Best Camping Near Buffalo Center, IA: Top RV Parks & Tent Sites for Outdoor Adventures
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of North Central Iowa, Buffalo Center offers a diverse array of camping options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a tranquil escape. RV camping enthusiasts can find welcoming sites at nearby parks, such as the Buffalo Center City Park, which features convenient amenities and easy access to local trails. For those preferring the simplicity of tent camping, the vast expanses of the Lakeside Golf Course & Park provide a serene setting, complete with stunning views of the rolling hills and nearby waterways, perfect for fishing and picnicking. Adventurous souls can explore dispersed camping opportunities in the surrounding woods, where the natural beauty of towering trees and wildlife create a truly immersive experience. The region's flat terrain and proximity to gentle lakes lend itself well to hiking, biking, and fishing activities. Whether you’re traveling in an RV, pitching a tent, or embracing the wild through dispersed camping, Buffalo Center is a hidden gem that promises unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Prairie Flower Rec Area in Polk County is located just 11 min west of Ankeny, IA with an elevation of 937 feet. There are a total of 252 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 28 and 85 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. 2 sites have electric and water hookups. 250 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $308.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, swimming, marina, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Acorn Valley Campground in Polk County is located just 20 min west of Ankeny, IA with an elevation of 951 feet. There are a total of 85 campsites including 55 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to mid October. 29 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 72 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. 1 site has electric and water hookups. 29 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $14.00 to $84.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, swimming, marina, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Cherry Glen Campground in Polk County is located just 10 min west of Ankeny, IA with an elevation of 934 feet. There are a total of 125 campsites including 1 boat site. The campground is normally open from mid April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 28 and 93 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. All sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $24.00 to $26.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, boat ramp, swimming, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, water skiing, floating sports, disc golf.
Bob Shetler Rec Area in Polk County is located just 16 min west of Ankeny, IA with an elevation of 809 feet. There are a total of 67 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 70 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. All sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $22.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, swimming, marina, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Palisades Campground is part of Palisades State Park in South Dakota (33 min northeast of Sioux Falls, SD) with an elevation of 1,496 feet. There are a total of 40 campsites including 6 cabins. The campground is open all year. 17 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 62 and 84 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. 22 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $55.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, playground, restroom, amphitheater, ramada, flush toilets. Activities include rock climbing.
Highland Ridge Campground in Pierce County is located 45 min east of Woodbury, MN with an elevation of 1,115 feet. There are a total of 50 campsites including 1 tent-only site. The campground is normally open from mid April to mid November. 49 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 118 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 46 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $240.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, swimming, flush toilets. Activities include fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails, floating sports.
Newton Hills Campground is part of Newton Hills State Park in South Dakota (44 min southeast of Sioux Falls, SD) with an elevation of 1,477 feet. There are a total of 136 campsites including 9 cabins. The campground is open all year. 118 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 41 and 75 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. 118 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $55.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, dump station, playground, restroom, amphitheater, ramada, flush toilets. Activities include horseback riding.
Big Sioux Campground is part of Big Sioux State Recreation Area in South Dakota (just 22 min east of Sioux Falls, SD) with an elevation of 1,315 feet. There are a total of 52 campsites including 3 cabins. The campground is open all year. 43 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 60 and 72 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. 43 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $55.00. Some amenities include drinking water, dump station, playground, restroom, amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Blackhawk Park Campground in Crawford County is located 39 min south of La Crosse, WI with an elevation of 628 feet. There are a total of 146 campsites. The campground is open all year. 76 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 99 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 73 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $18.00 to $26.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, boat ramp, swimming, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.
Wallashuck Campground in Marion County is located 55 min east of Des Moines, IA with an elevation of 822 feet. There are a total of 79 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 33 and 82 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. All sites have electric hookups. Prices start at $20.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Whitebreast Camp in Marion County is located 55 min east of Des Moines, IA with an elevation of 815 feet. There are a total of 107 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to the beginning of October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 28 and 68 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. All sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $240.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, boat ramp, swimming, amphitheater. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Union Grove Campground is part of Union Grove State Park in South Dakota (42 min northwest of Sioux City, IA) with an elevation of 1,346 feet. There are a total of 23 campsites including 3 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 20 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 85 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 19 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $26.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, playground, restroom, ramada, flush toilets. Activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking trails.
North Overlook Camp in Marion County is located 53 min east of Des Moines, IA with an elevation of 818 feet. There are a total of 49 campsites including 6 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the end of April to the beginning of October. 43 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 46 and 84 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 43 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $14.00 to $20.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, swimming, amphitheater. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Love's RV Hookup-Rockville MN 842 in Stearns County is located just 14 min west of St. Cloud, MN with an elevation of 1,129 feet. There are a total of 6 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. All sites have electric hookups. Prices start at $32.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, dump station, wifi, general store, laundry facility, restroom, gasoline pump, ice, pet area.
