Best Campgrounds near Centerville, IA

Camping near Centerville, IA, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Fishing and boating: Many campers enjoy fishing and boating at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is beautiful and the path around it is in great shape!" This park is perfect for a day on the water.
• Hiking: Explore the trails at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. A reviewer shared, "Lots to explore in the park. Excellent hiking trails." It's a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise.
• Wildlife watching: Lake Wapello State Park Campground is known for its wildlife. One camper said, "We saw multiple heron, egret, and hawks," making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching.

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Thousand Hills State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "The shower houses had individual, private, large, and very clean facilities."
• Spacious sites: Many campers enjoy the roomy campsites at Whitebreast Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Sites were very spaced out and they are only on one side of the road so no sites backed up to ours."
• Friendly atmosphere: Campers often comment on the welcoming vibe at Diamond Lake County Park. A visitor shared, "Very nice camping place, very laid back and good people around."

What you should know:

• Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Grant Park, do not allow reservations. A camper expressed frustration, saying, "I was searching for free campsites... and found out the information on the app wasn't accurate."
• Seasonal closures: Be aware that some parks may close for improvements, like Grant Park, which is temporarily closed. A visitor noted, "The website says it is open, so after 9 hours on the road, I am very disappointed."
• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Island View Campground, do not have showers. A camper mentioned, "Restrooms / showers were clean, nothing fancy."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Thousand Hills State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "There are several playgrounds for kids, fishing, a marina, and a great restaurant."
• Nature exploration: Choose parks with hiking trails and wildlife, such as Lake Wapello State Park Campground. One camper shared, "Great fishing and walking paths."
• Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks, as some campgrounds may not have nearby markets. A visitor at Diamond Lake County Park mentioned, "If you are looking for some grub nearby... there’s really just a few nearby options."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites at campgrounds like Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Ours and most of the others were fairly open."
• Electric hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, such as Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. A camper mentioned, "Decent showers, nice playground for kids, lakeside spots as well."
• Be prepared for weather: Some campgrounds can get busy during peak seasons, so plan accordingly. A visitor at Crowder State Park Campground said, "The campground rules are enforced very strictly, so read them thoroughly."

Camping near Centerville, IA, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to check the specific campground details before you go!