Best Tent Camping near Lake Red Rock in Iowa

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Lake Red Rock? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Lake Red Rock, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Lake Red Rock's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Lake Red Rock, IA (19)

    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)
    Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    1. Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    10 Reviews
    13 Photos
    60 Saves
    Swan, Iowa

    Improvements include adding electric sites, shower house, and water station. All sites are first come first serve and will cost $20 per night. Registration is required upon arrival at the campground entrance. Campers may stay in WCCB campgrounds for 14 days out of any 30 day period.

    Donated by Ferold and Dorothy Grant, this 150 acre park in northeast Warren County features a picnic shelter, a secluded pond, some wonderful woodland trails, and—new in 2018—10 primitive campsites!

    The picnic shelter is available for reservation by calling the WCCB office at (515) 961-6169.

    Grant Park has ten primitive campsites. There is a pit latrine in the campground. Water is not available. Reservations are not accepted. This campground is free of charge. Registration is required and is available at the campground entrance. Campers may stay in WCCB campgrounds for 14 days out of any 30 day period.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    2. Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    3 Reviews
    17 Photos
    65 Saves
    Mingo, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ashton Wildwood Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ashton Wildwood Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ashton Wildwood Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ashton Wildwood Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ashton Wildwood Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ashton Wildwood Park

    3. Ashton Wildwood Park

    5 Reviews
    8 Photos
    38 Saves
    Mingo, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $7 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Mariposa Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mariposa Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mariposa Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mariposa Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mariposa Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mariposa Recreation Area

    4. Mariposa Recreation Area

    1 Review
    18 Photos
    17 Saves
    Kellogg, Iowa

    Mariposa Recreation Area is a 151-acre outdoor recreation area located northeast of Newton. A newly renovated 18-acre lake lies among the hills covered with pine trees. Fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking are the most popular attractions at the area. There is a primitive camping area and a ½ mile nature trail at Mariposa. This is an excellent park for a picnic, and there are many picnic tables and a covered shelter available.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • No image available

      5. Otter Creek Park

      2 Reviews
      12 Saves
      Indianola, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Fifield (IA)
      Camper-submitted photo from Fifield (IA)
      Camper-submitted photo from Fifield (IA)
      Camper-submitted photo from Fifield (IA)

      6. Fifield (IA)

      Be the first to review!
      4 Photos
      1 Save
      Otley, Iowa

      Overview

      Fifield is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 miles from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 miles from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world.For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here:Lake Red Rock Website__

      Recreation

      Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline. Anglers will find crappie, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill. Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area.

      Facilities

      Fifield offers four reservable picnic shelters with 20 amp electrical outlets. Flush toilets are located nearby. Each shelter has a fire ring and an outdoor grill. If your event is open to the public, greater than 100 people, involves live or amplified music, or if alcohol will be available to attendees, you may need a special event permit. Click the link below to apply for an event permit:Special Event Permit__ If shelters are not reserved, they are available free of charge on a first-come, first served basis.__ Shelter occupancy is permitted until dusk.

      Natural Features

      Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at Fifield, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrate through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. Whitetailed deer, turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake.

      Nearby Attractions

      Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.

      Charges & Cancellations

      A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Picnic Table

      $50 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from North Overlook Picnic Shelter (IA)

      7. North Overlook Picnic Shelter (IA)

      Be the first to review!
      1 Photo
      2 Saves
      Pella, Iowa

      Overview

      South Tailwater Picnic Shelter is located on the Des Moines River on the south end of Red Rock Dam adjacent from the visitor center on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.____ For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here: Lake Red Rock Website __

      Recreation

      Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline. Anglers will find crappie, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill. Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area.

      Facilities

      South Tailwater Picnic Shelter is a conventional open shelter that offers 20 amp electrical service, picnic tables, an outdoor grill, and nearby flush toilets.__ If your event is open to the public, greater than 100 people, involves live or amplified music, or if alcohol will be available to attendees, you may need an event permit. Click the link below to apply for an event permit: Special Event Permit__ If shelter is not reserved, it is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelter occupancy is permitted until dusk.

