Best Campgrounds near Marshalltown, IA

Marshalltown, Iowa contains several developed campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and cabins. Riverview Park Campground sits within city limits, providing electric sites and urban convenience, while Timmons Grove County Park offers a more natural setting along the Iowa River with electric sites and hiking trails. Rock Creek State Park Campground near Kellogg provides lakeside camping options with electric hookups. Union Grove State Park includes cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas. Most locations support both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of amenities and hookup availability.

Seasonal operation limits camping opportunities in the region, with many campgrounds closing between October and April. Riverview Park operates from April 15 to October 1, while Rock Creek State Park maintains a slightly longer season from April 1 to December 31. As one camper noted, "This campground can get busy on a summer weekend," highlighting the importance of advance planning during peak season. Temperatures can vary dramatically throughout the camping season, with hot, humid summer conditions and potential for severe weather including thunderstorms. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area due to the relatively flat terrain and proximity to towns. Most campgrounds feature improved gravel or paved access roads suitable for standard vehicles, though wet conditions can create muddy sites during rainy periods.

Water features represent a significant draw at several campgrounds in the area. Campers rate Pine Lake State Park highly for its paddle sports opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning that visitors can "paddle on upper or lower Pine Lake" and access multiple fishing spots. Road noise affects some locations, particularly Riverview Park where a reviewer observed it is "right next to the highway" with "hog trucks driving by all night." Timmons Grove offers a quieter experience with "good hiking trails" and wildlife viewing opportunities where "bird watchers will love this place." Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with some offering shower facilities. Electric hookups are common across most sites, though primitive camping options with no hookups are available at lower rates in several parks, typically $10-11 per night compared to $16-20 for electric sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Marshalltown, Iowa (103)

    1. Rock Creek State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 236-3722

    $15 - $46 / night

    "Stopped overnight on our way home from Iowa City. No reservations & took our chances on finding an electric site. Score! Neighbors were friendly."

    "The RV section of campground was nearly full but the tent/non-hook up section had lots of space. One can camp on lakeside but be aware that these spots have a slope, not comfortable for my van."

    2. Riverview Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Marshalltown, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 754-5715

    3. Timmons Grove County Park

    3 Reviews
    Marshalltown, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 752-5490

    "There are good hiking trails, including a walk through some wildflowers. Bird watchers will love this place. Also expect to see deer and turkeys."

    4. Union Grove State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Garwin, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 473-2556

    $30 - $90 / night

    "A few trails to hike and a horse camp that I didn’t have time to explore. Nice lending library as well. Bathroom/shower combos are nice (1 is ADA). Not far off the interstate."

    "Union Grove is known for having good lake fishing. The lake is also a great place for kayaking or canoeing."

    5. Wolf Creek Rec Area

    3 Reviews
    Gladbrook, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 345-2688

    $10 - $17 / night

    "Wolf Creek is a nice little campground near Beaman, IA (Beaman is very small, near Conrad as well which has a grocery store)."

    "A nice campground located on the comet trail."

    6. Outback Campground & Resort

    3 Reviews
    Garwin, IA
    15 miles
    +1 (641) 484-3611

    "Jump into the nearby water and let the kids have a blast! Enjoy a nice fun night away from home!"

    7. Kellogg RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 526-8535

    "Simple campground behind a Philips 66 gas station that totes they have Iowa’s best burger. They have recently updated shower building along with a laundry building"

    "I can’t tell you if they are actually Iowa’s best burger because this is the only burger I’ve had in Iowa.

    Nice people, everything is clean. Spots are pull thru. No issues at all."

    8. Pine Lake State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 858-5832

    $15 - $90 / night

    "This campground is near home so I know it well.

    The campground itself is nice, with some decent sized campsites, many having a great view of upper Pine Lake. There are flush toilets and showers."

    "Lovely views, great walking paths, quiet and picturesque lake. Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean. Campground is well kept. We will definitely be back."

    9. Newton KOA

    11 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 792-2428

    "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"

    "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."

