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Best Tent Camping near Ottumwa, IA

154 Reviews

Wildlife management areas and river access points around Ottumwa, Iowa provide several primitive tent camping options for those seeking seclusion. Eldon Wildlife Management Area, located south of Ottumwa, offers dispersed tent camping with walk-in sites that provide a true backcountry experience. Campers can also find tent-only sites at Manhattan Bridge Access near Ollie and Chacauqua River Access, both offering basic accommodations for tent campers seeking riverside camping. Winter Camp at Walking Stick Adventures Farm, though farther north, provides reservable tent sites with more amenities than the public lands closer to Ottumwa.

Most tent campgrounds in the region offer minimal facilities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. The dispersed sites at Eldon Wildlife Management Area have no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities, though fires are permitted and pets are allowed. Campers should bring all necessary supplies, including water and waste disposal bags. Manhattan Bridge Access provides basic toilet facilities but lacks picnic tables, firewood, or potable water. Surface conditions vary from grassy clearings to packed dirt, with little site preparation. During hunting seasons, tent campers should wear bright colors as many of these areas serve dual purposes for recreation and hunting.

Tent campers report finding secluded spots with minimal disturbance at these primitive locations. According to reviews, Eldon Wildlife Management Area offers "perfect dispersed camp sites with no road noise or visitors," particularly at sites located at the end of Umber Avenue. One visitor noted finding spots "nestled next to corn fields" that provide privacy not typically found at developed campgrounds. Summer camping brings higher insect activity, particularly in the evening hours. The lack of amenities is balanced by the absence of fees at most public land sites, making these areas attractive for backcountry tent camping experiences where self-sufficiency is valued over convenience.

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Best Tent Sites Near Ottumwa, Iowa (17)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ottumwa, IA

7 Photos of 17 Ottumwa Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Ottumwa, IA

154 Reviews of 17 Ottumwa Campgrounds

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 24, 2016

    Honey Creek State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Goal Zero Light House 250 at Honey Creek State Park

    Campground Review: Honey Creek State Park is on Rathbun Lake, a very popular place to boat, fish and camp in Southern Iowa. We camped in the Group Campground with out Boy Scout Troop. We pulled into camp after dark and between the headlights of our vehicles and our lanterns (My Goal Zero Light House 250) we set up camp in the dark.

    We explored the campground, there were some nice trails and nice spots to camp. The bathrooms were clean but they were a little bit of a walk from the Group Site. The weather was great and the bugs weren't bad. I would recommend Honey Creek State Park.

    Ranger Review: The Goal Zero Light House 250 is a nice lantern. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. The light settings are perfect. You can use half of the lantern or the full lamp power. You can adjust the lighting power by turning the knob on the front. It can be charged with a wall charger, a solar panel, or the green hand crank on top of the lantern.

    We used it when setting our tent up in the dark and it did a good job. At 250 lumens it is just the right amount of light to let you see what you need with out blinding you in the dark. We did not start a campfire that night, instead we placed the Goal Zero Light House 250 on the ground and we surrounded the lantern with our camp chairs as if it was a camp fire. We were up for three hours talking and never did the lantern light weaken.

    I like this light. It is too heavy and bulky for backpacking but it is great for car camping. There is a smaller model but I don't know if it will work for backpacking.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2024

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Lakeside Campground Bliss

    While it was our first time camping in Iowa, we were extremely lucky to land upon this slightly hidden fresh water centered campground just a 20 minute drive south of Route 80 near Montezuma, wherein one needs only follow Road#63, before coming across Diamond Lake County Park. With the fall colors being in full bloom when we visited, the entire campground was awash in bright yellows, reds and oranges from the changing colors of the leaves. Also, as we were visiting in mid-October, versus some of the other reviews here, we found that we had the place mostly to ourselves, which made for a rather peaceful sublime respite we were searching for. 

