Camping near hiking trails in Iowa
24 camps in Iowa that list hiking or mention it in their description. 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 85°F and lows near 64°F.
Best areas for hiking
- Around Des Moines9 camps for hiking within 25 miles
- Around Cedar Rapids8 camps for hiking within 25 miles
- Around Centerville6 camps for hiking within 25 miles
Questions
How many campgrounds in Iowa are good for hiking?
24 camps that list hiking or mention it in their description; 0 of them are free.
When is the best time to go?
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 85°F and lows near 64°F.
What else can you do there?
Of these camps, 92% also offer fishing, 92% also offer boating & paddling, 88% also offer swimming.
Every camp, with a 3D fly-over, weather, cell signal and the drive.
Open hiking in IowaThis week's picks
A different handful each week.
- Honey Creek State ParkFederal 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 → - Honey Creek Resort ParkFederal 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)
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West Overlook CampgroundFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalThe West Overlook Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood…
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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.
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Tailwater West Day Use AreaFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalTailwater West Day Use Area is a day-use facility located along the tailwaters of the Coralville Lake Dam. Coralville Lake is a multiple use project providing benefits in flood control and…
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Bob Shetler Recreation AreaFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalBob Shetler Recreation Area is located in the tailwater area below the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.
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Cottonwood Campground (Ia)Federal campground · Reservable · Cell signalCOTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND IS CLOSED FOR THE 2026 RECREATION SEASON
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Island View (Rathbun Lake)Federal campground · Reservable · Cell signalIsland View Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just nine miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa and 8 miles southwest of Moravia.
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