The best camping near Geode State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Geode adventure.

Discover Geode State Park's serene lake and lush trails.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Geode State Park

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East Grove Farms Winery and Vineyard

1 site · Tent10 acres · Salem, IA
Located in Southeast Iowa, East Grove Farms Winery and Vineyard specializes in honey wine (also known as mead) made from various fruits like Elderberries. Our headquarters is the O.A. and Emma Garretson House, which has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The farm itself is the oldest continuously-settled farm in Iowa, and was established in 1837. The farm served as a station on the Underground RR and farm founder Joel C Garretson was the stationmaster. All are welcome to visit during our open hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm (or by appointment) for free wine and mead tastings. During the summer we offer wagon rides, and in the winter (weather permitting) we offer sleigh rides. East Grove Farms focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, and strives to be pesticide-free whenever possible. Feel free to wander through the fields, go hiking through the timber, fish for dinner in our pond. Learn more about this land: East Grove Farms invites you to pitch your tent in the former hazelnut thicket that our ancestors and the East Grove community safely hid freedom seekers from Missouri in the 1840's.   It is located 1/4 m north of the winery near the vineyard and tree line and you can usually drive to the camp on a grass path thru the elderberry patch.  It offers complete privacy and has a fire ring, picnic table, a prep table, and shade.  Firewood is available if you ask.  PLEASE TAKE NOTE THERE ARE NO ELECTRICAL HOOKUPS, WATER, OR TOILET AND SHOWER FACILITIES. WE NO LONGER HAVE A PORTA JON AT CAMP! TOTALLY PRIMITIVE CAMPING.   There is a pond for fishing and some trails, and of course all campers are welcome to visit our headquarters for a free tasting of our wine and mead!  Wagon rides can be arranged and on occasion there is live music at the meadery on weekends.  For those interested in the underground RR, there is an excellent museum in nearby Salem, the Lewelling Quaker Museum, a National Park Service noted site for abolitionist activity.
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$20
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Railroad creek camp ground

5 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Hamilton, IL
Learn more about this land:Come enjoy primitive camping while you commune with nature and hunt geodes and fossils in the famous Keokuk Geode region. Property is within close proximity to Nauvoo, Illinois and within a very short distance to the Mississippi River. The camping area is level ground and surrounded by trees. The property has a hillside geode mine on it and there is a creek running through it that has a lot of geodes in it.
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$20
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(1)

Cottage on the Bay

1 site · Lodging1 acre · New Boston, IL
This Sears kit home was originally built in 1941 and has been remodeled to give it a more cabin like feel. It sits on 1.38 acres of land with mature trees and direct access to Boston Bay which connects to the Mississippi River. Enjoy the view from the new deck or take your boat or jet ski down the road to one of 3 public boat launches. This area is known for boating, fishing, hunting, camping and snowmobiling.
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$130
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(1)

Captain's Cove Muscatine

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Muscatine, IA
Originally built with four ponds to accommodate a Catfish Farm and Shitake Mushroom Farm - this property has been in the family for four generations. We are pleased to share this amazing property with your family to continue the tradition of enjoying life's moments. We consider this place a small piece of heaven in Iowa and hope you will too. The activities available range from fishing, swimming or kayaking, in our private ponds, bonfires, outdoor grilling, sunrise or sunset watching, hiking around the property, and so much more. The property is just minutes away from Wild Cat Den State Park, bike paths and the Muscatine River Front.
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Potable water
Toilets
from 
$200
 / night

The best camping near Geode State Park guide

Overview

About

When you arrive at Geode State Park you will feel like you just cracked open a boring looking rock to find a glittering jewel in the center of it. Jackpot! This beautiful spot of lush vegetation with the sparkling gem of Lake Geode at its center has outdoor recreation for everyone, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and even winter sports for all season fun. Follow these activities by a mandatory picnic by the water and a few evenings of campsite shenanigans with the fam and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable outdoor trip for the books. In case you are wondering, yes there are actually geodes here which is how the park got its name, although most have likely been removed ages ago. It is now illegal to remove any geodes from the park, so you will just have to check out some prime examples at the park office. No biggie, more time for playing on the water!

When to go

The ideal time to visit Geode State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer months can be busy and hot, while winter may bring closures due to snow.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Be aware of park alerts and closures, especially during extreme weather conditions.
  • Accessibility varies across different areas of the park; some trails may not be suitable for all visitors.
  • Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to bring essentials like water and snacks.
  • Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's natural beauty for others.

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