    As for the campground itself, what we enjoyed most was how this location is, for the most part, very well organized in keeping the RV'ers and 5th Wheeler crowds together, while preserving a nice slice of verdant lakeside pasture for us primitive camper types. Each of the sites for camping come equipped with (in most cases) fairly new aluminum picnic tables, fire ring with folding BBQ grill. While we didn’t stay in the RV areas, given our tent-pitching persuasion, what we did see was fairly impressive and looked altogether rather brand new with freshly poured concrete slots and fairly mint-looking RV hook-ups (50 amp electric and water) and this same area also boasted a brand new restroom facilities. 

    Obviously, the main attraction here is Diamond Lake itself, with its more than 90 acres of fresh water, albeit murky fresh water, was certainly a hit with this camping family. We enjoyed being able to get out on the lake with our kayaks and canoes as well as go for very long walks around the circumference of the lake itself, with which you will find simply splendid trails. And if that’s not enough exploration for you, then head further inland and away from the lake to explore this parks other 660 acres of grassy prairieland. 

    From an amenities standpoint, there’s a decent amount, including: three shower houses, four shelters, 2 dump stations, three his / her latrines (some much more dated than others), boat ramp and fishing dock, a dedicated fish cleaning station and what looked to be a fairly new kids playground. In all there’s a total of 120 sites to choose from, with 80 designated for RVs / 5th Wheelers and 40 earmarked for primitive camping, which do not come with any electric, which was on one hand the biggest bummer, but on the other hand, offered up front-row access to lakeside camping bliss as many of these primitive campsites are located right on the water’s edge. 

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Check-in is self-registration and is done onsite, so net-net, this place is first-come, first served as no online or advanced registration is taken. While we didn’t mind this, and given that we arrived right around noon as folks were actually checking out, we got the ‘pick of the litter’ of campsites. Electric sites are $20 / night and non-electric are $10, so this place is incredibly affordable; (2) If you are looking for some grub nearby after growing weary of another meal of franks & beans, then there’s really just a few nearby options: Subway, Sauced Pizza & Pub, Casey’s and Yolanda’s Tacos over in the little town of Montezuma; (3) While there are actually few different campgrounds here at Diamond Lake, for primitive campers, the best sites IMHO are located as far southwest as you can possible go around the lake, where there’s more than a dozen or so sites that sit right in front of the water and present a completely isolated surrounding. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Tiffany K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Howell Station

    Laid-back Campground

    This campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large trees that provide a lot of shade for the campground. There are play grounds for the kids. It is along a river for fishing and bird watching.

  • M
    Jun. 27, 2019

    Honey Creek Resort

    Not your typical RV site

    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. There is a resort hotel with an indoor waterpark, cabins for rent, and an RV Park. The hotel and the RV park are right on the lake. Rathbun is maybe the nicest lake in Iowa (I would say Okoboji, however that has become an overcrowded mess). 

    The RV sites: There are not many of them, 20 I think. But they are all paved, level, full hook ups, spacious, with a view of the lake. I don't even think we exchanged harsh words setting up it was so easy. ;)  There are even a couple sites on the side that have equipment for fall hunters. Trees around the RV area, but not in. Fire ring and picnic table. The boat ramp is at one end of the RV area, so people may drive through with boats. Playground a short walk away on a path, but not right in the RV area. 

    Indoor waterpark: Probably geared to the 4-10 crowd. Only one bigger slide, lazy river, hot tub, pool with some balance platforms and a rope and a basketball hoop. Then a small kiddie pool with a pirate ship structure with some small slides and some fountains. Not a ton to do, however when we were there it rained for an entire day so that was very handy. Snackbar that serves booze. 

    Lake: one of the biggest in the state, not too busy as it is 2 hours from Des Moines so not a lot of day traffic (unlike Saylorville and Red Rock). Boat rentals available. 

    Resort hotel: I haven't been in the guest rooms. There is a lobby, restaurant/bar. I have not eaten at the restaurant. There is a little shop with necessities and firewood. There is a nature program where you can check out backpacks for kids to explore nature. Grounds are nice and lush, paths for walking and biking. There's a golf course.

  • Amanda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2024

    Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

    Peaceful Paradise

    Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Wallashuck

    Wallashuck Rec Area

    Very nice campground, each sight has a fire ring and table, plus a lantern pole. It is in a city park like setting and on the lake. Fire wood for sale at the entrance, you have to get water at the entrance only electrical hook up. Showers are very clean and there is also a children’s play ground.

