The best camping near Black Hawk State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Black Hawk State Park adventure.

Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Black Hawk State Park.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Black Hawk State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Black Hawk State Park

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Tent camping on the Raccoon River

1 site · RV, Tent42 acres · Lake City, IA

Learn more about this land:Come relax at Rainbow Raccoon Ranch on the Raccoon River. The river offers floating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The nearby Rainbow Bend park and other local conservation areas offer hiking opportunities. As a working ranch, we have friendly Scottish Highland cattle onsite for great photos and selfies.

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J.V. Vineyard & Retreat

7 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Scranton, IA

Nestled in the heart of farm country, you'll find a gem hidden near the Raccoon River. Find yourself by getting lost in nature! Our property includes over 40 acres of timber with hiking trails throughout. The main property located near by, includes our vineyard and farm. Come meet some of the farm critters, use the modern bathroom/showers, charge devices and relax at the pond. We have several group camp sites as well as remote hike in options (contact us for more info on these!). Learn more about this land: Choose to stay in one of our private tent sites, with only views of nature surrounding you. The listed sites here are accessible by car, but if remote/hike in is more your style, we have those, too - just ask! Or try out our tree house camp experience: a platform built into the trees with provided 8 person tent secured to the base (contact us to reserve/book the tree house. Rental is $45/night). We also have a large group site. Firewood is provided on site - please do not bring in your own. The campgrounds are a short jaunt from our vineyard. At the vineyard is our event center with lodging. Campers are welcome to use the modern facilities at the event center. Guests are welcome to enjoy the pond (kayaks provided, catch & release fishing), 9 hole disc golf course and play area. There are acres of woodlands to explore with ample opportunity for wildlife watching. We are a short drive to a boat launch river access. Firewood and non potable water is provided for campers.

The best camping near Black Hawk State Park guide

Overview

About

Aww, lakeside picnics with the fam. The stuff that warm fuzzy memories are made of. At Black Hawk State Park there are many places to grill up a feast in the shade with gorgeous views of the sparkling water. Bring your boat along and spend days casting your line and relaxing on the water. There are also hiking trails for getting those woodsy vibes, spotting some wildlife, and burning off your picnic feast. History buffs will enjoy the fascinating story this lake tells; named after the famous Indian Chief and the historic battle between the settlers and the natives which included a young Abraham Lincoln. This place is a special part of the Iowa landscape.

When to go

The best time to visit Black Hawk State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer offers warm days perfect for picnics and hikes, while winter can be quite cold, potentially limiting access to some park areas.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Be aware of park hours, typically from 6am to 10:30pm, to plan your activities accordingly.
While amenities are limited, restrooms and picnic areas are available for visitor convenience.
Stay on designated trails to protect the park's natural habitats and your own safety.
Remember to carry out all trash and leave no trace to help preserve the park's beauty.