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Best Tent Camping near Lake Red Rock

408 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Lake Red Rock in Iowa provides several tent camping options with varying amenities and settings. Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers spacious tent sites with picnic tables and fire pits, located approximately 20 miles north of Lake Red Rock. Ashton Wildwood Park provides secluded woodland tent sites in a natural setting with minimal development, while Mariposa Recreation Area offers primitive tent camping near fishing opportunities.

Most tent camping areas near Lake Red Rock feature basic amenities. Colfax Quarry Springs Park includes outhouses, fire rings, and picnic tables at most sites, though campers should bring their own water as hookups are limited. Sites are generally level with sandy or grassy surfaces. Ashton Wildwood Park provides pit toilets in the campground area with flush toilets available at the nearby observatory. Many campsites have designated fire rings, but seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. The $7 per night fee at Ashton Wildwood Park makes it an affordable option for tent campers.

Tent campsites throughout the Lake Red Rock area provide access to various outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers good fishing opportunities with kayak rentals available on-site. The sandy terrain at this former quarry creates distinctive camping conditions. Ashton Wildwood Park features hiking trails and an observatory open on Saturdays for stargazing. Walk-in tent sites at several locations provide more seclusion from RV camping areas. A visitor to Ashton Wildwood noted that "the sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents" and that "the entire property was well maintained." Mariposa Recreation Area provides a country setting with access to fishing and hiking trails, though the lake was recently dredged and is refilling.

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Best Tent Sites Near Lake Red Rock (16)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Lake Red Rock

408 Reviews of 16 Lake Red Rock Campgrounds

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 24, 2016

    Honey Creek State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Goal Zero Light House 250 at Honey Creek State Park

    Campground Review: Honey Creek State Park is on Rathbun Lake, a very popular place to boat, fish and camp in Southern Iowa. We camped in the Group Campground with out Boy Scout Troop. We pulled into camp after dark and between the headlights of our vehicles and our lanterns (My Goal Zero Light House 250) we set up camp in the dark.

    We explored the campground, there were some nice trails and nice spots to camp. The bathrooms were clean but they were a little bit of a walk from the Group Site. The weather was great and the bugs weren't bad. I would recommend Honey Creek State Park.

    Ranger Review: The Goal Zero Light House 250 is a nice lantern. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. The light settings are perfect. You can use half of the lantern or the full lamp power. You can adjust the lighting power by turning the knob on the front. It can be charged with a wall charger, a solar panel, or the green hand crank on top of the lantern.

    We used it when setting our tent up in the dark and it did a good job. At 250 lumens it is just the right amount of light to let you see what you need with out blinding you in the dark. We did not start a campfire that night, instead we placed the Goal Zero Light House 250 on the ground and we surrounded the lantern with our camp chairs as if it was a camp fire. We were up for three hours talking and never did the lantern light weaken.

    I like this light. It is too heavy and bulky for backpacking but it is great for car camping. There is a smaller model but I don't know if it will work for backpacking.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • Willy W.
    Oct. 22, 2019

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Great Place

    This is my favorite place to go hiking, kayaking, camping and fishing.

    There is a half mile portage with a campsite on the river which you must call to reserve. The other campsites are $10.00 registration. They have porta potties around. Two places to launch kayaks. Most campsites have fire rings, picnic tables and trash bins. Some have grills. They also have firewood for sale or you can find enough wood around still. I didn’t see any water hookups so bring a filter or water. There is a Kum & Go up the road to get missing supplies.

    The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it’s minimal. The quiet hours are at 10:30pm and they have a gate which is closed at sunset when the park closes for non campers.

    Lots of hiking trails and wildlife. The fishing is the best place for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish. No swimming is allowed and only electric motors, no gas.

    Check out their Facebook page for more updates and if you see me out there say hi!

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Beautiful place!