  • Dave N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2020

    Lake Keomah State Park Campground

    Nice state park

    The campground at this state park is very well maintained. Multiple electric site are available to reserve, along with a handful that are first come-first serve. They also have a bunch of tent sites as well. Pit toilets and a modern showrhouse. Drinking water is available throughout the campground. Most sites are level with at least partial shade. Picnic tables and fire rings at each site. The campground is clean and quiet. Gets busy on the summer weekends, but very quiet during the week. There is a beach to swim, and great fishing in the lake.

  • Meredith L.
    Jun. 5, 2023

    Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp — Lake Red Rock

    Perfect Weekend Getaway for EVERYONE!

    This park is beautiful with plenty to do and see. We camped out at site 82 which is a non-electric site and close to a Red Rock Lake shoreline. Spots are pretty close but they perfectly have grass tall enough to give you some privacy between spots. I was never bothered by either neighbors. The grass also gives you a path to the water spout. The staff member at the front was such a gentlemen and helped us with our firewood. There are some walking paths down to the lake which you can fish from. The views by the lake are beautiful too. The only thing to keep in mind with this spot is it is as far away from the bathrooms as possible. I, personally, didn't mind, but wanted to make note of it. We will be returning to this park. 

    Restrooms: Cleaner than I expected! And they are not port-a-potty type bathrooms, plumbing with nice stalls, toilets and sinks. 

    Dog-friendliness: My dog LOVED this campground. We kept her on a long-line stake(per parks' guidelines) and she had plenty of room to roam. 

    Picnic area: A picnic table is provided but they are older, so I recommend bringing your own table cloth and some towels or something for the seats.

  • Renee H.
    May. 7, 2024

    Howell Station

    Large spacious campground

    Well maintained campground with mature shade trees. Gravel sites, a little bit of leveling required. Poor Verizon cell signal, no internet signal. Not much natural privacy between sites, but sites were well spaced apart. Paved trail nice for biking and walking. Fishing nearby and the Dutch themed town of Pella is a short drive and a must see. Bathrooms and showers were nice, clean. Handicap camp site and bathhouse available. Firewood for sale at front gate. The potable water available at the dump station was clear and good for drinking. Dump station is easily accessible. Dumpsters were positioned around the campground. Staff was friendly. The night we stayed, there was a severe weather threat, and the staff, at the end of the night, had unlocked the storm shelters (utility area in the middle of the bathhouses) should the need arise. We ended up having to seek shelter because of a tornado warning.

Guide to Ottumwa

Tent camping near Ottumwa, Iowa, offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. With several options available, campers can find the perfect spot to pitch their tents and unwind.

Tips for tent camping near Ottumwa

  • Glendale Access provides a serene environment for tent campers, though it lacks electric and water hookups, making it ideal for those who prefer a more rustic experience.
  • Chacauqua River Access is a great choice for those looking to enjoy the river while camping, but be prepared for no amenities like showers or water hookups.
  • Union Mills Access offers a peaceful setting for tent camping, with no electric or sewer hookups, perfect for a back-to-basics adventure.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Quercus Wilderness Area, you can explore the natural beauty of Oskaloosa while enjoying hiking trails and wildlife watching, though amenities like firewood and picnic tables are not available.
  • Manhattan Bridge Access is a fantastic spot for fishing and enjoying the outdoors, with basic toilet facilities but no trash services or showers.
  • Yenruogis County Park is perfect for those who want to experience the great outdoors while camping, offering a quiet atmosphere without the distractions of modern amenities.

Campground features to consider

  • Rathbun Marina is a unique spot for tent camping, situated near water, but it has no electric hookups or facilities for pets, ensuring a peaceful stay.
  • Cedar Creek Access provides a secluded camping experience, ideal for those who appreciate nature without the clutter of modern conveniences, as it lacks showers and trash services.
  • Brinton Timber offers a tranquil setting for tent campers, surrounded by trees and nature, though it also lacks amenities like firewood and picnic tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ottumwa, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ottumwa, IA is Eldon Wildlife Management Area with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ottumwa, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Ottumwa, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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