Best RV Parks & Resorts near Harlan, IA

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Several RV parks serve travelers near Harlan, Iowa. Degroot's Backyard RV Park in Harlan provides electric hookups, sewer connections, and water hookups for RVs, though it lacks big-rig accommodation. Shelby Country Inn & RV Park, located about 23 miles southwest, supports big rigs and offers electric, water, and sewer hookups with 50-amp service. Defiance RV Park, situated 10 miles southeast of Harlan, provides electric and water connections for RVs. Sites throughout the region typically feature basic amenities, with limited separation between neighboring units. "Lower RV spots are on a hill, be prepared to level out farther than usual," one camper shared about the Hitchcock County Nature Center.

Seasonal availability varies across RV parks in the Harlan area. Within 30 miles, most campgrounds operate from spring through fall, with Econolodge RV Park in Walnut and Shelby Country Inn remaining open year-round. Dump stations are available at select locations including Degroot's Backyard RV Park. Pet policies generally permit animals at most RV facilities near Harlan, though restrictions may apply. Cell service can be inconsistent throughout the region, particularly in rural areas between towns. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during summer months when many campgrounds reach capacity. Some parks accommodate overnight stays without reservations, using self-registration systems with payment drop boxes.

Best RV Sites Near Harlan, Iowa (77)

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Showing results 1-10 of 77 campgrounds

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RV Park Reviews near Harlan, IA

285 Reviews of 77 Harlan Campgrounds


  • N
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Adair City Park

    Great overnight spot

    Park was clean and close to highway. Husband said bathrooms were clean enough. Didn't use the showers. Arrived around 10pm on a Tuesday and there were 3 spots left. Not all spots could accommodate big rigs. About 8 sites total with electric and water hookups. $15/night for RVs and $6 for tents. Drop box and dump station by the bathrooms. Police rolled through shortly after we arrived. Safe area now but marker says this is the site of Jesse James first train robbery in July 1873. Would definitely come back if passing through.

  • Robert B.
    Jun. 20, 2021

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Great nature, fishing, and camping park.

    Arrowhead campground has 60 RV sites that support both 30 and 50 amp hookups. They have several well water stations to take on water and a sewer dump station. There also lots of tent camping sites. All sites come with picnic table and fire ring. There are numerous nature trails to hike ranging from easy to hard. There is also a nice sized lake for fishing, canoeing, and paddle boats. The lake has a boat ram for small fishing boats. Very well maintained, managed, and friendly atmosphere.

  • Sarah H.
    Aug. 7, 2016

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Easy Family Camping Near Omaha

    Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • K
    Jun. 6, 2021

    Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds

    Nice, quiet spot.

    Hidden gem. Just a few mins off I-80 but no noise or signs of heavytraffic. Cute, quaint little town. All pull through spots and all sites are level. Not all spots have picnic tables or fire rings but there were very few campers so we had our pick of spots. Playset for younger kids. Golf course and pool in town. Nice shade trees. Bath house had flushing Toilets. Showers weren't very clean but we didn't need to use them. Perfect for a quick stop and very affordable at $20 for full hookups.

  • N K.
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    Peace & quiet

    Reserved electric unit 090 for the weekend, which had a scenic corn field for a backdrop - this is Iowa! Paved roads, level gravel sites, wide & mowed trails, clean pit toilets and a layout that isn’t too cramped. The pond has multiple shoreline fishing spots with picnic tables and a cleaning station. Basic playground in front of the beach which is a short drive or a ~1 mile trail walk away.

  • Bill S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2018

    Haworth City Park

    It’s out of town, near toll bridge, kinda loud

    Well,, it was alright, loud because of the toll bridge next to park, sites were close together, level, fire pits, picnic tables, electric, water and a dump station, stayed 3 days to visit family,, $20 a night

  • Steve D.
    May. 23, 2023

    Lake Cunningham Campground

    Outstanding Campground!

    This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever encountered! On a beautiful lake with many recreational possibilities - kayaking, sailing non power boating - some for rent. 10 miles of paved bike trails and ALL paved campsites level and clean! Many clean and nice bathrooms which showers and FULL hookups for almost any size RV or camper. HIGHLY recommended! Nice campsite hosts and nicely spread out campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. No wi fi but Verizon service was good.

  • E
    Jun. 17, 2019

    Lake Anita State Park Campground

    Great Find!

    This is hands down one of the best campgrounds we’ve been to in the U.S. Everything is beautifully maintained from the grass covered campsites to the clean bathrooms and free showers. Full hookup and tent campsites are plentiful with or without reservations. Beautiful lake, great walking trail, close to town and I-80, but quiet and peaceful. Can’t beat it for $11 a night.


Guide to Harlan

RV camping near Harlan, Iowa, offers a variety of options for travelers looking to explore the area while enjoying the comforts of home on the road. With several parks featuring essential amenities, you can find a suitable spot for your next adventure.

Most Parks Have Electrical and Sewer Hookups

RVers Appreciate Amenities Like Showers and Dump Stations

  • Bob Hardy RV Park includes clean shower facilities and a free dump station, making it a well-reviewed stop for travelers.
  • On-Ur-Wa RV Park boasts clean bathrooms and showers, along with a friendly atmosphere for guests.
  • Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino offers access to casino amenities and clean facilities, perfect for those looking for a unique experience.

Some Prices for RV Parks Range from $15 to $45

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular RV campsite near Harlan, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Harlan, IA is Shelby Country Inn & RV Park with a 2-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find RV camping near Harlan, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 77 RV camping locations near Harlan, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.