No Iowan's life is complete without camping trips. Some of the best memories of all are the ones that involve sitting around a crackling campfire, roasting marshmallows, and telling stories late into the night with friends or family. Whether you prefer a cabin, a camper, or just a good-old sleeping bag and tent, here are 10 amazing spots to check out for some of the best camping in Iowa.

1. Backbone State Park, Dundee

There are two campgrounds at Backbone. The South Lake Campground, which contains both electric and non-electric sites as well as two shower buildings, a playground and a dump station, and the Six Pine Campground, near the west entrance of the park, which offers non-electric sites and pit latrines. There are also modern two-bedroom and one-bedroom cabins available, which come equipped with heating and air conditioning. It's very important to check the Backbone State Park website for the latest information on the status of the grounds.

2. Ledges State Park, Boone

Ledges State Park offers both electric and non-electric campsites. There are several hike-in sites and one youth group campsite. Modern restrooms, showers, a dump station, and a playground are located at the campgrounds as well. This is a great place to camp out after a long day of hiking and rock climbing! Be sure to check the Ledges State Park website for information while you're planning your trip.

3. Lake Red Rock Recreational Area, Marion County

Lake Red Rock is Iowa's largest lake, so if you're in the area for a fishing or beach trip, camping is the perfect option for staying overnight. The area is about 10 minutes away from Pella, and there are many campgrounds in the area including: Elk Rock State Park Campground, Wallashuck Campground, Hickory Ridge Wilderness Camp, and plenty more. Make sure to check the Lake Red Rock website for reservations or additional information as you plan.

4. Saylorville Lake, near Des Moines

Another gorgeous lake area in Iowa, Saylorville Lake is a favorite spot for campers around the Des Moines area. There are many spots to pitch your tent for the night, including Cherry Glen Campground, Prairie Flower South Campground, and Bob Shetler Campground, to name a few. Make sure to check the Saylorville Lake website for updates and reservations.

5. Mill Creek State Park, O'Brien County

Mill Creek Park offers 48 campsites that have access to water, electricity, cable, and internet. They also offer four camping cabins; Two six-person cabins, which are available during the summer months, and two twelve-person cabins which are available throughout the year and include a full kitchen and bath. Make sure to visit Clark County Park District online for the latest information on the status of the grounds before you go.

6. Lake Macbride State Park, Solon

Lake Macbride State Park has two campgrounds. The modern campground in the northern part of the park has electric, water, and sewer sites as well as a shower, restroom, and trailer dump station. The not-so-modern campground in the southern park area has non-electric campsites and restrooms available. The southern campground is located in a beautiful shaded setting near the lake, and both campgrounds have a playground nearby. Make sure to check the Lake Macbride State Park website for the latest info.

7. Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor

After a long day of hiking, sightseeing, or biking, Pikes Peak State Park is the perfect spot to set up camp for the night. It has a beautiful campground with 77 campsites, including 60 electrical sites, modern showers and restroom facilities, and a trailer dump station. The park concession stand, located just a short distance from the campground, offers a variety of refreshments, ice, and souvenirs to campers. Don't forget to check the Pikes Peak State Park website before you head out.

8. Maquoketa Caves State Park, Maquoketa

Maquoketa Caves has enough to do to keep you busy for days, so you may want to bring an extra set of clothes along on this camping trip! The campground at Maquoketa offers a scenic, secluded camping area, with 29 campsites nestled in between pine trees. It's complete with a modern shower facility, and around 15 campsites with electricity. Make sure to visit Maquoketa Caves State Park on the web for the latest information.

9. Coralville Lake, near Coralville

The beautiful and scenic Coralville Lake is a great place to go for a family weekend excursion, whether you're boating, swimming, or camping. The area offers three different campgrounds and about 500 campsites. The campgrounds are Sugar Bottom Recreational Area, Dam Complex, and the Corps Lake Getaway Campgrounds. Make sure to check the Coralville Lake site on the web for all the latest information and updates.

10. Stone State Park, Sioux City

The Stone State Park campground has 30 different sites and a modern restroom and shower building. There are also camping cabins, which have heating and air conditioning but no sanitary facilities. The cabins are located near the campground and allow cabin guests access to the showers at the campground. These cabins are rustic and charming, the perfect place for a perfect Iowa camping trip! Make sure to check the Stone State Park website for reservations and other information.

So, do you agree these are some of the best places to camp in Iowa? Are you planning to camp at any of these amazing camping spots in Iowa? Tell us all about your plans in the comments below.

Need a little more Iowa magic in your life? Here are some grossly-underrated places in Iowa that even locals don't know exist. And if you need gear to ensure that you enjoy the best camping in Iowa, head on over to our friends at REI - you'll find everything you need for camping on the site.