Olivia P.
Scout
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.
Camping near Allerton, IA
81 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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 (81)
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
41 Photos of 81 Allerton Campgrounds
Mark P.
Red Haw State Park Campground
Christopher S.
Woodburn Unit — Stephens State Forest
Matt S.
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
Mitch C.
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
166 Reviews of 81 Allerton Campgrounds
Angela E.ScoutPrairie Ridge Camping
Quiet and peaceful
Such a wonderful, quiet, and peaceful place. We stayed Thur-Sat so we were basically the only ones here.
I have never seen such clean and gorgeous bathrooms at a campground before along with a very clean laundry room. The bathrooms were large and HC accessible with rain showers and benches.
There are campers and a cabin to rent, and a nice walking trail. While we didn't use any, they have a driving range, archery, waterside, and paddles boats.
There's a gas station only a couple miles away so we could gas up the night before leaving without pulling our camper with.
The only downside was the amount of Ticks. I know with camping comes Ticks but I wish they would spray or something to control the amount of them crawling across our camping rug and into our camper.
If we come this way again, will definitely stay here as it's just a 15 minutes off I-35.
- CCindy P.
GuideLake Paho
Good spot on the water
Nice sites, picnic tables are broken, looks like the firepits have been removed. Pit toilets are okay. Lots of geese, owls, beavers and coyote. Could do without the neighbor’s generators running all night.
MindyGuideGrand Trace State Forest
Simple- no frills camping.
Loved it here, stayed 2 nights. Well maintained gravel entrance splits off. Turn right and you’ll find a large parking/turn around area. Up from it are 4-5 gravel areas with fire rings (no picnic tables). Only other person I saw was a game warden, driving through. Had both AT&T and Verizon service.
- NNevaehFlora T.
TravelerQuail Ridge Campground
Quail ridge campground
This camp ground is one of the best I have ever been to it’s quiet, people mind there own!the owner is amazing and caring
Doy O.ScoutR&B Campground
Great Family Owned Campground
I rent year round. Love this place. Quiet, fishing, dead end so little traffic. The owners are great people. Bring your boat, kayak, tube. You can float the river.
- JJtboScout
Howell Station
Safety concern
Homeless, Crack heads using the showers/bathrooms. Men and women can share the bathroom and shower together even when children are in the facilities.
Teresa T.
LegendLake Paho
Great
This is a very basic campground with trash graveled spots, which are relatively flat and pit toilets. Rode around the lake on my bike. And there were at least 4 different camp spots and several spots for access for boats. All well, maintained and well laid out. I'm extraordinarily pleasantly pleased with the campgrounds. It was free, which is pretty awesome and there's a number of spots like this in missouri, this being our first spot was quite exciting. I don't know about the sparsely used. It's mid-november and the campground is half full. The other campgrounds had campers in them as well, all with the same amenities.
- Teresa T.Legend
Nine Eagles State Park Campground
Big park. Lots of trails
This park is huge with a lot of trails most of which are not on a map and a map isnt provided out on them either so one just kind of has to make guesses on where to go. The electric campground is completely exposed to the sun. Nice right now but has to be brutal in the summer and the sites are right on top of one another as well. It is also a long ways from the beach as is the primitive campground. Horse campground is adorable but there are only primitive sites there which I always find so surprising. They have multiple trails leaving from there though which is cool. Firewood is sold in the small town a mile away and there is a very old cemetery right outside of the park which is cool to meander through. Bathrooms were closed but the water and electric were on and the price is very reasonable.
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 81 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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