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Best Campgrounds near Kellogg, IA

387 Reviews

Several campgrounds within a short driving distance of Kellogg, Iowa serve both tent and RV campers seeking access to lakes and outdoor recreation. Rock Creek State Park Campground, located about 5 miles north of Kellogg, provides lakeside camping with both electric and non-electric sites. Kellogg RV Park offers year-round accommodation directly in town with full hookup sites primarily designed for RVs, though tent camping is permitted. The Newton KOA, approximately 7 miles west of Kellogg, expands lodging options with cabin rentals alongside traditional camping areas.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October, though Kellogg RV Park maintains year-round access. Rock Creek State Park typically opens April 1st and closes December 31st, while the Newton KOA operates from April through October. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds offer basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets. As one visitor noted, "The RV section of campground was nearly full but the tent/non-hook up section had lots of space. One can camp on lakeside but be aware that these spots have a slope."

Campers frequently mention the proximity to water as a significant attraction in the Kellogg area. Rock Creek State Park provides lake access with boat and kayak rentals available, making it popular for fishing and water recreation. A recent review described it as a "nice campground overlooking a lake" with "pontoon and boat rentals." Several visitors highlighted the convenience of Kellogg RV Park for travelers along Interstate 80, noting its clean facilities and proximity to amenities. Sites throughout the region typically offer limited privacy, especially in more developed campgrounds where campsites are arranged close together. Travelers seeking more secluded experiences might prefer the non-electric sections of state park campgrounds, which generally see less traffic than full-hookup areas.

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Best Camping Sites Near Kellogg, Iowa (95)

    1. Rock Creek State Park Campground

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

    $15 - $46 / night

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

    "The RV section of campground was nearly full but the tent/non-hook up section had lots of space. One can camp on lakeside but be aware that these spots have a slope, not comfortable for my van."

    2. Kellogg RV Park

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

    "Kellogg RV Park

    This is a little fun RV park right off the interstate. It doesn’t have much but it’s a nice place to take a break.

    There is a gas/burger station right infringement of the RV park."

    "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"

    3. Newton KOA

    11 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    6 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."

    4. Mariposa Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Kellogg, IA
    5 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."

    5. Diamond Lake County Park

    11 Reviews
    Montezuma, IA
    21 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"

    6. Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    4 Reviews
    Mingo, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 478-6272

    $15 / night

    "They have porta potties around. Two places to launch kayaks. Most campsites have fire rings, picnic tables and trash bins. Some have grills."

    7. Ashton Wildwood Park

    5 Reviews
    Mingo, IA
    21 miles
    Website

    $7 / night

    "Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious.  It's only $7/night!  There is some play equipment for children. "

    "There are a couple of hiking trails in the park that are maintained. One goes to a creek and a bird watching station."

    8. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    Mitchellville, IA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 967-4889

    "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."

    "The drive into the grounds was a little confusing, but I imagine that in the daylight we would have had an easier time."

    9. Whitebreast Campground

    8 Reviews
    Lake Red Rock, IA
    24 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."

    10. Wallashuck

    5 Reviews
    Pella, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-7522

    $20 - $24 / night

    "Wallashuck in Pella, iowa is one of my favorite places to camp. It’s mostly quiet and peaceful. Plus town is close and has plenty to entertain or fill up supplies"

    "We were able to camp in a tent near RVs without feeling crowded. The restrooms, showers, and playground were all close by…great for camping with kids."

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Recent Camping Photos near Kellogg, IA

76 Photos of 95 Kellogg Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kellogg, IA

387 Reviews of 95 Kellogg Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Jester County Park

    Nothing but exceptional

    Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know

Guide to Kellogg

Camping near Kellogg, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Rock Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy a no-wake lake perfect for fishing and kayaking. A reviewer noted, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities."
  • Family Activities: Jester County Park has playgrounds and trails for kids. One family shared, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Des Moines West KOA Holiday. A visitor said, "Bathhouses were clean and private."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the large, well-spaced sites at Prairie Flower Recreation Area. One camper remarked, "The sites are very large, all with concrete pads, with a decent amount of spacing between them."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Bob Shelter Recreation Area. A reviewer noted, "Friendly hosts & Rangers."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be aware that some areas, like Ledges State Park Campground, have poor cell coverage. One camper pointed out, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Campgrounds like Rock Creek State Park Campground can get crowded in summer. A visitor mentioned, "The campground was large but busy."
  • No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds offer showers. For example, Bob Shelter Recreation Area lacks shower facilities, as noted by a camper who said, "I didn’t use the bathroom/shower house, but it was outdated."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Playgrounds: Look for places like Jester County Park that have playgrounds. A family shared, "The campground has a kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check out nearby attractions. One camper suggested, "Madrid has a bakery and some other cute places."
  • Bring Snacks and Drinks: Some campgrounds, like F. W. Kent Park, don’t have markets nearby. A visitor mentioned, "NO market."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park Campground noted, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check campgrounds like Des Moines West KOA Holiday that offer them. A camper said, "Sites are paved and mostly level."
  • Be Prepared for Muddy Conditions: Some campgrounds can get muddy, especially after rain. A visitor at Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "It was very muddy when we camped here."

Camping near Kellogg, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Kellogg, IA?

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

What parks are near Kellogg, IA?

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

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