5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several RV campgrounds around Garwin, Iowa provide full-service accommodations for motorhome travelers, ranging from highway-convenient private parks to state park campgrounds with electric hookups. Kellogg RV Park, located just off I-80, offers pull-through sites 65-85 feet in length with full hookups including 50-amp electrical service and sewer connections. Rock Creek State Park Campground, situated about 25 miles southwest of Garwin, provides RV sites with electric hookups and accommodates larger rigs, though sites are positioned relatively close together. Shady Oaks RV Campground in Marshalltown features electric, water, and sewer hookups, operating seasonally from April through October. Many sites across these parks include picnic tables and fire rings, with most facilities maintaining clean restrooms. "Very convenient to I-80, well-laid out. Most convenient, though, was setting up at the site and then walking to the co-located gas station and burgers for dinner."
During peak summer months, RV sites at these parks can fill quickly, especially at state park locations. Dump stations are available at Rock Creek State Park and Kellogg RV Park, while Shady Oaks offers direct sewer hookups at individual sites. Between April and October, all regional RV parks operate at full capacity, but options become limited during winter months with only Kellogg RV Park and a few others remaining open year-round. Many campgrounds in the area accommodate pets, though visitors should verify specific pet policies before arrival. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, particularly at private RV parks located near major highways. For travelers requiring propane, local gas stations in Marshalltown and Kellogg provide refill services, though availability directly at campgrounds is limited.
"Full hook ups and a fair price compared to most rv parks especially with good sam membership. No frills but adorably decorated."
"The sites are mostly pull through with full service electric, water, and sewer. The only real issue is the constant noise from I-80 which is just to the south of the campground."
"This is a great location right in the Amana Colonies to explore the area. There are sites for tents up to big rigs. They have showers and laundry and the folks are very nice."
"We used our bikes and biked around the colonies. Place was clean, showers and bathroom great. We were there after Labor Day and had section to our selves.Lots of dump stations. Minimal tres however."
from $25 - $42 / night
"One of the few places around Cedar Rapids that is open in winter. 35$/night. Management is pleasant."
"The staff was really nice, showers were clean and they had laundry too! It backs up to a corn field, right off the Interstate but the noise was barely there. Huge grass pull through lots everywhere."
"Well run campground with full hookups available for$35/ night. Bathrooms are clean and lots of warm water for showers. Great place for a night or two. Near the highway but road noise is minimal."
from $35 - $50 / night
"In fact, this campground outpost is so close to the highway that you’ll be hard pressed not to see or hear it during your entire stay."
"Newton KOA This is the primary location for camping in Newton. It’s right off interstate I-80 and is very close to the Iowa Speedway."
"Jump into the nearby water and let the kids have a blast! Enjoy a nice fun night away from home!"
"Wolf Creek is a nice little campground near Beaman, IA (Beaman is very small, near Conrad as well which has a grocery store)."
"A nice campground located on the comet trail."
from $10 - $17 / night
"No wake lake. Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities. Campground has some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites. New playground for the kids. Clean facilities."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $40 / night
"Site are level. Full hook up for reason price. Has electric and water sites, too. Bugs are bad this time of the year."
"Was able to get a clear view to the north for excellent Starlink reception."
ScoutKurt and Debbie are awesome. Couldn’t ask for better hosts. Campground has several ponds to fish and a small beach area. Being from Florida, I’ll say the beach is adorable! Dollar general is 2 minutes away. Has food side as well. Propane fill 2 minutes away. Several playgrounds, frisbee golf and shower houses. Lots of regular campers here on weekends so plenty of people to meet in season. I’m here for work so a bit different for me.
LegendVery nice state park campground. There are cabins as well as campsites. The park is adjacent to Pine Lake and water based recreation is available including swimming beach and boating. The campground is off a paved road and is near to town. There is a walking path to the boat launch from the campground. Biking/hiking trails are on property.
LegendSmall park with basic amenities along the river. There is a big event center at the entrance and keep going back and the campground is there along the river. This would be a great area for paddling the river. Seemed pretty quite and spaces are moderately spread out. There is a rifle range on the property if that interests you (negatively or positively- there is a photo of the rules in my review). No shooting while I was there.
LegendCute small park/campground in Iowa farm country. Inexpensive and quaint. Has a small creek nearby. Kids play area too. Basic amenities.
RangerGreat little county park! Lots of back in sites; we found a pull-through that fit our 43' motorhome towing a truck with room to spare (site #20). $25 a night for water and elec is a fair price, and there's a dump station on the way out. My only reason for marking 4 stars is that trees could be trimmed back a bit more for big rigs to navigate without brushing up against them. (See couple pics). However it was late in the season -- we stayed Oct 22 and the park closes for winter on Oct 25, so maybe they'll be due for a trim next spring.
TravelerNice quiet campground. The front looks like more long timers and it was a little noisier up there but I drove to the back loop and it's nice and quiet back here. PLENTY of 50/30/20 amp hookups and the shower house in the back was nice. Water was just lukewarm but it was hot out so no problem. Might be less pleasant in colder weather though. Pull through spots available. I would stay here again for sure.
LegendWe came here for a visit and we’re going to stay but the online reservation system was difficult for us with Canadian coverage in cell phones.
We carried on to black hawk instead as they had easier first come first serve but this place was much nicer.
