
Best Campgrounds in Iowa
Curated guides to help you find the perfect camping destination in Iowa. From RV resorts to backcountry wilderness.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region

Coralville Lake
Positioned directly below Coralville Lake Dam, this 22-site campground delivers spotless modern facilities with full hookups and concrete pads, plus rare access to a 375-million-year-old fossil gorge just steps from your tent.

Lake Red Rock
Towering hardwoods shade 143 spacious sites along the Des Moines River, where anglers cast lines directly from the campground into some of Iowa's finest fishing waters.

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22
Twenty-two acres of Mississippi riverfront create a natural playground where mature trees shade your campsite and the boat ramp puts you on the water before sunrise.
More Top Campgrounds in Iowa
Discover 9 additional top-rated campgrounds in Iowa

Coralville Lake
Perched high above Coralville Lake's shimmering waters, this campground delivers panoramic views and direct access to endless recreation—from dawn fishing expeditions to sunset paddles across the reservoir.

Lake Red Rock
Eighty-three electric sites nestle beneath towering hardwoods where Lake Red Rock's shoreline meets dense forest, creating a rare blend of modern convenience and wilderness immersion.

Lake Red Rock
Waterfront sites line the shores of Iowa's largest lake, where anglers cast for trophy walleye and boaters explore over 15,000 acres of open water. Ancient hardwood forests frame sandy Whitebreast Beach, while winding trails connect playgrounds, picnic shelters, and sunset viewpoints...

Coralville Lake
Coralville Lake laps at your doorstep, offering instant access to swimming, boating, and fishing before you've finished your morning coffee. Modern hookups and private bathroom/shower combos deliver home-like comfort between mountain biking adventures and sunset paddles across the water.

Saylorville Lake
Restored prairie plantings blanket over 40 acres here, immersing campers in native wildflowers and grasses that showcase Iowa's original landscape. Miles of connected biking trails wind through this ecosystem, letting you pedal from your campsite into a sea of swaying tallgrass at sunrise.

Saylorville Lake
This wooded ridge overlooks the shimmering expanse of Saylorville Lake, where 125 electric sites nestle among trees just steps from water sports and the celebrated Neal Smith Trail.

Coralville Lake
Tucked along the Iowa River's edge, this 28-site campground delivers direct water access through its own boat ramp, letting anglers launch at sunrise and return to clean their catch steps from their campsite.

Rathbun Lake
Situated on 11,000 acres of pristine water at Iowa's second-largest lake, this 187-site campground puts you steps away from exceptional sailing and fishing adventures.

Saylorville Lake
Electric hookups at all 67 sites bring modern convenience to your lakeside retreat beneath Saylorville Dam, where the Des Moines River winds through your backyard.
Camping Style
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Campgrounds in Iowa with the best access to your favorite outdoor activities
Campground Locations
Showing top 12 campgrounds near Iowa
About Camping in Iowa
Camping in Iowa reveals a landscape of surprising diversity, where rolling prairies meet hardwood forests and sparkling lakes carved by ancient glaciers and modern engineering. From the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River to the expansive waters of Lake Red Rock, Iowa's camping destinations offer peaceful retreats within easy reach of major cities.
Best Time
Late April through October offers the best camping weather in Iowa, with May and September providing ideal conditions of mild temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer crowds than peak summer months. Summer camping from June through August brings warm days perfect for swimming and water activities, though afternoon thunderstorms are common and humidity can be high.
Why Camp Here
- Curated selection of top-rated campgrounds
- Verified reviews and sentiment analysis
- Diverse options for every camping style
- Local insights and seasonal recommendations
Plan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve campsites early through Recreation.gov for Corps of Engineers campgrounds, as popular weekends book months in advance, especially at Coralville Lake and Lake Red Rock locations.
- 2Bring insect repellent for mosquitoes and ticks, particularly in wooded areas during spring and early summer, and check yourself thoroughly after hiking through prairie grasses.
- 3Pack rain gear and secure loose items, as Iowa thunderstorms can develop quickly with strong winds during summer months.
- 4Consider bringing a fan for tent camping, as summer nights can be warm and humid even near water.
Iowa Camping FAQ
Never Miss a Campsite in Iowa
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