Best Camping near Moravia, IA

Moravia, IA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Moravia, IA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Moravia, IA (88)

    Camper-submitted photo from Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun
    Camper-submitted photo from Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun
    Camper-submitted photo from Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun
    Camper-submitted photo from Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun
    Camper-submitted photo from Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun
    Camper-submitted photo from Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun

    1. Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun

    6 Reviews
    23 Photos
    29 Saves
    Moravia, Iowa

    Overview

    Island View Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just nine miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa and 8 miles southwest of Moravia.

    Recreation

    The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler: Crappie, channel catfish, walleye and largemouth bass are most common. The prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.

    Natural Features

    Rathbun Lake is situated in the gently rolling hills of the Chariton River Valley in southeast Iowa. The campground consists of open grassy areas dotted with trees. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake.

    Contact Info

    This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is nearby, offering self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round. Hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye are produced here each year. Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is just 20 minutes from the campground. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres in an abandoned rock quarry.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wapello State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wapello State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wapello State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wapello State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wapello State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wapello State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Creek Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Creek Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Creek Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Creek Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Creek Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Creek Resort

    3. Honey Creek Resort

    6 Reviews
    31 Photos
    4 Saves
    Moravia, Iowa

    This recreation area is part of Rathbun Lake

    • RVs
    • Tents

    $40 - $49 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Honey Creek State Park Campground

    4. Honey Creek State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    18 Photos
    25 Saves
    Moravia, Iowa

    This recreation area is part of Rathbun Lake

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bridgeview Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bridgeview Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bridgeview Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bridgeview Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bridgeview Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bridgeview Campground

    5. Bridgeview Campground

    2 Reviews
    15 Photos
    11 Saves
    Moravia, Iowa

    Overview

    Bridgeview Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just 13 miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing and picnicking are popular activities at this waterfront recreation area.

    Recreation

    The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler. Crappie, channel catfish, walleye and largemouth bass are most common. Whether power boating or sailing, Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, has something to offer everyone. In particular, the water's prevailing winds make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.

    Natural Features

    Rathbun Lake is situated in the gently rolling hills of the Chariton River Valley in southeast Iowa. The campground consists of open grassy areas dotted with trees. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake.

    Contact Info

    This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464.

    Nearby Attractions

    Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is just three miles from the campground. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres of an abandoned rock quarry. The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is located near the main dam, and offers self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round. Hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye are produced here each year.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ottumwa City Park

    6. Ottumwa City Park

    4 Reviews
    1 Photo
    1 Save
    Ottumwa, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitebreast Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitebreast Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitebreast Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitebreast Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitebreast Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitebreast Campground

    7. Whitebreast Campground

    8 Reviews
    9 Photos
    70 Saves
    Lake Red Rock, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • No image available

      8. Eveland Access

      3 Reviews
      3 Saves
      Oskaloosa, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • RVs

      $20 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from COE Rathbun Lake Buck Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from COE Rathbun Lake Buck Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from COE Rathbun Lake Buck Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from COE Rathbun Lake Buck Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from COE Rathbun Lake Buck Creek
      Camper-submitted photo from COE Rathbun Lake Buck Creek

      9. COE Rathbun Lake Buck Creek

      1 Review
      15 Photos
      9 Saves
      Moravia, Iowa

      Overview

      Buck Creek Campground is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just 9 miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking are popular activities at this lakefront campground.

      Recreation

      The 11,000-acre lake provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler. Crappie, channel catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass are most common. Although power boating is also popular, the prevailing winds on Rathbun Lake, also known as Iowa's Ocean, make it one of the best sailing lakes in Iowa.

      Natural Features

      Rathbun Lake is situated in the gently rolling hills of the Chariton River Valley in southeast Iowa. The campground consists of open grassy areas dotted with trees. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, and other wildlife can be found at Rathbun Lake.

      Contact Info

      This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464.

      Nearby Attractions

      The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is located near the main dam, and offers self-guided tours Monday through Friday year-round. Hundreds of thousands of catfish and walleye are produced here each year. Southern Iowa's only Off Highway Vehicle Park is nearby. It is located on the south bank of the South Fork Chariton River and encompasses nearly 125 acres of an abandoned rock quarry.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents

      $22 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Ridge
      Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Ridge
      Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Ridge
      Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Ridge
      Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Ridge
      Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Ridge

      10. Prairie Ridge

      1 Review
      15 Photos
      2 Saves
      Moravia, Iowa

      Overview

      Prairie Ridge Park is located 6 miles, SW of the Jct of Iowa Highway 5 and J18 at Moravia. Awesome Sunsets- No Extra Charge! Rathbun's off-the-beaten path park offers unique opportunities for lover's of the outdoors. Nestled between Buck Creek and Honey Creek, the high ridge offers wonderful vistas of the lake while surrounded by Iowa's Natural and enhanced prairie life community, with woodland draws and timbered hillsides.