    10. Otter Creek Lake and Park

    3 Reviews
    Garwin, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 484-2231

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Hidden gem in Iowa"

    "This is a very nice quiet campground close to a nice small lake. We stayed in space 30 and this area has just had the electrical updated and the are adding some new spots right by the lake."

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Recent Reviews near Marshalltown, IA

428 Reviews of 103 Marshalltown Campgrounds


  • 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.

    Highs:(1) Fairly EZ access from I-80;(2) Incredibly well-manicured campground– 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;(8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    Lows:(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 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!

  • 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.

    Highs:(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;(9) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $

    Lows:(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!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Black Hawk County Park

    On the bike trail

    Right on the bike trail.. Hot showers.. Good place to camp...

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Diamond lake

    Clean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Nice campground. Clean. Well kept.

    We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.

  • Isaac H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Deerwood Park

    Cash Only

    Good place to camp. Seems safe and friendly. Only down side is that it's cash only. Who carries cash these days?!


Guide to Marshalltown

Rock Creek State Park Campground serves as a popular destination among camping sites near Marshalltown, Iowa. Located approximately 30 miles from Marshalltown, this 602-acre recreation area provides access to a 491-acre lake for fishing and water activities. Summer temperatures in this region typically range from 80-90°F during daytime hours with humidity levels often exceeding 70%. Winter camping opportunities are limited but Rock Creek maintains a longer season than most area campgrounds, operating from April 1 through December 31.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Rock Creek State Park Campground attracts anglers seeking crappie and largemouth bass. "Rock Creek is known for its crappie and large mouth bass fishing. The lake has lots of features like brush piles, vertical structures, mossy areas and you can go over by the bridge and fish the rocks," notes one visitor.

Paddling activities: The lakes provide excellent paddling conditions for various watercraft. "Very nice lake. You can rent fishing boats, pontoons, kayaks, and canoes," explains a Rock Creek camper. At Pine Lake State Park Campground, visitors can "paddle on upper or lower Pine Lake" and access multiple fishing spots.

Hiking options: Several campgrounds maintain trail systems for day hiking. "There are good hiking trails, including a walk through some wildflowers," reports a camper at Timmons Grove County Park. Pine Lake State Park features "hiking trails all around lower Pine Lake" where visitors can observe wildlife and native plants.

Disc golf course: Newton KOA offers an on-site disc golf course for campers seeking recreational activities beyond water sports. The course layout accommodates players of various skill levels and provides a land-based activity option when water conditions are unfavorable.

What campers like

Waterfront camping: Many campers appreciate lakeside sites. "We dry camped right on the water's edge for $6 a night," reports one visitor to Rock Creek. At Otter Creek Lake and Park, campers enjoy "lake front camping. Sunset over the lake!" according to a reviewer who found the setting ideal for evening relaxation.

Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds support diverse wildlife. At Timmons Grove, "bird watchers will love this place. Also expect to see deer and turkeys," notes a camper. The relatively undeveloped shorelines around many lakes provide natural habitat for waterfowl and other species.

Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention facility maintenance. At Union Grove State Park Campground, visitors appreciate that "bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean. Campground is well kept," while Pine Lake receives similar praise for updated facilities where "they've recently updated the bathroom/shower houses to be shared bathroom spaces with individual shower 'closets'."

Multiple lake access: Pine Lake State Park offers the unusual feature of two connected lakes. As one visitor notes, "Fishing is good here, as are the hiking trails. Can paddle on upper or lower Pine Lake."

What you should know

Highway noise levels: Some campgrounds experience significant road noise. At Riverview Park Campground in Marshalltown, "It is right next to the highway. When I was there in a tent, the hog trucks would drive by all night (loud and smelly)." Similarly, Newton KOA sits "literally a single stone's throw from I80" where "you'll be hard pressed not to see or hear it during your entire stay."

Site spacing varies: Campground density differs across locations. At Rock Creek, "RV sites are close and busy" while "the sites both tent and RV are simply too close for you to enjoy the place." However, Wolf Creek Recreation Area offers more privacy where "the tent sites are spread out and it is fairly easy to find one without neighbors too close."

Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Union Grove operates from May 1 to September 30, while Newton KOA runs from April 1 to October 31. Some facilities like shower houses close earlier than the campgrounds themselves.

Mosquito conditions: Insect activity can impact camping comfort. As one Riverview Park camper noted, "Mosquitos are really bad here," while another campground visitor mentioned "bugs are bad this time of the year." Bringing appropriate repellent is essential during summer months.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Wolf Creek Rec Area provides family-friendly amenities. "The campground has a nice playground, which was a feature we enjoyed when my daughter was little," reports a regular visitor. Similarly, Riverview Park includes a "playground for the kids" among its facilities.

Swimming options: Several parks maintain designated swimming areas. At Pine Lake, campers appreciate the "beach swimming" area on lower Pine Lake, though water quality can vary seasonally. One visitor to Outback Campground noted, "Jump into the nearby water and let the kids have a blast!"

Educational opportunities: Otter Creek offers nature-based learning. "Nature Center offers education displays and programs," notes a visitor, making it suitable for families seeking educational components to their camping trip.

Budget-friendly sites: Tent camping costs range from $6-18 per night across the region. Wolf Creek Recreation Area charges "$10/night" for tent sites, while electric sites cost more at "$15/night." This price difference allows families to camp economically if willing to forgo hookups.

Tips from RVers

Electrical service variations: Kellogg RV Park provides full-service sites. "The sites are 20/30/50 amp. No water or sewer at the sites but there are water spigots dispersed through the campground and full dump station as you come in/leave," explains one RVer. At Riverview Park Campground, "Full hook up for reason price. Has electric and water sites, too."

Site leveling considerations: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Newton KOA, visitors note that "sites are level (#62)" while Union Grove has "some sites that are off with level & weird (ie stairs/door open on an incline and away from the table)."

Year-round accessibility: For winter travelers, Kellogg RV Park remains "open year around" with "nice large sites and no need to unhook," making it convenient for overnight stays during off-season travel.

Off-season availability: Many RVers prefer camping outside peak season. Rock Creek State Park becomes less crowded in autumn when "we stayed during the fall and it was practically empty." Similarly, Wolf Creek Recreation Area is "never too busy even on holiday weekends."

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Marshalltown, Iowa?

Several campgrounds are available near Marshalltown. Riverview Park Campground is located within city limits, offering both RV sites with hookups and non-electric tent sites. Just a short drive away is Timmons Grove County Park, which provides electric sites at $18/night. Other nearby options include Union Grove State Park Campground near Gladbrook, Wolf Creek Recreation Area near Beaman, and Little Wall Lake County Park. For those willing to travel a bit further, Diamond Lake County Park, Prairie Bridges Park, and Rock Creek State Park offer additional camping experiences within reasonable driving distance from Marshalltown.

What recreational facilities does Riverview Park in Marshalltown offer for campers?

Riverview Park in Marshalltown provides campers with access to various recreational facilities while being conveniently located within city limits. The park offers multiple camping options including RV sites with hookups and non-electric tent sites. Due to its location in Marshalltown, campers can easily access city activities and amenities. For those seeking water recreation, Rock Creek State Park Campground is a reasonable drive away, featuring a good-sized lake, nice beach, and boat rentals. While Riverview Park's proximity to the highway may create some noise, its convenient location and access to Marshalltown's facilities make it a practical base for exploring the area.

What services does the Marshalltown Parks and Recreation Department provide for camping visitors?

The Marshalltown Parks and Recreation Department maintains camping facilities at Riverview Park Campground, providing both RV sites with hookups and non-electric tent sites. While specific department services aren't detailed in available reviews, they likely offer standard amenities such as campsite maintenance, basic restroom facilities, and trash collection. For comparison, nearby George Wyth State Park Campground offers affordable camping with rates of $11-$16 depending on hookups, along with kayak and canoe rentals. Visitors to Marshalltown can expect access to city amenities and activities due to the campground's convenient location within city limits, though they should be prepared for some highway noise.