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Best Campgrounds near Knoxville, IA

413 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Knoxville, Iowa (109)

    1. Whitebreast Campground

    8 Reviews
    Lake Red Rock, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-7522

    "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."

    2. Howell Station

    7 Reviews
    Pella, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-7522

    $22 - $24 / night

    "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"

    3. Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake

    4 Reviews
    Lake Red Rock, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 309-9885

    $25 - $120 / night

    "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."

    4. Wallashuck

    5 Reviews
    Pella, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-7522

    $20 - $24 / night

    "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"

    5. Whitebreast Camp

    3 Reviews
    Knoxville, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-7522

    $20 - $288 / night

    "Sits on the bank of Red Rock Lake which has great fishing."

    "it has shaded camping areas, nice bathrooms, hiking trails, fishing, and a nice beach. I camp here every year!"

    6. Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park

    4 Reviews
    Lake Red Rock, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 842-6008

    $14 - $72 / night

    "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."

    7. Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    10 Reviews
    Swan, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-6169

    "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."

    8. Roberts Creek West Campground

    4 Reviews
    Otley, IA
    8 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Marion County Park

    2 Reviews
    Knoxville, IA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-2213

    "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"

    10. Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp — Lake Red Rock

    3 Reviews
    Otley, IA
    6 miles

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Knoxville, IA

85 Photos of 109 Knoxville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Knoxville, IA

413 Reviews of 109 Knoxville Campgrounds

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Adventureland Campground

    Nice site

    After some confusion with booking (office hours are until 7pm, confirmation email said 9pm) we were able to get ahold of the operations manager at the park who helped us. Pull through paved 50 amp sites, with water and sewage. Picnic table for use. Within view of Adventureland so it was cool to see the rides lit up at night as we parked. Clean park. Will definitely stop by again when we aren’t just passing through!

  • Kent W.
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Howell Station

    One of our favorites

    This is a really nice campground. It’s run by friendly, helpful people. 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 pelicans line the river. It’s just a little over an hour from us so it’s easy to get to.

    We’re trying parks all over Iowa and Howell has been one of our favorites.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Campground Diamond In The Rough

    Following up on my review from over a year and a half ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this county park campground gem in a very rural part of Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) EZ access and just a 20 minute / 9 mile drive due south from I-80 via Exit 201; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (4) The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond; (5) The hiking trails and bountiful fishing spots make this a simply wonderful campground; (6) Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you; (7) While basic, the bathhouses were in pretty good condition and very clean; (8) Kid’s playground is fantastic and nearly brand new; (9) Reasonably priced bundles of pre-cut firewood; and (10) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic in here, although you are so far out in the boondocks, it’s not really much of a concern; (2) The newly minted RV area slopes down to the lake, but as you park perpendicular, it shouldn’t be an issue; (3) Also, because the RV area is new, there’s no trees or brush, which creates a lack of privacy between sites; (4) Nearly all of the RV slots – save the few that are right next to the lake - have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings, at least in the tent camping areas, are worn-out and in pretty poor condition and should be replaced or refurbished; (7) The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don’t recommend swimming here

    Happy Camping!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    lakeside casino resort and rv park

    Good for an overnight stop

    This is a casino campground. There are full hookups but no facilities. No trees, sites very close together. It’s essentially a parking lot with hookups.

    It’s adjacent to a truck stop and right off the interstate.

    If you are traveling I35 and it’s convenient for an overnight rest, it’s well worth the cost. Otherwise, unless the casino is your destination, find a more traditional campground

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Winterset City Park

    Peaceful

    Our first time staying here and we extended twice because we like the area so much. It’s been a peaceful two weeks and we love the town of Winterset. The campground has a variety of FHU and or just W& E, also some shared water.

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Diamond lake

    Clean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Nice campground. Clean. Well kept.

    We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.

Guide to Knoxville

Camping near Knoxville, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Jester County Park. One camper mentioned, "The campgrounds have amazing views and plenty of hiking trails."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Rock Creek State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The lake is pretty, and boat rentals seemed reasonable."
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground. One reviewer noted, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing, it was fun watching the water come through the dam."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Des Moines West KOA Holiday stated, "Bathhouses were clean and private."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area said, "Level sites, easy to back in, plenty of room."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Winterset City Park remarked, "The staff was super friendly and accommodating."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground, may have limited amenities. A camper noted, "The web link is out of date, and the park is closed for 2022."
  • Busy Weekends: Expect more crowds on weekends. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground was fairly empty until around Thursday and filled on the weekend."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be mindful of wildlife. One camper at Yellow Banks County Park warned, "Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night because teenagers come through sometimes looking for stuff to steal."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds Available: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. One review for Walnut Woods State Park Campground highlighted, "The campground has a kids' playground, hiking trails, and nature center."
  • Plan for Activities: Choose a campground that offers various activities. A camper at Cherry Glen Campground said, "There are plenty of hiking trails and a sandy beach with a swimming area."
  • Reserve in Advance: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your site can accommodate your RV. A review for Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground noted, "Dump station and water fill in the back."
  • Cell Service: Check for cell service availability. One visitor at Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "3 bars of T-Mobile and 2 bars of AT&T were more than sufficient for internet browsing."

Camping around Knoxville, IA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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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