The sites were large and mostly private. It did seem a bit “wet”
We even saw a deer
LegendI edit my review - the gun range next door is obnoxious. Why would they have that next to a park with walking trails ?
Big enough for big rvs, big sites Showers Water Hydro Quiet $18 for unserved $30 for serviced
Legend9-14-26 Timberline East RV Campground, I do not think this is a KOA anymore. Tent site T1 & 2 was level and on grass with table and fire ring. checked in at 7pm, overcast, Molly was great at the check in, offered a 10% Veteran discount. $34 for the night. We only stayed one night. Showers and bathrooms were decent. T-Mobile was 5G 4 bars. Rained all night, you can hear the noise from the highway but you drown it out.
Camping options near Garwin, Iowa sit within the rolling prairie landscape of Tama County, typically experiencing hot summers with temperatures averaging 82-85°F in July and August. Winter camping requires preparation for below-freezing temperatures, with January averages around 25°F. Most campgrounds in the region offer open sites with limited natural shade, leading many campers to bring portable shelters for protection from both sun and occasional thunderstorms.
Fishing on multiple lakes: Rock Creek State Park Campground provides access to well-stocked fishing areas. "Beautiful scenery with lake front camping. Sunset over the lake! Found a great trail to hike, also the opportunity to rent a boat or paddlebord," reports Michael C. from Rock Creek State Park Campground.
Hiking trail networks: The area offers interconnected trail systems for various skill levels. At Pine Lake State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the "great walking paths, quiet and picturesque lake. Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean," according to Carolyn C.
Biking opportunities: Paved and off-road cycling routes connect many campgrounds. "The bike trails are excellent and same for hiking. It's pretty quiet here, there is a cool antique farm tractor and old gas station across the street to look at," notes Willy W., discussing the area's historical attractions.
Water activities: Beyond fishing, several parks offer boat rentals. "Paddle on upper or lower Pine Lake... Float or paddle nearby Iowa River (tube and boat rentals nearby)," explains Kerry M., highlighting the diverse water recreation options available.
Spacious campsites: Many rv sites near Garwin feature generous spacing compared to more crowded destinations. At Amana RV Park & Event Center, campers appreciate the layout with "wide open park with very very easy access. The people running the place were incredibly friendly and helpful," according to Ash B.
Clean facilities: Washrooms and showers receive consistent praise across multiple campgrounds. "The showers were clean, hot and good pressure. I loved the chicken coops and the landscaping," shares Kimberly M. about her experience at a campground near Garwin.
Evening atmosphere: The rural setting creates opportunities for stargazing and quiet evenings. "We had an incredible, undisrupted view of the stars at night which thrilled my daughter who brought a small telescope, and plenty of open space for running without disrupting other campers," notes a visitor to Amana RV Park.
Local food options: Camping areas near Garwin provide access to unique dining. "There is a gas/burger station right in front of the RV park. You can get supplies and make your reservation there," explains Willy W., highlighting the convenience factor for travelers.
Seasonal limitations: While summer offers full amenities, services reduce significantly in winter. At Kellogg RV Park, one visitor notes it's "open year around. Nice large sites and no need to unhook. Clean rv park with easy access to I-80."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience highway sound due to proximity to major routes. "It is right next to the interstate for easy on and off and it's very quiet," reports Elisha L., suggesting the convenience may outweigh potential noise concerns.
Water quality varies: Lakes in the region have different swimming suitability. One camper at Diamond Lake County Park observed: "The only downside is that the lake water was very murky. I would not want to swim there. Other than that a great place for a nightover."
Reservation planning: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "During peak summer months, rv sites at these parks can fill quickly, especially at state park locations," making advance planning essential for securing preferred locations.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some parks specifically cater to families with younger campers. At Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA, "Gas, propane, laundry room, beach area, small boat rentals, good sized convenience store with ice, beer, snacks, milkshake machine, etc. Enough to do for a day or two without going to the water park," reports Kimberly E.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programming for children. "The campground is great for RVs and anybody who has a setup that doesn't rely on shaded areas. Campground is a nice bike ride away from the Amana villages and overall a great base camp," notes Christoph R.
Playground facilities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. One visitor mentioned, "There is a nice playground in the middle and we've rarely had any noise problems. If you plan it right you can get a site right next to the Cedar River."
Safety considerations: Some water features require additional supervision. A camper observed, "The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don't recommend swimming here."
Hookup availability: Full service sites with water and electric connections vary by location. "Level sites with full hookups. Plenty of space to walk the dog. Right next to a gas station with great burgers and tenderloins!" shares Elisha L.
RV site sizing: Length restrictions and pull-through availability differ across campgrounds. Near Garwin, "most pull-through, gravel-strewn sites (all 18' wide with lengths ranging from 65' to 85') comes equipped with all of the typical hook-ups (20/30/50 amp electric, water and sewage)," according to one detailed review.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require additional equipment for stabilization. A visitor noted, "The down sides of the park were that the roads and pads are gravel so I could see it becoming an issue during weather but we didn't have much trouble leveling."
Seasonal access: Winter camping options are limited but available. "Open year around. Nice large sites and no need to unhook," reports a camper, making the area viable for cold-weather RV enthusiasts seeking camping options near Garwin, Iowa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Garwin, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Garwin, IA is Kellogg RV Park with a 4-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Garwin, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 RV camping locations near Garwin, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
