Best Campgrounds near Keosauqua, IA

Keosauqua, Iowa features several developed campgrounds offering a range of accommodations within the scenic Des Moines River valley. Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground provides tent, RV, and cabin sites with well-maintained facilities in one of Iowa's oldest state parks. Other mixed-use options include Indian Lake Park in nearby Farmington, offering full hookups, primitive tent sites, and rental cabins with beach access. Waubonsie Trail Park in Cantril accommodates tent campers, RVs, and those seeking cabin or glamping experiences. The Shimek State Forest maintains multiple campground units including White Oak and Lick Creek, providing more secluded camping experiences.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with Lacey Keosauqua State Park open April through December, while others like Indian Lake Park remain available year-round. Electric hookups are common across most established campgrounds, though water and sewer connections vary significantly by location. "The park and campground are well maintained and clean. We visited over Labor Day weekend and the park was only two-thirds full," noted one visitor to Lacey Keosauqua. Reservations are recommended during summer months, particularly for weekend stays. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal variations with hot, humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons. Most campgrounds maintain shower facilities and flush toilets during the primary season.

Campers consistently highlight the natural features and recreational opportunities around Keosauqua. The Des Moines River provides scenic views and water access at several campgrounds, with Bentonsport offering riverfront sites popular among visitors. A camper mentioned, "Beautiful river views. Amazing camp hosts. There is a blacksmith, an Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing." Hiking trails are available at multiple locations, with Lacey Keosauqua State Park receiving particular praise for its well-maintained path system. For equestrian camping, River Valley Horsecamp and Lick Creek Unit in Shimek State Forest offer specialized facilities with direct trail access. Most campgrounds maintain reasonable spacing between sites, though reviews indicate weekend crowding can occur during peak summer months at the more popular water-adjacent locations.

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Best Camping Sites Near Keosauqua, Iowa (80)

    1. Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Keosauqua, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 293-3502

    $15 - $33 / night

    "Lacey-Keosaqua State Park is a gem located in Southeast Iowa in Van Buren County. It is off the beaten path but it is one of oldest Iowa State Parks."

    "Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice."

    2. Bentonsport

    6 Reviews
    Keosauqua, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 293-3589

    "close to the river with lots of fun history and shops to keep you busy."

    "Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon."

    3. Waubonsie Trail Park

    3 Reviews
    Cantril, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 397-2295

    "Waubonsie trail behind park is a short hike to the covered bridge and Dutchman's Store. Perfect Way to stretch your legs after a long day on the road. Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean."

    "We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day. I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup. Outhouse type toilets are available there."

    4. Indian Lake Park

    4 Reviews
    Farmington, IA
    13 miles
    Website

    $8 - $50 / night

    "There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."

    "Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean."

    5. River Valley Horsecamp

    1 Review
    Farmington, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 878-3888

    "Open sites near the Des Moines river and local road meant spots were just for sleeping. Excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals. Nearby locals kind and welcoming."

    6. Lick Creek Unit - Upper Equestrian Campground — Shimek State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Farmington, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 878-3811

    $14 / night

    "Good sights, great horse trails, awesome camping"

    "We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails."

    7. Battle of Athens State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Farmington, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 877-3871

    "Battle of Athens sp is located in the northeast part of Missouri, a little out of way but worth the trip."

    8. Midwest Old Threshers Campground

    1 Review
    Farmington, MO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 385-8937

    9. Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

    1 Review
    Farmington, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 878-3811

    $10 / night

    "Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away."

    10. Eldon Wildlife Management Area

    2 Reviews
    Eldon, IA
    18 miles

    "We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors."

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Recent Reviews near Keosauqua, IA

129 Reviews of 80 Keosauqua Campgrounds


  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Duck Haven Campground

    Hidden campground with a neat backstory

    July, 2017

    Neat little hidden campground with a neat back story. They owner bought it at auction just for a place to hang out with his friends but offers it for the public.  He loves cash and will usually give you a discount if you pay in cash.

