Best RV Parks & Resorts near Eldon, IA

Recent RV Reviews near Eldon, Iowa

129 Reviews of 57 Eldon Campgrounds

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  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!

• M

  Mia L.

  Guide

  

  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.

• B

  Brenda A.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 5, 2021

  Crossroads RV Park - Iowa

  Really clean and nice

  Very nice personnel and clean, updated facilities. There are some long-term residents, but everyone seems very kind and helpful. Clean restrooms and laundry. You can buy quarters for the laundry. We’ll controlled dogs here! That’s Nice. Parking is drive thru, but sites are pretty close. We

• A

  Andrew P.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 17, 2023

  Wilson Lake Park

  Nice quiet place

  Nice campground with a decent sized fishing pond. Campground host is super friendly! They ran over when we pulled in and helped guide us into our site. We stayed at site 2 which is a little smaller than we would’ve liked but it is all concrete and has full hook ups. Did not do any fishing so can’t comment on that. Did go to the creamery nearby. If you stay here and don’t visit the creamery, you’re definitely missing out!

• 

  Stephanie S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 5, 2021

  Ottumwa City Park

  Fishing on the lake

  Campground has nice mature trees and lots of spots available. $18 for full hook up. What a deal. 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. Bathrooms were outdated and the reason this place got 4 instead of 5 stars.(could have been a little cleaner but they were old.) Shower heads were very low in women’s bathroom. I’m 5’8 the shower heads were at my chin or lower. They only have one dump site. But a wide variety for any size of camping. Along with playground and a couple bigger covered eating areas, but no laundry.

• 

  Sarah J.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 1, 2019

  Crossroads RV Park - Iowa

  Good stopover while traveling

  Great staff and RV park amenities. Camped for two nights and it was quiet.

• 

  John C.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 8, 2023

  Crossroads RV Park - Iowa

  Nice RV Park … if you want NOISE

  The rv park, itself, is very nice! Clean, well organized and spacious. The issue is NOISE!! Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away. And quite a bit of freeway noise, too! It's all by about location, location, location and this park doesn't have it. Spent three(3) sleepless nights. We would have moved on but we were visiting our son who lives in the immediate area. Next time, l'll drive 30 minutes more to find someplace quiet.

• 

  Mary F.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 16, 2018

  Indian Lake Park

  very nice

  it has full hookups, tent site swim beach, fishing, canoes,and f, playgrounds also cabins a stone lodge for family get togethers some sites just have electric and water on site and there are some full hookups also a shower house and modern restrooms, fire wood for sale We go at least 3 times a year . So nice and quiet the lake is clean they also have a dump station

• M

  Melissa A.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 24, 2021

  Crossroads RV Park - Iowa

  Nice overnight spot

  This was a nice spot for an overnight stay. The site was a full hookup- electric, water and sewer. I wouldn’t stay longer than an overnight. The sites were close together and very close to a train track.

• 

  Tiffany K.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 6, 2022

  Howell Station

  All Around Pleasant Campground

  Humble campground. There are lots of electric sites available for RVs and the sites are all very flat. There is ample grass area. The bathrooms and showers are well kept. The grounds have play sets and swings for kids. There are some great paved paths to walk or bike. It's a good place to fish or bird watch.

• 

  Greg K.

  Guide

  

  May. 16, 2024

  Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

  Beautiful park

  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. Cheap too. Walking trails nearby.

• 

  Chunk S.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• 

  Sarah K.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 14, 2020

  Honey Creek State Park Campground

  North loop review

  We camped in spot #20 of the north loop. I would not recommend any spot in the center second of the loop. It was more like parking than camping. If we parked in the direction to utilize the full hookups we would have had our awning out over our neighbors campsite.
  The state park has some nice trails for hiking. Use bug spray because the ticks are bad. Some nice views of the lake

• 

  Douglas P.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 9, 2020

  Geode State Park Campground

  Geode Lake Campground

  Recent upgrades to campground include some full hookup sites and new shower house. Once blacktop roads inside campground are now "Hardpack" with small loose gravel covering the roadways. The trail system around the lake is in pretty good shape and makes for some great mountain biking. The lake itself has been drained for about 3 years now and shows no signs of being filled again. Though they say it will be. 2020 will be the first year for camping in the newly remodeled campground. So we shall see eh?

• 

  Douglas P.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 12, 2020

  Lake Darling State Park Campground

  Lake Darling Campground

  Our family has been camping at Lake Darling for the past couple of years. We very much like the campground and the lake area. Opportunities for improvement would be that the full hookup sites have the neighbors waste tube close the campers picnic table. Sometimes getting a whiff of black water waste while trying eat dinner leaves a little to be desired. Eh? If a person camps in the regular electric only sites this is not a problem. However, this requires ( for most campers) the use of the shower house. The bathroom facilities are clean and well kept but the showers could use some updating and better cleaning maintenance. The lake area offers great fishing and there are boat rentals available. Paddle boats, canoes, and other options. There is a long concrete multi use path along the lake and into the cabin area. The cabins seem nice, though we have never been in them or stayed in them. Book early they are usually booked up I am told. All in all a great weekend get away place. And generally limited cell signal might be better that way eh?

