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- Pilot Knob State Park
The best camping in Pilot Knob State Park, IA
100% (1)
Pilot Knob State Park is a go-to for seasoned campers.
The best camping in Pilot Knob State Park, IA
100% (1)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Pilot Knob State Park adventure.
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Leo
3 weeks ago
20 ft travel trailer
Charming host and quiet area. Great place to stop along your jorney and get a snapshot of the Green Giant.
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Jenna
October 2025
25 ft Class C
With pets
Chelsey has a great set up and is conveniently located right near the highway and local restaurants. She was very helpful upon our arrival and ensured we had what we needed. If ever in the area again, I would definitely stay at Chelsey's farm if available.
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Edward
October 2025
30 ft Class A
With pets
Had the best stay here at Walking Eagle Pond. Very peaceful and quiet. The hosts were nice and even let us pick some apples of their apple tree and we made the best homemade apple turnovers!
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Hans
October 2025
16 ft car
Very friendly hosts, cool property with lots of walking trails and cute animals
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Josh
October 2025
Tent
Great land, and always will enjoy seeing all the animals! Definitely will have to make a stop here again in the future!
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Tony
October 2025
16 ft travel trailer
Beautiful spot with large shade trees. Amazing sunrise view from property. Whimsical outhouse facility gave it a homey vibe. We were greeted by the owner’s two very friendly and sweet dogs. One sat with us while we had our coffee and just wanted some head scratching. It made us feel good since we were missing our dogs that couldn’t come with us on this trip.
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Natasha
October 2025
Tent
Awesome private campsite, right next to the river! Clear line of communication with Tyler the whole time. Next time I'll bring a wagon to haul my gear out there, but definitely worth it! My dog loved all the space to run and all the swimming he got to do!
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Cori
October 2025
23 ft Class B
Chelsey’s hospitality was awesome! Loved the quaint wooded area and was able to take a run in the morning. A great start to our RV adventure- thanks again Chelsey⭐️⭐️
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Joe
October 2025
45 ft Class A
With kids
A great place to stay. Close to the highway and a very nice farm and the host was great.
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B
Bob
October 2025
20 ft campervan
Super host, cute place, convenient location.
Composting toilet was fine.
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Eric
October 2025
23 ft campervan
We really enjoyed our stay here. Chelsey was so warm and welcoming (and her pups too!). Yes there’s some road noise but it didn’t bother us a bit. Easy to find and the space was wonderful.
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B
Blake
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Shannon has a great little spot on offer. We took our twin toddler two year olds camping for the first time at this location and it was perfect well groomed grass with organic apple trees and a brand new pavilion made our evening very comfortable. There’s also a fire pit and we were able to roast s’mores.
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R
Ramsey
September 2025
Tent
I absolutely loved camping at Tyler’s place! It felt so welcoming and private, shout out to Conor being the lil farm cat that showed us around lol
Will definitely be returning for another awesome night
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J
Jake
September 2025
Tent
With pets
First off, the host was wonderful. Her and her family are very friendly and make you feel at home. They have two nice dogs, a few barn kitties (also friendly), a couple chickens, and a rooster. The rooster is actually quieter than most when crowing in the morning.
The campsite was clean and close to the outhouse. There was a big fire pit and a nice picnic table. There was enough space for four tents (two big and two small) and an 8x8 canopy. We brought four dogs with us too and didn't have any issues.
The farm was very cute and quaint. There were a couple other folks camping on the property too but lots of space between sites.
We loved our stay at the farm and would come again. Keep in mind, this is not your typical camp in the woods setup - this is on a farm with more field than tree. It is beautiful in its own right and was a great way to mix up our camping experience.
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Jessica
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Very private, beautiful property. The host was friendly and very hospitable— offering firewood, providing a citronella candle, and got an extra digger out for the sand box. This is a good beginner campsite — close to help, but enough privacy to enjoy your time. We had a small fire the first night, unfortunately, though we struggled to enjoy it. For some reason, the mosquitos were the worst we have ever experienced. They swarmed us even with the citronella candles and bug spray. A member of the host’s family did say that this was very unusual to have them this bad though. So, hopefully, it won’t be a hindrance to future campers, because it really is a great, convenient site— especially if you are just popping up a tent for the night and heading into town to see the green giant as we were doing. After camping at 8 different sites, this site is the one we felt most safe at too!
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Harrison
August 2025
Tent
Good spot, cool location. Nice little bathroom for guests and would stay again!
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Kendra
August 2025
20 ft travel trailer
Perfect overnight stop, super accommodating to our last minute booking and made sure we got settled on arrival! Would definitely recommend if in the area
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Lauren
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Tyler and Sarah were so nice, meeting us the moment we arrived. We were given the option of a few sites and essentially, anywhere really. The space we set up camp at was like a shire tucked away not far from the main yard and bathroom. But somehow felt totally secluded. Our music didn't even cut through the trees.
The dogs got to run their butts off, we soaked up the gurgling creek and hooting owls. We will definitely be back.
My personal highlight-
The cows. Next time I need to meet and pet the pig!
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Kim
August 2025
30 ft travel trailer
Very clean, well taken care of. Mark was very responsive with any questions. We had a great time and will be back!
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Reese
August 2025
Tent
Awesome place to stay! Chelsey was super friendly and helpful! Highly recommend!
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The best camping in Pilot Knob State Park, IA guide
Overview
About
There’s no need for seconds to be sloppy! Sometimes like at Iowa’s second highest point, Pilot Knob State Park, seconds are best. Hike to the stone tower at the high point and take in sweeping views. Those wanting to ride the trails via bike or horseback will also find plenty of options. Nestled deep in the park is Dead Man’s Lake; it’s floating sphagnum bog is a naturalist's delight with pond lilies, tall grasses, and nesting birds seen no where else in the state. Fishing and boat til your heart’s content or swing by for winter thrills! Ice skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are a delight with the parks warming huts. Camping is perfect for hardcore adventurers and families alike, a weekend at Pilot Knob is sure to prove that sometimes being second still feels like winning.
When to go
The best time to visit Pilot Knob State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for exploring, though it can be busy. Winters are harsh and facilities may be limited, making it less ideal for a visit.
Know before you go
- Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience amid the park's changing conditions.
- Be aware of park hours, which typically run from 6am to 10:30pm, to plan your activities accordingly.
- Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as trails can be rugged and uneven.
- Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the park's natural beauty.
- Visit the park's website or contact the ranger station for the latest information on closures and accessibility.
100%
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