“The Hawkeye State” boasts 83 state parks and recreation areas—camp in state parks, private campgrounds, or a covered wagon. Iowa’s landscape varies from rolling hills and valleys to wind-deposited bluffs, rugged forests, and glacial lakes. You’ll spot eagles, deer, and turkeys in these 364,200 hectares of parklands. Whether bird-watching, museum hopping, or stargazing, there’s lots for campers to see and do in Iowa.
Saylorville Lake is a reservoir on the Des Moines River in Iowa, United States. It is located 11 miles (18 km) upstream from the city of Des Moines, and 214 miles (344 km) from the mouth of the Des Moines River at the Mississippi River. It was constructed as part of a flood control system for the Des Moines River as well as to aid in controlling flood crests on the Mississippi, of which the Des...
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Coralville Lake is an artificial lake in Johnson County, Iowa, United States, formed by the Coralville Dam, a dam built from 1949 to 1958 on the Iowa River upstream from the city of Coralville, Iowa.
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Lake Red Rock, also referred to as Red Rock Reservoir is a reservoir formed by Red Rock Dam on the Des Moines River, about 41 miles (66 km) southeast of the city of Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. The dam was completed in 1969 as a Flood control project by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, creating the largest lake in Iowa. Lake Red Rock was named after one of the lost towns under the reservoir...
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Ledges State Park is a state park in Boone County, Iowa, United States, located approximately four miles (6.4 km) south of the city of Boone. The park contains a sandstone gorge carved by Pea's Creek, a tributary of the Des Moines River. The gorge is 100 feet (30 m) deep in places, with concretions jutting from the cliffs.
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Maquoketa Caves State Park is a state park of Iowa, United States, located in Jackson County. It stands northwest of the city of Maquoketa. In 1991 111 acres (45 ha) on the east side of the park were listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Rathbun Lake was constructed and is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Located at Chariton River mile marker 142, approximately 7 miles (11 km) north of Centerville, Iowa, in Appanoose County, it is one of the largest lakes in Iowa. The lake was constructed to control flooding, provide recreation opportunities, abate stream pollution, fish and wildlife enhancement, and maintain minim...
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Pikes Peak State Park is a state park in Clayton County, Iowa, United States, featuring a 500-foot (150 m) bluff overlooking the Upper Mississippi River opposite the confluence of the Wisconsin River. The park is operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It is nearly a thousand acres (4 km2) in extent. The nearest city is McGregor, Iowa. Iowa Highway 76 approximately defines its no...
More informationIs the Iowa park you want to camp at sold out? We can help! Campers often cancel their camping reservations. Campnab monitors Iowa parks and can text you when a suitable campsite one opens up! 🙂
Iowa Department of Natural Resources: Provides comprehensive information on Iowa's natural resources, including details on state parks, camping facilities, and recreational activities. Users can explore various camping options, access resources for trip planning, and stay informed about conservation efforts.
Iowa State Parks: Offers detailed information on Iowa's state parks, including camping amenities, hiking trails, and upcoming events. The site serves as a central hub for exploring the diverse recreational opportunities available across the state's park system.
Iowa State Parks Reservations: The official reservation portal for Iowa's state parks, allowing users to book campsites, cabins, and other accommodations. The site provides real-time availability, site photos, and detailed descriptions to assist in planning stays.
National Park Service – Iowa: Offers information on Iowa's national parks and historic sites, including camping options, park activities, and visitor guidelines. The site provides resources for planning visits to sites like Effigy Mounds National Monument and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Rock Island District: Details camping opportunities within the Rock Island District, which manages several recreation areas and campgrounds in Iowa. The site covers areas like Coralville Lake and Saylorville Lake, providing information on amenities and reservation procedures.
Iowa County Conservation System: Provides information on county parks and recreational opportunities across Iowa, including camping facilities, hiking trails, and special events. Users can explore local parks and discover regional camping options.
Iowa State Forests – Camping: Offers information on camping within Iowa's state forests, including site descriptions, amenities, and reservation procedures. The site provides resources for planning camping trips in more rustic and natural settings.
Recreation.gov – Iowa Camping: A federal portal providing information and reservations for camping in Iowa's national parks, forests, and other public lands. Users can search for campsites, view availability, and make reservations across various federal lands in Iowa.
Iowa DNR – Camping Rates and Fees: Offers detailed information on camping rates and fees within Iowa's state parks and recreational areas. Users can find pricing for different types of campsites and accommodations to assist in budgeting for their trips.
Iowa DNR – Online Services: Provides a suite of online services related to Iowa's natural resources, including camping reservations, hunting and fishing licenses, and park permits. Users can conveniently manage various aspects of their outdoor activities through this portal.
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