Pikes Point State Park

3100 Emerson St, West Okoboji, Iowa, 51351, United States

Nestled in the heart of Iowa's cherished lake country, Emerson Bay State Recreation Area has earned its reputation as a premier destination where families return year after year. Beneath towering shade trees, modern campsites offer the perfect basecamp for adventures on crystal-clear waters and forest trails, creating memories that last long after the campfire embers fade.

1500 Harpen Street, Milford, Iowa, 51351, United States

Nestled in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes Region, Gull Point State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of modern amenities and natural beauty. Whether you're seeking a powered site for your RV or a more rustic experience in the non-electric areas, this beloved destination caters to every camping style. Fresh showers and clean facilities await after days spent exploring pristine beaches, launching your boat into crystal-clear waters, or simply soaking in the serenity that has made this park a cherished getaway for generations of Midwest families.

3661 174th St, Estherville, Iowa, 51334, United States

Step into a world where rugged wilderness meets rich history at Fort Defiance State Park. This 221-acre woodland sanctuary invites adventurers seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience, where winding trails lead through dense forests and open prairies to breathtaking scenic overlooks. While the campground embraces a rustic charm with non-modern facilities—no showers or flush toilets—select sites do offer electrical hookups for those who need a touch of convenience. Here, where settlers once sought refuge in a frontier fort, modern explorers find their own sanctuary among towering oaks and windswept prairies.

1619 260th Ave, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360, United States

Discover the pristine beauty of Iowa's Great Lakes at Elinor Bedell State Park, where rolling prairies meet the sparkling waters of East Lake Okoboji. This treasured landscape, generously gifted to Iowa by conservationists Berkley and Elinor Bedell, invites you to explore miles of paved trails winding through restored wetlands and majestic oak savannas. As one of Iowa's newest state parks, this protected sanctuary offers an intimate connection with nature while preserving the open spaces that make this region so special.

13185 Templar Dr. S, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360, United States

Nestled along the pristine shores of Big Spirit Lake, Templar State Recreation Area serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Iowa Great Lakes Region. This beloved destination beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its thoughtfully designed amenities, including charming picnic shelters and scenic gazebos perfect for family gatherings. The park's crown jewel is its protected lagoon boat ramp, where boaters find calm waters for launching even when winds whip across the main lake. Anglers flock here year-round, drawn by the promise of excellent fishing in some of Iowa's clearest, most pristine waters.

1500 Harpen St, Milford, Iowa, 51351, United States

Nestled along the shores of Big Spirit Lake, Marble Beach State Recreation Area reigns as the crown jewel of Iowa's Great Lakes camping destinations. This expansive campground invites adventurers to explore its well-maintained paved roads that wind through generously shaded sites, where towering trees create a natural canopy overhead. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the wilderness setting, offering the perfect balance of comfort and outdoor immersion for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

1500 Harpen Street, Milford, Iowa, 51351, United States

Nestled in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes Region, Gull Point State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of modern amenities and natural beauty. Whether you're seeking a powered site for your RV or a more rustic experience in the non-electric areas, this beloved destination caters to every camping style. Fresh showers and clean facilities await after days spent exploring pristine beaches, launching your boat into crystal-clear waters, or simply soaking in the serenity that has made this park a cherished getaway for generations of Midwest families.

1619 260th Ave, Spirit Lake, Iowa, 51360, United States

Discover the pristine beauty of Iowa's Great Lakes at Elinor Bedell State Park, where rolling prairies meet the sparkling waters of East Lake Okoboji. This treasured landscape, generously gifted to Iowa by conservationists Berkley and Elinor Bedell, invites you to explore miles of paved trails winding through restored wetlands and majestic oak savannas. As one of Iowa's newest state parks, this protected sanctuary offers an intimate connection with nature while preserving the open spaces that make this region so special.

1500 Harpen St, Milford, Iowa, 51351, United States

Nestled along the shores of Big Spirit Lake, Marble Beach State Recreation Area reigns as the crown jewel of Iowa's Great Lakes camping destinations. This expansive campground invites adventurers to explore its well-maintained paved roads that wind through generously shaded sites, where towering trees create a natural canopy overhead. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the wilderness setting, offering the perfect balance of comfort and outdoor immersion for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

1480 130th St, Creston, Iowa, 50801, United States

Nestled in the heart of Iowa's countryside, Green Valley State Park Campground welcomes adventurers year-round with its diverse accommodation options. Whether you prefer the simplicity of non-electric sites, the convenience of electric hookups, or the comfort of full-service spots, this haven caters to every camping style. Modern amenities including spotless restrooms, hot showers, and a convenient dump station ensure your stay is comfortable. For those seeking a unique experience, the park's charming pine log cabins transport guests back in time, offering an authentic taste of pioneer living with just enough modern comfort to make your stay memorable.

