There are few better seasons in Iowa for camping than the fall. Alongside the changing colors that paint a beautiful scene, the dropping temperatures really add an extra layer of comfort in the campfire and sleeping bags, and lends to full days of exploring without suffering from blazing temperatures during the daylight. If you are looking for a great spot to camp in Iowa during the fall, you don’t have to look very far. Spread across the state parks and recreation areas of Iowa, you’ll find campsites that you didn’t think could be better than the last. To get those tents pitched in the right direction this autumn, a great place to start are these five perfect fall camping spots in Iowa.
Combining the natural side of Iowa with a touch of historical structures, Wildcat Den State Park is an attraction worth visiting anytime of the year. Come autumn though, when the temperatures first begin to drop out of their summer highs and the canvas of the entire area changes its palette, it is a truly special time to visit. The best way to explore the many trails and things to do at Wildcat Den State Park, is to stay the night within its extensive camping area, which provide both restroom facilities and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the changing season that surrounds the tent sites.
Featuring electric hook-ups, modern restrooms, and even a concession area to provide the s’more ingredients, Pikes Peak State Park is the place to go. It’s not all the amenities that makes Pikes Peak such a great place to camp in the fall, rather, it’s the views that the camping spots lend to. With a short climb from the camping spots at Pike’s Peak State Park, visitors can enjoy the view of the mighty Mississippi from atop the Point Ann overlook, and with it, can enjoy the many changing colors of the new season. Multiple nights at the Pikes Peak State Park campgrounds are recommended, just to give you enough time to check out all this celebrated state park has to offer, including all the opportunities the neighboring town of McGregor can provide for a weekend adventure.
Located in the scenic Loess Hills of Western Iowa, Waubonsie State Park offers year-round recreation and plenty of things to do throughout each season. When the leaves start changing color in the Loess Hills however, many people would consider this the best time to visit this state-famous state park. The campgrounds at Waubonsie State Park can provide electricity and access to modern restroom facilities, and can even accommodate equestrian parties, making Waubonsie a popular place for horseback riders. To really maximize your experience at Waubonsie State Park, the year-round cabin rentals can put a more sturdy roof over your head and a memorable experience living amongst the fall colors.
To really step into the natural side of Iowa, the Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, located an hour and a half north of Des Moines, offers everything you’d expect from the Iowa landscape. No matter how you enjoy the autumn weather at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, whether it’s fishing in the waters or exploring the 45 miles of multi-use trails, it’s easy to lose yourself in all the beauty.
Home to a series of historical Indian mounds overlooking the Des Moines river, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park offers a great look into the culture of the area, and the natural beauty that still surrounds it. A lot of things add up correctly for Lacey-Keosauqua State Park to be one of the best spots to visit during the fall, and the combination of bluff-lined hiking trails and a high-foliage campsite, it should come as no surprise that this state park is a popular place to visit during the autumn. Check out this celebrated space in October, and alongside your stay you can have the chance to take part in the Scenic Drive Festival, which can give you a strong taste of what Iowa has to offer during the fall.
