There is a picnic table and fire ring at every campsite. The trails are wide and well graded and not too much up and down except for periodic creek crossings which necessitate a steep descent-ascent. The trails are lightly trafficked.

    You will find absolute solitude at this park, we didn't see anyone else out there with us. Perhaps for good reason. The defining characteristic of this park is it's insect life. Repellant and an active bat population kept the mosquitoes away, but the ticks were everywhere! My wife and I had more issues than other members of our party, but we were near constantly plucking them off of us. A frightening proposition for any backpacker.

    In general the insects were diverse and abundant: ants, spiders, beatles, butterflies, moths, flys, ticks, wasps, you name it. Cobwebs would form overnight across the trail you just traversed and broke them the day before. At Buck Stop, a careless previous occupant made numerous gashes into a living tree with a blade, but we found a small swarm of Tawny Emperor butterflies making use of the opportunity. Amazing! Again, most insects were not an issue with heavy use of repellant, but the constant threat of ticks put a damper on our excursion.

    Additionally, when we went in early July the creeks were dry. Making the only water source the spigot at the parking lot. The trail from Black Oak Camp to the Parking Lot is the shortest and easiest for this purpose if you find yourself running low.

    We heard plenty of wildlife in early evening and at night: owls, raccoons, deer, coyotes.

    We started out Friday evening with our packs and hiked and camped the park until Sunday morning.

    We hiked all 6+ miles of trails here. Our first night in we camped at Buck Stop Camp. This site is on top of a ridge and is wonderful, you feel absolutely surrounded by wilderness; however, the site was a bit overgrown and thus undersized in terms of usable tent space. Our second night we stayed at the exact opposite corner at Longbeard. This is a great, bare, mostly flat site that is quite large, could host a large camping party.

    Summary: This park may be better during the fall when the ticks have gone dormant, but at that time I believe it starts to get its use as a public hunting grounds. The lack of overland water in the summer and thriving tick population makes it a challenge to be at ease. The trails are easy to moderate, well graded apart from a few steep down-ups to dry creek beds. Good training ground for backpackers, tuck your pants into your boots, and happy trails!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Wallashuck

    Wallashuck Rec Area

    Very nice campground, each sight has a fire ring and table, plus a lantern pole. It is in a city park like setting and on the lake. Fire wood for sale at the entrance, you have to get water at the entrance only electrical hook up. Showers are very clean and there is also a children’s play ground.


Guide to Woodburn

Tent campsites near Woodburn, Iowa range from basic to more developed sites across several counties, with most situated in rural conservation areas. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 85°F between June and August, while spring camping requires preparation for significant rainfall averaging 4-5 inches monthly in April and May. Winter camping opportunities remain limited with most facilities closing from November through March due to freezing temperatures.

What to do

Fishing access points: Rathbun Marina offers tent camping with proximity to Lake Rathbun, one of Iowa's largest reservoirs at over 11,000 acres and known for its catfish, crappie, and walleye populations.

Wildlife observation: Middle River Forest Area provides opportunities to observe native Iowa wildlife in a natural forest setting approximately 35 miles northwest of Woodburn, with particular activity during dawn and dusk hours.

Paddling routes: Kuehn Conservation Area supports paddling access along the Raccoon River with seasonal water level variations affecting passage. The area includes the Bear Creek Nature Center which operates daily from sunrise to 10:30 pm.

Hiking trails: South Overlook near Lake Red Rock contains hiking paths that connect to the lake's shore, approximately 30 miles northeast of Woodburn. The park features electric hookups for tent campers who prefer having power access.

What campers like

Riverside camping: At Cedar Creek Access, tent sites position campers near flowing water with natural sound barriers from roadways, creating isolation from human-made noise during weekday visits.

Off-grid experience: Fifield campsites provide a more disconnected camping option with minimal facilities but electric hookups available for tent campers who require power for medical devices or basic comfort items.

Quiet environment: North Overlook Picnic Shelter camping area maintains separation between sites to reduce noise interference between camping parties, particularly during weekday periods when visitation decreases by approximately 60% compared to weekends.

What you should know

Weather conditions: Seymour Lake Park experiences significant seasonal flooding during spring months, with particular caution needed after heavy rainfall when tent areas may become temporarily unusable.

Reservation systems: Otter Creek Park operated on a first-come basis historically, though current status requires verification. One visitor noted: "Love this little 1st come first camp county park!"

Facility closures: Multiple campgrounds in the region undergo periodic closures for maintenance or seasonal shutdowns. Recent reports indicate Otter Creek Park's camping status changed, with one camper stating: "The park is closed for camping indefinitely."

Water access: Kokesh Co Park lacks potable water sources, requiring campers to bring minimum 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene needs.

Tips for camping with families

Educational opportunities: Middle River Forest Area contains interpretive signage about local ecosystems and wildlife suitable for school-age children, with self-guided nature activities available during daylight hours.

Swimming safety: Lake access points near Seymour Lake Park lack lifeguards and contain underwater hazards including submerged trees and uneven bottom topography, requiring direct adult supervision for children under 12.

Space considerations: Kuehn Conservation Area tent sites vary in size with upper sites offering more level ground for family-sized tents compared to lower riverside locations. The area includes both "upper and lower (adjacent to Raccoon River) campground sites."

Bathroom facilities: Cedar Creek Access lacks permanent restroom structures, necessitating families bring portable toilet solutions or prepare children for primitive conditions during their stay.

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: North Overlook Picnic Shelter camping areas contain narrow access roads with tight turns that prevent larger RVs from reaching tent sites, requiring vehicles over 25 feet to park in designated overflow areas.

Leveling requirements: Fifield tent sites contain natural slopes requiring leveling blocks for tent platforms, with most requiring 2-3 inches of adjustment on at least one side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Woodburn, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Woodburn, IA is Otter Creek Park with a 2.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Woodburn, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.