Campgrounds in Iowa
Iowa has 49 campgrounds in the Camphive database, from free dispersed and BLM camping to developed state park and national forest sites. The highest-rated spots are listed below by Vistas score, Camphive's 1–10 scenic rating. Every listing links to a full page with location, fees, and details.
Camping on a budget? See the 14 free camping spots in Iowa.
Of the 40 top-rated spots listed below, 34 are free.
Top campgrounds in Iowa
- Maquoketa Caves State Park — IA - Maquoketa · $16/night · Vistas 7
- Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area — Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area · Vistas 6.4
- Roberts Creek West Campground — Roberts Creek West Campground · Vistas 6.4
- Backbone State Park — IA - Dundee · $16/night · Vistas 6
- East Overlook Day Use Area — East Overlook Day Use Area · Free · Vistas 6
- BUCK CREEK (RATHBUN LAKE) — BUCK CREEK (RATHBUN LAKE) · Vistas 5.8
- ISLAND VIEW (RATHBUN LAKE) — ISLAND VIEW (RATHBUN LAKE) · Vistas 5.8
- Elk Rock Campground and Boat Ramp — Elk Rock Campground and Boat Ramp · Vistas 5.7
- Turkey Creek Day Use Area — Turkey Creek Day Use Area · Free · Vistas 5.7
- NORTH OVERLOOK CAMP — NORTH OVERLOOK CAMP · ~$10/night · Vistas 5.7
- WALNUT RIDGE RECREATION AREA — WALNUT RIDGE RECREATION AREA · Vistas 5.7
- SOUTH OVERLOOK (IA) — SOUTH OVERLOOK (IA) · Free · Vistas 5.5
- CLARKS FERRY — CLARKS FERRY · Vistas 5.5
- West Overlook Campground — West Overlook Campground · Free · Vistas 5.5
- SHADY CREEK — SHADY CREEK · Vistas 5.3
- WALLASHUCK — WALLASHUCK · ~$10/night · Vistas 5.3
- SUGAR BOTTOM CAMPGROUND — SUGAR BOTTOM CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 5.2
- COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (IA) — COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (IA) · Free · Vistas 5.2
- MINER'S RETREAT ENCLOSED SHELTER (IA) — MINER'S RETREAT ENCLOSED SHELTER (IA) · Vistas 5
- Honey Creek Resort Park — Honey Creek Resort Park · Vistas 5
- HOWELL STATION — HOWELL STATION · ~$10/night · Vistas 5
- PRAIRIE FLOWER RECREATION AREA — PRAIRIE FLOWER RECREATION AREA · Vistas 5
- PRAIRIE RIDGE (RATHBUN LAKE) — PRAIRIE RIDGE (RATHBUN LAKE) · Vistas 5
- TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND — TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 5
- NORTH OVERLOOK PICNIC SHELTER (IA) — NORTH OVERLOOK PICNIC SHELTER (IA) · Free · Vistas 5
- Scales Pointe — Scales Pointe · Vistas 5
- Rathbun Marina — Rathbun Marina · Vistas 5
- SANDY BEACH CAMP — SANDY BEACH CAMP · Vistas 5
- Swede Point Park — Swede Point Park · Vistas 5
- TAILWATER WEST CAMPGROUND — TAILWATER WEST CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 5
- SANDPIPER RECREATION AREA — SANDPIPER RECREATION AREA · Vistas 5
- ACORN VALLEY — ACORN VALLEY · Vistas 5
- CHERRY GLEN CAMPGROUND — CHERRY GLEN CAMPGROUND · Vistas 5
- South Fork Marina — South Fork Marina · Vistas 5
- WHITEBREAST CAMP — WHITEBREAST CAMP · ~$10/night · Vistas 5
- Honey Creek State Park — Honey Creek State Park · Vistas 5
- Roberts Creek East Campground — Roberts Creek East Campground · Vistas 5
- CHERRY GLEN PICNIC — CHERRY GLEN PICNIC · Vistas 5
- LINDER POINT CAMPGROUND — LINDER POINT CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 5
- OAK GROVE PICNIC AREA — OAK GROVE PICNIC AREA · Vistas 4.9
Open the interactive Iowa camping map on Camphive to browse all 49 spots with filters for free camping, RV access, and scenic ratings.
Iowa camping FAQ
Are there free campgrounds in Iowa?
Yes, many primitive and dispersed sites in Iowa are free; developed campgrounds typically charge a nightly fee. Check each listing for current fees.
What is the Vistas score?
Vistas is Camphive's 1–10 scenic rating for every campground, based on the surrounding landscape. Spots rated 8 or higher are exceptional; this page lists Iowa's top-rated camping first.
Do campgrounds in Iowa require reservations?
Developed state park and national forest campgrounds often do, especially in summer. Dispersed and most BLM sites are first-come, first-served with no fee. Each listing links to a detail page with what's known about fees and access.
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