Looking for the best campgrounds near Chariton, IA? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Chariton campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Chariton, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
Welcome to Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground! This spot is a gem for anyone looking to enjoy some quality time outdoors. The campground is open from April 1 to December 31, and it's got a lot to offer. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or looking for a bit of glamping, you'll find a place here.
One of the standout features is the beautiful lake, which is perfect for fishing, swimming, or just relaxing by the water. The beach area is a hit, and the water is usually in great condition. If you're into water sports, you can rent paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes at reasonable prices. The trails around the lake are well-maintained and offer a nice, easy hike that loops around the entire lake, making for a scenic 6-7 mile trek.
The campground itself has amenities like electric hookups, showers, and toilets, which make for a comfortable stay. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. The sites are reservable, and there's even a sanitary dump for RVs. Some visitors have mentioned that the campsites can feel a bit close together, but if you catch it on a less crowded weekend, you'll have plenty of space to enjoy.
For those who love stargazing, this place offers some fantastic night skies. And if you're planning to stay for a while, Des Moines is just a half-hour drive away, offering plenty of entertainment options. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and come enjoy a stay at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground. It's a great spot for making memories, whether you're here for a night or a week.
Grant Park campground is closed until further notice for improvements.
Improvements include adding electric sites, shower house, and water station. All sites are first come first serve and will cost $20 per night. Registration is required upon arrival at the campground entrance. Campers may stay in WCCB campgrounds for 14 days out of any 30 day period.
Donated by Ferold and Dorothy Grant, this 150 acre park in northeast Warren County features a picnic shelter, a secluded pond, some wonderful woodland trails, and—new in 2018—10 primitive campsites!
The picnic shelter is available for reservation by calling the WCCB office at (515) 961-6169.
Grant Park has ten primitive campsites. There is a pit latrine in the campground. Water is not available. Reservations are not accepted. This campground is free of charge. Registration is required and is available at the campground entrance. Campers may stay in WCCB campgrounds for 14 days out of any 30 day period.
Island View Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just nine miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa and 8 miles southwest of Moravia.
The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler: Crappie, channel catfish, walleye and largemouth bass are most common. The prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler: Crappie, channel catfish, walleye and largemouth bass are most common. The prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
Rathbun Lake is situated in the gently rolling hills of the Chariton River Valley in southeast Iowa. The campground consists of open grassy areas dotted with trees. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake.
The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is nearby, offering self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round. Hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye are produced here each year. Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is just 20 minutes from the campground. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres in an abandoned rock quarry.
$50 / night
$5 / night
Red Haw State Park in south-central Iowa is a beautiful, year-round destination offering lovely views and diverse recreational activities in the 649-acre park. Red Haw is well known for springtime red buds blooming abundantly around the lake, drawing visitors and photographers to see the pink blossoms. Visitors also can enjoy swimming and boating in the summer, or cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
Camp at Red Haw’s shady campground overlooking the lake. The campground contains electric hookups, paved roads, modern restrooms and showers and a trailer dump station. Some campsites are ADA accessible. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and advance campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Red Haw State Park.
This recreation area is part of Rathbun Lake
$40 - $49 / night
Welcome to Yellow Banks County Park, nestled near Des Moines, IA. This spot is a favorite among campers for its spacious sites and friendly atmosphere. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, you'll find plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the great outdoors.
One of the standout features here is the warm showers—perfect after a day of exploring. The campground also offers electric hookups, making it a convenient choice for RV travelers. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the access to the Des Moines River and a nearby pond, which is home to bluegill and largemouth bass. If you're into hiking, the park boasts some wonderful trails that wind through the scenic landscape. And for those who enjoy a good campfire, firewood is available on-site.
Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the campground and the friendliness of the camp hosts. The sites are either paved or gravel, making them accessible even for motorcycles. Plus, the proximity to the state fairgrounds is a bonus if you're planning to visit during fair season.
Overall, Yellow Banks County Park offers a relaxing and enjoyable camping experience with plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable. Whether you're here for the fishing, hiking, or just to unwind, this park has something for everyone.
This recreation area is part of Rathbun Lake
Welcome to Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground! This spot is a gem for anyone looking to enjoy some quality time outdoors. The campground is open from April 1 to December 31, and it's got a lot to offer. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or looking for a bit of glamping, you'll find a place here.
One of the standout features is the beautiful lake, which is perfect for fishing, swimming, or just relaxing by the water. The beach area is a hit, and the water is usually in great condition. If you're into water sports, you can rent paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes at reasonable prices. The trails around the lake are well-maintained and offer a nice, easy hike that loops around the entire lake, making for a scenic 6-7 mile trek.
The campground itself has amenities like electric hookups, showers, and toilets, which make for a comfortable stay. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. The sites are reservable, and there's even a sanitary dump for RVs. Some visitors have mentioned that the campsites can feel a bit close together, but if you catch it on a less crowded weekend, you'll have plenty of space to enjoy.
For those who love stargazing, this place offers some fantastic night skies. And if you're planning to stay for a while, Des Moines is just a half-hour drive away, offering plenty of entertainment options. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and come enjoy a stay at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground. It's a great spot for making memories, whether you're here for a night or a week.
Grant Park campground is closed until further notice for improvements.
Improvements include adding electric sites, shower house, and water station. All sites are first come first serve and will cost $20 per night. Registration is required upon arrival at the campground entrance. Campers may stay in WCCB campgrounds for 14 days out of any 30 day period.
Donated by Ferold and Dorothy Grant, this 150 acre park in northeast Warren County features a picnic shelter, a secluded pond, some wonderful woodland trails, and—new in 2018—10 primitive campsites!
The picnic shelter is available for reservation by calling the WCCB office at (515) 961-6169.
Grant Park has ten primitive campsites. There is a pit latrine in the campground. Water is not available. Reservations are not accepted. This campground is free of charge. Registration is required and is available at the campground entrance. Campers may stay in WCCB campgrounds for 14 days out of any 30 day period.
Island View Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just nine miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa and 8 miles southwest of Moravia.
The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler: Crappie, channel catfish, walleye and largemouth bass are most common. The prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler: Crappie, channel catfish, walleye and largemouth bass are most common. The prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.
Rathbun Lake is situated in the gently rolling hills of the Chariton River Valley in southeast Iowa. The campground consists of open grassy areas dotted with trees. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake.
The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is nearby, offering self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round. Hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye are produced here each year. Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is just 20 minutes from the campground. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres in an abandoned rock quarry.
$50 / night
Red Haw State Park in south-central Iowa is a beautiful, year-round destination offering lovely views and diverse recreational activities in the 649-acre park. Red Haw is well known for springtime red buds blooming abundantly around the lake, drawing visitors and photographers to see the pink blossoms. Visitors also can enjoy swimming and boating in the summer, or cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
Camp at Red Haw’s shady campground overlooking the lake. The campground contains electric hookups, paved roads, modern restrooms and showers and a trailer dump station. Some campsites are ADA accessible. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and advance campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Red Haw State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Chariton, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chariton, IA is Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 13 reviews.
What parks are near Chariton, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Chariton, IA that allow camping, notably Lake Red Rock and Saylorville Lake.
