Best Camping near Eldon, IA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Eldon, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Eldon camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Eldon, IA (78)

Showing results 1-10 of 78 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Eldon

Recent Reviews In Eldon

131 Reviews of 78 Eldon Campgrounds


  • Rebecca W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eldon Wildlife Management Area
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Eldon Wildlife Management Area

    Quiet and Secluded

    We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors.

  • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

    Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

    Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Updog RV & Camping
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Updog RV & Camping

    TERRIBLE

    Worst place I have stayed in my 6 years of traveling as an RN. Yes, they had shade.  Made cell service very hard to receive. ONLY other thing they has was geese and fishing.  No picnic table, no firepits. I had a 30amp space. With slide out on each side, and not superslides either, I had EXACTLY 1 foot left on each side of my slides. I could not put out my awning as it would hit the camper next to me. No zero space behind camper as it went to a steep slope from my spare wheel. If I walked behind camper, I had to hang on to spare wheel or fall down the slope. Barely enough room in from of camper to park pickup at an angle.  I have never seen anything like this place before.  And hope I never do.  Pictures you see of campground are SO VERY MUCH deceiving !!!!!. I rate it a one star only because it will not allow me to go any lower.

  • Chunk S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Showme Campsites
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Lake Showme Campsites

    Nice spot, lots of activity

    Great spot, $20 for RVs and campers. Free if primitive camping. All spots have power and water. Waste and sewage dump can be found on campgrounds. One showering station on grounds. Bathrooms within walking distance. Even have a pistol and rifle range. Bathrooms could be cleaned more, but only complaint.

  • Kim F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Ridge Campground
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Windmill Ridge Campground

    Hidden little gem

    Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.

  • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Great spot for a great price

    Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

    Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

    The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

    But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

    I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

    Other than that it was a great spot.

  • Jim C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Updog RV & Camping
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Updog RV & Camping

    Great small park⁰

    Very nice park small but great the way I like them. The bath house looks like my bath room at home. Next time in Mount Pleasant will stop again.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from brinton timbers park
    May. 31, 2024

    brinton timbers park

    Great park no showers though

    I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Keokuk County Belva Deer Park
    May. 31, 2024

    Keokuk County Belva Deer Park

    Clean park warm showers

    $12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance. Stand-alone bathrooms throughout the park have the deep composting toilets that smell bad but whatever the ones up front are nice. Would recommend 10/10

  • Greg K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lacey Keosauqua State Park
    May. 16, 2024

    Lacey Keosauqua State Park

    Beautiful park

    Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice. Cheap too. Walking trails nearby.

  • Amanda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest
    May. 12, 2024

    Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

    Peaceful Paradise

    Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.

  • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Howell Station
    May. 7, 2024

    Howell Station

    Large spacious campground

    Well maintained campground with mature shade trees. Gravel sites, a little bit of leveling required. Poor Verizon cell signal, no internet signal. Not much natural privacy between sites, but sites were well spaced apart. Paved trail nice for biking and walking. Fishing nearby and the Dutch themed town of Pella is a short drive and a must see. Bathrooms and showers were nice, clean. Handicap camp site and bathhouse available. Firewood for sale at front gate. The potable water available at the dump station was clear and good for drinking. Dump station is easily accessible. Dumpsters were positioned around the campground. Staff was friendly. The night we stayed, there was a severe weather threat, and the staff, at the end of the night, had unlocked the storm shelters (utility area in the middle of the bathhouses) should the need arise. We ended up having to seek shelter because of a tornado warning.

  • Greg K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bentonsport
    May. 5, 2024

    Bentonsport

    17$ Bentonsport campground

    Beautiful river views. Amazing camp hosts. Showers,toilets,30/50/110 power water on sites to share water and dump on property. Mid 1800's town right there and businesses open. There is a blacksmith, a Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon.

  • Marie M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eveland Access
    Oct. 26, 2023

    Eveland Access

    Glendale Access

    20 bucks a day you submit your fill out sheet at the service area and drop it off in a drop box.