1081 198th Place, Pella, IA 50219

Nestled in the shadow of the impressive Red Rock Dam, Howell Station Campground welcomes outdoor enthusiasts with 143 spacious campsites, each equipped with 50-amp electric hookups to power your home away from home. Whether you're arriving in a luxury RV or a cozy travel trailer, you'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay, including modern flush toilets alongside traditional pit facilities, refreshing hot showers after a day of adventure, crystal-clear drinking water, convenient dump stations, and vibrant playgrounds where children's laughter mingles with birdsong.

34000 176th Ave. W., New Boston, IL 61272

Escape to Blanchard Island Recreation Area, where 15 riverside campsites await along the mighty Mississippi River. This hidden gem delivers an authentic backcountry experience without sacrificing essential amenities. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Modern concrete vault toilets, convenient potable water hydrants, and a full-service dump station ensure your stay remains comfortable. Whether you're casting a line into the river's legendary waters, scanning the skies for magnificent wildlife, or simply soaking in the profound peace of this riverine sanctuary, Blanchard Island offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE

Nestled below the impressive Coralville Lake Dam, Tailwater West Campground offers an intimate escape with 22 thoughtfully designed campsites. From fully-equipped RV spots to secluded walk-to tent sites, this modern facility serves as your gateway to exceptional fishing waters, scenic hiking trails, and the fascinating Devonian Fossil Gorge. Whether you're casting a line in the tailwaters or exploring 375-million-year-old sea floors, every stay promises discovery.

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, IOWA CITY, IA, 52240-7820, USA

Perched above the sprawling waters of Coralville Lake, West Overlook Campground offers adventurers a perfect basecamp within the vibrant Dam Complex recreation area. This multi-faceted destination seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with environmental stewardship, where flood control meets forest conservation in perfect harmony. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, navigating scenic hiking trails, or discovering ancient secrets in the nearby Devonian Fossil Gorge, every day brings new possibilities for exploration. From peaceful morning paddles to exhilarating bike rides through wooded paths, West Overlook serves as your gateway to Iowa's most diverse outdoor playground.

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131, USA

Perched atop a scenic wooded ridge overlooking the expansive Saylorville Lake, Cherry Glen Campground invites outdoor enthusiasts into a 13-acre haven where adventure meets tranquility. This intimate retreat serves as your gateway to the celebrated Neal Smith Trail and the shimmering waters of Saylorville Lake, where days unfold with endless possibilities for water sports, trail exploration, cycling adventures, and prime fishing spots waiting to be discovered.

Lake Red Rock

Nestled within the expansive shores of Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake, Roberts Creek East Campground offers an intimate gateway to one of the Midwest's premier outdoor destinations. This scenic campground sits in the shadow of the impressive Red Rock Dam, where engineering marvel meets natural beauty, creating a perfect basecamp for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA, 50131-1941, USA

Nestled within the expansive Saylorville Lake Project, Prairie Flower Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts to its 60-acre sanctuary where modern comfort meets natural splendor. This beloved camping destination features 153 thoughtfully designed family sites and 10 spacious group camping areas, each offering the perfect balance of wilderness and convenience. With full-service amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and engaging playgrounds for young adventurers, Prairie Flower ensures every member of your camping party feels at home. Adventure seekers will delight in the campground's direct access to the renowned Neal Smith Trail, where miles of scenic pathways await exploration by foot or bicycle.

4530 McClintock Rd, Palo, Iowa, 52324-0242, United States

Discover a hidden gem in the heart of Linn County where 410 acres of pristine lake waters meet rolling prairie landscapes. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of water recreation, wilderness exploration, and camping adventures. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, hiking through restored prairies, or cooling off at the sandy swimming beach, this versatile outdoor playground offers something for every nature lover. The expansive public hunting grounds and well-maintained campgrounds make it an ideal basecamp for those seeking authentic Iowa outdoor experiences.

22895 Lacey Trail, Keosauqua, Iowa, 52565, United States

Nestled along the winding Des Moines River, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park stands as Iowa's second-oldest state park, where generations of families have created memories beneath towering oak and hickory canopies. This treasured getaway beckons with its peaceful shaded campgrounds, miles of historic trails that whisper stories of the past, and a pristine swimming beach perfect for summer afternoons. Whether you're seeking adventure on woodland paths, relaxation in cozy cabins, or simply a chance to reconnect with nature, this timeless park delivers an authentic Iowa outdoor experience.