RV parks near Akron, Iowa offer camping options within a largely agricultural landscape at approximately 1,200 feet elevation. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching 80°F and winters dropping below freezing. Local campsites provide access to the Missouri River ecosystem where wildlife viewing and fishing are common activities throughout the warmer months.
What to do
Hiking trails: Ponca State Park features multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "Aside from the river, there are trails and a pool. Friends have said there are many very recent additions including rock climbing walls, archery, horseback riding, etc. The charm of the area is still there: riverfront views, rolling hills, simple trails through nature," notes Dan N.
Fishing opportunities: Both river and lake fishing available in the region. "So much fishing! River and lake. Very peaceful during the spring and fall. Great mushroom hunting in the hills," reports Molly M. about Riverfront Campground.
Swimming activities: Lazy H Campground offers a swimming beach with floating platforms. "The beach has giant floating lily pads that the kids loved. There are showers on the beach to wash off feet after you're done swimming," according to Angela W.
Horseback riding: Some parks offer trail rides for visitors. "Ponca is awesome. It's set at the edge of rolling wheat fields over looking the Missouri river. The woods are lush and full of deer, turkeys and other critters (also ticks...)," shares Luke L.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Union Grove State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms. "Definitely one of the cleanest most well kept campgrounds I've seen in a while. Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice," says Austin and Natasha S.
Wooded sites: Shaded camping spots provide relief from summer heat. "Small, cozy, shady campground, awesome camp hosts, private restrooms/showers, nice playground for kids. 30& 50 amp service, dump station," shares Riding with S.
Wildlife viewing: Newton Hills Campground offers opportunities to observe local fauna. "This beautiful park set just 9 miles south of Canton, SD has something for everyone. If you enjoy water activities, spend some time at Lake Lakota swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing!" writes Lisa H.
Accessible water recreation: Several campgrounds feature lakes or river access. "We camped in the Riverfront campground. No one else there on a Thursday night so we had the whole river to ourselves. Very peaceful. Good-sized grassy sites. Table, fire ring, water, pit toilet," notes Janet K.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer weekends fill quickly at popular RV parks in Akron, Iowa. Advance booking recommended, especially for holiday periods. "We pulled in after office hours and easily found several primitive walk up sites to choose from," states Joe R.
Seasonal variations: Parker RV Campground offers year-round access with varying amenities by site. "This is a very nice stop over. Sites 1 - 4 have water, electric (50, 30, 15 amp) and sewer. Those sites go for $25.00 per day. Sites 5 - 6 are electric only and are in full sun," reports Bibs O.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise from nearby interstates. "Convenient to the interstate, but that also means some highway noise if you are not in a hard sided camper," mentions Leslie B. about Union Grove State Park.
Site privacy considerations: Campsite spacing varies significantly between parks. "Beautiful, quiet, shaded, level sites with plenty of space between. Great trails and a short scenic road, plus some nice open spaces," notes Victor E. about Newton Hills.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Great park with multiple trails and great playgrounds. Great woods with trails," says Isaac E. about Newton Hills State Park.
Educational opportunities: Ryken's RV Park provides family-friendly facilities. "We were showed around the park, which has a large building (club house) with large TV and play room. There are washers/dryers available as well," explains Ron B.
Water activities for kids: Several parks feature swimming areas with kid-friendly amenities. "Lazy H was the best experience for our family during our summer RV travels. We hiked, picked sweet corn, spent time on the water & enjoyed the beach, relaxed with a wonderful view!" shares Steven D.
Spacious camping areas: Look for sites that accommodate family gatherings. "If you want a nice place to camp in NE Nebraska, this is it. Lots of shade, hiking, trail rides, campsites are pretty and easily usable. Enough space for 6 people easily," recommends Mark H.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Most RV parks near Akron provide relatively level spaces but preparation is still recommended. "The sites are spaced out, concrete pads and pull thru! We took a nice stroll through the woods also! Can't wait to go back this year!" shares Toneca S. about Lazy H Campground.
Hookup availability: Electric service ranges from 30-50 amp depending on location. "The park itself is well maintained and the pads are even. We have a small Class C motorhome. There are sewer, water and electrical 30/50 amp hook ups," notes Ron B.
Storage options: Some RV parks offer seasonal or winter storage. "We also stored our RV for the winter at the park and the fees are very cheap to do that. The overall cost of the seasonal spot is the lowest of all the other parks," mentions a visitor to Ryken's.
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies by provider and location. "There is free WiFi which covers the park well. The cellular service with Verizon has full bars at our location," reports Ron B.
