107 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds surrounding Otley, Iowa cluster around Lake Red Rock, offering a mix of developed sites for tent and RV camping. Whitebreast Campground provides spacious lakeside sites with electric hookups, while nearby Wallashuck Campground and Roberts Creek West Campground offer similar amenities. Several campgrounds in the area feature full hookup options for RVs alongside primitive tent sites, with most facilities located within a 10-mile radius of Otley. Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake provides a smaller, more intimate camping experience with just six sites available, while larger operations like Elk Rock State Park include separate equestrian camping areas.
Seasonal operations affect most campgrounds in the region, with typical opening dates from April through October. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when lakefront spots fill quickly. "Campsites are well spaced, some have good views of the lake. Men's bathroom is clean, showers have good hot water but could use a deep cleaning," noted one visitor about Wallashuck Campground. The area experiences typical Midwestern seasonal weather patterns, with summer temperatures generally pleasant for camping but occasional stormy periods. Most developed campgrounds maintain paved access roads suitable for RVs and provide basic amenities including water, electric hookups, and dump stations, though few offer full sewer hookups at individual sites.
Lake access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with fishing, boating, and shoreline activities available at multiple locations. According to one camper, "Roberts creek is a great spot. It's pretty much where all the crappie live. There is a boat ramp that gets you on the other side of the lake which is nice." Many campgrounds maintain dedicated boat ramps for lake access, though views of the water vary by location. Visitors frequently mention the well-maintained shower facilities and clean restrooms at developed campgrounds around Lake Red Rock. The area also features wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at Elk Rock State Park, where bald eagles can be spotted seasonally along the lakeshore. For those seeking recreational variety, some campgrounds connect to hiking trails and disc golf courses, providing additional outdoor activities beyond standard water recreation.
"Our site had a great view of the lake, as well. The campgrounds are a drive away from the beach and most boat ramps. "
"Can walk down to the dock. We love to camp there every Fourth of July. It is a great place for all ages to enjoy."
from $20 - $288 / night
Check Availability"We will be staying here every year, this is the best site we've stayed at in central Iowa. Great fishing, bike trail right next to the campsite. Great views too. Dam is right there and you can fish."
"It’s well maintained, the bathrooms are clean, you’re not packed together like sardines, there’s a nice bike/walking trail around the park and (at least when we’ve visited) bald eagles, blue herons and"
from $22 - $24 / night
Check Availability"Wallashuck in Pella, iowa is one of my favorite places to camp. It’s mostly quiet and peaceful. Plus town is close and has plenty to entertain or fill up supplies"
"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."
from $20 - $24 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Plus just 6 miles from our fav brewery in Iowa."
from $25 - $120 / night
Check Availability"Caveat: you cannot see the lake from the camping spots Camped site 26
Wooded county campground. Many of the spots at the West campground are paved. They all have electric."
"Easy in and around campground. A lot of space between sites. Sites are fairly level with hard pack gravel."
"There are lots of trails around the area. It’s also a great place if you like to go horse back riding with lots of trails that go near the water.
There are camp hosts to help answer questions."
"We really wnjoyed riding the trails here. Good facilities for our horses."
from $18 - $78 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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"
"rural Iowa."
"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."
"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."
from $14 - $24 / night
Check Availability"Each of the 10 campsites are spacious and plenty of distance between. Nice quick trails with wildlife. The park is well maintained and well priced!"
"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."
LegendNice Iowa State Park campground just outside of Grenell Iowa. On a lake. Hundreds of sites. So many of the non-electric test sites look amazing. The RV sites are very packed in with little to no privacy.
LegendPulled in from the main entrance on Stage Coach road - saw signs for tent sites to the right, so continued straight to RV sites. Found the little site with about 10 sites and only 2 other campers there. Found a nice place by the water and parked, hooked into electric.
Later took my bike for a ride and realized how many other sites there are around this lake. So many of them right on the water. A beautiful little spot. I was thinking of staying two nights, but discovered 2 ticks on my cat and decided to pull out.
Over night big rain came in and my power pedestal and fire pit were submerged in water! Choose your site wisely if there's a storm coming!
LegendBig beautiful camp ground right on the Des Moines River. All need to be reserved in advance at Recreation.gov
I selected my site based on its proximity to the river. Good choice, as I could watch the eagle and heron fish right from my site.
However the very busy bike/pedestrian path also runs right next to the site. So there’s no privacy. And the bridge that goes across the river is made of loose boards, so every time someone crosses there is a loud clanking sound.
Despite all of that, I did enjoy my experience here a very well kept campground. Big trees. Good enough cell reception for me to work. Electric hook ups, but no water.
ScoutGreat spot in the woods. Lots of trails. They have a bison and elk sanctuary. Also a nature center. A playground. They have several RV spots. Most are pre book but they have a section for first come first serve. Also lots of tent camping. A few group camping areas. Showers are ok. I believe the non shower house bathrooms are all vault toilets. Overall a great place to stay!
ScoutThere are a couple small hiking trails, but they were very well maintained and an easy hike to get my daughter started in her backpack.