      Natural Features

      South Tailwater is situated on the south bank of the Des Moines River, offering scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrates through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. White-tailed deer, turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake.

      Nearby Attractions

      Lake Red Rock is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.

      Charges & Cancellations

      A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.com or by calling 1-877-444-6677. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Tents
      • Group

      $50 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from South Overlook (IA)
      Camper-submitted photo from South Overlook (IA)

      8. South Overlook (IA)

      Be the first to review!
      2 Photos
      1 Save
      Pella, Iowa

      Overview

      North Overlook Picnic Shelter is located adjacent from North Overlook Campground on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.____ For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here:Lake Red Rock Website__

      Recreation

      Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline. Anglers will find crappie, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill. Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area.

      Facilities

      North Overlook Picnic Shelter is a conventional open shelter that offers 20 amp electrical service, picnic tables, an outdoor grill, fire ring, water fountain and nearby flush toilets.__ If your event is open to the public, greater than 100 people, involves live or amplified music, or if alcohol will be available to attendees, you may need an event permit. Click the link below to apply for an event permit:Special Event Permit __If shelter is not reserved, it is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.Shelter occupancy is permitted until dusk.

      Natural Features

      Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at North Overlook, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrates through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. White-tailed deer, turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake.

      Nearby Attractions

      Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.

      Charges & Cancellations

      A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.com or by calling 1-877-444-6677. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Picnic Table

      $50 / night

      • No image available
        • No image available
        Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews in Lake Red Rock

        373 Reviews of 19 Lake Red Rock Campgrounds


        • Leslie K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Outback Campground & Resort
          Oct. 7, 2024

          Outback Campground & Resort

          Wallaby Cabin Review

          This review is for the Wallaby cabin. This cabin supposedly has a bathroom with a shower, 3 beds and a kitchenette. The bathroom has a shower so small it is difficult not to rinse one's hair while applying shampoo. There is no sink in this room for brushing teeth, washing hands or face, etc. There is no mirror either, or hooks for towels or washcloths or clothes. There is also no heater. The cabin has no closet or any place to hang any clothes. There were several bugs crawling on the ceiling. The wall A/C could not help but spew dust, as it was coated with that on the filter and cover. The trash can had a clean bag, which occupants are required to leave in dumpster at checkout. When removing the bag, the stuck-on mess under it was appalling. The bed in each loft area had obviously been used and not changed, as the covers were in disarray and the bottom sheets not clean. The main bed has a zipped on plastic cover which the loose fitting fitted sheet will not stay on, causing occupants to end up sleeping on plastic. We purchased a blanket to go over it for the next night. We would not have stayed more than one night but, as we had reserved 3, it is not refundable. The tv is to the side of the immovable chairs, so that one must have head turned completely to one side to watch. The cabin has such a slant that a ball will roll by itself to the entrance side. All this for more than$350 for 3 night stay.

        • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
          Sep. 23, 2024

          Lake Iowa County Park

          very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

          Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

          Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

        • Michael K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Ashton Wildwood Park
          Sep. 22, 2024

          Ashton Wildwood Park

          Small but great spot to camp

          Very clean, easy to reserve. Bathroom was a pit toilet but clean. Camp spot was clean and well-maintained.

        • Katie P.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
          Sep. 21, 2024

          Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

          Campground closed

          Drove 6 hours to find out the campground is closed (apparently for all of fall and winter) without any awareness of that being the case online. Now I have to figure out somewhere to go at dinner time with my over-tired toddler and two dogs. Frustrated.

        • BENdejo ~.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Flower Recreation Area
          Sep. 6, 2024

          Prairie Flower Recreation Area

          Large, level, clean, quiet, cheap

          Large level gravel pad driveways surrounded by beautiful prairie grass. Fantastically clean & well maintained facilities. Nice beach down the road and some Greenway trails. One of the NICEST public campgrounds I've stayed at. Reserve online at rec.gov. America the Beautiful National Parks Pass pays your day use fees at the beach.

