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Best Campgrounds near Fairfield, IA

158 Reviews

The Fairfield, Iowa area includes multiple campgrounds within a 30-mile radius offering diverse camping experiences from primitive to full-service. Lake Darling State Park Campground near Brighton provides tent, RV, cabin and glamping accommodations, while Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground to the south offers similar options but with a seasonal operating period from April through December. Several county-managed sites like Indian Lake Park and Bentonsport Riverside Park complement these state facilities with varying levels of amenities and access types.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with many sites operating primarily from spring through fall. Lake Wapello State Park offers clean facilities and spacious sites, with hiking paths circling the lake that require 2-3 hours to complete. Most campgrounds provide electric hookups, with water access varying by location. Some areas, including Eldon Wildlife Management Area, offer primitive camping with minimal amenities for those seeking a more rustic experience. Weather conditions impact accessibility at certain sites, particularly those near rivers. A camper noted that "Snively Access Campground does sometimes close due to high water" and recommended calling ahead during flood-prone seasons.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews across multiple sites in the region. Visitors highlight fishing opportunities at several locations, including Lake Darling where "great fishing and walking paths" complement the camping experience. Wildlife viewing is frequently mentioned in reviews, with campers reporting sightings of deer, bald eagles, muskrats, beaver, swans and numerous bird species, particularly at Lake Wapello State Park. Most developed campgrounds feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to bathroom facilities, though amenity quality varies. Primitive sites generally offer more privacy and natural settings but fewer conveniences. Several campgrounds, including Lake Iowa County Park, provide access to hiking trails that connect with surrounding natural areas, allowing for extended outdoor activities beyond the immediate campsite.

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Best Camping Sites Near Fairfield, Iowa (87)

    1. Lake Darling State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Brighton, IA
    13 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.   "

    2. Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Keosauqua, IA
    21 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."

    3. Bentonsport

    6 Reviews
    Keosauqua, IA
    20 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."

    4. Eldon Wildlife Management Area

    2 Reviews
    Eldon, IA
    17 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. Updog RV & Camping

    5 Reviews
    Mount Pleasant, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 986-6039

    $30 / night

    "Showed me around n where I could pitch for the night. Right by the pond. Very clean, very quiet n would go all over again!"

    6. Crossroads RV Park - Iowa

    6 Reviews
    Mount Pleasant, IA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 385-9737

    $38 / night

    "The sites were close together and very close to a train track."

    "Easy access and amazingly quite dispute the road nearby Clean and new facilities"

    7. Ottumwa City Park

    4 Reviews
    Ottumwa, IA
    24 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."

    8. Morris County Park

    Be the first to review!
    Stockport, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 796-2148

    9. Waubonsie Trail Park

    3 Reviews
    Cantril, IA
    26 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."

    10. Indian Lake Park

    4 Reviews
    Farmington, IA
    28 miles
    Website

    $8 - $50 / night

    "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."

    "Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean."

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Recent Camping Photos near Fairfield, IA

26 Photos of 87 Fairfield Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fairfield, IA

158 Reviews of 87 Fairfield Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    Neat place but it's not flat

    Super nice staff.  We stayed here for a few weeks while working in the area. The land is not flat.  The spots are good and most are pull-throughs but some are too short for a 30' camper.  Would definitely stay there again. 

    We stayed there in October, 2017

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    Short Jog to This Campground Outpost From I80

    If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to pull over for a decent escape to nature, then you may very well want to consider Sleepy Hollow, which is just a few minutes north of I80. Given its proximity to the busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor being EZ on- and off-, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped both the non-stop whir of incessant highway traffic and the unsightly view of a heavily trafficked main roadway. Add on top of this that you’ll find this location is perfectly suitable to the RV crowd as much as it is the tent-pitching bredren that belong to my tribe of outdoor enthusiasts.

    Here at this campground you’ll find RV and 5th Wheel sites offering both pull-thru and back-in sites complete with full hook-ups (water, 30 / 50 amp electric and sewage). There’s 7 tent sites that are very well shaded, have a decent patch of land and include picnic tables, fire pits and scattered stand-up BBQ grills. Whether you have a tent, an RV or not, this campground has a small handful of cozy cabins available to rent that come with running hot & cold water as well as electricity and are located close to the fishing pond. What I enjoyed most with the primitive camping area was the serenity offered by the abundance of new growth Oaks that shaded the place, along with unfettered views of the lake itself. Priceless.

