Our Guide to Camping in Iowa
Iowa’s dynamic weather, ample space and natural beauty make it a fantastic place to go camping. Campgrounds in Iowa are designed to accommodate a wide range of different visitors – RV campers, tent campers, fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and hikers will all find something to love in The Hawkeye State.
The Best Time of Year to Go Camping in Iowa
If you’re trying to decide when to go camping in Iowa, the good news is that many campgrounds are open year-round. Unless there is heavy snowfall, you can visit during the winter months and enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities. During the summer, temperatures can soar into the 90s, so you may want to book a spot that is located near a lake or river.
Things to Know About Iowa Campgrounds
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Bring a Hat and Sunscreen
Iowa’s sweeping plains are beautiful, but don’t always offer a lot of tree cover for shade.
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Be Aware of Where You Swim
Natural lakes in parts of northern Iowa can sometimes be a source of “Swimmers Itch” which is caused by a local parasite. While it’s usually a relatively mild source of skin irritation, there are things that you can do to help minimize your chances of experiencing it for yourself. It’s recommended that you avoid swimming in marshy areas where there are aquatic plants, and be sure to dry off soon after getting out of the water.
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Doublecheck Amenities Ahead of Time
Campground amenities may vary significantly from one place to the next, and sometimes from one campsite to the next. Additionally, some amenities such as flush toilets and showers may only be available during the warm months – so you’ll want to keep this in mind if you’re planning a fall or winter trip. The ReserveAmerica website can be a great resource for discovering what each campground has to offer.
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Pack Your Rain Gear
The springtime in Iowa can be particularly wet and rainy, so if you decide to book a tent site in April or May, be prepared. Still, this time of year also brings the bloom of beautiful prairie flowers and grasses – there’s a lot to love about Spring in Iowa…if you’ve brought your rain jacket.
Our Top Campgrounds in Iowa
From lakefront vistas to cozy cabins, here are some of the best places for camping in Iowa.
Lake Darling State Park
Lake Darling State Park is named after J.N. Darling – a cartoonist for the Des Moines Register and a founding member of the conservation movement in Iowa. Located in southeast Iowa, the park is easily accessible via highway 1 & 78 and is approximately 4 miles from the town of Brighton.
The state park’s wide range of activities make it a favorite destination for much of the year. During the warm months, you can swim, canoe, kayak or even cruise in your motorboat as long as you remain at a “no wake” speed. Cast out a line on the 1.5 mile-long paved fishing trail, or take a hike through the extensive wetland and prairie that surrounds the park. During the winter, Lake Darling State Park becomes a great place for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and other snow-friendly activities.
Among the park’s offerings are 6 newly-built cabins that provide coziness and comfort in all weather. These cabins are ADA accessible, and they’re equipped with basic kitchen appliances and queen sized beds. If you’re camping in Iowa during the warmer months and would like to immerse yourself in nature, Lake Darling State Park offers a variety of RV and tent camping sites. Available amenities in the campground include full hook-up sites, modern showers and restrooms, and a dump station.
Lake Anita State Park
Lake Anita State Park is a very popular destination for camping in Iowa. Located just outside the town of Anita in southwest Iowa, the park stretches out over more than 1,000 acres. A 171 acre artificial lake provides a great place to cool off on summer days, go fishing or relax with friends on a pontoon boat. The park is conveniently equipped with fishing jetties, fish cleaning stations, and two boat ramps. Every Saturday night during the summer, the park shows movies – and you can even purchase concessions to enjoy during the feature presentation.
All campsites at Lake Anita offer easy access to the lake. Depending on your needs, you can choose between full hook-up, electric, and non-electric sites. Modern shower and restroom buildings are located onsite.
Prairie Rose State Park
If you’re interested in watersport-friendly Iowa state parks, camping at Prairie Rose is a great option. Located in the hills of southwest Iowa, Prairie Rose State Park sits on the edge of a 218 acre lake and is a perfect location for swimming, fishing, paddling, and boating. The lake has a lot to offer anglers in particular. You can fish for bass, bluegill and crappie on one of the 8 fishing jetties, and then clean your catch on either of the 2 fish cleaning docks. Plus, Prairie Rose State Park offers an overnight fishing area – which is rare for campgrounds in Iowa. When you’re ready to stretch your legs, you can explore the park’s 7 miles of multi-purpose hiking trails and learn about the local wildlife. In the wintertime, Prairie Rose remains active and is open for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
Prairie Rose provides a few different camping options for visitors. The park has 2 camping cabins that are equipped with heat and air conditioning, a mini fridge and twin sized bunk beds. If you’re interested in one of the cabins, it’s a good idea to book well in advance. The East Campground is more geared toward RV visitors and has full hook-up sites and electric sites. The West Campground has both electric and non-electric sites. During the summer months, you can buy firewood onsite.
Amana RV Park and Event Center
Amana RV Park and Event Center is conveniently located just half a mile outside the village of Amana, and is right off of Highway 151. It’s a popular destination for meetings and get-togethers, as they offer 20,000 square feet of available event space.
Over a million people travel to the Amana area each year to explore the Amana Colonies – a collection of 7 historic villages where a fully-communal lifestyle was in place up until the early 1930s. You can explore the unique local architecture, enjoy freshly-baked bread, and tour the Museum of Amana History.
A convenient option for RV camping in Iowa, Amana offers 450 campsites – many of which are equipped with full hook-up. Tent sites are also available. Additionally, if you’re interested in a longer stay be sure to inquire about their monthly campsite rental options. A dump station, handicap-accessible restrooms, and onsite laundry all help to make this campground a comfortable place to stay.
It’s Time to Plan Your Trip!
Ready to hit the road? We’re here to help you plan the perfect trip. With a huge inventory of campgrounds and an easy booking process, ReserveAmerica is the first step of your next adventure.