  • John C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Crossroads RV Park
    Sep. 8, 2023

    Crossroads RV Park

    Nice RV Park … if you want NOISE

    The rv park, itself, is very nice! Clean, well organized and spacious. The issue is NOISE!! Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away. And quite a bit of freeway noise, too! It's all by about location, location, location and this park doesn't have it. Spent three(3) sleepless nights. We would have moved on but we were visiting our son who lives in the immediate area. Next time, l'll drive 30 minutes more to find someplace quiet.

  • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Diamond Lake County Park
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Great weekend

    Kept getting visits from the park ranger over nonsense from being parked on the grass when others were parked on the grass as well especially calling the office first and getting the approval from the person in charge just seemed like they were running ppl off the place was very much opened for Labor Day weekend which was a shock considering past years on the same weekend it was packed , hopefully they allow more freedom in the future was not impressed trash cans were full as well hadn’t been emptied in a while

  • Lon H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Geode State Park
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Geode State Park

    Great spot!

    We stayed labor day weekend. Just pulled in and gave them our $12 a night. No electricity or water in our site. Clean bathrooms. Cheap wood for fires. Really nice fire pits with attached grill. There is a lake here too. Lots of boats. We didn't fish. Beach is closed but the water looked pretty gross. We changed our minds and decided to stay an extra night because it was so peaceful!

  • Claude R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Updog RV & Camping
    Aug. 22, 2023

    Updog RV & Camping

    Serene

    Showever up after a 400 mile ride. Met the owner.  Very pleasant. 

    Showed me around n where I could pitch for the night. Right by the pond. Very clean, very quiet n would go all over again!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Updog RV & Camping
    Jun. 22, 2023

    Updog RV & Camping

    Great camping spot

    Lots of trees for great shade in these hot days. Nice pond for some fun fishing. Very clean restrooms and showers.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson Lake Park
    Jun. 17, 2023

    Wilson Lake Park

    Nice quiet place

    Nice campground with a decent sized fishing pond. Campground host is super friendly! They ran over when we pulled in and helped guide us into our site. We stayed at site 2 which is a little smaller than we would’ve liked but it is all concrete and has full hook ups. Did not do any fishing so can’t comment on that. Did go to the creamery nearby. If you stay here and don’t visit the creamery, you’re definitely missing out!



Guide to Eldon

Camping near Eldon, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Water Activities: Many campgrounds, like Lake Wapello State Park Campground, provide great fishing spots. One visitor mentioned, "Great place to camp, kayak, fish, and hike!" This park is perfect for those who enjoy being on the water.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. A reviewer shared, "Excellent hiking trails. Great area to explore around the park as well." It's a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Lake Wapello State Park Campground are known for their wildlife. One camper noted, "Saw multiple heron, egret and hawks," making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Thousand Hills State Park Campground said, "The shower houses had individual, private, large, and very clean facilities."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds, such as Whitebreast Campground, offer spacious sites. One reviewer mentioned, "Sites were very spaced out and they are only on one side of the road so no sites backed up to ours."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Hickory Haven Campground noted, "The owner was very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Diamond Lake County Park, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper advised, "Check-in is self-registration and is done onsite."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun pointed out, "Campground was very clean and staff was helpful and polite," but noted the lack of showers.
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Lake Darling State Park Campground is open year-round, while others have specific seasons.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A parent at Lake Darling State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a long concrete multi-use path along the lake and into the cabin area."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor toys. A camper at Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow suggested, "Busy on the weekend. Bring a lot of leveling blocks."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have limited food options nearby. A visitor at Diamond Lake County Park mentioned, "If you are looking for some grub nearby... there’s really just a few nearby options."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the sites can accommodate your RV. A reviewer at Thousand Hills State Park Campground noted, "The spots seemed more fitting for RVs vs tent."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. A camper at Lake Wapello State Park Campground appreciated the "clean facilities" and "full hookup sites."
  • Quiet Locations: Many RVers prefer quieter spots. A visitor at Hickory Haven Campground said, "Very quiet place, kids can ride their bikes."

Camping near Eldon, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Eldon, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Eldon, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 78 campgrounds and RV parks near Eldon, IA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Eldon, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Eldon, IA is Lacey Keosauqua State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Eldon, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Eldon, IA.

  • What parks are near Eldon, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Eldon, IA that allow camping, notably Rathbun Lake and Lake Red Rock.