Looking for the best campgrounds near Woodward, IA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Woodward is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Woodward, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
$17 - $35 / 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."
$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"
"Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit."
"Just a few minutes drive to High Trestle Bridge and right off the river. People were accommodating and friendly. Right between Madrid and Woodward with small town conveniences…"
"We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that. Nothing fancy, but has plenty of sites, flush toilets and showers available."
$20 - $336 / night
"The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."
"Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites. Varying levels of shade. A25, had a good amount of shade and was near the nice playground and nice bathrooms. No view of the lake from loop A."
$14 - $84 / night
"Great find on our way through Iowa. Clean and spacious. Very quiet, just listen to the frogs at night."
"Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees (and some pretty bold raccoons around bonfire time ;) )."
$22 - $26 / night
"We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced."
"Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations. Peaceful lot near the river. Great fishing in the river."
$24 - $26 / night
"Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service."
"Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."
$35 - $80 / night
"If you’re traveling through Des Moines, Iowa area; this is the place you will want to camp at!"
"The site we were on is sorta blacktop but the sides have crumbled and it has a slight tilt to it so stepping down out of the camper was tricky as your feet tend to slide in the loose rocks."
"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."
$25 - $38 / night
"There's a boat camp, a bird watching area, a playground, plany of park space with picnic tables and BBQ pits, hiking and biking trails, and even a lodge that I assume can be rented for events."
"Walnut Woods is conveniently located 25 minutes outside of downtown Des Moines. Sites are paved and mostly level, although we did have to throw a couple of blocks under one side of our TT tires."
GuideWe looked at the other reviews and it talked about it being so close to the freeway, but we didn’t hear a sound. It was really in a good perimeter of trees and lots of shade and level camp spots. We thought this was a nice little spot and a great price.
GuideThis is a nice quit camp ground right across the street from the Dallas County Fairgrounds. Only stayed 3 nights and not on fair week but was nice, quiet, and inexpensive. It’s right on the river and lots of fishing.
TravelerSmall town park with spots to back in and plug in. Cost is $20 you put in an envelope by the bathroom. Got here at 9:30 and there was about 5 campers already here. Maybe 3 spots left. Quiet town not too much noise at all
GuideWe loved this KOA! Itinerary was on point. Lots for kids to do! The pool was up and running perfect! They even had a dunk tank which was pretty funny! Cabin was beautiful inside and out! Would stay again!
GuideBased on other reviews we weren’t expecting much, but this spot is perfect for getting a good night’s rest when passing through Iowa.
Camping is basically a parking space in a tiny town park in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. Each space is marked by an electric hookup. Although it says RV and tent, tent camping isn’t exactly defined (just pull up and pitch a tent in the grass). Just rolled up in our “hard-shelled tent mobile” and don’t use hookups, so can’t comment there.
The park is quiet, though the interstate noise is still fairly loud. But it’s far better than pulling into a rest area where the highway and truck generators are constant.
Our only non-quiet moment was when we pulled in on a Saturday night after dark and a group of local kids were hanging out around the bathrooms. We heard some good old fashioned hide and seek (which made us smile) among other screeches and hollers. They stayed out till 11-11:30pm, which was a bit late, but what can you expect from kids in a tiny town with not a whole lot else to do.
There are signs for camping at just about every small town exit, so there are a number of options between Des Moines and Council Bluffs. We chose this town because access is quick and easy. Keeping it in our list of quieter non-rest area places to sleep!
GuideSpacious campsites with cement pads... The only thing holding it back from 5 stars is no water or sewer onsite
GuideWe had a great stay here, check in was easy, getting firewood was easy, the bathhouses were so clean and nice, hiking and views were amazing! The only thing we had an issue with was a camp site of noisy people, which was not the parks fault!
ScoutBeautiful campground! Lots of trees and peaceful area. Our spot was pretty level and well maintained
TravelerIf you want to tent camp, bring a cart or something to haul everything with. The parking lot is a LONG WAY from any private tent site. Youth group camp, the ones with all the energy and strength, is next to parking lot. That's messed up.
Camping near Woodward, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.
Camping near Woodward, Iowa, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Woodward, IA is Ledges State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Woodward, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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