Best Campgrounds near Otley, IA

Camping near Otley, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Kayaking and Canoeing: Enjoy the calm waters at Rock Creek State Park Campground. Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the lake. One visitor mentioned, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities" made their stay enjoyable.
• Fishing: Head to Diamond Lake County Park for some fishing. A reviewer noted, "Decent sized lake for fishing," making it a great spot for anglers.
• Hiking: Explore the trails at Thomas Mitchell County Park. One camper shared, "There are hiking trails, playground, sand volleyball, and fishing," highlighting the variety of activities available.

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Yellow Banks County Park said, "Showers were warm and sites were either paved or good gravel."
• Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the roomy sites at Kellogg RV Park. One reviewer mentioned, "The sites are mostly pull through with full service electric, water, and sewer."
• Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the welcoming atmosphere. A guest at Griffs Valley View RV Park said, "Really welcoming host, treated us like friends."

What you should know:

• Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground, require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper noted, "Came in late, even though there were several empty spaces turns out they were reserved."
• Limited Shade: Many campgrounds have limited shade options. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground pointed out, "Limited shade options."
• Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Yellow Banks County Park. One camper warned, "Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night because teenagers come through sometimes looking for stuff to steal."

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. Thomas Mitchell County Park has a playground that kids enjoy. A camper mentioned, "Kids were having a blast in the water."
• Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. At Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground, one visitor enjoyed, "Found a great trail to hike, also the opportunity to rent a boat or paddleboard."
• Safety: Ensure the campground is safe for kids. A camper at Kellogg RV Park felt secure, stating, "Felt very safe with my family."

Tips from RVers:

• Site Selection: Choose sites away from busy roads for a quieter experience. A reviewer at Newton KOA suggested, "The best sites are those in the lower valley."
• Check Amenities: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Griffs Valley View RV Park appreciated the "spacious concrete pads, both 30/50 amp and full water/sewage hookups."
• Local Eats: Don’t miss out on local dining options. A camper at Newton KOA recommended checking out nearby restaurants for a taste of local cuisine.

Camping near Otley, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!