Camping › Iowa
Camping in Iowa
525 places to camp in Iowa: 31 national forest and federal campgrounds, 28 free dispersed and primitive spots, 466 private campgrounds and RV parks. The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 84°F and lows near 63°F.
Best areas to camp
- Around Des Moines70 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around West Union47 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Cedar Rapids46 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Newton29 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Waterloo27 camps in the area within 25 miles
Questions
When is the best time to camp in Iowa?
The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 84°F and lows near 63°F.
Is there free camping in Iowa?
Yes: 33 free or dispersed spots, mostly on national forest and BLM land.
Will I have cell signal camping in Iowa?
At about 100% of camps, at least one carrier has 4G or better (FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous). Plan for no signal on trails.
Filter by camp type, amenities and activities, fly over any camp in 3D, then plan your trip.
Open Iowa in Find campsThis week's picks
A different handful each week. Tap a camp to see it from above, check the weather and plan the drive.
- IvansFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
This recreation area is part of [Lake Red Rock](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=160&agencyCode=130)
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Acorn ValleyFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalAcorn Valley Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.
View camp →- Rathbun MarinaFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
This recreation area is part of [Rathbun Lake](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=274&agencyCode=130)
View camp → - Cedar Bend Park CampgroundOther / private · First come, first served · Cell signal
The campground has over 60 sites with electrical outlets as well as a dump station. Flush toilets and shower facilities are located in the campground, while pit latrines are located in the…
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Sugar Bottom CampgroundFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalThe Sugar Bottom Campground is located on the shores of Coralville Lake. The Coralville Lake Project is a multipule use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow…
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Free camping in Iowa
33 spots cost nothing: dispersed sites on national forest and BLM land and free campgrounds. Most have no water or toilets, and stays are usually limited to 14 days.