Best Campgrounds near Allerton, IA

Campgrounds near Allerton, Iowa include several established options within a short drive of town. Bobwhite Park offers basic tent and RV camping with electric hookups and pet-friendly policies from April through December. Within 20 miles, visitors can find more developed facilities at Nine Eagles State Park Campground, which features cabins alongside traditional tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Lake Rathbun, approximately 30 miles northeast, provides additional camping opportunities with multiple Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds including Island View and Prairie Ridge, which offer scenic water views and boat access.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with most facilities operating from early April through late October or December. Water access and shower facilities typically close during winter months at state parks. "Honey Creek State Park is on Rathbun Lake, a very popular place to boat, fish and camp in Southern Iowa," noted one visitor who camped with a Boy Scout troop. Summer weekends often see higher occupancy rates, particularly at waterfront sites, while spring and fall provide more solitude with moderate temperatures. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near towns and limited connectivity in more remote areas.

Campers frequently mention the fishing opportunities as a highlight of the region. Lake Rathbun draws anglers and boaters, with Island View campground providing direct lake access via multiple boat ramps. Wildlife viewing is another common experience, with several visitors reporting deer sightings throughout the camping areas. According to one camper who stayed at Prairie Ridge, "What stands out at this campground is the prairie grass and all of the wild flowers." The relatively flat terrain makes most campgrounds accessible for various camping setups, though some sites may require leveling. Visitors seeking more amenities might prefer Nine Eagles State Park with its modern restrooms and showers, while those looking for a more rustic experience can find simpler setups at county parks like Bobwhite and Corydon Lake.

Best Camping Sites Near Allerton, Iowa (79)

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Recent Reviews near Allerton, IA

143 Reviews of 79 Allerton Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    lakeside casino resort and rv park

    Good for an overnight stop

    This is a casino campground. There are full hookups but no facilities. No trees, sites very close together. It’s essentially a parking lot with hookups.

    It’s adjacent to a truck stop and right off the interstate.

    If you are traveling I35 and it’s convenient for an overnight rest, it’s well worth the cost. Otherwise, unless the casino is your destination, find a more traditional campground

  • joel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Grand Trace State Forest

    Much needed road trip brake

    Great spot to get some rest from a long road trip from Phoenix to Minnesota. We where the only ones there that night.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Grand Trace State Forest

    An oasis in the midwest

    Good dispersed camping is hard to find in the midwest. This place feels like an oasis in  the middle of the desert. I only stayed one night while I was on my way back from the west coast. The location is easy to find even at night. The road is well maintained, the grass is mowed and spots are flat.  There are about 13 distinct spots, 8 tent spots, 4 small camper spots and one large parking lot area that could fit just about anything. No hook ups or anything but I wasn't expecting any from a wild camp spot. Each spot does have a fire ring. 

    This is truly a great spot if your passing through and the Missouri Conservation Dept. has done a great job!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Crowder State Park Campground

    Very Quite and clean!

    We really enjoyed our stay here. It was quiet and clean. Looks like it has many activities going on. We were only here for one night as a stop over. The stars were amazing.

  • Tiffany K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Howell Station

    Laid-back Campground

    This campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large trees that provide a lot of shade for the campground. There are play grounds for the kids. It is along a river for fishing and bird watching.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest

    Way too many insects, and $10 a night. No amenities.

    This place charges 10 bucks a night. You don't get a water station. You don't get a gray water dump. You do get trash cans on site. The sheer volume of insects makes it impossible to walk anywhere. Unfortunately, I have a dog and I have to go walk three times a fucking day. And this is the closest place to where my folks and I agreed to meet in about a week.

    At $10 a night, you'd think they'd at least have water, a gray dump, and some kind of insect control. But no, they don't. They do have maintenance coming around regularly, but nothing seems to get rid of the insects. It used to be $6 a night at one point. So I guess it went up. I don't see why. It's just like any other insect infested place to park.

    If it wasn't for the cost, I guess I'd give it three stars, but that'd be generous. I didn't give it one star because I can at least drive around on it with my bus.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun

    Island View Campground

    Pretty nice campground with showers/restrooms/dump stations spread throughout the campground. Tons a room between spots and lots of sites with a good view of the lake. Our site has a nice view but isn’t too close. I would aim for one of the M spots if you want closer. There is a ramp for boats and a beach. Overall really great place to stay especially if you like the water

  • Patricia O.
    Mar. 24, 2025

    Eagle Ridge RV Park

    Lovely campground just off I-35

    Great place for a quick overnight or longer stay. We were there in very early spring so could not use the swimming pool or small lake but the walks around the area were very nice. We stayed in a long FHU pull-through (the one shown in the picture above) in a Class A. Close to the interstate but not noisy.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 14, 2025

    Grand Trace State Forest

    Small

    Very small camp area, only 4 sites. No toilets so bring a bucket. No pick nick benches. There are fire rings at each site


Guide to Allerton

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

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: Many campers enjoy fishing and boating at Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun. One visitor mentioned, "Very nice campground with lake to fish and boat on. Has beach access also."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Nine Eagles State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Absolutely beautiful park and really nice trails."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Lake Wapello State Park Campground have spotted plenty of wildlife. One camper shared, "Quite a bit of wildlife seen during kayaking and hiking—muskrat, beaver, swans, geese could be found on the water."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. At Honey Creek Resort, one visitor noted, "The bathrooms were clean but they were a little bit of a walk from the Group Site."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the spaciousness at Hickory Hills Park. A reviewer mentioned, "Looks to be about 10 sites, nicely spread apart. Big, clean fire pits with grills and a picnic table."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often seek peace and quiet. One camper at Stephens State Forest said, "Very nice and quiet location when I went mid September."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Honey Creek Resort, have limited amenities. A visitor expressed frustration, saying, "There is no arcade as advertised."
  • Busy During Weekends: Campgrounds can get crowded on weekends. A camper at Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun noted, "It tends to be very busy."
  • No Reservations at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds allow reservations. A visitor at Hickory Hills Park mentioned, "They have fire pits and picnic tables. They also have two clean pit toilets."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Nine Eagles State Park Campground has a "nice playground for the kids."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities. One family at Honey Creek Resort enjoyed "corn hole, playing tic tac toe or jenga."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks handy can keep everyone happy. A camper at Lake Wapello State Park Campground mentioned, "The beach is beautiful and the path around it is in great shape!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Conditions: RVers should check the condition of the sites. One visitor at Lakeside Casino RV Park noted, "The concrete in our site was in poor condition."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A camper at Honey Creek Resort mentioned, "All sites are paved, level, full hook ups, spacious, with a view of the lake."
  • Be Mindful of Traffic: Some campgrounds have busy roads nearby. A visitor at Honey Creek Resort said, "Traffic flies through the campground to the boat ramp."

Camping around Allerton, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Make sure to check out the local campgrounds for a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Allerton, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Allerton, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 79 campgrounds and RV parks near Allerton, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Allerton, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Allerton, IA is Lakeside Co Park with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Allerton, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Allerton, IA.