Olivia P.
Scout
ScoutHickory Hills Park
Hiking
There are a couple small hiking trails, but they were very well maintained and an easy hike to get my daughter started in her backpack.
Camping near Knoxville, IA
111 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Knoxville, Iowa features several established campgrounds clustered around Lake Red Rock, providing both tent and RV camping opportunities. Whitebreast Campground, Marion County Park, and Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake offer varying levels of amenities and access types. Most campgrounds in the area provide electric hookups, with some featuring full water and sewer connections for RVs. The region includes several Corps of Engineers managed sites with boat access to the lake, making it popular for water recreation enthusiasts seeking mixed-use facilities that accommodate both overnight stays and day use activities.
The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with most facilities closed during winter months. Campground roads are generally accessible for both small vehicles and larger RVs, with several areas specifically designated as big-rig friendly. A review mentioned that "sites were very spaced out and they are only on one side of the road so no sites backed up to ours," highlighting the comfortable layout at Whitebreast Campground. Many sites require advance reservations during peak summer months, especially on holiday weekends. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water, toilets, and trash disposal, though shower facilities vary by location.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive feedback from visitors to the Knoxville area. Lake Red Rock serves as the central attraction, with multiple campgrounds offering views or direct access to the water. As one camper noted, "We had site 24, sites were very spaced out... Plenty of room for our dogs." Several campgrounds feature boat ramps, docks, and fishing opportunities, making them appealing for water recreation enthusiasts. The area also includes horseback riding facilities at Elk Rock State Park, which maintains dedicated equestrian camping areas with appropriate amenities for those traveling with horses. Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings, with wooded sites providing shade and privacy at many locations. The proximity to both Pella and Knoxville towns offers convenient access to supplies and local attractions when needed.
Best Campgrounds near Knoxville (111)
1. Whitebreast Camp
"Our site had a great view of the lake, as well. The campgrounds are a drive away from the beach and most boat ramps. "
"Can walk down to the dock. We love to camp there every Fourth of July. It is a great place for all ages to enjoy."
from $20 - $288 / night
Check Availability2. Howell Station
"We will be staying here every year, this is the best site we've stayed at in central Iowa. Great fishing, bike trail right next to the campsite. Great views too. Dam is right there and you can fish."
"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"
from $22 - $24 / night
Check Availability3. Nature Haven by the Red Rock Lake
"The perfect drive up private campsite you will find in Iowa. Very quiet with a beautiful view of three ponds and a sunset you will not want to miss."
"Plus just 6 miles from our fav brewery in Iowa."
from $25 - $120 / night
Check Availability4. Wallashuck
"Good place close to Pella and Knoxville. Some sites on Red Rock. Little pricey for not having full hookups. Overall good place."
"Wallashuck in Pella, iowa is one of my favorite places to camp. It’s mostly quiet and peaceful. Plus town is close and has plenty to entertain or fill up supplies"
from $20 - $24 / night
Check Availability5. Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park
"There are lots of trails around the area. It’s also a great place if you like to go horse back riding with lots of trails that go near the water.
There are camp hosts to help answer questions."
"We really wnjoyed riding the trails here. Good facilities for our horses."
from $18 - $78 / night
Check Availability6. Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)
"Each of the 10 campsites are spacious and plenty of distance between. Nice quick trails with wildlife. The park is well maintained and well priced!"
"You’ll eventually see the park entrance(a sign and fence). Pass the first bathrooms/shelter/info board. Continue down the gravel road that looks kinda like a trail."
7. Roberts Creek West Campground
"Caveat: you cannot see the lake from the camping spots Camped site 26
Wooded county campground. Many of the spots at the West campground are paved. They all have electric."
"Easy in and around campground. A lot of space between sites. Sites are fairly level with hard pack gravel."
8. Marion County Park
"Plus, it’s on the outskirts of town so restaurants and grocery stores are nearby."
"Marion County is often overlooked by people in favor of the various Red Rock campgrounds that are nearby, but in my opinion, unless you have a boat, there is nothing that puts Red Rock above Marion County"
9. Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp — Lake Red Rock
"We camped out at site 82 which is a non-electric site and close to a Red Rock Lake shoreline. Spots are pretty close but they perfectly have grass tall enough to give you some privacy between spots."
10. North Overlook Camp
"Camping doesn't get much better than this in Iowa. The North Overlook site is part of a much larger group of COE campgrounds on Lake Red Rock."
from $14 - $24 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 41 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 4 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 35 min from Iowa City, IA
- 1 hr 45 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
Recent Camping Photos near Knoxville, IA
84 Photos of 111 Knoxville Campgrounds
Derrick W.
Whitebreast Camp
Anna W.
Nature Haven by the Red Rock Lake
Meredith L.
Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp — Lake Red Rock
Willy W.
Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park
Lisa H.
Wallashuck
Victor S.
North Overlook Camp
Mia L.
Roberts Creek West Campground
Dare To Everywhere .
Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)
Derek B.
River Oaks RV Park
Tom Z.
Red Haw State Park Campground
May M.
Yellow Banks County Park
Christopher M.
Colfax Quarry Springs Park
Recent Reviews near Knoxville, IA
425 Reviews of 111 Knoxville Campgrounds
Ashley D.ScoutIowa State Fairgrounds
Horrible & expensive
They show tent camping reservations allowed online and they even let you book a tent to Camp online for paying $32 but then when they come around and talk to you they don't say anything about not having a tent allowed and they don't give you the codes to the restroom and then they just close the office and go to bed and then at 11:00 at night the sheriff comes and tells you to grab all your stuff because there's no camping allowed and put you out on the street with nowhere to go and no more money cuz you wasted all your money on that stupid site that you didn't even get to stay at and then you realize that after you carried all your stuff over to the bar and had to sleep outside on the streets with your service dog when you have disabilities and you told them you have seizures that you had a seizure and now you have to go to the hospital and you lost your tent because somebody stole it so now you have nowhere to live because you're homeless and somebody stole your only house which was your tent because the sheriff kicked you out at 10:00 or 11:00 at night that was really great thanks that was the best experience in my whole life not really and thanks for putting my stress level so high that I went to seizures when people have disabilities you guys should be more accommodating and be more open and honest and be more willing to talk to people
Angela E.ScoutPrairie Ridge Camping
Quiet and peaceful
Such a wonderful, quiet, and peaceful place. We stayed Thur-Sat so we were basically the only ones here.
I have never seen such clean and gorgeous bathrooms at a campground before along with a very clean laundry room. The bathrooms were large and HC accessible with rain showers and benches.
There are campers and a cabin to rent, and a nice walking trail. While we didn't use any, they have a driving range, archery, waterside, and paddles boats.
There's a gas station only a couple miles away so we could gas up the night before leaving without pulling our camper with.
The only downside was the amount of Ticks. I know with camping comes Ticks but I wish they would spray or something to control the amount of them crawling across our camping rug and into our camper.
If we come this way again, will definitely stay here as it's just a 15 minutes off I-35.
SagebrushVagabond F.
GuideDiamond Lake County Park
Good Campground
Everything is the same as reported in previous reviews. Good facilities and low price. Easy in and out.
Noah P.
TravelerGriffs Valley View RV Park
One night stay
Park was pretty full, but they found us a spot for the night. Excellent pricing and the yards are BIG compared to other places we've stayed. Would definitely come back
- RRob M.Scout
Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground
Spots are a little small, but they are level and well kept.
Testing out a new set up and this has full service with electric, water and sewer line.
Bill H.TravelerIowa State Fairgrounds
large but well maintained
rv site. very cold that night, but nice camping
Ryan R.GuideColfax Quarry Springs Park
Quarry Springs Park
Quarry Springs Park was a one night stay. Quick and easy off/on road location. Was their first year. This is a new RV Park that was once a quarry. Hence the name. Big lakes and good areas to walk. We arrived after dark, not late, just that time of year. Took us a bit of time to figure out where our site was. Would suggest some added signage. Besides that all was good! The moon was full and made for excellent viewing. Not so much for the pictures however 🙄. Would stop again. Just note this is within ear shot of the interstate. Didn't bother us, might others. Thanks for stay!
Doy O.ScoutR&B Campground
Great Family Owned Campground
I rent year round. Love this place. Quiet, fishing, dead end so little traffic. The owners are great people. Bring your boat, kayak, tube. You can float the river.
Guide to Knoxville
Lake Red Rock dominates the landscape near Knoxville, Iowa, creating diverse camping opportunities in the region's oak-hickory forests and rolling hills. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 725-760 feet, with camping seasons typically running April through October. Summer temperatures average 85°F during peak camping months, and the lake's 15,000+ acre surface creates cooling breezes throughout nearby campsites.
What to do
Fishing access: At Howell Station, visitors find excellent river and lake fishing opportunities. "Great fishing, bike trail right next to the campsite. Great views too. Dam is right there and you can fish," notes Jesse H. The campground provides convenient water access points for anglers.
Horseback riding trails: Equestrian Campground at Elk Rock State Park offers specialized facilities for those bringing horses. "We really enjoyed riding the trails here. Good facilities for our horses," reports Dorothy H. The park maintains dedicated bridle paths through woodland and lake-view areas.
Biking routes: Paved bike paths connect several recreation areas and provide scenic routes around Lake Red Rock. "There are some great paved paths to walk or bike," explains Tiffany K. about Howell Station. Most paths are relatively flat with occasional gentle slopes, making them suitable for casual cyclists.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Whitebreast Camp receives high marks for its well-designed layout. "Large sites and plenty of space between sites," notes Paul M. The campground's configuration allows for privacy while maintaining lake views from many locations.
