Camping in Iowa

Heading to Iowa or anywhere in the Midwest for camping is never a bad idea. Camping in the heart of the woods is just a different experience from camping on a beach or at a larger national park. While the campgrounds in Iowa might not be the biggest you’ve visited, they are able to accommodate you and your family. From basic camping sites to RV parks and more upscale camping accommodations, there is plenty for you to do, no matter what your definition of camping might be.

Places to Camp in Iowa

While it might be tempting to simply drive around Iowa to see what campgrounds there are, in the summer months and well into the fall, these campgrounds can be filled up quickly. Here is a list of some of the larger campgrounds that are available for campers in Iowa:

• Adventureland Campground
• F.W. Kent Park
• Howell Station Campground
• Klocks Island
• Lake Anita State Park
• Ledges Anita State Park
• North Woods Park
• Prairie Flower Recreation Area
• Red Barn Resort
• Riverview Ridge Campgrounds and Recreation
• Springbrook State Park
• Sugar Bottom Campground
• Upper Iowa Resort
• Waukon City Park

You might want to choose one or two campgrounds in order to see how different sites compare or to spend a longer weekend in various areas of Iowa.

Iowa Camping Ideas

When you’re heading out into a campground, you might already have a routine you follow (and it begins and ends with Jack Daniels), but it never hurts to change your routine. You can do other things besides drink around the campfire.

Here are some ideas:

• Roast marshmallows – Yes, it’s actually a lot of fun to see just how badly you can burn a piece of air and sugar. And you can make s’mores with graham crackers and chocolate. A delicious way to end the day.
• Hike the trails – Though you might just want to sit by the water or your tent to waste away the day, it’s actually a bit more exciting to head out on some of the trails. You can learn more about what the wilderness looks like and you can burn off all of the s’mores you are planning to eat later.
• Make a gourmet meal – Just because you’re not able to access a stove, you can do a lot with a campfire. Try bringing in organic ingredients and meats for a gourmet meal. Cook up something really special instead of the hotdogs you would normally bring.

Camping often gets a bad rep because it doesn’t include massages and a round on the green, but instead of thinking about all that you could be doing, think about how you can finally unwind when you’re in the wilderness. Enjoy the quiet and the peace when you’re away from the rest of the world. It’s well worth the trip to Iowa for camping.