Trailhead Cabins and Camping
Steamboat Rock, IA · 27.4 mi from Dows
- RV sites: 2
Top Campgrounds near Dows
20 campgrounds
452 available sites
Counts cover all matching campgrounds and distinct individual hosts across all pages. A host with multiple listings is counted once. Sites are active listed accommodations; availability for your dates must be checked separately.
Corn Patch Corner Campground & RV Park
Rockwell, IA · 30.1 mi from Dows
5.0 (5 reviews)
5.0
- Wi Fi
- Beach Access
- Waterfront
- Dump station on site
Oakwood RV Park
Clear Lake, IA · 31.7 mi from Dows
4.2 (5 reviews)
R Campground
Charles City, IA · 50.7 mi from Dows
4.2 (5 reviews)
Closed for Season
Waterloo / Lost Island KOA Resort
Waterloo, IA · 61.9 mi from Dows
- Wi Fi
- General Store
- Pet Area
- Propane
Rusty Ridge Campground
Toledo, IA · 62.7 mi from Dows
5.0 (5 reviews)
- Beach Access
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Dump station on site
Season starts on May 1, 2027
Closed for Season
Sandpiper Recreation Area
Johnston, IA · 63.3 mi from Dows
4.5 (14 reviews)
Sandpiper Recreation Area is a day-use facility within the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area spans ov...
- Picnic Table
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Lake Access
Photo unavailable
Deerwood Park Campground
Evansdale, IA · 63.3 mi from Dows
- RV sites: 26
Season starts on May 1, 2027
Closed for Season
Prairie Flower Recreation Area
Johnston, IA · 63.5 mi from Dows
4.6 (809 reviews)
Prairie Flower Recreation Area is part of the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting.
- RV sites: 153
- Tent sites: 153
- Potable Water
- Beach Access
- Dump station on site
- Playground
Hickory Hills Campground
Albert Lea, MN · 63.8 mi from Dows
- RV sites: 10
Season starts on May 29, 2027
Closed for Season
Oak Grove Picnic Area
Johnston, IA · 64.1 mi from Dows
5.0 (1 review)
Oak Grove Picnic Area is a day-use facility at Saylorville Lake, spanning 26,000 acres along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers various recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area is designed for o...
- Picnic Table
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Lake Access
Season starts on May 1, 2027
Closed for Season
Acorn Valley
Johnston, IA · 64.5 mi from Dows
4.5 (316 reviews)
Acorn Valley Campground is situated within the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. The area offers diverse recreational activities such as camping, bicycling, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting.
- RV sites: 27
- Tent sites: 83
- Showers
- Playground
Season starts on April 15, 2027
Closed for Season
Cherry Glen Picnic
Johnston, IA · 64.5 mi from Dows
4.6 (38 reviews)
Cherry Glen Picnic Area is a day-use facility within the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers various recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area spans over...
- Picnic Table
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Playground
Season starts on April 15, 2027
Closed for Season
Cherry Glen Campground
Johnston, IA · 64.6 mi from Dows
4.6 (704 reviews)
Cherry Glen Campground is situated on the expansive Saylorville Lake Project, covering 26,000 acres along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting.
- RV sites: 118
- Tent sites: 82
- Potable Water
- Pet friendly
- Dump station on site
Season starts on April 15, 2027
Closed for Season
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area
Johnston, IA · 65 mi from Dows
4.6 (11 reviews)
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is a day-use facility within the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area spans...
- Disc Golf
- Picnic Table
- Restrooms
- Grill
Season starts on May 1, 2027
Closed for Season
Bob Shetler Recreation Area
Johnston, IA · 66.6 mi from Dows
4.2 (792 reviews)
Bob Shetler Recreation Area is situated in the tailwater region beneath Saylorville Lake, which spans over 50 mi along the Des Moines River Valley. The area offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hun...
- RV sites: 60
- Tent sites: 60
- Potable Water
- Pet friendly
- River Access
- Dump station on site
Season starts on April 15, 2027
Closed for Season
Bob Shetler Picnic Area
Johnston, IA · 67 mi from Dows
3.6 (10 reviews)
Bob Shetler Picnic Area is a day-use facility situated below Saylorville Dam, favored by shoreline fishermen. The surrounding Saylorville Lake Project spans 26,000 acres along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities ...
- Picnic Table
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Playground
Season starts on April 15, 2027
Closed for Season
Cottonwood Recreation Area
Johnston, IA · 67.3 mi from Dows
4.6 (61 reviews)
Cottonwood Recreation Area is a day-use facility situated below Saylorville Dam, part of the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area spans ov...
- Potable Water
- Pet friendly
Griff's Valley View RV Park
Altoona, IA · 67.6 mi from Dows
4.2 (5 reviews)
Adventureland Campground
Altoona, IA · 69.2 mi from Dows
3.6 (5 reviews)
Explore Dows, IA
Population: 562
Nearby city: Ames, IA
Approx. 44 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 1,148 ft
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dows has 20 campgrounds and RV parks listed on OutReserve, ranging from full-hookup RV sites to rustic tent camping. Based on guest ratings, Corn Patch Corner Campground & RV Park is one of the top-rated options. Use our map view to find the closest options to the city center or your preferred area.
Campgrounds near Dows vary in distance from the city center. Use our map view to filter by location and find the most convenient option for your trip.
Many campgrounds near Dows welcome pets. Prairie Flower Recreation Area is a great pet-friendly option. Use the pet-friendly filter on our search page to find more properties that accommodate your furry companions.
Most destinations offer a variety of accommodations including tent sites, RV sites, cabins, yurts, and glamping options. Check individual property listings for specific amenities and site types.
The best time to visit depends on your preferences and planned activities. Spring and fall typically offer mild weather and fewer crowds, while summer is peak season with the warmest temperatures. Winter visits can be great for those seeking solitude and winter activities.