11 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Lake Red Rock offers several RV camping options with varying amenities and accessibility. River Oaks RV Park provides 99 full-hookup sites with 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections throughout the year. Kellogg RV Park, located just off Interstate 80, features pull-through gravel sites with 50-amp hookups, making it suitable for big rigs needing easy highway access. Howell Station Campground operates seasonally from April to October with water hookups and electric service, though without sewer connections at individual sites. "Sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6' hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site."
Most RV parks in the region require reservations, particularly during summer months and racing events at nearby Iowa Speedway. Newton KOA, located 30 minutes east of Des Moines, offers pull-through sites with varying electrical options—some providing only 30-amp service while others have both 30 and 50-amp capabilities. Dump stations are available at most established campgrounds, though visitors report varying experiences with site levelness. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many RV sites require leveling blocks as the gravel pads may have slight slopes. Cell service remains consistent throughout the area, with most parks offering WiFi connectivity. Pet-friendly policies are standard across most facilities, with designated dog areas available at select locations. Propane refill services can be found at Griffs Valley View RV Park and several nearby towns.
"Full hook ups and a fair price compared to most rv parks especially with good sam membership. No frills but adorably decorated."
"The sites are mostly pull through with full service electric, water, and sewer. The only real issue is the constant noise from I-80 which is just to the south of the campground."
"Nice size campground, sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought."
"We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair."
from $45 - $60 / night
"The campground very very well kept with spacious concrete pads, both 30/50 amp and full water/ sewage hookups. Two nice laundry/shower houses, one in the front and one in the back of the campground."
"I came here once for a baby shower and then check the place out for RV camping you can stay year round you can stay for a week a month or a day and they have full hookup propane they have so many interesting"
from $35 - $90 / night
"In fact, this campground outpost is so close to the highway that you’ll be hard pressed not to see or hear it during your entire stay."
"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."
"All the spaces are pulled through. It is very clean. There is full hook up for water, electric and sewer. All spaces are paved. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the park."
"The park was clean with level sites. The front desk person was friendly and helped me with my reservation. It was a close walk to Pilot for supplies."
from $35 - $45 / night
"Well maintained and quiet. Pit toilet. paved fire ring area and picnic table at each site. Can stay up to 14 days. Beautiful trails"
"There are 10 beautiful campsites, all with new picnic tables, fire ring and cement pad so you’re chairs are actually level! The fire ring even has a grill you and flip over the fire to cook."
from $50 / night
from $50 - $100 / night
TravelerNice quiet campground. The front looks like more long timers and it was a little noisier up there but I drove to the back loop and it's nice and quiet back here. PLENTY of 50/30/20 amp hookups and the shower house in the back was nice. Water was just lukewarm but it was hot out so no problem. Might be less pleasant in colder weather though. Pull through spots available. I would stay here again for sure.
RangerThere have been a total of 3 people camping here this weekend. If you want peace, quiet, and solitude, this is a great place!!! There have been a half dozen cars come through, one being a sheriff, so it’s not TOTALLY, quiet but nothing too noisy. Keep in mind there are no amenities other than a pit toilet(no shower) that was actually quite clean! Anything you need, you have to bring with you including water. There is also no dump station…. It worked out great for me. Also, it’s not free like the website stated. It’s ten dollars a night which is reasonable…
Legend9-14-26 Timberline East RV Campground, I do not think this is a KOA anymore. Tent site T1 & 2 was level and on grass with table and fire ring. checked in at 7pm, overcast, Molly was great at the check in, offered a 10% Veteran discount. $34 for the night. We only stayed one night. Showers and bathrooms were decent. T-Mobile was 5G 4 bars. Rained all night, you can hear the noise from the highway but you drown it out.
ScoutThis is a great location by the lake with some spots having great water views. You dont feel like sardines with all the space between sites. You can walk down to the beach as well in no time. We had a nice relaxing weekend. Will be back.
ScoutI love being close to the river and watching the birds.
GuideQuiet, clean, organized and friendly host! I ll be coming back!
TravelerThe campsite was great. There were campsites near the water and trees and then there were some on top of the hill.