      Recreation

      Prairie Ridge Boat Ramp is protected on three sides and has been long popular with both motorized craft and a launching area for wind surfers and catamarans. A courtesy dock with fish cleaning station aid families on and off the water.

      Natural Features

      Rathbun's most extensive trail, eight miles in length, takes hikers and bikers into Iowa's wild, and links to Iowa's Premier destination park at Honey Creek Resort.

      Contact Info

      This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (641) 647-2464.

      Nearby Attractions

      The park is within a few minutes of lake conveniences, bait, dining, and fuel. Rathbun's fish hatchery is open to the public on weekdays. Groups are encouraged to make appointments. 14 minutes west, on Hwy S70, one of Southern Iowa's best off-roading opportunities is at the 125 Acre Rathbun OHV Park. There's even a tot lot beginner's area. Search Rathbun OHV Park on-line for actual dates of operation and applicable rules.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents

      $25 / night

    Show More
    Showing results 1-10 of 88 campgrounds

    Pet-friendly camping near Moravia

    Recent Reviews in Moravia

    160 Reviews of 88 Moravia Campgrounds


    • Rebecca W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Eldon Wildlife Management Area
      Sep. 27, 2024

      Eldon Wildlife Management Area

      Quiet and Secluded

      We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors.

    • 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.

    • Chunk S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Showme Campsites
      Aug. 11, 2024

      Lake Showme Campsites

      Nice spot, lots of activity

      Great spot, $20 for RVs and campers. Free if primitive camping. All spots have power and water. Waste and sewage dump can be found on campgrounds. One showering station on grounds. Bathrooms within walking distance. Even have a pistol and rifle range. Bathrooms could be cleaned more, but only complaint.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      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

    • Greg K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
      May. 16, 2024

      Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

      Beautiful park

      Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice. Cheap too. Walking trails nearby.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake
      Oct. 8, 2023

      Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake

      We had a great time at this site:) …

      We had a great time at this site:) Anna was very responsive and helpful when we had questions. I would definitely recommend to others, and I would return again.

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from East Lake Co Park
      Aug. 26, 2023

      East Lake Co Park

      Newer so campground still being established

      The campground was clean and quiet with water and electricity at each site. The dump station was set aside from the camp sites. The trees at the campground were recently planted so no shade. The best part is that there is plenty of room between camp sites so your not camping on top of your neighbors. Playground and bathrooms on site.

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wallashuck
      Jul. 19, 2023

      Wallashuck

      Convenience with some space

      We were able to camp in a tent near RVs without feeling crowded. The restrooms, showers, and playground were all close by…great for camping with kids. There were some nicer than ours and some with less privacy or further away than we’d prefer.

      A nice mix of convenience and privacy. Perfect location to showers and playground for kids. Ample space for our needs, but not overly private

    • Meredith L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp — Lake Red Rock
      Jun. 5, 2023

      Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp — Lake Red Rock

      Perfect Weekend Getaway for EVERYONE!

      This park is beautiful with plenty to do and see. We camped out at site 82 which is a non-electric site and close to a Red Rock Lake shoreline. Spots are pretty close but they perfectly have grass tall enough to give you some privacy between spots. I was never bothered by either neighbors. The grass also gives you a path to the water spout. The staff member at the front was such a gentlemen and helped us with our firewood. There are some walking paths down to the lake which you can fish from. The views by the lake are beautiful too. The only thing to keep in mind with this spot is it is as far away from the bathrooms as possible. I, personally, didn't mind, but wanted to make note of it. We will be returning to this park. 

      Restrooms: Cleaner than I expected! And they are not port-a-potty type bathrooms, plumbing with nice stalls, toilets and sinks. 

      Dog-friendliness: My dog LOVED this campground. We kept her on a long-line stake(per parks' guidelines) and she had plenty of room to roam. 

      Picnic area: A picnic table is provided but they are older, so I recommend bringing your own table cloth and some towels or something for the seats.

    • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Papa's Alpacas Campsites
      Jan. 12, 2023

      Papa's Alpacas Campsites

      Meet alpacas, goats and donkeys!

      Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're excited to welcome this partner to our platform. Randy is your host, and would love to take you on a tour on his farm. There are 4 sites in total, all with stunning 360  rolling hill views. A shared toilet and shower are available! Check them out and post some pictures here. Happy Camping!