    This place is great! 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. There is a vault toilet up on the hill where the campsites are. FYI - the women’s side did not have a lock. The sites were very spacious, some massive and very spread out. You could see neighbors but you aren’t on top on them. And it’s free! You can stay for up to 14 days. They do have registration cards up on the board to complete and post on your site. I had 2-3 bars of LTE via AT&T. The closest gas station is about 7 minutes away and a grocery store about 10 minutes away.

    Let’s talk ticks!! I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van. They always got on his feet every time he used the restroom and made their way inside. If you travel with a pet, check them constantly and make sure they are on a tick med!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Kellogg RV Park

    Highway Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in rural Iowa.

    Highs: (1) Quick& EZ access from I-80 via Exit 173; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Very EZ check-in process; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are like brand new; (7) If you get hungry, this CG and fueling station has an imbedded Iowa’s Best Burger Café that does live up to its name; (8) There’s also an embedded Amoco gas station and mini-mart; (9) Spectacularly clean and recently refurbished bathrooms & shower facilities; (10) There’s a small launderette here, which was bonus; (11) Should you visit in the summer, you will benefit from being surrounded by 6 foot tall corn fields that will provide greater privacy and better scenery

    Lows: (1) You are just 30 seconds north of I-80, the busiest highway in Iowa;(2) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic from the highway into this place, so apart from the fact that you're clear out in the boondocks, you are next to the very heavily trafficked I80, so it’s difficult to feel 100% safe & secure here; (3) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees (welcome to corn country), bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (4) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so while this isn't exactly Florida, if you're here during the hot summer months, you should bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you are OK being surrounded by RVs with absolutely no privacy in the open interior; and (7) Apart from FHUs and a decent shower / restroom in the middle of the CG and a small laundry in the NW, there’s not much here in the way of amenities

    Happy Camping!

  • Dare To Everywhere .The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

    Great free campground!

    Stayed 7/13/20- FREE 

    Coming off the main road, you’ll enter onto a Dead End gravel road. 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. You’ll open up into the campground. The first site to the left of the info board is the most private, with the fire ring being way off the road. I got in late, in the dark, and turned around because the first board said“no camping”. I gave it another shot and continued down the road and was glad when I saw site numbers. Was in and out pretty quick, but it seemed like a really nice place and the fire pits are awesome! Vault toilets available. 

    I had 3 bars LTE AT&T, with no problems.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Campground Diamond In The Rough

    Following up on my review from over a year and a half ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this county park campground gem in a very rural part of Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) EZ access and just a 20 minute / 9 mile drive due south from I-80 via Exit 201; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (4) The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond; (5) The hiking trails and bountiful fishing spots make this a simply wonderful campground; (6) Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you; (7) While basic, the bathhouses were in pretty good condition and very clean; (8) Kid’s playground is fantastic and nearly brand new; (9) Reasonably priced bundles of pre-cut firewood; and (10) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic in here, although you are so far out in the boondocks, it’s not really much of a concern; (2) The newly minted RV area slopes down to the lake, but as you park perpendicular, it shouldn’t be an issue; (3) Also, because the RV area is new, there’s no trees or brush, which creates a lack of privacy between sites; (4) Nearly all of the RV slots – save the few that are right next to the lake - have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings, at least in the tent camping areas, are worn-out and in pretty poor condition and should be replaced or refurbished; (7) The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don’t recommend swimming here

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Howell Station

    Campground by the River

    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. Baths/showers were very clean and well kept up. Sites were spacious, level and most were very shady. Hosts were helpful and very friendly.  Firewood is available from hosts for $5 a bundle.

  • D
    Aug. 10, 2020

    North Overlook Camp

    North Overlook

    Camping doesn't get much better than this in Iowa. The North Overlook site is part of a much larger group of COE campgrounds on Lake Red Rock. It is heavily shaded and offers direct access to a large beach on the lake complete with shower houses and concessions. Red Rock is the largest lake in the state and can accomodate any size water craft. The campground is located directly on the Volksweg trail which offers excellent opportunities for any level of hiker or bicyclist. The town of Pella is close by and is a worthy destination in itself. Shower houses are clean as is the campground in general. Campsites are well distanced from each other and offer a good degree of privacy. The only drawback, for some, is the fact that sewer and water hookups are not available. All sites have electric. I would highly recommend this, and all the COE campgrounds on Lake Red Rock.