    There is a bathhouse but he had to unlock it for us. 

    There is no store but you're at the edge of town so you can get anything you need.  There's no wifi but the cell service is good.

    If I recall, it's a 7 acre stocked pond.  catch and release only.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 9, 2024

    Wilson Lake Park

    Nice campground

    I didn't stay here as it was winter. The campground is nice with cement pads as well as primitive campsites and cabins.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 9, 2024

    Lee County Pollmiller Park

    Nice campground

    I didn't stay here, just visited. Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Louisa County Fairgrounds

    Typical Fairground Camping

    A small number of electrical sites was all that I saw. I'm sure there are bathrooms somewhere in one of the fairground buildings, but I didn't see any signage for them.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Virginia Grove Rec Area

    Small and quaint

    This is a small campground with electric camper spots. I didn't see any dump station. It features a playground and has vault toilets. There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks. Online only reservations.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Big Hollow Recreation Area

    Full Featured Camping

    This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Big Hollow Recreation Area

    Really excellent campground

    Lots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Welter Recreation Area

    Primitive Campsite

    This campsite appears to not be well maintained it may even be closed. There is no electricity and one vault toilet. Weeds are overgrown, and fallen trees have not been cleared. However, it has a wonderful view of the river and is directly on the banks. Because there are fallen trees, firewood is plentiful :).

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Lower Augusta Skunk River Access

    Great campsite

    Campsite is directly next to the river. Most sites have power but there are a few tent sits as well (those are right on the river). We'll maintained vault toilets. Site has a shared spicket.


Guide to Keosauqua

Camping near Keosauqua, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique charm.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: Many campers enjoy fishing and boating at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. One visitor mentioned, "The lake area offers great fishing and there are boat rentals available." Another camper noted, "We went out for a fishing day, and the entire lake was very clean."

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Lake Darling State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "Several hiking trails—maps seemed to not quite fit the trails, but they were signed fairly well."

  • Swimming: Enjoy a swim at Thousand Hills State Park Campground. One camper said, "Nice calm lake great for swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and small motored boats."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A visitor at Hickory Haven Campground remarked, "The bathrooms and laundry were very clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Wakonda Lake Campground mentioned, "Sites were spacious, clean, and plenty of space between sites."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment. One visitor at Boulder Lake Campground said, "This campsite is PERFECT. Quiet campsite. Easy access and gorgeous stars at night."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Honey Creek Resort, have limited amenities. A camper noted, "There is no speed limit sign going into the campground," which can lead to safety concerns.
  • Busy During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get crowded in summer. A visitor at Lake Wapello State Park Campground mentioned, "I could see the spring and summer months getting busy with lake use."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Lake Darling State Park Campground shared, "Bonus: the deer came out each evening to forage."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds Available: Many campgrounds have playgrounds for kids. A reviewer at Thousand Hills State Park Campground said, "There are several playgrounds for kids."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for all ages. One camper at Lake Wapello State Park Campground mentioned, "Excellent way to spend a day with family. Boat rentals were a blast."
  • Quiet Camping Areas: Choose sites that are away from busy areas. A visitor at Boulder Lake Campground noted, "If you can get site 44, you have probably the best site in the campground as it sits at the end of the loop with no close neighbors."

Tips from RVers:

  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A reviewer at Crossroads RV Park said, "The site was a full hookup—electric, water, and sewer."
  • Spacious Sites: RVers appreciate spacious sites. One camper at Hickory Haven Campground mentioned, "The sites are pretty roomy with some shade."
  • Easy Access: Choose campgrounds with easy access to main roads. A visitor at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park noted, "Very quiet state park. The sites are very large and our RV site has a cement pad."

Camping near Keosauqua, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Keosauqua, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Keosauqua, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 80 campgrounds and RV parks near Keosauqua, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Keosauqua, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Keosauqua, IA is Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Keosauqua, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Keosauqua, IA.