Pine Ridge Park, near Steamboat Rock, Iowa, is a cozy campground that offers a laid-back vibe right alongside the Iowa River. It’s a solid choice for families and friends looking to enjoy some time outdoors, with amenities like picnic tables and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings.

The campground features clean restrooms and showers, which campers appreciate after a day of paddling or exploring. Many visitors have noted the friendly atmosphere, with evenings often filled with laughter and fresh popcorn shared among campers. One reviewer mentioned, “In the evenings everyone gathered at the pavilion for fresh popped popcorn and visiting,” highlighting the community spirit here.

For those who love water activities, you can easily launch your canoe or kayak right from the campground. There’s also a playground for the kids and a nearby convenience store for any last-minute supplies. Just keep in mind that the area can flood during heavy rains, so it’s wise to check conditions before you go. 

With its mix of grassy areas and scenic river views, Pine Ridge Park is a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to relax and connect with fellow campers.

Pine Ridge Park

Searching for the best camping near Steamboat Rock, IA? Steamboat Rock is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Steamboat Rock

The Best Camping Near Steamboat Rock, Iowa

The campground is at the end of a road alongside the Iowa River, tucked out of the way. When driving in you pass a restaurant that touts it’s Sunday Pancake breakfasts. And of course I was coming in Sunday after there service seating time ended. But the other campers I talked with said it was outstanding. The campground is a small series of loops with tent and rvs mixed together. I would have thought the riverside sites would be the place to set up, but most stayed back from those sites due to the crazy up and down flooding the river has been experiencing. In the evenings everyone gathered at the pavilion for fresh popped popcorn and visiting. Just past the campground is the rifle range, but no one was using it so I can’t say how loud it would be. If you need an outfitter for canoeing or kayaking, there is an outfitter in town on the way to the campground. One other thing to note: there are no showers here, but at least the bathrooms were clean. 

Small with (almost) it all

Quiet campground, mostly locals/regulars.  
If it rains heavily, the campground can flood quickly when the river rises.


Grassy area along the river with restrooms.

Tucked out of the way along the iowa river. My kids love this campground and it's cheap. They have a shower house, bathrooms, and a playground. How ever it does flood quit a bit and does not have a dump station. Convenience store in town a couple miles away with a big new city playground and a drop in point on the river right over the bridge you cross to get there for tubing and kayaking. 

Pine ridge

I like this campground. It is right on the Iowa river near a takeout, so you can put in upstream and paddle down, or do as I do and paddle upstream and then back down (works when the water flow is not too swift).

  

This campground is quiet at night, but I will point out that it is near a popular members-only rifle and pistol range. It is very safe as the range points away from the campground into some large dirt mounds, but you may hear the continuous sound of gun fire during the day.

Photos of Pine Ridge Park

Real photos from real campers