Camp near Jackson for lakeside views, wildflower fields, and historic monuments.
From skate parks to disc golf courses to nearby camping opportunities, Jackson is a city full of outdoor recreation along the banks of Des Moines River. Head 15 minutes south to Iowa’s Mini-Wakan State Park for a day of boating, fishing, and shoreline adventures in Spirit Lake. Stay for a few days at a tent or RV site nearby with access to a firepit, barbecue grill, and dump station. For lakeside views, book a cabin rental with a walk-out deck instead. North of Jackson lies Kilen Woods State Park, where campers can enjoy birdwatching, wildflower fields, and wilderness views from Dinosaur Ridge Overlook. Campsites here come with showers, vault toilets, and electric hookups. For a rustic retreat, book a cabin with a screened porch and electricity in Lake Shetek State Park. Or set up at an RV or tent site in the park with flush toilets, full hookups, and potable water before heading out to see Koch Cabin and Shetek Monument.