Best Camping in Iowa

Trying to find the best camping in Iowa? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Iowa, Appanoose County

00 :27 hrs
1.3 mi
9.382996 ft
Unknown

Honey Creek State Park has a variety of camping options including tent sites, trailer sites, and camping cabins. There is a north and south campground. The north campground has full hookup sites, electric only sites, and the camping cabins. The south campground has electric only sites. All campers have access to restrooms, showers, playground, dump stations, and a boat launch.

2

Iowa, Johnson County

00 :18 hrs
0.8 mi
7.578003 ft
Unknown

This campground is nestled in Springbrook State Park and is surrounded by small communities with recreational opportunities and a variety of dining. The campground has both non-electric sites and electric sites for tent or trailer camping. Guests have access to restrooms, showers, a dump station, and camp store. Sand volleyball, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and a playground are located onsite. There is also a cabin and youth group camping area available for reservation.

3

Iowa, West Des Moines

00 :05 hrs
0.3 mi
0.5110016 ft
Unknown

This Campground is located in walnut Woods State Park and is really close to Des Moines, making it a convenient location. They have a variety of sites including full hook-ups or partial hook-ups for tent or trailer camping. Campers have access to restrooms, showers, and a dump station. Some of the popular activities nearby include bird watching, hiking, fishing.

4

Iowa, Jackson County

00 :08 hrs
0.3 mi
6.959015 ft
Unknown

Located in Maquoketa Caves State Park, this campground is popular for spelunkers and hikers. There are 13 caves in the area to explore. The campground has both electric and non-electric sites for tent or trailer camping. Each site contains a picnic table and fire ring. Guests have access to restrooms, showers, trash removal, and a dump station. The cost per night is $11 for standard sites.

5

Iowa, Clayton County

00 :34 hrs
1.5 mi
33.494003 ft
Unknown

Paradise Valley Campground is a large and privately owned campground with a variety of sites for camping. They have tent or trailer sites and some sites are permanent residences. They have full or partial hookups available. Campers have access to showers, restrooms, dump station, laundry facilities, fishing ponds, and playgrounds.

6

Iowa, Waukee

00 :15 hrs
0.7 mi
13.743988 ft
Unknown

Timberline Campground is a privately owned campground located a few miles west of Des Moines. It has convenient access to I-80 but sites are shaded, quiet and private. They have a variety of camping options including tent sites, full hookups, partial hookups, and cabins/cottage rentals. Some of the amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and onsite RV service. There are also onsite activities like a game room, horseshoes, playground, and swimming pool.

7

Iowa, Waterloo

00 :08 hrs
0.4 mi
1.0690002 ft
Unknown

George Wyth State Park is a great place to get away from the busy city life. The campground offers both tent or trailer sites with electric or non-electric sites. Campers have access to restrooms, showers, and a dump station. There is also access to the Cedar Valley Trail from within the campground. The cost per night is $6 for tent sites and $16 for electric hookups.

8

Iowa, Union County

00 :07 hrs
0.3 mi
4.852997 ft
Unknown

This campground is located 1 mile south and west of Thayer. It sits on the shore of Thayer Lake and has 8 sites for tent or trailer camping on a first come, first serve basis. The area is beautiful and campers have access to electric hookups, pit latrines, and 2 open shelters. It is one of the oldest recreation areas but is one of the most popular.

9

Iowa, Plymouth County

00 :09 hrs
0.5 mi
2.5589905 ft
Unknown

Hillview Recreation Area is a prime location for outdoor recreation in Plymouth County. They have primitive and modern sites for tent or trailer camping on a first come, first serve basis. This campground is located at the North entrance and has a total of 45 sites, 18 of which are electric only sites, and 27 have electric/water hookups. Campers have access to restrooms, fishing, and trails to explore.

10

Iowa, Okoboji

00 :20 hrs
1 mi
4.834015 ft
Unknown

Cenla Campground is located in the heart of the Lakes Region overlooking Center Lake. They have lakefront sites with water and electric hookups. Each site contains a picnic table and fire ring. Some of the onsite amenities include a swimming pool, restrooms, showers, fishing docks, laundry facility, and playground equipment.

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