    • Melissa W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
      Nov. 10, 2022

      Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

      Lacey Keosauqua State Park

      Stayed for a week in mid November. Although we had a storm at the beginning and end the overall stay was great. Weather ranged from 50s to 70s during the day and 30s to 40s at night. There were only 4 other sites occupied with a few ins and out during the week. I could see the spring and summer months getting busy with lake use. Trails were well maintained and tended even late into the season. My pups and I loved walking the lake loop (2.1miles) every day. Bonus: the deer came out each evening to forage.

    • Evan G.
      Camper-submitted photo from Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake
      Oct. 4, 2022

      Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake

      Peaceful, beautiful, incredible

      The perfect drive up private campsite you will find in Iowa. Very quiet with a beautiful view of three ponds and a sunset you will not want to miss. There are four campsites and a soon-to-be glamp site. Spacious, tranquil, and private. Halfway between Pella and Knoxville and on the lake red rocks peninsula, this is a must stay campsite.

    • Tiffany K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Howell Station
      Sep. 6, 2022

      Howell Station

      All Around Pleasant Campground

      Humble campground. There are lots of electric sites available for RVs and the sites are all very flat. There is ample grass area. The bathrooms and showers are well kept. The grounds have play sets and swings for kids. There are some great paved paths to walk or bike. It's a good place to fish or bird watch.

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Hills State Park Campground
      Sep. 5, 2022

      Thousand Hills State Park Campground

      Very clean and well kept

      I stayed one night for an activity at the state park the following day. The shower houses had individual, private, large, and very clean facilities. It was not crowded at all. Campground #2 was the smaller of the two campgrounds. The spots seemed more fitting for RV’s vs tent but there were a couple of tents. I slept in my van so it wasn’t an issue for me. I may reconsider visiting this park for tent camping.

    • Jonathan T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)
      Aug. 24, 2022

      Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

      Incorrect Info on The Dyrt app

      I was searching for free campsites on The Dyrt app and this place showed in the results. Yet, in the description, this place says it charges $20/night. It's really irritating when a place shows up in the results, after I already selected the search criteria filters, then drive all the way to a place and find out the information on the app wasn't accurate. Why am I spending thirty-one thing dollars per month on this app lol?



    Guide to Moravia

    Camping near Moravia, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

    What to do

    • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Rock Creek State Park Campground, provide access to lakes for fishing and boating. One camper mentioned, "Boat, kayak, and canoe rentals seemed reasonable and the little store was convenient."
    • Hiking: Trails are available for those who enjoy exploring nature. A visitor at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park noted, "Excellent hiking trails. Great area to explore around the park as well."
    • Playgrounds for kids: Campgrounds like Yellow Banks County Park have playgrounds, making it a great spot for families. One reviewer said, "New playground for the kids. Clean facilities."

    What campers like

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground shared, "Bathrooms and showers were nice and clean."
    • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites that allow for privacy. A camper at Whitebreast Campground said, "Sites were very spaced out and they are only on one side of the road so no sites backed up to ours."
    • Friendly hosts: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Newton KOA noted, "All of the staff that we interacted with was great."

    What you should know

    • Limited shade: Some campgrounds, like Rock Creek State Park Campground, have limited shade options. A camper mentioned, "Limited shade options."
    • Noise from highways: Campgrounds near major roads, such as Kellogg RV Park, can be noisy. One visitor said, "The only real issue is the constant noise from I-80 which is just to the south of the campground."
    • Reservations recommended: Many sites are reservable, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Thomas Mitchell County Park noted, "Turns out they were reserved. Very nice camp host told us we could have a non-electric site."

    Tips for camping with families

    • Choose campgrounds with amenities: Look for places with playgrounds and clean facilities. A parent at Yellow Banks County Park said, "Very nice, clean, spacious campground."
    • Plan for activities: Bring along games or sports equipment for family fun. A visitor at Thousand Hills State Park Campground mentioned, "There are several trails, picnic areas, and play areas for kids."
    • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make outings easier. One camper at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground appreciated the "convenient little store."

    Tips from RVers

    • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Newton KOA advised, "Some sites only offer 30 or 50, while some do offer both, so be sure to ask when making your reservation."
    • Look for full hookups: Many RV parks provide full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Kellogg RV Park noted, "Each pull-thru site comes equipped with all of the typical hook-ups."
    • Consider off-peak visits: If you want a quieter experience, try camping during the week. A camper at Thomas Mitchell County Park mentioned, "It is very peaceful but we also camp Sun-We’d when there isn’t a ton of people."

    Camping near Moravia, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful getaway.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What camping is available near Moravia, IA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, Moravia, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 88 campgrounds and RV parks near Moravia, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

    • Which is the most popular campground near Moravia, IA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Moravia, IA is Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

    • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Moravia, IA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Moravia, IA.

    • What parks are near Moravia, IA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Moravia, IA that allow camping, notably Rathbun Lake and Lake Red Rock.