Several campgrounds near Eddyville, Iowa offer a variety of camping options within 20-30 minutes of town. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 700 to 900 feet and a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Winter glamping accommodations remain accessible at several locations offering heated cabins and year-round facilities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Eveland Access in Oskaloosa, campers can enjoy excellent river fishing. "Great area right on the river. excellent for fishing or boating," notes Dorothy H. The campground provides easy water access for anglers of all skill levels.
Hiking trails: Waubonsie Trail Park offers both regular hiking paths and equestrian trails with varying difficulty levels. "We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day," reports Joyce M. The trail system connects to a covered bridge and local attractions, making it ideal for day hikes.
Lake activities: Many campers rent boats at Island View Campground on Lake Rathbun. "The park has a nice play set for kids and there are baseball fields nearby... This is a great place to go if you like to boat. There are three different boat ramps in the park," explains Matt S. The multiple boat launch options reduce congestion during busy summer weekends.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Campers frequently mention the generous spacing at Wallashuck campground. "Campsites are well spaced, some have good views of the lake... Very quite when we stayed there," reports Tom. The thoughtful layout provides privacy while maintaining convenience to facilities.
Clean facilities: The well-maintained bathrooms at Rock Creek State Park Campground receive consistent praise. "Clean bathroom with good showers. Limited shade options," mentions Michael C. The park prioritizes cleanliness throughout all public facilities.
Quiet atmosphere: Many glamping options close to Eddyville, Iowa provide peaceful settings. "Marion County is often overlooked by people in favor of the various Red Rock campgrounds that are nearby," notes Rodney S., who appreciates that "it still feels isolated while there" despite being just minutes from conveniences.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds have limited schedules. Island View operates from May 1 to September 30, while Rock Creek remains open from April 1 to December 31, offering more shoulder-season options for fall and spring camping.
Site leveling needs: Marion County Park requires preparation for uneven terrain. "The sites are somewhat unlevel so you'll likely need to block up tires... For our current site (site 58 with a 2.8 degree incline), we had to angle in a bit," warns Adam.
Reservation recommendations: Popular glamping accommodations fill quickly. Dani K. advises that at Lake Darling State Park, cabins "do book up quick in advance, but there is usually walk up spots available the week of too."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kellogg RV Park features family-friendly amenities. "The sites are pull thru, gravel-strewn... comes equipped with all of the typical hook-ups along with plenty of in-ground fire rings, stand-up BBQ grills and plenty of brand new picnic tables," describes Stuart K., who also notes that children enjoy the unique chicken coops on the property.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences. "There is a historic village onsite that's open for tours on weekends during the summer," mentions Adam about Marion County Park, providing families with cultural activities beyond standard outdoor recreation.
Swimming options: Families should research current water conditions before planning swimming activities. Douglas P. notes that at Lake Darling, "the amazing swimming beach with concession stand and changing rooms with showers is gone. Due to the large population of geese, ducks, and cranes, the water is not safe to swim in."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup varieties: Electric service varies between parks. At Eveland Access, campers find "electric hookups" and "fifty-amp hookups" but no thirty-amp options, which might affect equipment compatibility for some RVers.
Dump station access: RVers appreciate the sanitary facilities at several parks. Elisha L. mentions Rock Creek's setup: "No water or sewer at the sites but there are water spigots dispersed through the campground and full dump station as you come in/leave."
Spacing between RVs: Site spacing varies significantly. "RV sites are close and busy. Grass and shade. Tenting area had a much quieter vibe," notes Carol B. about Rock Creek State Park. For those seeking more privacy, Bruce K. cautions that some areas have "sites both tent and RV are simply too close for you to enjoy the place."