        • James P.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Roberts Creek West Campground
          Aug. 18, 2024

          Roberts Creek West Campground

          Roberts Creek - East

          East not west as satellite view in Dyrt is old and doesn’t show East campground. I did add a screenshot of current satellite view. FHU. Easy in and around campground. A lot of space between sites. Sites are fairly level with hard pack gravel.

        • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
          Aug. 9, 2024

          Lake Iowa County Park

          Great spot for a great price

          Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

          Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

          The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

          But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

          I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

          Other than that it was a great spot.

        • DThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Valley
          Aug. 2, 2024

          Acorn Valley

          Nice playground , well maintained

          Nice and well maintained ! We parked at a site by the playground and bathhouse , and could sit at our camper and watch our son play at a safe distance

        • Nancy C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Valley
          Jul. 30, 2024

          Acorn Valley

          Amazingly Quiet

          We lived our time there. It was quiet and we loved listening to the wildlife at night. My only complaint is that they left people in to camp after 10. Which kept me awake for a bit.

        • Matt M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Iowa State Fair Campgrounds
          Jun. 25, 2024

          Iowa State Fair Campgrounds

          Nice campground!

          We've stayed here a number of times now in the past 2 years (not during fair weeks.) Campgrounds are located on the east side of the actual fairgrounds. There are hundreds of sites here. Some are flat, some are no where near flat, but there are so many, you can find one that will work for you! Almost all of the sites are full grass sites. The main shower house is the only one we've ever used and have no complaints. They are clean and bright and well kept.

          The sites are $32/night.

        • K
          Camper-submitted photo from Keokuk County Belva Deer Park
          May. 31, 2024

          Keokuk County Belva Deer Park

          Clean park warm showers

          $12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance. Stand-alone bathrooms throughout the park have the deep composting toilets that smell bad but whatever the ones up front are nice. Would recommend 10/10

        • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Howell Station
          May. 7, 2024

          Howell Station

          Large spacious campground

          Well maintained campground with mature shade trees. Gravel sites, a little bit of leveling required. Poor Verizon cell signal, no internet signal. Not much natural privacy between sites, but sites were well spaced apart. Paved trail nice for biking and walking. Fishing nearby and the Dutch themed town of Pella is a short drive and a must see. Bathrooms and showers were nice, clean. Handicap camp site and bathhouse available. Firewood for sale at front gate. The potable water available at the dump station was clear and good for drinking. Dump station is easily accessible. Dumpsters were positioned around the campground. Staff was friendly. The night we stayed, there was a severe weather threat, and the staff, at the end of the night, had unlocked the storm shelters (utility area in the middle of the bathhouses) should the need arise. We ended up having to seek shelter because of a tornado warning.

        • Amanda W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
          Apr. 13, 2024

          Jester County Park

          camping

          we love it here people are great price is Right Showers are hot every time it a WOnderfull place •to be .

        • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
          Apr. 1, 2024

          Newton KOA

          This KOA Deserves Your Attention

          Literally a single stone’s throw from I80, one of the busiest thoroughfares you’ll find yourself on here in the great ‘Hawkeye State,’ this is one campground that very much deserves your attention, despite being a KOA. 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. While this KOA does sit down a bit from the hustle & bustle that comes with a major interstate highway, a good number of the available RV sites sit on a sloping hill that is the same elevation as the highway itself, so if you do have the choice, opt for the lower sites (more on that later). 

          Sitting just 30 minutes east of Des Moines, Newton KOA offers up about 100 sites for RVs and 5th wheelers offering up all the standard hook-ups (water, sewage and 30 / 50 amp- but be careful because some sites only offer 30 or 50, while some do offer both, so be sure to ask when making your reservation). For mi tent pitching bredren, there’s about a dozen or so sites to choose from and all are fairly intermingled with the RV sites, although each site does sit on a plush patch of grass, so this KOA does a nice job on that front of integration. Oh, and if you don’t have an RV, 5th wheeler or a tent, on worries, this KOA will rent you one of its three cabins. 

