Campgrounds near Creston, Iowa offer diverse options beyond traditional RV parks. Within a 60-mile radius, campers find locations with amenities like fishing ponds, hiking trails, and swimming areas. Most parks in this southwest Iowa region remain open from April through October, with several offering water activities during summer months when temperatures typically range from 75-85°F.
What to do
Boating and water recreation: Lake Icaria Co Park, located southwest of Creston, features a marina and boat rentals for lake activities. "Boating of all types, fishing, and trails. There are very nice picnic areas, and the bathrooms or restroom facilities are clean," notes a visitor to Lake Icaria Co Park.
Hiking opportunities: Several parks offer trail systems suitable for day hikes. "Beautiful trees and hiking especially in the fall," reports a camper about Lake Icaria. The nearby Pammel County Park features multiple trails and unique natural features: "Has both shaded and open spots, yurts, trails. There are lots of activities, kids can swim below the ford, canoe starting on one side of the park and loop I'd guess about 3 miles on the middle river to the other side of the park."
Local attractions: Winterset's historic sites are accessible from nearby campgrounds. "Winterset has lots to offer, great town square, farmers market on Saturdays, great car club fills the square every month, Madison county fair, Clark Tower, John Wayne Birthplace and museum, Covered Bridges," mentions a reviewer about amenities near Pammel County Park.
What campers like
Shade availability: Many campers appreciate parks with tree cover during hot summer days. At Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures, one camper notes, "It was really in a good perimeter of trees and lots of shade and level camp spots. We thought this was a nice little spot and a great price."
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathrooms and common areas rank high among camper priorities. At Buffalo Run RV Park, visitors appreciate the "Affordable and quiet" setting, while another reviewer at Lake Icaria mentions, "They had people cleaning the bathrooms constantly (my mom kept pointing out, in awe, that it was 'practically hourly') which was great for tent camping with a large group!"
Concrete pads: Level sites with concrete pads make setup easier, especially for RV sites near Creston, Iowa. "The concrete pads were awesome for leveling our popups, the sites were VERY clean," mentions a Pammel Park visitor, noting the benefit for setup.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds operate April through October. For winter travelers, options are limited but exist. "Don't pay attention to the highway signs that says they're only open until October, they're working on updating them," advises a visitor to Des Moines West KOA Holiday, one of the few year-round facilities.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds near I-35 experience traffic noise. At Shady Brook, a visitor cautions: "You could literally throw a rock from the entrance and hit a passing semi. Would be a possible extended stay for construction folks. Not for any peace and quite camping."
Water conditions: Lake quality varies seasonally. A Lake Icaria visitor warns, "Beach needs some work and algae in the water but otherwise I'd go again."
Tunnel clearance: RVs and trailers over 12 feet tall need alternate routes at certain parks. At Pammel Park, "If your rig is over 12ft, have to come in the back way."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Lake Icaria offers designated beach areas popular with children. "It's busy in summer, but well kept. They had people cleaning the bathrooms constantly which was great for tent camping with a large group! It's quiet, beautiful lake, great boating, great swim spot, fun park for kids."
Recreation amenities: Look for campgrounds with multiple activity options. At Eagle Ridge RV Park, visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds: "Great place for a quick overnight or longer stay. We were there in very early spring so could not use the swimming pool or small lake but the walks around the area were very nice."
Weekend activities: Some campgrounds organize special events. Des Moines West KOA features "many organized weekend activities for families" including "a pool, dunk tank, gem mining, ladder golf, horseshoes, jumping pillow, water balloon wars, basketball and more."
Tips from RVers
Hookup accessibility: Some sites require extra equipment to reach utilities. As noted by a Pammel Park visitor: "There are water hook ups, I just had to use 75 feet of hose to get to it. And the electric I had to use a 30 ft extension cord. Funny, I didn't have either and had to drive 24 miles to Walmart on a holiday to get them."
Pull-through availability: Many RV sites near Creston, Iowa offer easy access pull-through spaces. "Long, level pull thru's and back ins," notes a visitor to Ted's RV Park, which maintains 26 sites with both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service.
Leveling considerations: Prepare for sites that might require leveling equipment. "The sites have a little concrete pad which makes it easier to level," reports a Pammel Park camper, highlighting how even seemingly level sites may need adjustments.
Reservation timing: Peak season often requires advanced bookings. A Pammel Park reviewer advises: "My only complaint would be all sites can be reserved, so if you don't reserve a site at beginning of the year, you are out of luck. Be nice if there were some first come/first serve."
