Best Campgrounds near Knoxville, IA

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 A camper noted, "The web link is out of date, and the park is closed for 2022."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!