Iowa presents a variety of camping opportunities, with campsites spread across the state. Numerous locations in Iowa are specifically adapted for tent campers looking to enjoy nature and the outdoors. Some of the best campsites in Iowa offer activities such as fishing, hiking and swimming, and allow campers to experience unique sights such as cave systems and herds of bison and elk.
As one of the most popular campsites in southwest Iowa, Lake Anita State Park offers 1,062 acres with 161 camping sites, all with easy access to the beautiful man-made lake, according to Iowa's Department of Natural Resources. Tent campers can take a leisurely hike where they will observe the trees and plants along the campsite's one-mile trail. Lake Anita also offers a four-mile trail circling the lake that is popular for hikers and bicyclists looking to enjoy the beauty of the lake. Aside from hiking, there are several lake activities including swimming, boating, fishing and volleyball on Lake Anita’s sandy beach. Lake Anita offers activities for all campers, whether they enjoy quiet hikes or splashing around in the lake. Reservations for tent campsites can be made in advance, although half the sites are open to those without reservations. Daily rates for tent campsites at Lake Anita State Park is $11.
Lake Anita State Park
55111 750th Street
Anita, IA 50020
712-762-3564
iowadnr.gov
The 1,280-acre Scott County Park is the largest in the county and offers a vast array of year-long activities for campers according to the county's government website. The park has 12 picnic areas with fire pits and grills, a baseball field, a playground and an equestrian area. While exploring the park, campers will find an area for radio-controlled airplane flying and nature trails. Tent campgrounds include shower and restroom amenities. During the summer, campers can take swimming lessons in the park's Olympic-sized swimming pool and during the winter, campers can participate in activities such as cross country skiing, sledding and tobogganing. Daily fees for tent campers start at $12 dollars, with discounts offered for residents and senior citizens.
Scott County Park
270th Street
Davenport, IA 52804
563-328-3282
scottcountyiowa.com
Spook Cave and Campground is a unique site because in addition to camping, the site offers a boat tour of Spook Cave. According to spookcave.com, the cave received its name when the settlers of Clayton County would get frightened by the noises coming from the hill alongside Bloody Run Creek. Other activities for campers at Spook Cave and Campground include hiking, volleyball, trout fishing and swimming. Camping is open May to October. Rates for the cave tour is $10 for adults and $7 for children. Rates for tent campers in $16 per night, based on three people.
Spook Cave and Campground
13299 Spook Cave Road
McGregor, IA 52157
563-873-2144
spookcave.com
Jester Park, located in Polk County, is a 1,834-acre park with 252 campsites available. Jester Park offers amazing opportunities to experience Iowa’s wildlife, including bison and elk herds that live in an animal enclosure. The park has eight miles of trails, including the Stagecoach Trail, which offers a picturesque view of Saylorville Lake and the Hickory Ridge Trail. The park has two boat ramps and a five-and-a-half mile trail alongside Saylorville Lake open to snowmobiles during the winter. Jester Park even includes a 18-hole golf course. Daily rates are $13 for tent campsites or $78 for a seven-day stay.
Jester Park
11407 NW Jester Park Drive
Granger, IA 50109
515-323-5366
conservationboard.org
