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Best Campgrounds near Grinnell, IA

341 Reviews

Campgrounds near Grinnell, Iowa range from state parks to private RV facilities, with most sites located within a 20-30 minute drive of town. Rock Creek State Park Campground offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and waterfront access, while Kellogg RV Park provides full-service sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. The area features a mix of county-managed parks like Diamond Lake County Park and privately operated facilities such as Newton KOA, which includes cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping options.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Rock Creek State Park typically opens April 1 and closes December 31, while Newton KOA operates from April to October. "Very nice state park campground on a lake. Well kept grounds, clean bathrooms no wifi but cell service is available. 20 min from Grinnell," noted one camper about Rock Creek State Park. Weather patterns in central Iowa bring humid summers and occasional storms, making spring and fall particularly pleasant for camping. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays, though some county parks like Diamond Lake operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration.

Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the Grinnell area, with several campgrounds situated on or near lakes and ponds. Diamond Lake County Park receives positive reviews for its lakeside primitive camping areas, which one visitor described as offering "front-row access to lakeside camping bliss as many of these primitive campsites are located right on the water's edge." Campers frequently mention the fishing opportunities at Rock Creek State Park and Diamond Lake. The region's developed campgrounds typically provide modern restrooms and shower facilities, though amenities vary significantly between state, county, and private operations. Highway noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those near Interstate 80 like Kellogg RV Park, while more secluded options such as Diamond Lake offer greater tranquility despite being just 20 minutes from major routes.

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Best Camping Sites Near Grinnell, Iowa (93)

    1. Rock Creek State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 236-3722

    $12 - $40 / night

    "Very nice state park campground on a lake. Well kept grounds, clean bathrooms no wifi but cell service is available. 20 min from Grinnell"

    "Stopped overnight on our way home from Iowa City. No reservations & took our chances on finding an electric site. Score! Neighbors were friendly."

    2. Kellogg RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 526-8535

    "Simple campground behind a Philips 66 gas station that totes they have Iowa’s best burger. They have recently updated shower building along with a laundry building"

    "I can’t tell you if they are actually Iowa’s best burger because this is the only burger I’ve had in Iowa. Nice people, everything is clean. Spots are pull thru. No issues at all."

    3. Diamond Lake County Park

    11 Reviews
    Montezuma, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 623-3191

    "While it was our first time camping in Iowa, we were extremely lucky to land upon this slightly hidden fresh water centered campground just a 20 minute drive south of Route 80 near Montezuma, wherein one"

    "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"

    4. Newton KOA

    11 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 792-2428

    "rural Iowa."

    "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."

    5. Mariposa Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Kellogg, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 792-9780

    "The lake has been drained and dredged and is slowly filling back up. It’s pretty spacious and has lots of room for tent camping. I wouldn’t bring an RV here."

    6. Anderson Campground

    1 Review
    Montezuma, IA
    10 miles
    +1 (641) 990-5178

    7. Robertson Access

    1 Review
    Montezuma, IA
    16 miles
    Website

    8. Outback Campground & Resort

    3 Reviews
    Garwin, IA
    18 miles
    +1 (641) 484-3611

    "Jump into the nearby water and let the kids have a blast! Enjoy a nice fun night away from home!"

    9. Camp Lake Pla-Mor

    Be the first to review!
    Kellogg, IA
    7 miles
    +1 (641) 526-3169

    10. Whitebreast Campground

    8 Reviews
    Lake Red Rock, IA
    28 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Grinnell, IA

70 Photos of 93 Grinnell Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Grinnell, IA

341 Reviews of 93 Grinnell 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Grinnell

Camping near Grinnell, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have trails for hiking. For example, at Jester County Park, one reviewer mentioned, "Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV. CG has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course and nature center."
  • Water Activities: If you enjoy being near water, Lake Macbride State Park Campground is a great choice. A visitor noted, "The campground area is clean. Showers and toilets are clean. The RV section of campground was nearly full but the tent/non-hook up section had lots of space."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Sugar Bottom Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One camper shared, "This campground is awesome. Very clean, for me the star attraction here was the solo bathroom & shower both together with lockable door for extreme privacy when needed."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and showers. A review for Lake Macbride State Park Campground highlighted, "Clean bathrooms, good Starlink north clearing (site 13), right next to trails, quiet."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. At Prairie Flower Recreation Area, a camper mentioned, "The whole campsite was paved and our site (#81) had a beautiful lake view."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. One visitor at Bob Shelter Recreation Area said, "Friendly hosts & Rangers."

What you should know

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A review for F. W. Kent Park noted, "Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. At Rock Creek State Park Campground, a camper pointed out, "The biggest downside: hard to tell until you see your site if you have water pump close enough!"
  • Wildlife: Be aware of local wildlife. A visitor at Yellow Banks County Park mentioned, "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: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. At Jester County Park, one review highlighted, "Camped in the upper CG site#145. Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds with activities for all ages. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "My niece who lives nearby recommended this place to stay when we went to visit her since was a short drive from where she lives."
  • Safety: Keep an eye on kids near water. A review for Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "The beach was a plus for the kids as well."

Tips from RVers

  • Site Size: Check the size of the sites before booking. One RV user at Walnut Woods State Park Campground noted, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Electric Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A review for Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with convenient dump stations. A visitor at Bob Shelter Recreation Area said, "Dump station and water fill in the back."

Camping near Grinnell, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Grinnell, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Grinnell, IA is Rock Creek State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 21 reviews.

What parks are near Grinnell, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Grinnell, IA that allow camping, notably Lake Red Rock and Saylorville Lake.

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