TravelerHas a good view of lake on the tent side with no electric hookups, or water, although there is a small water spout that is like a hose we used to wash dishes and there’s also porta potty’s. There is about 11 sites on this side pretty cheap for what you get with them; they have a fire ring, picnic table Id give it a 10/10
RangerGreat friendly hosts. Check in inside the gas station. Full hook ups and a fair price compared to most rv parks especially with good sam membership. No frills but adorably decorated. You got gas, snacks and great food and ice cream..what else could you ask for in a overnight stop. Laundry, shower house and bocce court. Bocce sets available to borrow from the gas station. Cute communal sitting areas one area with fire rings and wood available at the gas station. Yes its right off 80 and you will hear the traffic but with this incredible convenience we didn't mind. Felt safe and good vibes during our stay. Level and long gravel pull through sites and big rig friendly. Will definitely be added to our favorites list for I80 travels.
Lake Red Rock's RV campgrounds offer diverse options between April and October when most facilities are fully operational. The lake forms Iowa's largest reservoir at 15,250 acres, with water levels fluctuating seasonally as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the dam for flood control. Winter camping remains limited, with most water systems shut down from November through March, though River Oaks RV Park maintains year-round availability.
Fishing opportunities: The lake offers abundant fishing spots, particularly at Diamond Lake County Park where anglers can catch multiple species. "Great views. Nice, quite camping spots with a serene view of Lake Diamond. Cell phone service is great for cricket and Verizon," reports Ben D., noting the clean camp areas and lake access.
Biking trails: Many campgrounds connect to paved paths suitable for cycling. "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," mentions Kent W. about Howell Station, highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities while cycling.
Bird watching: The area attracts various bird species throughout the year. At Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake, campers enjoy "peaceful, beautiful, incredible" settings with "a beautiful view of three ponds and a sunset you will not want to miss," according to Evan G., making it ideal for wildlife observation.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature well-designed layouts with adequate separation between campers. "Sites are large with nicely manicured lawns," notes Preston G. about Griffs Valley View RV Park, adding that "the woman that runs it was very nice and met me at the entrance to lead me to my spot."
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise from visitors. At Rock Creek State Park Campground, Michael C. found "clean bathroom with good showers" alongside "beautiful scenery with lake front camping" and opportunities to "rent a boat or paddleboard."
Convenient locations: Several RV parks offer strategic positioning for exploring the region. Joey B. appreciated Rock Creek State Park's location, noting it's a "very nice state park campground on a lake" with "well kept grounds, clean bathrooms" and that it's only "20 min from Grinnell."
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds have gravel sites requiring leveling blocks. Jim C. reports that at River Oaks RV Park, "sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks," though he praised the "good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought."
Highway noise levels: Some campgrounds experience road noise due to proximity to interstates. Steve D. noted at Kellogg RV Park "the constant noise from I-80 which is just to the south of the campground. But nothing that a good set of earplugs can't fix."
Seasonal water access: Water hookups and shower facilities typically operate from April through October. At Howell Station, facilities remain open seasonally, with "clean bathrooms and showers spaced nicely throughout campground," according to Heather M., who enjoyed the "lovely, clean and very well spaced camp sites" with "electric only with water and dump station nearby."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Griffs Valley View RV Park, Kandace F. mentioned the park includes "a small playground" along with a "clubhouse with bathrooms that were really clean" and "a nice recreational fishing pond."
Swimming considerations: Not all lakes in the area are suitable for swimming. Elisha L. noted at Rock Creek State Park that "unfortunately, the amazing swimming beach with concession stand and changing rooms with showers is gone. Due to the large population of geese, ducks, and cranes, the water is not safe to swim in."
Animal attractions: Some campgrounds feature unique animal encounters kids enjoy. Steve D. mentioned at Kellogg RV Park that "our little dog especially liked the two chicken coops at east side of the campground! (Not noisy or any problem - just a reminder that you are in Iowa!)"
Hookup positioning: Some RV campgrounds feature thoughtfully placed connections. At River Oaks RV Park, Jim C. appreciated that "full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6' hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site."
Easy interstate access: Several RV parks offer convenient on/off highway access for travelers. At Lakeside Casino RV Park, Renee H. noted "RV park is relatively quiet and easy to get into" and provides "easy on and off to the interstate," making it suitable for overnight stops.
Length accommodations: Most Lake Red Rock RV campgrounds accommodate larger rigs with pull-through sites. "Level sites with full hookups" are available at Kellogg RV Park according to Elisha L., who also mentioned there's "plenty of space to walk the dog" and it's "right next to the interstate for easy on and off."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Lake Red Rock?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Lake Red Rock is Kellogg RV Park with a 4.0-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Lake Red Rock?
TheDyrt.com has all 91 RV camping locations near Lake Red Rock, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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