Best campgrounds in Iowa
Iowa

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


More Top Campgrounds in Iowa

Discover 9 additional top-rated campgrounds in Iowa

West Overlook Campground
Star
4.6
(500)
West Overlook Campground
Iowa City
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.

Tents
RVs
Wallashuck
Star
4.6
(316)
Wallashuck
Pella
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.

Tents
RVs
Whitebreast Camp
Star
4.4
(356)
Whitebreast Camp
Knoxville
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...

Tents
RVs
Sugar Bottom Campground
Star
4.6
(627)
Sugar Bottom Campground
Solon
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.

Tents
RVs
Prairie Flower Recreation Area
Star
4.6
(806)
Prairie Flower Recreation Area
JOHNSTON
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.

Tents
RVs
Cherry Glen Campground
Star
4.5
(765)
Cherry Glen Campground
Johnston
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.

Tents
RVs
Tailwater East Campground
Star
4.4
(213)
Tailwater East Campground
Iowa City
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.

Tents
RVs
Island View (Rathbun Lake)
Star
4.2
(405)
Island View (Rathbun Lake)
Mystic
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.

Tents
RVs
Bob Shetler Recreation Area
Star
4.2
(616)
Bob Shetler Recreation Area
Johnston
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.

Tents
RVs

Camping Style

Find campgrounds in Iowa that match how you love to camp


By Activity

Campgrounds in Iowa with the best access to your favorite outdoor activities


Campground Locations

Showing top 12 campgrounds near Iowa

Map Key
1
Tailwater West Campground
2
Howell Station
3
Shady Creek
4
West Overlook Campground
5
Wallashuck
6
Whitebreast Camp
7
Sugar Bottom Campground
8
Prairie Flower Recreation Area
9
Cherry Glen Campground
10
Tailwater East Campground
11
Island View (Rathbun Lake)
12
Bob Shetler Recreation Area

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

Camping in developed and primitive sitesFishing for bass, catfish, walleye, and crappieBoating and kayaking on lakes and riversHiking through hardwood forests and prairie trailsBiking on paved trails like the Volksweg TrailSwimming at designated beach areas

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.
12 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Camping in Iowa

Iowa Camping FAQ

Our rankings combine multiple factors including camper reviews, sentiment analysis, amenity quality, location accessibility, and natural setting. We analyze thousands of reviews to identify campgrounds that consistently deliver exceptional experiences across Iowa.

Iowa offers diverse camping options including RV camping with full hookups, traditional tent camping, and primitive backcountry experiences. Many campgrounds also provide excellent access to activities like fishing, hiking, swimming, and boating.

The ideal camping season in Iowa varies by region and elevation. Generally, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but book early for prime locations. Check individual campground pages for specific seasonal recommendations.

Never Miss a Campsite in Iowa

Popular Iowa campgrounds book up fast. Set up free availability alerts and we'll notify you when spots open up.