8 Secluded Campgrounds In Iowa You’ve Never Heard Of
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Camping is one of Iowa’s favorite hobbies, most especially at private campgrounds in Iowa! Whether you’re a fan of tents or have a cozy camper loaded with amenities, there are so many ways to enjoy a weekend away in Iowa’s parks. Head out to one of these secluded campgrounds for a great getaway.
1. Lake Anita State Park
Lake Anita State Park, 55111 750th St, Anita, IA 50020, USA
There are 161 campsites at Lake Anita, plus modern showers and restrooms, a giant playground, and picnic areas that overlook the water. The beach is perfect for swimmers or sunbathers and there are miles of trails for hiking and biking, making this one of the best Iowa private campgrounds. Learn more about Lake Anita State Park.
2. Lewis and Clark State Park
Lewis and Clark State Park, 2RVQ+C5, 21914 Park Loop, Onawa, IA 51040, USA
Lewis and Clark State Park is one of the most interesting in Iowa! You'll find 95 electric campsites here - quite an improvement from when the Expedition stopped by in 1804! There's also a full-size replica of the keelboat used by Lewis and Clark on their way up the Missouri River. Get more details on Lewis and Clark State Park.
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3. Pilot Knob State Park
Pilot Knob State Park, 2148 340th St, Forest City, IA 50436, USA
You'll find both electric and primitive sites at this historic state park. Be sure to spend time hiking the trails to find the observation tower! The tower, stone picnic shelter, amphitheater, one set of entrance portals, and a trail area are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is one of the best spots for primitive camping in Iowa. Check out this awesome trail in Pilot Knob State Park.
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4. Waubonsie State Park
Waubonsie State Park, 2585 Waubonsie Park Rd, Hamburg, IA 51640, USA
Forty modern campsites are waiting for you in the Loess Hills. There are two dozen sites with electric hookups, and the modern showers and restrooms make this one of the nicest places to stay for a few days. There's a separate equestrian campground with 32 sites and more primitive restrooms. At any given time, half of the sites are first come, first served. You'll find miles and miles of gorgeous trails that take you up the hills and into the valleys. If you're looking for "secluded camping near me," this secluded campground is truly one of Iowa's gems! See what else you can do on a trip to Waubonsie State Park.
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5. Pine Lake State Park
Pine Lake State Park, Iowa 50627, USA
The Pine Lake campground has 124 campsites with electric, as well as showers and modern restrooms. The stone and timber cabins were built by the CCC in the 1930s and can be reserved online. This park is truly a hiker's paradise, with more than a dozen miles of trails accessible right from the park itself. Learn more about hiking at Pine Lake State Park.
6. Rock Creek State Park
Rock Creek State Park, 5627 Rock Creek E St, Kellogg, IA 50135, USA
Rock Creek is a secluded campground that's popular year-round. In the spring and summer, fishing and hiking are popular activities. When the weather gets colder, many people make the trek for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The campsites make for a great place to stay any time. Learn more about camping at Rock Creek State Park.
7. Wildcat Den State Park
Wildcat Den State Park, 1884 Wildcat Den Rd, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA
Wildcat Den State Park, in Muscatine County, features stunning cliffs, caves, and historic structures. The 1848 Gristmill is on the National Register of Historic Places. This a great spot for primitive camping in Iowa as there are 28 primitive sites here, as well as picnic areas and miles of beautiful trails. Discover more about Wildcat Den State Park.
8. Lake Wapello State Park
Lake Wapello State Park, 15248 Campground Rd, Drakesville, IA 52552, USA
The beautiful Lake Wapello is the centerpiece of this park, with a sandy beach and boathouse that was built in the 1930s. There are 13 cabins and 89 campsites, with 44 electric RV hookup sites available. There are more than ten miles of hiking trails to enjoy while you stay here, making this truly one of the best private campgrounds in Iowa. Get more details about visiting Lake Wapello State Park.
Do you have any favorite private campgrounds in Iowa? Tell us in the comments below!
Spend some more time outdoors by heading out on some of the epic hikes in Iowa.
Are you in need of some new camping gear? Take a look at the selection of everything you’ll need to go camping from our friends at REI.
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More to Explore
The Great Outdoors of Iowa
What are the best parks in Iowa?
There are certainly some great private campgrounds in Iowa. Keep on exploring nature by heading to some of the best parks in Iowa:
- Ledges State Park: Located in Madrid, this 1,200-acre park’s main attraction is the sandstone gorge. Other activities include nine hiking trails, fishing, boating, camping, and swimming.
- Lake Macbride State Park: This 2,180-acre park can be found in Solon. There are several hiking trails here as well as opportunities for fishing, camping, boating, and swimming.
- Palisades-Kepler State Park: With five miles of hiking trails, this 840-acre Mount Vernon Park is a nature lover’s paradise. You can also swim, boat, and fish here.
- Gull Point State Park: You’ll find this 380-acre park in Milford. With a location on the beautiful Okoboji Lake, it’s a great spot to fish, swim, and boat. You can also camp, picnic, and hike here.
What are the best waterfalls in Iowa?
Put on your hiking shoes and head out to some of the best waterfalls in Iowa:
- Bridal Veil Falls: Located in Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor, the hike to this waterfall is only about one-mile roundtrip. You can also and camp within the park as well as head out on other trails.
- Dunning Springs: You’ll find this 200-foot waterfall within the 115-acre Dunnings Springs Park in Decorah. While you’re here, you can also picnic or take in other walking trails.
What are the best beaches in Iowa?
When you need to beat the heat in the Hawkeye State, head to some of the best beaches in Iowa:
- Big Creek Lake: Located in Polk City, this lake is great for swimming, fishing, and boating, with rental options on-site. Other activities here include volleyball, picnicking, hiking, disc golf, and more.
- Honey Creek Resort Beach: With a prime location on Lake Rathbun, this beach in Moravia in the ultimate spot for boating (from pontoons to canoes), fishing, and swimming.
- Racoon River Park Beach: This beach is located on Blue Heron Lake in West Des Moines. Enjoy the 500 feet of beach for swimming and sunbathing. There are also some sports complexes and opportunities to fish and picnic here.