Best Campgrounds near Eldon, IA

Dispersed camping opportunities exist within the Eldon Wildlife Management Area, where campers can find secluded spots away from developed areas. The region includes several established campgrounds within a 20-mile radius, such as Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground and Lake Wapello State Park Campground, both offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Lake Darling State Park and Ottumwa City Park provide additional options with varying levels of amenities and proximity to water features. Many sites in the area feature mature trees, lake access, and picnic facilities.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with most developed campgrounds operating from April through October or December. Winter camping options are limited, though some facilities remain open year-round. Campgrounds with water hookups typically shut down these services during freezing months. Electric hookups are common at developed sites, while primitive camping at Eldon Wildlife Management Area lacks amenities but allows year-round access. Park facilities vary considerably, with state parks generally offering more complete amenities including showers, toilets, and hookups. "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."

Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites at Lake Wapello and Lake Darling, which receive consistently positive reviews. Both locations offer hiking trails that circumnavigate their respective lakes, providing scenic views and wildlife observation opportunities. The Lakeshore Trail at Lake Wapello requires 2-3 hours to complete and rewards hikers with wildlife sightings. A camper wrote, "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." Lacey Keosauqua State Park receives praise for its well-maintained facilities and trails. For those seeking solitude, Eldon Wildlife Management Area provides quiet, primitive camping with no facilities but excellent seclusion, making it ideal for tent campers comfortable with self-sufficient outdoor experiences.

Best Camping Sites Near Eldon, Iowa (80)

    1. Eldon Wildlife Management Area

    2 Reviews
    Eldon, IA
    3 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."

    2. Ottumwa City Park

    4 Reviews
    Ottumwa, IA
    13 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."

    3. Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Keosauqua, IA
    19 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."

    4. Lake Wapello State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Drakesville, IA
    21 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."

    5. McGowen Rec Area

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

    $10 - $79 / night

    6. Lake Fisher

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

    7. Waubonsie Trail Park

    3 Reviews
    Cantril, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 397-2295

    "Waubonsie trail behind park is a short hike to the covered bridge and Dutchman's Store. Perfect Way to stretch your legs after a long day on the road. Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean."

    "We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day. I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup. Outhouse type toilets are available there."

    8. Bentonsport

    6 Reviews
    Keosauqua, IA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 293-3589

    "close to the river with lots of fun history and shops to keep you busy."

    "Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon."

    9. Lake Darling State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Brighton, IA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 694-2323

    $15 - $110 / night

    "We stayed on the primative group side of the lake.  There is a small pond that we were able to let some of our scouts get started in kayaks and canoes before getting into the main lake. "

    "Sites were fairly level and all pretty close to the showers/restrooms, and well spaced out between sites.   "

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Recent Reviews near Eldon, IA

145 Reviews of 80 Eldon Campgrounds


  • Kent W.
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Howell Station

    One of our favorites

    This is a really nice campground. It’s run by friendly, helpful people. It’s well maintained, the bathrooms are clean, you’re not packed together like sardines, there’s a nice bike/walking trail around the park and (at least when we’ve visited) bald eagles, blue herons and pelicans line the river. It’s just a little over an hour from us so it’s easy to get to.

    We’re trying parks all over Iowa and Howell has been one of our favorites.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Campground Diamond In The Rough

    Following up on my review from over a year and a half ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this county park campground gem in a very rural part of Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) EZ access and just a 20 minute / 9 mile drive due south from I-80 via Exit 201; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (4) The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond; (5) The hiking trails and bountiful fishing spots make this a simply wonderful campground; (6) Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you; (7) While basic, the bathhouses were in pretty good condition and very clean; (8) Kid’s playground is fantastic and nearly brand new; (9) Reasonably priced bundles of pre-cut firewood; and (10) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic in here, although you are so far out in the boondocks, it’s not really much of a concern; (2) The newly minted RV area slopes down to the lake, but as you park perpendicular, it shouldn’t be an issue; (3) Also, because the RV area is new, there’s no trees or brush, which creates a lack of privacy between sites; (4) Nearly all of the RV slots – save the few that are right next to the lake - have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings, at least in the tent camping areas, are worn-out and in pretty poor condition and should be replaced or refurbished; (7) The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don’t recommend swimming here

    Happy Camping!

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Diamond lake

    Clean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.

  • Clifton B.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Very nice campground off the beaten path

    Wife and I met friends here in August 2025.  This was the middle between us & them as we live in CO and they live in NY.  The campground was very well maintained.  Shower rooms & restrooms were very clean and all were functional.  We really enjoyed the long weekend here.  Be advised tho, we were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August.  Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didnt expect the humidity to affect us as it did.  Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees.  Wife and I will likely return and see more of the Amana communities in the fall.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Duck Haven Campground

    Hidden campground with a neat backstory

    July, 2017

    Neat little hidden campground with a neat back story. They owner bought it at auction just for a place to hang out with his friends but offers it for the public.  He loves cash and will usually give you a discount if you pay in cash.

    There is a bathhouse but he had to unlock it for us. 

    There is no store but you're at the edge of town so you can get anything you need.  There's no wifi but the cell service is good.

    If I recall, it's a 7 acre stocked pond.  catch and release only.

  • 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

  • Theresa G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Mixed bag

    Beautiful electrical sites right on the lake but very close to one another and a fee site along the water were awkward with backing in yet faced away from the water. We camped on the hill and #65 was best site. Weird on June Friday night and and only about 10% occupancy. Lake was nice for kayaking

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 9, 2024

    Wilson Lake Park

    Nice campground

    I didn't stay here as it was winter. The campground is nice with cement pads as well as primitive campsites and cabins.


Guide to Eldon

Camping near Eldon, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Water Activities: Many campgrounds, like Lake Wapello State Park Campground, provide great fishing spots. One visitor mentioned, "Great place to camp, kayak, fish, and hike!" This park is perfect for those who enjoy being on the water.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. A reviewer shared, "Excellent hiking trails. Great area to explore around the park as well." It's a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Lake Wapello State Park Campground are known for their wildlife. One camper noted, "Saw multiple heron, egret and hawks," making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Thousand Hills State Park Campground said, "The shower houses had individual, private, large, and very clean facilities."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds, such as Whitebreast Campground, offer spacious sites. One reviewer mentioned, "Sites were very spaced out and they are only on one side of the road so no sites backed up to ours."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Hickory Haven Campground noted, "The owner was very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Diamond Lake County Park, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper advised, "Check-in is self-registration and is done onsite."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun pointed out, "Campground was very clean and staff was helpful and polite," but noted the lack of showers.
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Lake Darling State Park Campground is open year-round, while others have specific seasons.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A parent at Lake Darling State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a long concrete multi-use path along the lake and into the cabin area."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor toys. A camper at Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow suggested, "Busy on the weekend. Bring a lot of leveling blocks."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have limited food options nearby. A visitor at Diamond Lake County Park mentioned, "If you are looking for some grub nearby... there’s really just a few nearby options."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the sites can accommodate your RV. A reviewer at Thousand Hills State Park Campground noted, "The spots seemed more fitting for RVs vs tent."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. A camper at Lake Wapello State Park Campground appreciated the "clean facilities" and "full hookup sites."
  • Quiet Locations: Many RVers prefer quieter spots. A visitor at Hickory Haven Campground said, "Very quiet place, kids can ride their bikes."

Camping near Eldon, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Eldon, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Eldon, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 80 campgrounds and RV parks near Eldon, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Eldon, IA?

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

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

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