Dispersed camping sites near Drakesville, Iowa offer a mix of recreational opportunities across state parks and wildlife management areas. The region's rolling hills and prairie landscapes feature several lakes and reservoirs that support fishing and water activities. Camping options range from primitive sites at Eldon Wildlife Management Area to full-service campgrounds at Lake Wapello State Park, where newly updated facilities provide modern amenities for visitors.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Wapello State Park Campground provides excellent fishing access with multiple species available. One regular visitor notes, "I have camped at lake wapello for 32 years in a row over my birthday in September it is the cleanest friendliest best wildlife great fishing wonderful campsites a place that I will always return to."
Water activities: Honey Creek Resort offers multiple water-based recreation options including an indoor water park for rainy days. A visitor explains, "The beach is just outside the hotel and has a huge water park which is a lot of fun to play on. They also have a really nice indoor water park with a slide."
Hiking trails: Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground features well-maintained trail systems for day hiking. A camper reports, "Trails were well maintained and tended even late into the season. My pups and I loved walking the lake loop (2.1miles) every day."
Wildlife viewing: Camping areas around Drakesville support diverse wildlife observation. According to campers at Lacey Keosauqua, "Bonus: the deer came out each evening to forage," while others report seeing "muskrat, beaver, swans, geese" on the water and "deer, bald eagles, frogs, toads, turtles" during hikes.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun receives praise for its site layout. One camper notes, "Tons a room between spots and lots of sites with a good view of the lake," while another mentions, "large, clean campsites with ample shade."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. At Lake Wapello, visitors appreciate that "Facilities have just recently been updated," making it "a great place to camp."
Quiet atmosphere: Eldon Wildlife Management Area offers more secluded options for those seeking solitude. A camper shares, "We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors."
Affordable options: Several camping areas near Drakesville maintain reasonable pricing. A visitor to one park noted, "$18 for full hook up. What a deal," while others appreciate the value compared to more commercialized camping options.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the Drakesville area have limited operating seasons. Honey Creek State Park Campground remains open year-round, but Island View at Lake Rathbun operates only "May 1 to September 30," and most others close by late fall.
Reservation needs: Weekend camping during summer months typically requires advance planning. Popular sites with lake views fill quickly, particularly at Ottumwa City Park and Lake Wapello State Park.
Weather considerations: The area experiences typical Midwestern seasonal patterns with hot summers and cold winters. Spring camping may encounter rain and mud. One camper 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."
Access variations: While most established campgrounds have good road access, dispersed camping sites may require more careful navigation. At Eldon Wildlife Management Area, you'll need to "drive to the end of Umber Ave" to find suitable camping spots.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. Ottumwa City Park offers "playground and a couple bigger covered eating areas," providing activity options for younger campers.
Beach activities: Lake Wapello State Park Campground includes a beach area for swimming during summer months. Campers report it "has a nice beach" that provides a family-friendly recreation option.
Nature programs: Some parks offer educational opportunities for children. Honey Creek Resort provides "a nature program where you can check out backpacks for kids to explore nature," helping engage younger visitors with the natural environment.
Safety concerns: Keep children supervised near water and watch for traffic at campgrounds with boat ramps. One camper cautioned, "Traffic flies through the campground to the boat ramp. There is no speed limit sign going into the campground. Kids are riding bikes everywhere."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV camping options vary significantly between locations. Honey Creek State Park offers full hookups at some sites, but other areas have limited or no utility connections.
Site levelness: Most established campgrounds provide relatively level parking pads. At Honey Creek State Park, "If we parked in the direction to utilize the full hookups we would have had our awning out over our neighbors campsite," showing the importance of site selection.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with RV sites include sanitary dump stations. Lake Wapello State Park does provide this amenity, while some smaller campgrounds require using facilities at other locations.
Seasonal considerations: RVers should note many campground water systems shut down during colder months. One visitor to Lacey Keosauqua reported winter rates of "$23 site without water, $28 w/ water, $35 full hookups," reflecting seasonal service variations.