    Sleepy Hollow offers a number of amenities including: ‘catch& release’ pond (both swimming and fishing potential), ball pit, kid’s playground, puppy park, designated dumpsters, fairly decent WiFi, community firepits, general market store, laundr-O-mat, shower facility, pavilion, horseshoes, game room, volleyball and basketball courts, artificial beachhead with swim area and windmills. There’s a lagoon with hundreds of ducks, but depending upon how you look at this, it may or may not be considered an amenity, but if you have kids like I do, it’s a great distraction that offers up a lot of duck-feeding fun.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking for a decent bit of hiking, there’s a nice slice of nature near here at Sleepy Hollow a bit NE called Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area where there’s plenty of trails, shooting ranges and some fairly decent bird watching; (2) When you get tired trying to conjure up that next meal from your cooler or on-board fridge, then head over to nearby Renee’s Roadhouse where this roadside stand serves up standard Americana fare like burgers, sandwiches and wraps. For anything more substantial, you’ll have to take a longer drive east to Iowa City of which I recommend Steak & Shake, Back Berner Bar & Grill or Barrel House; (3) If you’d like to embrace the Amish vibe that exists here in rural Iowa, then head due north to Amana Colonies where you’ll come across hand-made blankets and artisan-crafted cabinetry all while offering you some very warm Midwestern hospitality.

    Happy Camping!

  • 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.

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

    Lee County Pollmiller Park

    Nice campground

    I didn't stay here, just visited. Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Louisa County Fairgrounds

    Typical Fairground Camping

    A small number of electrical sites was all that I saw. I'm sure there are bathrooms somewhere in one of the fairground buildings, but I didn't see any signage for them.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Virginia Grove Rec Area

    Small and quaint

    This is a small campground with electric camper spots. I didn't see any dump station. It features a playground and has vault toilets. There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks. Online only reservations.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Big Hollow Recreation Area

    Full Featured Camping

    This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.

Guide to Fairfield

Camping near Fairfield, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails around Lake Macbride State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There were rangers checking out the area every so often. And not too far from a store to buy things we forget to get."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Enjoy fishing at Diamond Lake County Park, where one camper noted, "The lake is really clean and lovely, with lush grass and greenery all around."
  • Disc Golf: If you're into disc golf, West Overlook Campground has a course nearby. A visitor shared, "There is disc golf as well. We didn't get to use the bathrooms due to a water main break which was of course out of anyone's control."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the clean restrooms and showers at Sugar Bottom Campground. One review stated, "Very clean, for me the star attraction here was the solo bathroom & shower both together with lockable door for extreme privacy when needed."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spacious sites at F. W. Kent Park. A camper mentioned, "Doesn't feel like a bunch of campers crammed together, at least in the reserved section."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Cedar River Campground are noted for their family-friendly vibe. One visitor said, "So many things to do for adults and kids!! The owners are so helpful too."

What you should know

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Lake Macbride State Park Campground, allow same-day bookings, making it easy for spontaneous trips. A reviewer noted, "This site was super easy to do same day booking campsite."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have markets or stores nearby. For instance, at Sugar Bottom Campground, a camper pointed out, "There’s no place to buy firewood nearby so come prepared."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is open from April 1 to December 31.

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Little Bear Campground. A parent mentioned, "There was a kid’s playground with swingset and teeter-totters that had definitely seen better days."
  • Quiet Hours: Be mindful of quiet hours, especially at family-oriented spots. One camper at Cedar River Campground expressed concern about noise, saying, "The Loud Music until 2:30 and 3 a.m. WAKING all 3 of my grands up at 2 am."
  • Activities for Kids: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. A visitor at F. W. Kent Park noted, "Great access to the river!"

Tips from RVers

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds, like Amana RV Park & Event Center, are big rig friendly. One RV owner said, "The sites are wide open and generally level, in and out is a breeze."
  • Electric Hookups: Ensure your campground has electric hookups. A reviewer at Diamond Lake County Park mentioned, "The space had water and electric, fire ring and tables."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with convenient dump stations. A camper at Sugar Bottom Campground appreciated, "They have a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions."

Camping near Fairfield, IA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping spots in Fairfield?

Fairfield and its surrounding areas offer several camping options. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow is conveniently located just minutes north of I-80, making it an excellent stop for travelers. For those seeking a state park experience, Lake Darling State Park Campground offers beautiful lakeside camping with both primitive group sites and regular camping areas. Other options in the region include Marr Park with its walking trails and natural areas, and Prairie Ridge at Lake Rathbun for those willing to travel a bit further.

Are there tent-friendly campsites in Fairfield?

Yes, there are several tent-friendly camping options near Fairfield. Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground in Shimek State Forest offers a wooded, secluded environment perfect for tent camping with nice tiered fire rings and access to hiking trails. Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground is another excellent option for tent campers, featuring well-maintained sites in a peaceful setting. Both locations provide vault toilets and basic amenities while offering an authentic outdoor experience surrounded by nature.

What amenities are available at Fairfield camping areas?

Camping areas around Fairfield offer varying levels of amenities. Marr Park provides water and electric hookups at all sites, clean facilities including flush toilets, a dump station (for a fee), and numerous paved and grass walking trails. Langwood Education Center offers a unique experience surrounded by hardwood forests and native prairie, making it perfect for nature retreats and family gatherings. Other campgrounds in the area typically include fire pits, picnic tables, and basic bathroom facilities, though amenities vary by location. Some areas have shower facilities, while others may only offer vault toilets.

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