RV parks near Hopkinton, Iowa sit amid the rolling hills of Delaware County, where elevations range from 800-1200 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters, making camping most popular from April through October. Most campgrounds in this region feature gravel pads with varying degrees of shade and proximity to water features.
What to do
River activities: At Skip-A-Way Resort near Clermont, you can enjoy "canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake," according to a camper. The resort also offers rentals for river activities approximately 30 miles northwest of Hopkinton.
Fishing opportunities: Spruce Creek Park in Bellevue provides Mississippi River access about 25 miles east of Hopkinton. A reviewer notes you can fish directly from the park and "when you see a paddleboat you have time to drive to town before it hits loch & damn #12."
Outdoor games: Many rv parks around Hopkinton offer recreational activities on-site. Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres features "miniature golf, basketball, Gaga, trampoline, playground" and even has "a little train ride" according to visitors.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained facilities as a highlight. One visitor at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park praised the "very clean bathhouse as were the showers" and noted the campground has "a small chapel available 24/7 and a laundry room."
Peaceful settings: Despite proximity to highways, many campgrounds offer relatively quiet environments. A camper at Rustic Barn Campground noted "rolling hills of Wisconsin farmland surrounding you" and described it as "a picturesque campground" located about 30 miles northeast of Hopkinton.
Recreational options: Cedar River Campground in Tipton offers "mini-golf, a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids" according to reviews. Another camper mentioned they "had a great fireworks display for the fourth."
What you should know
Highway noise: Several campgrounds in the area sit near major roads. At Cedar River Campground, a reviewer noted "it is right off the highway, so it was loud when we were outside, but we couldn't hear it at all when we were in our Tab 400."
Variable site quality: Site leveling can be challenging at some locations. At Blanding Landing in Hanover, IL, about 30 miles southeast of Hopkinton, a visitor warned "many sites are not real level" and described it as "not the worst but not one of the best COE campgrounds."
Train disturbances: Be prepared for train noise at certain campgrounds. At Blanding Landing, a camper reported "trains running by very often. Maybe an hour or 90 minutes with none then there would be three in a very short period."
Limited supplies: Most small towns near campgrounds have minimal shopping. One camper at Blanding Landing mentioned "groceries and ice are 13 miles away on hilly pavement roads."
Tips for camping with families
Splash features: Water activities provide relief during summer months. Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres offers a "splash pad" for children, while Skip-A-Way Resort has "a beach for swimming" that families enjoy.
Playground access: When selecting an RV park near Hopkinton, choose one with play areas. A camper at Skip-A-Way Resort praised its "playground for little kids, and a mini horse for petting."
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer scheduled activities. Skip-A-Way Resort provides "children's movies every Saturday night during season" in their pavilion according to a reviewer who called the park "very family friendly and affordable."
Kid-friendly atmosphere: One visitor at Off Shore RV Park near Bellevue noted the campground "includes a river resort with events center" and offers "river views, hard lanes, tables, fire rings, RR, playground, food."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites thoughtfully based on your needs. At Rustic Barn Campground, a camper advised "not all sites had the patio nor were level" and recommended checking site details before booking.
Seasonal considerations: Be aware of maintenance scheduling. One visitor at Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres noted "they hadn't cut the grass but was in the process of cutting it. This caused swarms of bugs."
Connectivity options: Cell service varies throughout the region. At Blanding Landing, a camper reported "we have ATT and had decent cell service here" which can be important for RVers needing to stay connected.
Accessibility features: Some campgrounds offer accessible accommodations. A visitor to Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres appreciated that they requested "the accessible site. It's right next to the showers with an adapted pic-nic table and raised fire pit!"