Howell Station Campground in Marion County is located 1 hr east of Des Moines, IA with an elevation of 702 feet. There are a total of 135 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid April to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 49 and 93 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. All sites have electric hookups. Prices start at $22.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, boat ramp, amphitheater. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Lake Cochrane Campground is part of Lake Cochrane Recreation Area in South Dakota (1 hr 34 min north of Sioux Falls, SD) with an elevation of 1,690 feet. There are a total of 31 campsites including 1 cabin. The campground is open all year. 30 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 45 and 80 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. 30 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $26.00 to $55.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, swimming, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, floating sports.
Walker's Point Campground is part of Walkers Point Recreation Area in South Dakota (51 min northwest of Sioux Falls, SD) with an elevation of 1,609 feet. There are a total of 45 campsites including 2 cabins. The campground is open all year. 43 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 75 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. 1 site has full hookups (electric, water and sewer). 41 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $55.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, dump station, playground, boat ramp, fish cleaning station, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, floating sports.
Sandy Beach Camp in Johnson County is located just 21 min southeast of Cedar Rapids, IA with an elevation of 726 feet. There are a total of 58 campsites including 8 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of September. 50 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 18 and 71 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 2 sites have electric and water hookups. 48 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $14.00 to $24.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, boat ramp, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.
Lake Vermillion East Campground is part of Lake Vermillion Recreation Area in South Dakota (36 min west of Sioux Falls, SD) with an elevation of 1,469 feet. There are a total of 38 campsites including 2 cabins. The campground is open all year. 36 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 29 and 80 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. 36 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $26.00 to $55.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, playground, boat ramp, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, floating sports.
Lake Vermillion West Campground is part of Lake Vermillion Recreation Area in South Dakota (38 min west of Sioux Falls, SD) with an elevation of 1,469 feet. There are a total of 98 campsites including 7 cabins. The campground is open all year. 82 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 70 and 82 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. 87 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $55.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, dump station, playground, boat ramp, swimming, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Sugar Bottom Campground in Johnson County is located 31 min north of Iowa City, IA with an elevation of 689 feet. There are a total of 216 campsites including 14 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of September. 202 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 36 and 89 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 24 sites have electric and water hookups. 178 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $14.00 to $200.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, boat ramp, amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Lake Herman Campground is part of Lake Herman State Park in South Dakota (1 hr 1 min northwest of Sioux Falls, SD) with an elevation of 1,670 feet. There are a total of 76 campsites including 4 cabins. The campground is open all year. 70 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 45 and 80 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. 2 sites have full hookups (electric, water and sewer). 68 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $55.00. Some amenities include drinking water, dump station, playground, boat ramp, swimming, restroom, amphitheater, pay telephone, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, floating sports.
Linder Point Campground in Johnson County is located just 15 min north of Iowa City, IA with an elevation of 803 feet. There are a total of 17 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 58 and 85 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 7 sites have electric and water hookups. 10 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $22.00 to $26.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
West Overlook Campground in Johnson County is located just 15 min north of Iowa City, IA with an elevation of 764 feet. There are a total of 89 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 32 and 73 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 19 sites have electric and water hookups. 70 sites have electric hookups. Prices start at $20.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, dump station, boat ramp, swimming, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Oakwood Lakes Campground 2 is part of Oakwood Lakes State Park in South Dakota (1 hr 16 min north of Sioux Falls, SD) with an elevation of 1,639 feet. There are a total of 68 campsites including 4 cabins. The campground is open all year. 64 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 75 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. 64 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $26.00 to $55.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, dump station, boat ramp, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails, water skiing, floating sports.
Cottonwood Campground in Johnson County is located just 15 min north of Iowa City, IA with an elevation of 722 feet. There are a total of 11 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the end of May to the end of August. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $14.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
Tailwater West Campground in Johnson County is located just 14 min north of Iowa City, IA with an elevation of 679 feet. There are a total of 22 campsites including 2 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to mid October. 20 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 40 and 69 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 20 sites have electric and water hookups. Fees range from $14.00 to $26.00. Some amenities include shower, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Oakwood Lakes Campground 1 is part of Oakwood Lakes State Park in South Dakota (1 hr 17 min north of Sioux Falls, SD) with an elevation of 1,639 feet. There are a total of 83 campsites including 3 cabins. The campground is open all year. 74 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 35 and 96 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. 68 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $55.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, playground, boat ramp, restroom, amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, floating sports.
Tailwater East Campground in Johnson County is located just 13 min north of Iowa City, IA with an elevation of 743 feet. There are a total of 22 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to mid October. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 42 and 68 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. All sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $22.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, boat ramp, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Grant River Campground in Grant County is located 32 min north of Dubuque, IA with an elevation of 618 feet. There are a total of 73 campsites including 10 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of October. 62 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 90 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 63 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $14.00 to $25.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, playground, boat ramp, amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include fishing.
map icon in the lower right corner.
*Earn our 
Show your commitment in keeping our forests healthy and protecting our public lands by earning the Leave No Trace badge.