Best Campgrounds near Knoxville, IA

Knoxville, Iowa has several good camping options for folks who love the outdoors. At Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground, you can choose between electric and non-electric sites that sit among tall trees. The park has hiking trails, fishing spots, and a lake where you can take your boat out. Not far away is Anderson Campground, which draws families with its large campsites and quiet atmosphere. RV travelers can head to the northeast corner of the RV Park for full hookups and good access to things to do in the area. The best camping weather is during spring and fall when it's not too hot or cold and the trees look great. Summers get pretty hot, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. Some places close or have limited hours during winter. Make sure you know the rules about campfires and how long you can stay at each campground. It's smart to book ahead, especially on weekends and holidays when these campgrounds fill up fast. You might need permits for fishing or boating, so check before you go. Since Knoxville is close to Des Moines, you can easily take a day trip into the city. Knoxville's campgrounds work well for both quiet camping and more active outdoor trips.

Best Camping Sites Near Knoxville, Iowa (105)

    1. Whitebreast Campground

    8 Reviews
    Lake Red Rock, IA
    6 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."

    2. Howell Station

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

    $22 - $24 / night

    "We will be staying here every year, this is the best site we've stayed at in central Iowa. Great fishing, bike trail right next to the campsite. Great views too. Dam is right there and you can fish."

    "Howell Station is one out of five COE CG's that are around Lake Red Rock. CG is well kept, has a bike/walking path that borders the River and winds through the woods."

    3. Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake

    4 Reviews
    Lake Red Rock, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 309-9885

    $25 - $120 / night

    "The perfect drive up private campsite you will find in Iowa. Very quiet with a beautiful view of three ponds and a sunset you will not want to miss."

    "Plus just 6 miles from our fav brewery in Iowa."

    4. Wallashuck

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

    $20 - $24 / night

    "Good place close to Pella and Knoxville. Some sites on Red Rock. Little pricey for not having full hookups. Overall good place."

    "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"

    5. Whitebreast Camp

    3 Reviews
    Knoxville, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-7522

    $20 - $288 / night

    "Sits on the bank of Red Rock Lake which has great fishing."

    "it has shaded camping areas, nice bathrooms, hiking trails, fishing, and a nice beach. I camp here every year!"

    6. Equestrian Campground — Elk Rock State Park

    4 Reviews
    Lake Red Rock, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 842-6008

    $12 - $66 / night

    "There are lots of trails around the area.

    It’s also a great place if you like to go horse back riding with lots of trails that go near the water.

    There are camp hosts to help answer questions."

    "We really wnjoyed riding the trails here. Good facilities for our horses."

    7. Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    10 Reviews
    Swan, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 961-6169

    "Each of the 10 campsites are spacious and plenty of distance between. Nice quick trails with wildlife. The park is well maintained and well priced!"

    "You’ll eventually see the park entrance(a sign and fence). Pass the first bathrooms/shelter/info board. Continue down the gravel road that looks kinda like a trail."

    8. Roberts Creek West Campground

    4 Reviews
    Otley, IA
    8 miles
    Website

    "Caveat: you cannot see the lake from the camping spots

    Camped site 26

    Wooded county campground. Many of the spots at the West campground are paved. They all have electric."

    "Easy in and around campground. A lot of space between sites. Sites are fairly level with hard pack gravel."

    9. Marion County Park

    2 Reviews
    Knoxville, IA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (641) 828-2213

    "Plus, it’s on the outskirts of town so restaurants and grocery stores are nearby."

    "Marion County is often overlooked by people in favor of the various Red Rock campgrounds that are nearby, but in my opinion, unless you have a boat, there is nothing that puts Red Rock above Marion County"

    10. Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp — Lake Red Rock

    3 Reviews
    Otley, IA
    6 miles

    "We camped out at site 82 which is a non-electric site and close to a Red Rock Lake shoreline. Spots are pretty close but they perfectly have grass tall enough to give you some privacy between spots."

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Showing results 1-10 of 105 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Knoxville, IA

394 Reviews of 105 Knoxville Campgrounds



Guide to Knoxville

Camping near Knoxville, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Jester County Park. One camper mentioned, "The campgrounds have amazing views and plenty of hiking trails."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Rock Creek State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The lake is pretty, and boat rentals seemed reasonable."
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground. One reviewer noted, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing, it was fun watching the water come through the dam."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Des Moines West KOA Holiday stated, "Bathhouses were clean and private."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area said, "Level sites, easy to back in, plenty of room."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Winterset City Park remarked, "The staff was super friendly and accommodating."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground, may have limited amenities. A camper noted, "The web link is out of date, and the park is closed for 2022."
  • Busy Weekends: Expect more crowds on weekends. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground was fairly empty until around Thursday and filled on the weekend."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be mindful of wildlife. One camper at Yellow Banks County Park warned, "Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night because teenagers come through sometimes looking for stuff to steal."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds Available: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. One review for Walnut Woods State Park Campground highlighted, "The campground has a kids' playground, hiking trails, and nature center."
  • Plan for Activities: Choose a campground that offers various activities. A camper at Cherry Glen Campground said, "There are plenty of hiking trails and a sandy beach with a swimming area."
  • Reserve in Advance: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your site can accommodate your RV. A review for Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Dump Station Availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground noted, "Dump station and water fill in the back."
  • Cell Service: Check for cell service availability. One visitor at Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "3 bars of T-Mobile and 2 bars of AT&T were more than sufficient for internet browsing."

Camping around Knoxville, IA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Knoxville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Knoxville, IA is Whitebreast Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.

What parks are near Knoxville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Knoxville, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.