          As this is a KOA you can expect a ton of amenities and this place does not disappoint with: catch & release fishing pond w/ fish cleaning station (that is oddly placed about as far away from the fishing pond as you can get), disc golf course, K9 camp for the puppies, cable TV, WiFi, in-ground pool (available 5/25 until 9/3) with ADA pool lift, horseshoes, meeting rooms, firewood for sale, LP gas refueling station, pool table, shuffleboard, social lounge, two kids playground, laundr-O-mat, basketball court, restroom & shower facilities, mini-market with basic groceries, ping pong, jump pad, game room, gaga pit, designated dumpster and dump station and of course the scattered fire pits and picnic tables. Just to go above and beyond, this KOA serves up free breakfast of flapjacks on Saturdays. Yahoo! 

          Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Whether you are pitching a tent or pulling up in your RV, the best sites IMHO are those in the lower valley, but located right in front of the main office, where there are 6 RV slots numbered #45 – 50 and 6 tent sites numbered T1 – T6; (2) Should you get hungry and might want to try some local fare, check out Taco John’s and La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant, which I guess stand for ‘local’ around here, although there is Newton Family Restaurant. If you are looking for something really different and amazing, I would suggest heading on over to Dan’s Sandwich Shop, which feels like real Americana from a bygone era, complete with a diner-esque vibe and matching elbow counter to warm up to over a nice piece of apple pie, scoop of ice cream washed down with a hot mug of coffee; (3) While this KOA has a mini-market, you will find a bigger selection with better prices just down the road at the local Walmart, where just due west of this, you’ll find a Hy-Vee Grocery store with a wine & spirits shop positioned there as well. Further down the road, you have excellent fresh cut meat from Fareway Grocery, but check out the local hotspot, Newton Market as well; and (4) While what you will discover from an outdoor standpoint at Newton KOA is interesting, if you want something more substantial, head to Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for 6 acres of family-friendly landscape to explore with more displays and demonstrations that you can shake a stick at! Seriously, there’s a butterfly garden, peony border and nearly 200 individual species of trees here to check out. 

          Happy Camping!

        • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Kellogg RV Park
          Jan. 1, 2024

          Kellogg RV Park

          Barren Campground Gem Just Off Highway

          I like this place, I really do. It certainly packs a punch with all of the amenities that Kellogg RV Park offers up, not least of which is partnering up with apparently the best burger joint in the whole of Iowa. Burgers and camping? Can it get any better? Well, while this location gets extra points for achieving EZ on- and off-again I80 highway access, that likely is also its downside, as you are so close to arguably the busiest of all thoroughfares here in the state of Iowa that it makes you wonder if you are really getting away from it all or just taking a quick pitstop. 

          As for the grounds themselves, they are very well organized and nearly everything on this property is either brand-spanking new or has a nice degree of ‘kitsch’ that just feels right where you are at in the middle of the Midwest. There’s a well-appointed separate laundry location on the NE corner of RV Park, with a community shower/ bathroom facility smack-dab in the middle of the place, making it central and convenient to get refreshed. There’s a simple little loop that will jog you around the place, where in all there’s some 38 spots perfectly carved out for RVs or 5th Wheelers. While the map for Kellogg RV Park indicates a playground behind the laundry, if it was there to begin with, it has been replaced by a chicken coop, which I have to admit is pretty dang awesome to be woken up by these fine-feathered friends each dawn. Plus, um, there’s fresh eggs for your brunch munching pleasure! 

          With amenities in mind, each pull-thru, gravel-strewn site (all 18’ wide with lengths ranging from 65’ to 85’) comes equipped with all of the typical hook-ups (20 / 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) along with plenty of in-ground fire rings, stand-up BBQ grills and plenty of brand new picnic tables along with complimentary WiFi. There’s solar panels on the for southwest corner of the campground, which sadly eliminates the vibe that you are out in nature. If there was just one bit of advice I would give this place it’s this(and it’s quite simple): plant some trees! That’s the one thing I noticed that felt incredibly weird… there’s just a few trees in this whole place. Granted, it is somewhat surrounded by corn fields, but here’s a hint: After mid-September when all that corn is harvested, the place feels like a barren desert, so how you compensate for that is by planting trees, shrubs, bush or anything that would make this place feel like it was planted in nature versus carved out of a watershed. 

