Top 10 Camping Hidden Gems in Iowa

Camping Gems - Iowa Western Skies Scenic Byway Head into the countryside west of Des Moines and travel through stunning prairies, golden fields, and wide-open blue skies.  This region has Danish villages, windmills, gorgeous apple orchards, and nature preserves. Lake Ahquabi State Park Looking for a secluded, beautiful lake for fishing and boating?  Head to Lake Ahquabi to angle for crappie, bluegill, redear, sunfish, and bass. Wildlife watching and mushroom hunting are favorite spring activities. Cedar Valley Nature Trail Work off some of that extra energy on the scenic 52-mile trail that follows the tracks of the former Cedar Rapids to Waterloo railroad run. Don't feel like walking? Then take your bike or wait till winter and dig out your cross country skis. (Boyson Road, Hiawatha, IA, 319-398-3505) DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge The refuge is comprised of 8,358 acres in Iowa and Nebraska and lies in the Missouri River Valley floodplain on a former meander of the Missouri River. Each year, especially during the fall, spectacular flights of ducks and geese mark the changing seasons along this traditional waterfowl flyway. An interesting assortment of warblers, raptors, shorebirds, and other bird life can be observed also. Seminole Valley Farm A visit to Seminole Valley Farm and its sister attraction, Usher's Ferry, can transport you back into early 1900s Iowa farm life as you tour a farmhouse, barn, garden, summer kitchen, and smokehouse. Open May - October. (1400 Seminole Valley Rd NE) River Bluffs Scenic Byway You'll see breathtaking bluffs, forested hill tops, and lovely winding roads on this scenic byway in northeast Iowa. Learn more about the Native American history and the mounds that dot the byway, watch for eagles, and explore this picturesque regions (known as Little Switzerland). Pella Tulip Time Festival A visit to Pella will make you feel like you've been magically transported to an Old World Dutch Village. In May, take in the Tulip Time Festival, when the town is a blaze of color and the residents don traditional Old World costumes and celebrate their rich heritage. Before leaving town you'll also want to stop by Wyatt Earp's boyhood home at 507 Franklin Street. Lake-to-Lake State Park Bike Route Take an afternoon or a full day to explore the Lake-to-Lake bike route.  This 50-mile trail connects Pine Lake State Park with George Wyth Memorial State Parks. Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad Railroaders won't mind making the drive to Boone (near Des Moines) between Memorial Day and October 31. Here you can hop on one of their diesel, electric, or steam engines trains for a lovely 14 mile journey through the Des Moines River Valley. (800-626-0319) Ledges State Park With sandstone ledges that rise 100 feet above the Des Moines River Valley, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state.  Hike the trails up and down steep slopes to scenic overlooks and get a view of Pea’s Creek “canyon.” This is also a great spot for fishing and canoeing.