Campers visiting Humboldt, Iowa find several RV campgrounds within 30-45 minutes' drive. The area sits in the Des Moines Lobe landform region, characterized by gently rolling terrain formed by glacial activity during the last ice age. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s. Cell service varies significantly across campgrounds in the region, with several parks experiencing weak or non-existent connectivity.
What to do
Hiking at Dolliver Memorial Park: Multiple trail options through wooded ravines and sandstone formations provide varying difficulty levels for hikers. "Dolliver State Park was our maiden voyage in our travel trailer... The park's beauty and tranquility did get disturbed a couple times when our dogs got loose (newbs!)," notes visitor Lorraine H. Another camper adds, "One of my favorite hiking spots! Camping here is comfortable enough... the hiking is so good, it'd be silly to worry about much of anything down here."
Fishing opportunities: Kennedy County Park offers access to fishing areas with boat ramps for anglers seeking local catches. According to Megan H., the park has "Multiple kids parks, beach area, fishing areas with boat ramps, trails, kids butterfly garden." Similarly, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area provides lake access for fishing enthusiasts. One visitor noted, "I was surprised to see a school of muskie while fishing, but it appeared that they were spawning at the time. If you go camping in May, make sure to bring a slightly heavier fishing pole to handle the musky."
Visit religious attractions: The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park sits near the Grotto itself, a religious monument worth exploring. A camper shares, "The Grotto is interesting and inspiring. Admission is free... Thirty amp sites are on lush grass and include a view of the grotto, a pond and surrounding residences." Another visitor states, "The Grotto is a fascinating achievement worth a look if you are in the area."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Oakwood RV Park maintains well-kept amenities that earn positive feedback. According to one camper, "Great campground for our overnight, would be a wonderful extended stay as well. Friendly owners came right up when we pulled in, $35 a night, no cards but check or cash were fine." Another adds that it's a "Pretty campground, easy access" with "nice and quiet, many families around."
Off-season values: Several campgrounds offer reduced rates during spring and fall. At Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, one visitor noted, "Open for off season camping. 14$/night for full hookups with pull thru RV sites." For budget-conscious campers, this represents significant savings compared to peak season rates.
Connectivity options: While many campgrounds have limited cell service, some offer alternatives. At The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park, a visitor reported, "We had 2 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well." Connectivity varies by carrier and specific location within each campground.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Iowa's seasonal temperature swings affect camping comfort significantly. At Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned camping "Easter weekend this year (March 31). Wish we would have rented one of the cute little cabins that have fire places." Cold weather camping requires appropriate gear or consideration of heated accommodation options.
Site spacing concerns: Many campgrounds have tightly arranged sites that limit privacy. Regarding Dolliver Memorial, one camper notes, "Beautiful views, wonderful trails, cramped campground, poor tent camping conditions." Another mentions that "Sites can be a little squat in the middle loops, and no fhu."
Limited connectivity: Cell service drops completely in some parks. A Dolliver Memorial visitor reports, "Cell service cuts out as you drive down into the park, and does not resume until you come back up and out. There's no wifi, and I'm not sure how satellite service would fare down here." Another camper at Kennedy County Park noted, "No cell service provider functions in this park. The WIFI is shared between dozens of sites, speed averages right around 5mps."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer playground facilities for children. At Kennedy County Park, Mary J. reports, "Its beautiful well taken care of has a nice playground and access to a beautiful golf course! And FREE WIFI! All for $18.00 a night." Another visitor confirmed the park has "Multiple kids parks, beach area, fishing areas with boat ramps, trails, kids butterfly garden."
Beach activities: North Equestrian Campground at Brushy Creek offers access to swimming areas. A visitor noted, "We did drive through the Beach Campground... Beach had very little shade and was primarily families with younger children. The beach looked real nice, not too crowded for a hot, July day."
Avoid tent camping with kids during peak mosquito season: Iowa's humid summers create ideal mosquito conditions. One camper at Dolliver Memorial observed, "Plenty of fly's and mosquitoes, plenty of shade." Consider RV camping during peak insect season (June-August) or bring appropriate repellent.
Tips from RVers
Big rig considerations: The Grotto of the Redemption accommodates larger RVs but with limited hookups. A visitor notes, "I counted (8) 50 amp and (16) 30 amp sites. Rest rooms, showers, fresh water and a dump station are provided. The cost is $20 per night. Sites are offered on a first come first served basis." For larger rigs, these limited spots often fill quickly.
Long-term stay options: Three Fingers Campground & RV Park serves both short and extended-stay campers. According to Beverly W., "This is primarily a long-term RV site with a few transient sites. People are friendly, bathrooms and showers are well-maintained." This makes it suitable for those needing accommodations while visiting the Winnebago factory nearby.
Seasonal availability: Many RV campgrounds near Humboldt, Iowa operate seasonally. Three Fingers Campground is available only from "April 1 to November 1," while Lizard Creek Ranch Camping in Fort Dodge stays open year-round with amenities including "a nice restaurant and many things to do in the area."
