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Camping near Allerton, IA
82 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 Campgrounds near Allerton (82)
1. Nine Eagles State Park Campground
"Nine Eagles is near Lamoni, Iowa near the Iowa-Missouri border right off of Interstate 35. I camped here with my son and his Boy Scout troop in the youth group part of the campground."
"Site 4 - close to the water spigot and a modest walk to the bathroom/showerhouse."
from $12 - $75 / night
Check Availability2. Lakeside Co Park
3. Bobwhite Park
4. Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun
"Campsites were spaced well apart with plenty of room on pad around campsites, cell service was four bars and air tv 30 channels"
"Very nice campground with lake to fish and boat on. Has beach access also."
from $22 - $230 / night
Check Availability5. Corydon Lake Co Park
6. Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest
"Great spot by a small lake in Stephen's State Forest. Didn't have a soul around us for the night we camped here (late September). Temps were around 43 degrees at night."
"Very nice and quite location when I went mid September. Seems like a lot of trails to explore. Will go back again to explore more. Lots of hills."
from $12 / night
Check Availability7. Red Haw State Park Campground
"Nearly empty. We’re self contained so it was $10/night with no hook ups. They have RV sites with water and electric. Nice free showers. Quiet and clean."
from $14 - $34 / night
Check Availability8. Honey Creek Resort
"Honey Creek resort run by the state of Iowa (not to be confused with Honey Creek State Park nearby) is not your typical camping spot."
"Outside the hotel they have activities so that you can do such as corn hole, playing tic tac toe or jenga. There is a pretty nice boat dock which you can rent a boat or kayak/canoe."
from $40 - $49 / night
Check Availability9. Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest
from $12 / night
Check Availability10. Moore-Gosch Memorial Park
Drive Time
- 1 hr 23 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 50 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 59 min from St. Joseph, MO
- 2 hrs 31 min from Iowa City, IA
Recent Camping Photos near Allerton, IA
42 Photos of 82 Allerton Campgrounds
Tom Z.
Red Haw State Park Campground
Christopher S.
Woodburn Unit — Stephens State Forest
Lauri C.
Nine Eagles State Park Campground
T J.
Mine Pond Campground — Stephens State Forest
Jeff K.
Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest
Matt S.
Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun
Jackson M.
Honey Creek State Park Campground
Aliyah B.
Hickory Hills Park
Meaghan S.
Crowder State Park Campground
Kyle K.
Grand Trace State Forest
Derrick W.
Whitebreast Camp
Anna W.
Nature Haven by the Red Rock Lake
Recent Reviews near Allerton, IA
174 Reviews of 82 Allerton Campgrounds
- jjohn N.Scout
Lake Wapello State Park Campground
Great camp ground
It’s well kept the bathrooms/shower house are pretty decent has a good view and beach was really fun
Garet W.
GuideLakeside Casino RV Park
Overnight stay
Beautiful location even if is next to casino. Shame that the infrastructure is not better cared for. Many sites are blocked off because of disrepair. Our site was good but cable box has no feed. I suspect no cable in the park. I'd come back again.
- MMary C.Scout
Quail Ridge Campground
Convenient, not rustic
We’re on our third trip staying here. We have family in Bethany, so it’s nice to be close to them. It’s right off I-35, behind some stores and restaurants. There are about a dozen spaces, each with water, sewer, and electric. They have picnic tables, but no fire rings. There aren’t any shower or laundry facilities, but there is a laundromat down the street. There are several trailers parked here that are unsightly, that have been poorly patched up with things like plywood and Walmart bags covering up windows.
Kimberly C.GuideGrand Trace State Forest
Not impressed
Out of the way from the hwy. Over an hour or so. No privacy. The spots are just 3 driveways 12 ft apart each with a fire ring. Good cell signal. I was only one there.
Kimberly P.GuideCrowder State Park Campground
Pretty but hard to find staff
We're currently parked in spot 19. It's an electric, pull through site with a tight turn. It's perfect for our van but if you have a big rv dont try this site. It's a nice campsite for our setup. A pretty spot carved out of the surrounding woods. It was hard to find because the numbers are weirdly laid out.
Also, we had a really hard time trying to get this site the old fashioned way, we couldnt find any staff at all.. we drove all over and saw one man on a piece of heavy machinery and the camp host sign read off duty.. so it was either, you talk to a robot or do it online for a fee/charge. We ended up paying the extra $7 so we didnt have to automated calling. Bringing the campsite to $34
Editing review to add one star. A guy from staff came by to give us a bag for our recycling and offered to bring us any firewood we wanted ($6 for 4 logs)
Kathy B.
LegendHowell Station
Pretty…but
Big beautiful camp ground right on the Des Moines River. All need to be reserved in advance at Recreation.gov
I selected my site based on its proximity to the river. Good choice, as I could watch the eagle and heron fish right from my site.
However the very busy bike/pedestrian path also runs right next to the site. So there’s no privacy. And the bridge that goes across the river is made of loose boards, so every time someone crosses there is a loud clanking sound.
Despite all of that, I did enjoy my experience here a very well kept campground. Big trees. Good enough cell reception for me to work. Electric hook ups, but no water.
- MMary C.Scout
Quail Ridge Campground
Not bad
This is a small lot behind McDonalds and Taco Bell. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy nature, have campfires, etc., I wouldn’t recommend it. If you just want to get off of I-35 for a few days, it’s nice enough. The sites share utility posts, so check that the wattage you need is available before you unhitch. Also, try to avoid the lower loop. It seems to flood pretty easily.
Olivia P.ScoutHickory Hills Park
Hiking
There are a couple small hiking trails, but they were very well maintained and an easy hike to get my daughter started in her backpack.
Guide to Allerton
Camping options around Allerton, Iowa include several established campgrounds offering both tent and RV sites, many with electrical hookups. Bobwhite Park in Allerton provides camping from April through December, while Nine Eagles State Park Campground near Davis City features tent and RV sites plus a cabin rental option. Stephens State Forest, approximately 30 miles north of Allerton, offers more primitive camping experiences with sites scattered throughout its multiple units. Lake Rathbun, located northeast of Allerton, provides additional camping areas at Island View Campground with waterfront access and boat-in sites.
Most campgrounds in the region have seasonal availability, typically operating from early April through late October or December. According to one visitor, "No store, no wood so get what you need before you get here," highlighting the need to bring supplies when visiting more remote sites like Nine Eagles State Park. Facilities vary significantly, with some locations like Stephens State Forest offering minimal amenities, while others like Red Haw State Park Campground provide modern facilities including showers, electrical hookups, and sanitary dump stations. Road access is generally good throughout the region, but some forest campsites may require moderate hiking. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall particularly popular for camping.
Fishing opportunities represent a significant draw for campers in the area. Lake Rathbun and the smaller lakes at parks like Red Haw and Nine Eagles provide productive fishing experiences. A camper at Mine Pond in Stephens State Forest noted they "absolutely loved it" while fishing with family. Wildlife viewing enhances the camping experience with several visitors reporting owl calls, deer sightings, and frog choruses at night. Campground occupancy varies seasonally, with some visitors noting they "didn't have a soul around" during off-season visits to Stephens State Forest, while summer weekends can fill popular waterfront sites. Insect activity, particularly ticks and mosquitoes, becomes a consideration in warmer months, with some campers reporting heavy insect presence in forested areas during summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Allerton, IA?
What camping is available near Allerton, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Allerton, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 82 campgrounds and RV parks near Allerton, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Allerton, IA?
Which is the most popular campground near Allerton, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Allerton, IA is Nine Eagles State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Allerton, IA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Allerton, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Allerton, IA.
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