Campsites near Bloomfield, Iowa range from waterfront options to secluded wooded settings within a 25-mile radius. The southeastern Iowa terrain features rolling hills with elevations between 700-900 feet, creating varied camping landscapes from riverside lowlands to forested ridges. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures between 45-75°F.
What to do
Hiking trails: Lake Wapello State Park offers the Lakeshore Trail that circles the entire lake, requiring 2-3 hours to complete. "Several hiking paths-Lakeshore Trail goes around the whole lake, so be sure to reserve 2-3 hours to conquer this path-more if you like to take in the scenery," notes one visitor to Lake Wapello State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes provide excellent angling options, with species varying by location. At Lake Fisher, campers report "wonderful fishing areas" despite the campground's small size. Crappie fishing is particularly good at Lake Rathbun, where one camper "caught enough crappie for a nice dinner with some left over for breakfast the next morning."
Boating and kayaking: Rathbun Lake offers multiple boat launches and water recreation. "The park has a nice play set for kids and there are baseball fields nearby. This is a great place to go if you like to boat. There are three different boat ramps in the park," according to reviews of Island View Campground.
What campers like
Privacy and spacing: Many campers appreciate the well-designed sites at established campgrounds. At Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun, visitors enjoy "large, clean campsites with ample shade" and note that "tons a room between spots and lots of sites with a good view of the lake."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Visitors to Lake Wapello report seeing "quite a bit of wildlife seen during kayaking and hiking-muskrat, beaver, swans, geese could be found on the water. Also seen: deer, bald eagles, frogs, toads, turtles."
Fall camping: Late-season camping provides quieter experiences and beautiful foliage. One visitor to Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground noted: "Stayed for a week in mid November. Although we had a storm at the beginning and end the overall stay was great. Weather ranged from 50s to 70s during the day and 30s to 40s at night."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area have limited operating seasons. Island View Campground at Lake Rathbun operates from May 1 to September 30, while Lacey Keosauqua and Lake Wapello State Parks remain open from April 1 to December 31.
Urban vs. rural options: Some campgrounds provide more urban experiences than others. At Ottumwa City Park, "this camp ground is smack dab in the middle of town. But once you're inside the campground surrounded by others it's hard to tell. You do hear quite a bit of traffic but depending on where your site is, you may not see it."
Primitive camping restrictions: At some locations, special rules apply for tent camping. One Ottumwa City Park visitor noted disappointment "when after years and years we were told we can no longer have a tent on your site with your camper. We would have to have our family members camp in a different part of the park."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. At Waubonsie Trail Park, visitors appreciate the "horseshoe pit, playground and campfire swing area" which were "nice surprises. All for under $20 for electric RV site!"
Beach access: Swimming options exist at multiple locations. Lake Wapello State Park "has a nice beach" according to visitors, while Lake Rathbun's Island View Campground provides "beach access" for families wanting to swim.
Local attractions: Nearby small towns offer interesting stops for families. Near Waubonsie Trail Park, campers can take "the Waubonsie trail behind park" which "is a short hike to the covered bridge and Dutchman's Store. Perfect Way to stretch your legs after a long day on the road."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Island View Campground, RVers suggest specific areas for the best experience: "Our site has a nice view but isn't too close. I would aim for one of the M spots if you want closer."
Hookup availability: Electrical service is standard at most established campgrounds, but full hookups vary. At Lacey Keosauqua State Park, a visitor noted that sites cost "$23 site without water $28 w/ water $35 full hookups."
Cell service and amenities: Reception varies by location. At Island View, campers report "cell service was four bars and air tv 30 channels," making it suitable for those needing connectivity while camping near Bloomfield.
