Camping on the Byways

Campsite at Hitchcock Nature Center (photo by Golden Hills RC&D)

Are you ready to start making summer plans? With spring right around the corner, it's a good idea to start thinking about your summer recreation plans. There are a wide range of camping options along western Iowa's scenic byways, from primitive hike-in campsites to full hook-up RV sites. From state parks and recreation areas, county parks, and city parks, outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of places to pitch a tent or park their RV. Some of these sites can be reserved ahead of time, for example at Iowa's state parks where you can reserve a site up to three months in advance. The traditional camping season begins on Memorial Day weekend, so the first week of March is when reservable campsites at Iowa state parks can be reserved. We've compiled a spreadsheet below of campsites along the three scenic byways that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway.

The list is not comprehensive; if there is a campground missing from the list, please contact Seth Brooks ([email protected]) to get it added to the list. Additionally, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information listed below. All information was compiled from the websites of the campground's manager (Iowa DNR, county conservation boards, municipalities, etc.). To correct or add information, also please contact Seth Brooks at Golden Hills ([email protected]).

The absence of an amenity, for example showers does not mean there are not showers at the facility; rather, it means that Golden Hills was unable to confirm on the manager's website whether the campground featured that amenity. It's always best to contact the campground's manager to confirm amenities, prices, season dates, and more.

Explanation of spreadsheet columns:
Electric - campsites with electrical hook-up; may or may not have sewer hook-up
Non-electric - campsite without electrical hook-up; available for RV and/or tent camping
Tent - tent-only campsites; some may be backcountry hike-in sites
$ per night - if there is more than one type of campsite, the range of the lowest to highest price is listed
Reserve - if campsites are able to be reserved in advance
Cabins - number of cabins available
Showers - showers for campers to use
Restrooms - modern and/or pit toilets
Water - pumps and/or hydrants for drinking water
Dump site - dump site for RVs
Season - dates campground is open or campground amenities are available; cabins may be open year-round

Click here to open the spreadsheet in a new tab.