          While the main office is up front where you would have seen that Iowa’s Best Burger Café sign, where there’s also an Amoco gas station along with a convenience market that has limited groceries and supplies. Bonus points to Kellogg RV Park for having an F5-rated tornado shelter located on-site, so while your RV might blow away, no worries, you and those you hold most precious will be protected in the event of a tornado, which is important because this state gets hit by them all the time. They’ll also sell you a bundle of firewood for$6 / bundle, which is fair, especially considering that they’ll deliver the bundles directly to your site. 

          Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) IMHO the best sites are those located as far east and north as possible (yes, right near the laundry facilities and chicken coop). Why? Well, because they will be furthest away from I80, so less noise, plus they are on the periphery, so this offers up better views of corn country, and additionally, more tranquility. Plus the shower / restroom facilities are centrally located, so not too far away; (2) If you are looking to get buzzed while out here at Kellogg RV Park, you are in luck as just nearby there’s Grinnell Craft Brewhouse, Buzzed Bee Meadery as well as Van Wijk Winery – all of which are absolutely worth the visit!; (3) Should your foodie vibes need to be tamed while here, head on over to nearby Maytag Blue Cheese for a slice or slab or head on over to Dayton Meat Products, which not only processes meat in case you are out and about with a bow & arrow, but will serve up some pretty outrageously awesome sausages, loins and particular cuts of meats that you just can’t find anywhere nearby. Oh, and if farmer’s markets are your thing, then check out nearby Grinnell Farmers Market or Jasper County Farmer’s Market – both just 10 minutes from here; and (4) Once you grow tired of pillaging your on-board mini-fridge or Cordova roto-molded cooler and are looking for some local fare, I will have to admit that Iowa’s Best Burger Café does live up to its boast – and while I didn’t have another burger while I was in the ‘Hawkeye State’ I do make it my business to check stuff out when I see ‘Best’ noted anywhere and there’s reasonable proof behind this claim here, so give the good folks here the better side of your discerning tastes and try them out. Oh, and there’s that little thing that there’s not too much competition in these parts, so unless you are up for a good drive, the only other joint is RJ’s Bar& Grill, which trust me, is much more Bar than Grill. 

          Happy Camping!

        • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Diamond Lake County Park
          Jan. 1, 2024

          Diamond Lake County Park

          Lakeside Campground Bliss

          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 needs only follow Road#63, before coming across Diamond Lake County Park. With the fall colors being in full bloom when we visited, the entire campground was awash in bright yellows, reds and oranges from the changing colors of the leaves. Also, as we were visiting in mid-October, versus some of the other reviews here, we found that we had the place mostly to ourselves, which made for a rather peaceful sublime respite we were searching for. 

          As for the campground itself, what we enjoyed most was how this location is, for the most part, very well organized in keeping the RV'ers and 5th Wheeler crowds together, while preserving a nice slice of verdant lakeside pasture for us primitive camper types. Each of the sites for camping come equipped with (in most cases) fairly new aluminum picnic tables, fire ring with folding BBQ grill. While we didn’t stay in the RV areas, given our tent-pitching persuasion, what we did see was fairly impressive and looked altogether rather brand new with freshly poured concrete slots and fairly mint-looking RV hook-ups (50 amp electric and water) and this same area also boasted a brand new restroom facilities. 

          Obviously, the main attraction here is Diamond Lake itself, with its more than 90 acres of fresh water, albeit murky fresh water, was certainly a hit with this camping family. We enjoyed being able to get out on the lake with our kayaks and canoes as well as go for very long walks around the circumference of the lake itself, with which you will find simply splendid trails. And if that’s not enough exploration for you, then head further inland and away from the lake to explore this parks other 660 acres of grassy prairieland. 

