Camping options around Fairfield, Iowa cluster along the Des Moines River watershed, with elevations ranging from 550 to 800 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in the region close facilities between November and April, though several maintain year-round accessibility with reduced amenities during winter months.
What to do
Fishing at multiple locations: Lake Showme offers both bank fishing and boat access for anglers, with a campground visitor noting "great spot... even have a pistol and rifle range" for those interested in target shooting activities. Indian Lake Park provides another fishing option with "a lake with a nice sandy beach" according to one camper.
Hiking trail systems: Geode State Park features a trail network that "makes for some great mountain biking" according to one visitor. The trails around the lake perimeter offer moderate difficulty levels suitable for families. A different reviewer mentioned "we go for a hike in the woods and find treasures" after rainy weather at the park.
Historical exploration: Bentonsport Riverside Park provides access to "mid 1800's town right there and businesses open. There is a blacksmith, a Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing," as shared by a visitor. The historical bridge crossing the Des Moines River is a popular photography spot.
Outdoor education: Langwood Education Center offers unique outdoor education opportunities with "hiking trails throughout the property" where "the woods offer prime area to see migratory birds such as kingfishers, herons, and a multitude of warblers. At night, great horned and barred owls can be heard calling back and forth."
What campers like
Affordable camping fees: Many campgrounds near Fairfield maintain reasonable rates. At Bentonsport Riverside Park, one camper noted the "$17 Bentonsport campground" with "Beautiful river views. Amazing camp hosts... 30/50/110 power water on sites to share water and dump on property." Geode State Park campers mentioned "$12 a night" for basic tent sites.
Clean facilities: Updog RV & Camping receives praise for "Very clean restrooms and showers" according to a visitor. Another camper mentioned the bath house "looks like my bath room at home," indicating the quality of maintenance at this seasonal facility.
Lake access: Indian Lake Park visitors appreciate the water access with one reviewer noting there is "a lake with a nice sandy beach" and that the park has "something for everyone. They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent."
Scenic water views: Geode State Park Campground offers waterfront camping experiences, with a reviewer mentioning "There is a lake here too. Lots of boats." The park has undergone recent improvements with a camper noting "Revitalized lake beautiful campground."
What you should know
Train noise affects some locations: Crossroads RV Park receives praise for its facilities but has noise challenges, with one camper reporting "Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away. And quite a bit of freeway noise, too!" A different reviewer called it "a nice spot for an overnight stay" but wouldn't recommend longer stays due to noise.
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds have tight quarters, as one Updog RV & Camping visitor discovered: "With slide out on each side, and not superslides either, I had EXACTLY 1 foot left on each side of my slides. I could not put out my awning as it would hit the camper next to me."
Challenging campground access: Camp Nauvoo has a "very sharp and steep" turn off the highway that can be challenging. One visitor advised: "If you are southbound on Illinois Hwy 96, the left turn off the highway is very sharp and steep. Might be easier to continue about a mile south and use the scenic turnout to turnaround."
Seasonal closures: While some campgrounds like Crossroads RV Park operate year-round, others have limited seasons. Ottumwa City Park is open "April 1 to October 1" and Updog RV & Camping operates from "April 15 - November 15."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Ottumwa City Park features "playground and a couple bigger covered eating areas" according to a visitor, making it suitable for family outings. The campground's location "extremely close to downtown and anything you might need" adds convenience for families who forget supplies.
Fishing opportunities for kids: Indian Lake Park provides accessible fishing for children with one reviewer noting they "go at least 3 times a year" because it's "so nice and quiet the lake is clean."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas during summer months, though conditions vary. Indian Lake Park has "a nice sandy beach" according to visitors, making it popular for families with children during hot weather.
Group facilities: For larger family gatherings, Langwood Education Center provides "a lodge with a full kitchen, and ample seating including tables and chairs" plus "six canoes are also on site for use" at no additional fee, though a waiver must be signed.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: For RV camping near Fairfield, Iowa, electrical service types differ between parks. Ottumwa City Park offers 50-amp service but one visitor noted the sites were "nice mature trees and lots of spots available. $18 for full hook up. What a deal."
Site dimensions: RVers with larger rigs should research sites beforehand. At Camp Nauvoo, a visitor with a travel trailer mentioned their "concrete pull-through with more than enough parking for my TT and truck and grass on either side."
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between locations. A Bentonsport visitor reported "No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse. I have total by Verizon." Camp Nauvoo reported better service with "AT&T had 3 bars of LTE and Verizon 1 bar of LTE service. AT&T Speedtest: 56.8 Mbps down, 9.3 Mbps up."
Dump station availability: While many parks offer dump stations, not all have sewer connections at individual sites. Crossroads RV Park provides full hookups, while Ottumwa City Park has just "one dump site" according to a visitor review.