• 

  Matt S.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 29, 2016

  Honey Creek Resort

  If you like camping and golf you need to stay at Honey Creek Resort

  Honey Creek resort has everything. Golf, nice dining, camping, boating, and lots of fun. This resort has RV camping and beautiful cabins. It is a State owned facility but don't confuse it with Honey Creek State Park (which is also a nice park, you can read my review on thedyrt.com).

  If you are looking for a place to pitch your tent and hike go to Honey Creek State Park. If you want luxury camping with cabins and 9 holes of golf, Honey Creek Resort is for you. It is not cheap but it is a nice place to plan a short vacation of relaxing fun.

• 

  Dani K.

  Guide

  

  May. 31, 2017

  Lake Darling State Park Campground

  Favorite Childhood Site

  The Lake has been recently drained and refilled. The new trails around the lake are so wonderful. Electric and tent sites. Brand new five season cabins. Great all year round!

• 

  Matt S.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 13, 2016

  Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

  Lacey-Keosauqua State Park - My 2 cents

  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. The Park and campground are well maintained and clean. We visited over Labor Day weekend and the park was only two-thirds full. It was a variety of Tent campers and RV's. The camp sites are spaced really well so you don't feel like you are on top of one another. They have electric and non-electric sites and the shower is very clean. There are almost 80 sites in the campground.

  Don't miss the hiking trails and the Beach House and swimming lake. Don't miss lake Sugema, the Indian Mounds or the Ely Ford Mormon Trail crossing.

• 

  Dave N.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 14, 2020

  Indian Lake Park

  Beautiful

  This park has something for everyone. They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent. All very reasonably priced. Most of the sites are nice and shady and level. A bathhouse with showers. A stone lodge for large parties. There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends. Hiking,fishing, swimming, kayaking,bird watching. There are many things to keep you busy here.

• T

  Tracy J.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 3, 2020

  Waubonsie Trail Park

  Iowa Gem!

  Cute little RV/tent campground. Very nice hosts. Only stayed 1 night. Definitely on the 'let's go back' list. 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. Horseshoe pit, playground and campfire swing area were nice surprises. All for under $20 for electric RV site! Great campground for a small group event.

• 

  Dave N.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Brian E.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 19, 2021

  Wilson Lake Park

  Nice place

  Took our new camper out for a one night stay. It’s a nice small place with a nice little pond. The only real complaint we had was that there was no lights in the bathrooms, we didn’t want to use the campers bathroom for just one night. There were other bathrooms but they were locked. $20 a night but worth it we think. Nice concrete slabs and all hook ups. Will go back for sure.

• 

  Randall K.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 9, 2024

  Lake Iowa County Park

  Great spot for a great price

  Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

  Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

  The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

  But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

  I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

  Other than that it was a great spot.

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 26, 2022

  Bentonsport

  Not sure what to make of this campground

  Down the road from the sleepy little town of Bentonsport, IA is this small riverfront campground. On a Sunday afternoon in October, there were several RVs but almost all of the riverfront sites (which I would consider prime) were empty. But there were also chickens (apparently belonging to one of the campers) and two horse and buggies (I thought they might have been statues and then one of the horses whinnied!). There was no camp host or anyone else to speak with about the campground. 

  The view of the Des Moines River and the Bentonsport Bridge was beautiful, and it is an easy and short walk into town, although the town does not offer much in the way of amenities (unless you like fudge, and then you have to pick some up at Addie Mays in the Greef General Store). As far as restrooms go, there appeared to be only a small outhouse. I did not check it out since it looked like I would have had to walk through someone’s site to access it. If you have a fully contained RV, the river sites would be nice but otherwise, this campground does not have much to offer.

• C

  Cody R.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 3, 2021

  Diamond Lake County Park

  A lush, quiet, pleasant surprise

  Arrived on late afternoon Wednesday and there were plenty of primitive spots available (can’t speak to hook ups). The lake is really clean and lovely, with lush grass and greenery all around. Great spot for birds—saw multiple heron, egret and hawks.

  Agree with the other reviews that the sites are rather close together so it could feel a bit crowded during busier times. I luckily didn’t have any occupants in the neighboring sites.

  The only downside is you can hear the cars/trucks from highway 85. It’s not highly trafficked so this wasn’t a big deal.

  As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe here.

• 

  Matt S.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 24, 2016

  Prairie Ridge

  Prairie Ridge has some nice wild flowers and a good view of Lake Rathbun

  Lake Rathbun is a destination for boaters and campers in the State of Iowa. The Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains several facilities around the lake. Prairie Ridge campground is one of those facilities.

  The campsites are good. They have a fire pit, a place to hang food to keep away from raccoons, electricity, and a nice gravel pad for your vehicle or camper. It has modern toilets and some of the campsites have a nice overlook of the lake.

  What stands out at this campground is the prairie grass and all of the wild flowers. It is a nice weekend getaway.

• 

  Pat F.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 23, 2022

  Robertson Access

  Beautiful and quite

  Very quite and beautiful place has restrooms no electric but gorgeous for just a overnight stay