Lakefront views: Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake offers spectacular water vistas. "Peaceful, beautiful, incredible... Very quiet with a beautiful view of three ponds and a sunset you will not want to miss," shares Evan G. The campground limits capacity to just six sites to preserve natural surroundings.
Shaded camping areas: Most campgrounds feature mature tree cover for natural cooling during summer months. "Lots of shade, quiet," notes Jeff O. about Whitebreast Campground. These shaded sites provide welcome relief during Iowa's hot summer afternoons and help keep tents and RVs cooler.
What you should know
Beach conditions vary: Lake beaches near Knoxville campgrounds can have inconsistent conditions depending on water levels. "The lake was great for kayaking, but the visit to Whitebreast beach knocked the campground scored down... As you made your way further down and into the water, there was muddy, wet clay and the beach floor was slimy and muddy," reports Molly L.
Reservation requirements: Wallashuck and other popular Lake Red Rock campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Little pricey for not having full hookups. Overall good place," notes Michael M. Reservations are strongly recommended between Memorial Day and Labor Day, especially for weekend stays.
Wildlife encounters: Ticks are common in grassy camping areas during warmer months. "I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van," warns Abby M. from Grant Park. Regular tick checks and appropriate repellents are essential when camping here.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Marion County Park offers excellent facilities for children. "There's a couple of parks onsite for kids- one with a zip line swing- plus a pond for fishing, areas to hike and bike," reports Adam. The historic village onsite provides educational opportunities during summer weekends.
Level site selection: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain that requires preparation. "The sites are somewhat unlevel so you'll likely need to block up tires," notes Adam about Marion County Park. Families with larger tents should bring leveling equipment or request more level sites when making reservations.
Convenience amenities: Some campgrounds offer better access to restrooms and water for family camping. "We were able to camp in a tent near RVs without feeling crowded. The restrooms, showers, and playground were all close by…great for camping with kids," shares Amanda H. about her stay at Wallashuck.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Roberts Creek West Campground provides developed RV sites, but preparation is needed. "Sites are fairly level with hard pack gravel," notes James P. about the East campground. Most RV sites in the area require at least minor leveling adjustments.
Tree clearance challenges: Several campgrounds have mature trees that may pose challenges for larger vehicles. "Be careful of low lying trees for taller campers," warns Camden O. about Roberts Creek. RVers with units exceeding 12 feet in height should verify site access before arrival.
Full hookup availability: Water and sewer connections are limited at some campgrounds. "They have done a great job in recent years updating sites a few at a time, adding pavement and full sewer hookups," explains Rodney S. about Marion County Park, noting its improvements for RV camping convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Knoxville, Iowa?
What campgrounds are available near Knoxville, Iowa?
The Knoxville, Iowa area offers several excellent camping options around Lake Red Rock. Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake provides private campsites with beautiful pond views and peaceful surroundings, located conveniently between Pella and Knoxville. Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp — Lake Red Rock offers year-round access with proximity to both Pella and Knoxville. Other options include Wallashuck Campground with lakeside sites, and Whitebreast Campground for standard amenities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Roberts Creek West Campground provides water access and accommodates larger RVs. Most campgrounds in this region offer easy access to Lake Red Rock's recreational opportunities and are within a short drive to Knoxville's amenities.
Where can I find free camping near Knoxville, TN?
Where can I find free camping near Knoxville, TN?
While true free camping options are limited near Knoxville, TN, budget-conscious campers can find affordable options at national forest dispersed camping areas in Cherokee National Forest to the east or in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains. For those willing to drive a bit further, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area offers some backcountry camping with only a small permit fee. Local county parks sometimes offer inexpensive camping with basic amenities. Always check regulations before setting up, as free camping rules change seasonally, and some areas require permits even if they're free. For reliable low-cost camping, look for Corps of Engineers sites around nearby lakes that often provide more affordable alternatives to private campgrounds.
What are the best primitive and remote camping options near Knoxville?
What are the best primitive and remote camping options near Knoxville?
For primitive camping near Knoxville, Iowa, Howell Station offers a more secluded experience with excellent fishing opportunities and scenic views near the dam. The campground connects to bike trails, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both recreation and solitude. Diamond Lake County Park provides another excellent option for those seeking a more remote experience, centered around freshwater with beautiful surroundings, especially stunning during fall. For campers willing to venture slightly further, Equestrian Campground at Elk Rock State Park offers a more rustic experience with basic facilities and fewer crowds. When primitive camping, remember to pack adequate water, food supplies, and waste disposal materials, as amenities are limited at these more remote locations.
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