Guide to Lake Red Rock

Tent camping options near Lake Red Rock provide affordable access to central Iowa's outdoor recreation. Situated at Iowa's largest reservoir with 15,250 acres of water and 35,000 acres of land, the area offers diverse camping environments ranging from wooded sites to lakeside settings. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions for campers.

What to do

Astronomy experiences: Visit Ashton Wildwood Park's observatory, open Saturday evenings except the first Saturday of each month. "The observatory that's open on Saturday's was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom," notes camper Willy W. at Ashton Wildwood Park.

Kayaking and fishing: Rent kayaks directly at Colfax Quarry Springs Park for exploring the water. Jerry V. reports, "There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks. The campground manager was extremely helpful." Colfax Quarry Springs Park is particularly known for largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.

Hiking trails: Explore the orienteering course at Ashton Wildwood Park, which requires some navigation through wooded areas. For easier walks, the park offers "a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement," according to Deb K.

What campers like

Spacious sites: Tent camping areas offer ample room for setup. "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents," mentions Topaz G. about Ashton Wildwood Park. The park's sites are tucked into wooded areas, providing natural separation between campers.

Quiet atmosphere: For campers seeking seclusion, Otter Creek Park offers a low-traffic option. "Love this little 1st come first camp county park!" says Steve H. about Otter Creek Park, highlighting its more private setting away from busier campgrounds.

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities despite their rustic nature. Christopher M. notes about Colfax Quarry Springs Park: "Awesome campground, clean and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good. Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites."

What you should know

Water access limitations: Most tent camping areas near Lake Red Rock have restricted water availability. At Colfax Quarry Springs Park, Willy W. advises: "I didn't see any water hookups so bring a filter or water. There is a Kum & Go up the road to get missing supplies."

Bathroom facilities vary: Expect rustic facilities at most tent campgrounds. "The bathroom at the campground doesn't have plumbing and no water available so make sure to bring plenty of water," explains Willy W. about Mariposa Recreation Area, though some campgrounds have upgraded options nearby.

Terrain considerations: The former quarry nature of some sites creates unique camping conditions. At Colfax Quarry Springs Park, Jerry V. warns: "Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that." This sandy terrain affects tent staking and general campsite setup.

Tips for camping with families

Observatory visits: Plan Saturday evening activities around the Ashton Wildwood Park observatory. "The astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable," shares Willy W., making this a unique educational opportunity for children interested in space.

Playground access: Ashton Wildwood Park offers play equipment for younger campers. Deb K. mentions, "I love to take my grand daughter here for overnight camping," and notes the park has "some play equipment for children."

Budget-friendly option: With rates around $7-10 per night at most tent sites, the Lake Red Rock area provides affordable family camping. "It's only $7/night!" exclaims Deb K. about Ashton Wildwood Park, making it accessible for families looking for economical outdoor experiences.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: RV campers should note terrain variations at quarry-based campgrounds. Christopher M. mentions that Colfax Quarry Springs Park was "Level enough for our rooftop tent with no difficulties," suggesting the site can accommodate some vehicle-based camping setups.

Limited RV services: Most tent-focused areas have minimal RV amenities. The Colfax Quarry Springs Park campground host provides some basics like firewood, with Jerry V. noting the manager "had firewood already staged for $7 and even came back on day two with more firewood for the same fee."

Tent-focused campgrounds: Some locations explicitly prioritize tent camping. Luke C. appreciates Colfax Quarry Springs Park as "Isolated campgrounds. Tent only none of that RV B.S.," indicating that RVers should research carefully before selecting a campground in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake Red Rock is Fifield (IA) with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Lake Red Rock, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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