          From an amenities standpoint, there’s a decent amount, including: three shower houses, four shelters, 2 dump stations, three his / her latrines (some much more dated than others), boat ramp and fishing dock, a dedicated fish cleaning station and what looked to be a fairly new kids playground. In all there’s a total of 120 sites to choose from, with 80 designated for RVs / 5th Wheelers and 40 earmarked for primitive camping, which do not come with any electric, which was on one hand the biggest bummer, but on the other hand, offered up front-row access to lakeside camping bliss as many of these primitive campsites are located right on the water’s edge. 

          Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Check-in is self-registration and is done onsite, so net-net, this place is first-come, first served as no online or advanced registration is taken. While we didn’t mind this, and given that we arrived right around noon as folks were actually checking out, we got the ‘pick of the litter’ of campsites. Electric sites are $20 / night and non-electric are $10, so this place is incredibly affordable; (2) If you are looking for some grub nearby after growing weary of another meal of franks & beans, then there’s really just a few nearby options: Subway, Sauced Pizza & Pub, Casey’s and Yolanda’s Tacos over in the little town of Montezuma; (3) While there are actually few different campgrounds here at Diamond Lake, for primitive campers, the best sites IMHO are located as far southwest as you can possible go around the lake, where there’s more than a dozen or so sites that sit right in front of the water and present a completely isolated surrounding. 

          Happy Camping!

        • Deb K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Ashton Wildwood Park
          Dec. 23, 2023

          Ashton Wildwood Park

          I love this secluded little campground!

          I live just 7 miles away, but I love to take my grand daughter here for overnight camping.  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 is only a pit toilet in the campground and it's nice enough for midnight runs.  (Bring your flashlight!)  Drive up the road to the observatory and there is a bathroom with flush toilets and a hot shower, also a water spigot on the back side.  There is also a big group site for family get togethers.  There is a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement.  I'd highly recommend it, but I don't want it to get too crowded!

        • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Casino RV Park
          Oct. 31, 2023

          Lakeside Casino RV Park

          Decent place to spend the night

          RV park is relatively quiet and easy to get into. The concrete in our site was in poor condition, it had crumbled leaving a dip in the pad. The cable didn’t work, but electric and water had no issues. Easy on and off to the interstate. There is only one garbage dumpster near the entrance and we didn’t see a camp host on site or anybody to check in with. We stayed just one night on our way through the area and were comfortable.

        • Marie M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Eveland Access
          Oct. 26, 2023

          Eveland Access

          Glendale Access

          20 bucks a day you submit your fill out sheet at the service area and drop it off in a drop box.

        • M
          Camper-submitted photo from Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake
          Oct. 23, 2023

          Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake

          Beautiful fall camping site

          We really enjoyed our stay at site 4 in the woods. It was absolutely beautiful with the fall colors and leaves falling all around us. We also enjoyed the trails around our site and a pretty view of a pond a short walk away. Anna was very responsive and gave thorough directions for us. We would stay again.

        • DThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside Co Park
          Oct. 18, 2023

          Lakeside Co Park

          Nice lake, but run down campsites.

          First, there is no dump station! All sites have water and electricity with 20, 30, and 60 amp plugs. The sites are 20 dollars. The campsites located near the entrance are pull-through but need maintenance. The campsites along the lake will support short to medium length RVs or trailers, and all are back in. As of this posting, all are not level and in poor condition. The city of Huneston, Iowa is a few minutes away and has several gas stations and a grocery store.

        • mThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
          Oct. 14, 2023

          Thomas Mitchell County Park

          Nice campground although not too many spaces.

          Came in late, even though there were several empty spaces turns out they were reserved. Very nice camp host told us we could have a non-electric site, none of them were reserved. Bathroom/showers were clean.



        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake Red Rock?

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        • What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake Red Rock?

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