The best camping near
Exeelsior , IOWA

Great overnight stay. Got in later a little than planned, after hours. Very quiet— great nights sleep.

Good sized lake, nice beach, camp store operators real nice. Decent distance between sites for a state park on Iowa. Boat rentals. On my annual camp rotation.

Fire pits with grills and everything.

Unfortunately we were there in the dead of winter as a stop over on a road trip, but it was easy to find and easy to get into the park to the camp sites.

For just outside of Des Moines, pretty good spot.

Great camp grounds! New showers and toilets. Easy access. Not far from oskaloosa.

We have a last minute change in plans so needed a place to stay for a couple of nights. 

Level sites with full hookups

Plenty of space to walk the dog

Right next to a gas station with great burgers and tenderloins! 

It was cold and windy so we didn't get out much to explore. It is right next to the interstate for easy on and off and it's very quiet.

I grew up a few miles from this state park so stayed here when we went back to visit family. This park, like all state parks, has had it's ups and downs. Unfortunately, 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. 

On the upside, the camping, boating, and fishing are amazing! We dry camped right on the water's edge for $6 a night, 2 weeks for $88! Electric sites are only 12. Their sites are 20/30/50 amp. 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. There is a nice camp store next to the campground st the marina for fishing gear, firewood, and a few essentials. You can also rent fishing boats, pontoons, kayaks, and canoes. 

We were able to kayak and bike here and it was amazing! We will definitely be back!!!

Howell Station is one out of five COE CG's that are around Lake Red Rock. CG is well kept, has a bike/walking path that borders the River and winds through the woods. Baths/showers were very clean and well kept up. Sites were spacious, level and most were very shady. Hosts were helpful and very friendly.  Firewood is available from hosts for $5 a bundle.

I was only able to stay one night but i loved it. 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. I only drove past the RV campground and the campsites were close together. The equestrian area is the way to go in my opinion but i love the quiet. Picnic tables and fire rings are at each campsite.

10 free sites. Well maintained and quiet. Pit toilet. paved fire ring area and picnic table at each site. Can stay up to 14 days. Beautiful trails

We tried to stay here on probably the hottest day of the year. It was just wayyyyy too hot so we made sandwiches and decided to drive through the night, but it wasn’t this KOA’s fault! Very friendly staff. Tons for kids and families to do. My only complaint is that where we were, tent spot #1…there wasn’t really any soaration of the tent sites. People moved in beside us and were literally in our site because there wasn’t anything stopping them. Probably a better place for RV camping over tent camping.