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The Best Camping in Iowa

Looking for the best camping in Iowa? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Iowa. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top camping spots in and near Iowa

  • Maquoketa, Iowa

    Explore the Maquoketa Caves

    4.5
    From the Maquoketa Caves State Park office, near the parking area, hike north for access to 8 of the 16 caves in the park. These caves include Wide Mouth Cave, Dug Out Cave, Twin Arch Cave, Hernando's Hideaway, Up-N-Down Cave, Widow Cave, Match Cave, and Upper Dancehall Cave. Other attractions in...
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  • Harpers Ferry, Iowa

    Hike Paint Creek Unit Loop

    5.0
    11 mi / 2 ft gain
    Paint Creek Unit Loop is a 11 mile loop hike where you may see beautiful wild flowers located near Waterville, Iowa.
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  • Boone, Iowa

    Hike the Canyon Road and Table Rock Loop

    This park is part of the Des Moines river valley that cuts through most of the area. It's a hot spot for cooling off in the summer given the two rivers and also a great place for hiking. During the spring, fall and winter, the road down into the valley is closed. In the summer, it is open for ...
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  • Moorhead, Iowa

    Hike Preparation Canyon State Park Loop

    2.8 mi / 669 ft gain
    Preparation Canyon State Park Loop is a 5.2 mile loop hike that takes you by a river located near Onawa, Iowa.
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  • Lake View, Iowa

    Hike Black Hawk Lake Loop

    6.6 mi / 104 ft gain
    Black Hawk Lake Loop is a 6.6 mile loop hike that takes you by a lake located near Lake View, Iowa.
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  • McGregor, Iowa

    Hike Weeping Rock And Hickory Ridge Loop Trail

    3.9 mi / 423 ft gain
    Weeping Rock and Hickory Ridge Loop Trail is a 3.9 mile loop hike that takes you by a waterfall located near McGregor, Iowa.
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  • McGregor, Iowa

    Hike Bridal Veil Trail

    0.9 mi / 167 ft gain
    Bridal Veil Trail is a 0.9 mile out and back hike that takes you by a waterfall located near McGregor, Iowa.
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  • Decorah, Iowa

    Hike North Bear Creek

    2.4 mi / 124 ft gain
    North Bear Creek is a 7.4 mile out and back hike that takes you by a river located near Decorah, Iowa.
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  • Boone, Iowa

    Hike Ledges Table Rock Trail And Inspiration Point

    1.2 mi / 232 ft gain
    Ledges Table Rock Trail and Inspiration Point is a 1.2 mile loop hike that takes you by a river located near Boone, Iowa.
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  • Harpers Ferry, Iowa

    Hike Yellow River Paint Creek Loop Trail

    6.8 mi / 751 ft gain
    Yellow River Paint Creek Loop Trail is a 6.8 mile loop hike that takes you past great forest setting located near Harpers Ferry, Iowa.
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  • Solon, Iowa

    Hike Lake Macbride Nature Recreation Area

    5.0
    2.4 mi / 144 ft gain
    Lake Macbride Nature Recreation Area is a 2.4 mile loop hike where you may see beautiful wild flowers located near North Liberty, Iowa. Lake Macbride loop only has 144 feet of elevation making it suitable for any age and skill level. There are beautiful meadows of wildflowers that can be viewed f...
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  • Iowa City, Iowa

    Hike Squire Shore, Weasel Run, Mushroom Forest Trail

    5 mi / 364 ft gain
    Squire Shore, Weasel Run, Mushroom Forest Trail is a 5 mile loop hike that takes you by a lake located near North Liberty, Iowa.
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  • Dundee, Iowa

    Hike West Lake And East Lake Trail Loop

    6.3 mi / 626 ft gain
    West Lake and East Lake Trail Loop is a 6.3 mile loop hike that takes you by a lake located near Dundee, Iowa.
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  • Anita, Iowa

    Hike Lake Anita Loop

    4.5 mi / 219 ft gain
    Lake Anita Loop is a 4.5 mile loop hike that is rated as moderate located near Anita, Iowa.
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  • Brighton, Iowa

    Hike Lake Darling Loop

    11.2 mi / 643 ft gain
    Lake Darling Loop is a 11.2 mile loop hike where you may see beautiful wild flowers located near Brighton, Iowa.
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  • Coon Rapids, Iowa

    Hike Little Dipper Trail

    1.9 mi / 144 ft gain
    Little Dipper Trail is a 1.9 mile loop hike that takes you past wildlife located near Coon Rapids, Iowa.
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