Summer Camping in Iowa

Summer Camping in Iowa

Discover the best summer camping across Iowa. Experience the best of outdoor camping during the warmest months. Long days, starry nights, and endless adventure await.

19+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: June through August
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Tailwater West Campground
Star
4.6
(310)
Tailwater West Campground
Iowa City
Coralville Lake

The Iowa River's constant cool release from Coralville Dam creates trophy fishing conditions all summer long, while the adjacent Riverwalk and Veterans Trail keep your whole crew entertained between catches.

Tents
RVs
2
Howell Station
Star
4.6
(731)
Howell Station
Pella
Lake Red Rock

The shadow of Red Rock Dam stretches across 143 electric-equipped sites that serve as your basecamp for exploring Iowa's largest lake by boat, paddleboard, or fishing rod.

Tents
RVs
3
Shady Creek
Star
4.6
(396)
Shady Creek
Muscatine
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Twenty-two acres of Mississippi riverfront deliver cool morning fishing launches and lazy afternoons watching barges glide past from your shaded campsite.

Tents
RVs

About Summer Camping in Iowa

Summer camping in Iowa offers an exceptional blend of lakeside recreation, scenic river valleys, and unexpected natural diversity that transforms the state into a premier warm-weather destination. From the towering bluffs along the Mississippi River to the expansive waters of Lake Red Rock and the unique driftless terrain of the northeast, Iowa's summer campgrounds provide access to some of the Midwest's most underrated outdoor experiences.

Best Time

The prime summer camping season in Iowa runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with peak activity occurring during July and August when water temperatures reach their warmest for swimming and water sports. Early summer (late May through June) offers the advantage of lush green landscapes, abundant wildflowers, and fewer crowds, though occasional spring storms can still occur.

Season Highlights

  • Warm weather and long days
  • Swimming and water activities
  • Full amenities and services
  • Family-friendly activities

Campground Locations

Showing top 19 campgrounds near Summer Camping in Iowa

Map of campgrounds near Summer Camping in Iowa
Explore Interactive Map →
Map Key
1
Tailwater West Campground
2
Howell Station
3
Shady Creek
4
West Overlook Campground
5
Yellow River State Forest
6
Cherry Glen Campground
7
Prairie Flower Recreation Area
8
Wallashuck
9
Bellevue State Park
10
Linder Point Campground
11
Ivans
12
Ledges State Park
13
Lake Darling State Park
14
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
15
Lake Anita State Park
16
Maquoketa Caves State Park
17
Lake Manawa State Park
18
Backbone State Park
19
Volga River State Recreation Area
View all 19 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming at designated beaches and lake access pointsBoating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on reservoirs and riversFishing for bass, walleye, catfish, and troutHiking and mountain biking on extensive trail systemsWildlife viewing including bald eagles, deer, and waterfowlFossil hunting at Devonian Fossil Gorge

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campsites early for summer weekends at popular destinations—Lake Red Rock, Coralville Lake, and Mississippi River campgrounds fill quickly, especially for holiday periods.
  • 2Most Army Corps of Engineers and state park campgrounds accept reservations up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov or the Iowa DNR reservation system.
  • 3Bring insect repellent and consider screened shelters, as mosquitoes and biting flies can be active near water bodies during early summer evenings.
  • 4Pack sun protection including high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective clothing, as Iowa's summer sun can be intense, particularly on open lake waters.
19 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Summer Camping in Iowa

Summer Camping in Iowa FAQ

We've ranked 19+ summer campgrounds in Iowa based on weather, amenities, and user reviews. Top options include campgrounds with shade, water access, and good summer conditions.
June through August is prime summer camping season in Iowa. June and September offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, while July and August are peak season.
For summer camping in Iowa, bring sun protection, plenty of water, cooling gear, and light layers for cooler evenings. Bug spray is essential in many areas.
Availability Alerts

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Tailwater West Campground
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