ScoutThey show tent camping reservations allowed online and they even let you book a tent to Camp online for paying $32 but then when they come around and talk to you they don't say anything about not having a tent allowed and they don't give you the codes to the restroom and then they just close the office and go to bed and then at 11:00 at night the sheriff comes and tells you to grab all your stuff because there's no camping allowed and put you out on the street with nowhere to go and no more money cuz you wasted all your money on that stupid site that you didn't even get to stay at and then you realize that after you carried all your stuff over to the bar and had to sleep outside on the streets with your service dog when you have disabilities and you told them you have seizures that you had a seizure and now you have to go to the hospital and you lost your tent because somebody stole it so now you have nowhere to live because you're homeless and somebody stole your only house which was your tent because the sheriff kicked you out at 10:00 or 11:00 at night that was really great thanks that was the best experience in my whole life not really and thanks for putting my stress level so high that I went to seizures when people have disabilities you guys should be more accommodating and be more open and honest and be more willing to talk to people
GuideEverything is the same as reported in previous reviews. Good facilities and low price. Easy in and out.
TravelerPark was pretty full, but they found us a spot for the night. Excellent pricing and the yards are BIG compared to other places we've stayed. Would definitely come back
ScoutTesting out a new set up and this has full service with electric, water and sewer line.
Camping sites near Otley, Iowa primarily surround Lake Red Rock, with most located within 10-15 miles. The region sits in the Des Moines River valley, with an average elevation of 760 feet and summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, though specific opening dates vary by location and water levels can fluctuate significantly during spring runoff periods.
Fishing access points: Whitebreast Campground provides excellent shoreline fishing opportunities. "Great area for camping and fishing," notes Dorothy H. about Whitebreast Campground. The area attracts anglers particularly during spring and fall when bass and crappie are most active.
Kayaking on Lake Red Rock: Launch from several campground access points to explore Iowa's largest lake. Molly L. explains, "The lake was great for kayaking, but the visit to Whitebreast beach knocked the campground scored down, as I typically look for the overall experience and not just sites/facilities in my rating."
Hiking the Volksweg Trail: This paved path connects multiple Lake Red Rock campgrounds and offers wildlife viewing opportunities. Dan R. mentions that North Overlook Camp is "located directly on the Volksweg trail which offers excellent opportunities for any level of hiker or bicyclist."
Visit Dutch-themed Pella: Located just minutes from several campgrounds, this cultural destination offers unique attractions and dining. "The Dutch themed town of Pella is a short drive and a must see," shares Renee H. from Howell Station.
Spacious, well-separated sites: Many campgrounds offer ample room between sites. Miles M. notes of Whitebreast, "Sites were very spaced out and they are only on one side of the road so no sites backed up to ours. Plenty of room for our dogs."
Clean bathroom facilities: Most Lake Red Rock campgrounds maintain well-kept shower and restroom facilities. According to Jay M., at Howell Station, "Baths/showers were very clean and well kept up. Sites were spacious, level and most were very shady."
Shade coverage: Mature trees provide relief from summer heat at most established sites. Norman D. says of Roberts Creek West Campground, "Dense, tall shade trees. Each site has a nice view of the woods."
Private camping options: For those seeking a more secluded experience, smaller campgrounds offer alternatives to the larger facilities. Evan G. describes Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake: "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."
Beach conditions vary: Water access points differ significantly in quality and maintenance. Molly L. warns about Whitebreast beach: "As you made your way further down and into the water, there was muddy, wet clay and the beach floor was slimy and muddy. I even saw a young boy lose his shoes in the wet clay!"
Highway noise at some locations: Proximity to major roads affects the camping experience at certain sites. Victor S. mentions about North Overlook Camp, "This campground sits right next to a busy highway and the tent spots are right out front and have very little shade. The tent spots are very close to a busy highway."
Tent site limitations: Some campgrounds prioritize RV spaces over tent camping areas. "The tent spots are also VERY close together which is frustrating," continues Victor S. about North Overlook Camp.
Seasonal storm preparedness: The area experiences severe weather during summer months. Renee H. reports, "The night we stayed, there was a severe weather threat, and the staff, at the end of the night, had unlocked the storm shelters should the need arise. We ended up having to seek shelter because of a tornado warning."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. Laura B. notes about Whitebreast: "It is a great place for all ages to enjoy."
Fishing opportunities for kids: Multiple campgrounds offer shore fishing suitable for young anglers. Jesse H. says about Howell Station, "Great fishing, bike trail right next to the campsite. Great views too. Dam is right there and you can fish."
Swimming considerations: Beach areas provide water recreation, but conditions should be checked in advance. Tiffany K. describes Wallashuck: "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."
Nature exploration activities: Several campgrounds offer nature walks and wildlife viewing opportunities. Megan Y. shares about Nature Haven: "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."
Electric-only sites common: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups without full sewer connections at individual sites. Michael W. explains, "Each sight has a fire ring and table, plus a lantern pole. You have to get water at the entrance only electrical hook up."
Accessibility for larger rigs: Most Lake Red Rock campgrounds accommodate larger recreational vehicles. James P. notes about Roberts Creek West, "Easy in and around campground. A lot of space between sites. Sites are fairly level with hard pack gravel."
Dump station locations: Central dump stations serve multiple camping loops. Michael M. advises about Wallashuck, "Good place close to Pella and Knoxville. Some sites on Red Rock. Little pricey for not having full hookups."
Low-clearance cautions: Some campground access roads have height restrictions. Camden O. warns about Roberts Creek West, "Be careful of low lying trees for taller campers."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Otley, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Otley, IA is Whitebreast Camp with a 4.7-star rating from 11 reviews.
What parks are near Otley, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Otley, IA that allow camping, notably Lake Red Rock and Saylorville Lake.
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