North central Iowa provides campers near Otho with a unique landscape shaped by glacial activity from the Des Moines Lobe. This region features rolling prairies interspersed with stands of oak and hickory trees at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,100 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F while winter camping opportunities remain available at select locations with reduced rates and limited services.
What to do
Hiking trails: Ledges State Park offers challenging terrain with sandstone formations and scenic overlooks. "The hiking trails are cool. I would say it was a challenging hike. A lot of up and down terrain, stone steps, etc. The ledges along the river were beautiful and depending on the river height you can walk right along them," notes one visitor to Ledges State Park Campground.
Water recreation: The Des Moines River and surrounding lakes provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. A camper at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area North Equestrian Campground shares: "I stayed here at the start of the summer and had a great time. We chose to stay in the equestrian campsite because it was a bit more secluded and shaded. I was surprised to see a school of muskie while fishing, but it appeared that they were spawning at the time."
Wildlife observation: Early morning and evening hours offer prime opportunities for bird watching and wildlife photography throughout the region. A visitor to Brushy Creek mentions, "Very little light pollution" making it excellent for stargazing on clear nights.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Several campgrounds feature well-spaced sites that provide privacy despite compact campground layouts. A visitor to Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground notes: "I stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent. I butted up against woods with neighbors to one side which made me feel like I had a pretty private area to myself."
Clean facilities: Maintained shower houses and restrooms receive consistent positive feedback across multiple campgrounds. A camper at Little Wall Lake County Park states: "This little gem is a great place to stay. Small lake. Some sites are reserveable online and some are first come first serve. We had water and electric on site."
Digital disconnection: Limited cell service in certain areas creates opportunities for unplugged relaxation. According to a camper at Dolliver Memorial State Park: "I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service. However, I was able to text my family via satellite to let them know I was okay. It could be seen as a pro or con, but I think we all need no phone time at some point to just set still and relax."
What you should know
Site accessibility: Many campgrounds feature terrain that may challenge larger RVs or require additional planning. A camper at Kennedy County Park observes: "Unfortunately, the RV park is quite cramped. The sites are somewhat modest in size and the one-way roads are narrow and unmarked. Several times during our two-night stay, drivers were forced to pull off to permit a 'wrong-way' vehicle to pass."
Weather considerations: Open areas provide limited wind protection, particularly at certain campgrounds. At Little Wall Lake County Park, a camper notes: "This is a nice small camp area that only has one downfall: a lack of wind break. We went when the wind was blowing in typical Iowa summer fashion."
Firewood availability: Several campgrounds require purchasing firewood locally rather than bringing your own due to emerald ash borer restrictions. A visitor to Dolliver Memorial State Park comments: "We wish the park cut-up its own firewood and offered it for sale. As it is, you can't bring in any wood outside the area because of the Elm Tree Borer possibly being transported, so you will need to go to Ft Dodge to buy some."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer well-maintained playground equipment for children. At The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park, a camper notes: "There was a park nearby with a playground" and Kennedy County Park features "a nice playground" according to another reviewer.
Water activities: Shallow beach areas provide safer swimming locations for younger children during summer months. Brushy Creek offers "Great new beach area and fishing" according to one visitor.
Tent site planning: When tent camping with children, consider proximity to facilities and parking. A Ledges State Park visitor warns: "If you want to tent camp, bring a cart or something to haul everything with. The parking lot is a LONG WAY from any private tent site."
Tips from RVers
Off-season rates: RV camping near Otho, Iowa offers significant savings during shoulder seasons. A Brushy Creek camper shares: "Open for off season camping. 14$/night for full hookups with pull thru RV sites."
Site selection priorities: Campground layouts vary significantly, affecting privacy and accessibility. At Dolliver Memorial State Park, a reviewer advises: "The RV parking area isn't really big, but all sites are great and feel private, especially the outer ones."
Connectivity limitations: Plan for limited or no internet access at many campgrounds. A Kennedy County Park camper notes: "No cell service provider functions in this park. The WIFI is shared between dozens of sites, speed averages right around 5mps."
