The 5 Best Places to Camp in Iowa This Summer

Iowa may have the reputation of being one big corn field but there are plenty of state parks, lakes and hiking trails that make it one of the best places for camping. If you are coming to Iowa for a visit or you live here and want to get away, here are the 5 best places to camp in Iowa this summer.

1. Okoboji Lake: Emmerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground

East and West Okoboji Lakes are in northwest central Iowa and is a popular recreation area. These lakes are part of the “Iowa Great Lakes” a series of 5 large lakes in this area. In the summer visitors come to the lakes to swim, boat, paddle, SUP and fish. The Okoboji’s are great for catching catfish, bass, crappie, sunfish, perch, walleye and Muskie.  

For camping there are several great options but one of the best places to camp in Iowa this summer is at the Emmerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground. It is located on the SW corner of West Okoboji Lake and has campsites for both RV’s and tents. The campground has modern restrooms and showers, a boat ramp and playground for the kids.

2. Clear Lake State Park

Clear Lake is in north central Iowa, 85 miles north of Ames. The lake is a 3,684 acre, spring-fed lake with the State Park on the southern shore. The 900-foot sandy beach is a draw for campers and day visitors to soak up the sun. Swimming, boating and windsurfing are popular on Clear Lake as well as fishing. Walleye, muskie and northern pike are popular catches in the lake.

The campground is on the south shore of the lake and just a short walk to the lake. There are a variety of sites from full hookup to non-electric. There are restrooms and showers onsite and the campground is right in town so have dinner at a nice restaurant then head back to your campsite for s’mores!

3. Amana RV Park and Convention Center

Located 20 miles SW of Cedar Rapids, the Amana RV Park and Convention Center is right in the middle of the Amana Communities. This group of communities has a rich German heritage and continues with local German restaurants, shops and wineries. Visit the Amana Heritage Museum to learn about their history and current way of life. The campground is only 15 miles from the Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area which is one of the best birdwatching area in Iowa. Look for green heron (yes, green, not blue), wood duck and even great horned owls!

The campground is classic Iowa with a large open field dotted with a couple of trees and lots of campers. They make it easy to pull up your camper, hookup and relax. The campground hosts several German Festivals including Maifest, Wurst Festival, and Oktoberfest. Come for live music, festive German food and classic beers.

4. Adventureland Campground

For thrill seekers, staying at the Adventureland Campground gives you access to the Adventureland Amusement Park and Water Park right next door! It is located in Altoona which is just east of Des Moines. The park has roller coasters, kiddie rides, shows and a full water park. Don’t forget to stop by the funnel cake booth for a delicious desert (be careful that a chipmunk doesn’t run off with your crumbs!).

After a long day at the park head back to your campsite where you can settle in or continue the fun. The campground has its own swimming pool, playground and activities. The campsites vary from RV sites with full hookups to a tent only camping area, all with access to the amenities. Stay for the weekend or get a season pass the park and make it more frequent.

5. Backbone State Park: South Lake and Six Pine Campgrounds

You know with a name like “Backbone” State Park there is a story behind the name. The name comes from a ridge of bedrock that is at the highest point in northeast Iowa that is called the “Devil’s Backbone”. The area around it was the first state park formed in Iowa and continues to provide visitors opportunities for hiking, biking, climbing, boating and camping. There are 21-miles of trails and an area for rock climbers and rappelers, if you are up for the challenge.

The campground has two area, the South Lake Campground and the Six Pine Campground. The South Lake Campground has RV and Tent sites, some with electric and has two shower houses, and a playground. The Six Pine Campground is more primitive with non-electric sites and pit toilets. More likely to get a visit from a nighttime visitor like a hungry raccoon so keep you food secured. Both campgrounds are close to the lake where you can rent boats or try your hand at some trout fishing with several lucky fishing holes! Another one of the best places to camp in Iowa this summer!

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