Best Campgrounds near Drakesville, IA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Drakesville. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Drakesville, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Drakesville, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Drakesville, Iowa (88)

    1. Lake Wapello State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Drakesville, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 722-3371

    $15 - $100 / night

    "Some campsites are close to the lake.  Several hiking paths-Lakeshore Trail goes around the whole lake, so be sure to reserve 2-3 hours to conquer this path-more if you like to take in the scenery. "

    "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."

    2. Lake Fisher

    1 Review
    Bloomfield, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 664-2260

    3. McGowen Rec Area

    1 Review
    Bloomfield, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 663-2572

    $10 - $79 / night

    4. Eldon Wildlife Management Area

    2 Reviews
    Eldon, IA
    13 miles

    "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."

    5. Ottumwa City Park

    4 Reviews
    Ottumwa, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 682-1307

    "Has a lake you can fish at right in campground. Although it is right next to a major road, but also extremely close to downtown and anything you might need."

    6. Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun

    7 Reviews
    Moravia, IA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 647-2079

    $22 - $230 / night

    "Campsites were spaced well apart with plenty of room on pad around campsites, cell service was four bars and air tv 30 channels"

    "Very nice campground with lake to fish and boat on. Has beach access also."

    7. Drakesville City Park

    Be the first to review!
    Drakesville, IA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 722-3859

    8. Honey Creek Resort

    6 Reviews
    Moravia, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 677-3344

    $40 - $49 / night

    "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."

    "Outside the hotel they have activities so that you can do such as corn hole, playing tic tac toe or jenga. There is a pretty nice boat dock which you can rent a boat or kayak/canoe."

    9. Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Keosauqua, IA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 293-3502

    $15 - $33 / night

    "Lacey-Keosaqua State Park is a gem located in Southeast Iowa in Van Buren County. It is off the beaten path but it is one of oldest Iowa State Parks."

    "Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice."

    10. Honey Creek State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Moravia, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 724-3739

    $12 - $50 / night

    "Honey Creek State Park is located on the north side of Rathbun Lake in southern Iowa. Boat ramp at the park is large (6 lanes) with several docks to assist loading and unloading."

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Drakesville, IA

138 Reviews of 88 Drakesville Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun

    Island View Campground

    Pretty nice campground with showers/restrooms/dump stations spread throughout the campground. Tons a room between spots and lots of sites with a good view of the lake. Our site has a nice view but isn’t too close. I would aim for one of the M spots if you want closer. There is a ramp for boats and a beach. Overall really great place to stay especially if you like the water

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 4, 2025

    Wallashuck

    Large well layed out campgrounds

    Campsites are well spaced, some have good views of the lake. Men’s bathroom is clean, showers have good hot water but could use a deep cleaning. Bike trail. Very quite when we stayed there.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Fishback & Stevenson Cider House

    Boondocking at Cider House

    Camping bookdock style, no restrooms. Awesome sunset views, cider, near food, fuel, etc.

  • T
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Halstead Hideaway Campground

    Amazing

    We have stayed here multiple times and it is super peaceful, the host are great and help with anything you need!

  • Rebecca W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Eldon Wildlife Management Area

    Quiet and Secluded

    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.

  • K
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Updog RV & Camping

    TERRIBLE

    Worst place I have stayed in my 6 years of traveling as an RN. Yes, they had shade.  Made cell service very hard to receive. ONLY other thing they has was geese and fishing.  No picnic table, no firepits. I had a 30amp space. With slide out on each side, and not superslides either, I had EXACTLY 1 foot left on each side of my slides. I could not put out my awning as it would hit the camper next to me. No zero space behind camper as it went to a steep slope from my spare wheel. If I walked behind camper, I had to hang on to spare wheel or fall down the slope. Barely enough room in from of camper to park pickup at an angle.  I have never seen anything like this place before.  And hope I never do.  Pictures you see of campground are SO VERY MUCH deceiving !!!!!. I rate it a one star only because it will not allow me to go any lower.

  • Chunk S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Lake Showme Campsites

    Nice spot, lots of activity

    Great spot, $20 for RVs and campers. Free if primitive camping. All spots have power and water. Waste and sewage dump can be found on campgrounds. One showering station on grounds. Bathrooms within walking distance. Even have a pistol and rifle range. Bathrooms could be cleaned more, but only complaint.

  • Chunk S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Eldon Wildlife Management Area

    Public Hunting Spot

    Small lot for hunters to park and go. For a secluded spot, good enough to camp. As long as you don't need any utilities.


Guide to Drakesville

Camping near Drakesville, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. With stunning landscapes and plenty of activities, it’s a great place to unwind and connect with nature.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: Many campers enjoy fishing at Lake Wapello State Park Campground. One visitor said, "Great place to camp, kayak, fish, and hike!" This park has spacious campsites and clean facilities, making it a favorite for families.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. A reviewer mentioned, "Trails were well maintained and tended even late into the season," perfect for those who love to hike with their pets.
  • Wildlife watching: Campers at Honey Creek State Park Campground have spotted deer frequently. One camper shared, "We saw at least 8 deer wandering around the campsite or near roads."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Lake Wapello State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Spacious campground with clean facilities."
  • Friendly hosts: Many have praised the camp hosts at Indian Lake Park. One camper said, "Tony and his wife are the camp hosts. Tony was so helpful and nice."
  • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful views at Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun. A review highlighted, "Spectacular lake views especially for sunset."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Honey Creek Resort, have limited amenities. A camper mentioned, "All camping is in the scorching sun. No trees."
  • Busy during peak season: Expect crowds at popular spots like Lacey-Keosauqua State Park during spring and summer. One reviewer noted, "I could see the spring and summer months getting busy with lake use."
  • No water hookups: Campers at Bentonsport should be aware that there are no water hookups at the sites. A visitor shared, "There is no water or sewer on your site but water is available in camp."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Honey Creek State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "The grounds have play sets and swings for kids."
  • Family-friendly activities: At Lake Wapello State Park Campground, families can enjoy hiking and fishing together. One visitor said, "Excellent way to spend a day with family."
  • Cabin rentals: If you prefer a bit more comfort, consider cabins at Indian Lake Park. A review stated, "They also have cabins for rent. All very reasonably priced."

Tips from RVers:

  • Spacious sites: RVers appreciate the spacious sites at Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun. A camper noted, "Campsites were spaced well apart with plenty of room on pad around campsites."
  • Full hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like Honey Creek State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "The RV sites are paved, level, full hookups, spacious, with a view of the lake."
  • Quiet during the week: Many RVers find that campgrounds like Lake Wapello State Park Campground are quieter during the week. One camper shared, "Very quiet during the week."

Camping near Drakesville, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Drakesville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Drakesville, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 88 campgrounds and RV parks near Drakesville, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Drakesville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Drakesville, IA is Lake Wapello State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Drakesville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Drakesville, IA.

What parks are near Drakesville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Drakesville, IA that allow camping, notably Rathbun Lake and Lake Red Rock.