Best known for its rich farming history, Iowa is also rich and diverse in nature, with a multitude of destinations to camp and hike. If you’re planning on camping in Iowa, you’re in luck.


Effigy Mounds National Monument is situated on the bank of the Mississippi River at the eastern border of Iowa. Part of the “driftless” region of Iowa that was left untouched by the passing glaciers thousands of years ago, the area’s bluffs, forests, and other habitats host diverse ecosystems to explore and admire.


More than that, Effigy Mounds is notable for its historic settlement by the Native American Effigy Moundbuilders, who build massive sets of mounds that, from a bird’s eye view, form the shape of animals such as bears, cats, and birds. These nature-inspired monuments blend well with the natural scenery, making it an ideal site for camping.


Another excellent site for camping in Iowa is Maquoketa Caves State Park. Located next to the eastern Iowa town of Maquoketa, the 370-acre park contains amazing caves weaving throughout the limestone bedrock of the bluffs. Spelunkers and nature-enthusiasts alike will enjoy exploring the caverns, such as the 800-foot long Dancehall Cave.


Even if you’re not up for venturing into the caverns, there are plenty of other things to do at Maquoketa Caves. Hikers can walk along six miles of trails throughout the park, passing by habitats ranging from bluffs to woodlands to prairies. Unfortunately, the campgrounds are closed until October 2018 for renovations to the camping facilities, but when it is open again you should definitely consider a visit.


Camping in Iowa is diverse and plentiful, there are countless campsites and trails that you may wish to consider. Once you start exploring Iowa’s natural ecosystems, you’ll begin to see the true beauty of the vibrant state.

Iowa

The Best Camping in Iowa | 100+ IA Campgrounds

Join the fun near Otley. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Otley

The Best Camping Near Otley, Iowa

The charming natural beauties and it's healing powers! We have prepared 4 beautiful view campsites the quiet peaceful campground that has 3 private ponds with fish and 10-acre all nature tree areas in the fenced 40 acres hilly land. It is about 50 miles in the capital city Des Moines. The site has good cell phone signal from most providers. We recently built a 20ft diameter geodesic dome tent for those who want more climate controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent nature's gift.

**We are open year around for you to enjoy four seasons world excitement**: Springs, Summers, Falls and of course winters!!

All of 4 campsites have plenty of space and is apart from each other with good privacy. Each site has a fire pit with a tripod for food cooking, a "picnic table" and a solar light. Drinking water tap is near the entrance, not at each site. For RVs, you can add water before you get in the gate. Site 1, site 2 and site 3 are on top of the hills with a beautiful view of ponds and lake, and site 4 is in woods with has full shade in summer and walking trails in woods.

The are also a lots to do nearby the red Rock lake areas. The Whitebreast camping and swimming Beach, Red rock lake boat ramp, Historic Coal Ridge Church, Stu Kuyper hiking trail and Youth park are within one mile from our camping site.

Tri-Pond camping sites are the perfect campsites for family relaxing camping, Van-camping, road trip stops, friends gathering, or come and stay for local events in the nearby cities, such as in Des Moines, Newton, Pella, Knoxville, Oskaloosa, Monroe, Pleasantville, Indianola etc.. TulipTime, hot balloon Festival, car race…

Notes: four wheel vehicle recommended since the campground is hilly here and there. You will need bug repellent during summer. We do not use any chemicals on site. Ticks are common during earlier spring and summer in grassy areas and woods, but not usually found during Fall and Winter. There may be hunting gun sounds near or far during hunting seasons, these are from public land nearly. we do not allow any kinds of hunting or trapping on our camping ground.

The site has plenty of space for big rig boondocking near the gate.

Questions? Text to Anna at: (530)309-9885. Or

Email to: fengyuwang62@gmail.com

Notes to campers:

1\. Hilly road. Drive less than 10 m/ h, carefully some area near pond has Steep slopes.

2\. Quiet time: 10:00pm to 6:00am

3\. Need bug repellent during summer. Ticks are common in the grassy area and woods, but not usually find on area grass been mowed. We do not use any chemical on site.

4\. Possible coyotes in the property, take care of small children, especially during night

5\. Watch out the dead trees in the woods.

6\. Pay attentions to water safety. No swim in the ponds.

7\. No swim in the campsite ponds, just for fishing. You can go swim at the Whitebreast beach, which is less than a mile from the campsite. and the shower houses there are clean and well maintained.

8\. Please do not pick nor eat any mushrooms on site. The Mushrooms on site maybe poisonous.

9\. No hunting anytime.



Lake Red Rock Oasis

Enjoy our relaxing cabin on an 8-acre pond just a couple of miles outside of the city. Highway access to a secluded spot in this 266-acre property. The cabin is “off the grid” so it can be run by a generator or wood burning stove, lamps, etc. There is a waterfront deck, firepits, tree swing, dock, and many other ways to enjoy the peaceful scenery. A generator will be supplied for a “not so off grid” experience if preferred. UTV rentals are an option when available ($250/day) if you want to explore the property and have some fun.



Waterfront Cabin

## Overview

Whitebreast Camp is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.

  
For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here:  
[Lake Red Rock Website](https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Red-Rock/)   
  
  
  
For a virtual tour of the area, click here:  
[Lake Red Rock - Virtual Tour](http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/usace/redrock/tour.html)

## Recreation

Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline. Anglers will find crappie, walleye, largemouth and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill. Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area

## Facilities

This large campground offers 132 campsites and two group sites, all with either 30 or 50-amp electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station and boat ramp.   
  
Younger campers love the park's playgrounds, and the Whitebreast Beach is nearby.  
  
Two day use picnic shelters are also located within the Whitebreast Camp area. The Whitebreast Point shelter is a conventional open shelter and the Miner's Retreat shelter is a small enclosed shelter.

## Natural Features

Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at Whitebreast, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrates through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. White-tailed deer, turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake. 

## Nearby Attractions

Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.

## Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

Whitebreast Camp

## Overview

Wallashuck Campground is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.

  
For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here:  
[Lake Red Rock Website](https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Red-Rock/)

  
For a virtual tour of Lake Red Rock, click here:  
[Lake Red Rock - Virtual Tour](http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/usace/redrock/tour.html)

## Recreation

Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline. Anglers will find crappie, largemouth and striped bass,walleye, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill. Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area.

## Facilities

Wallashuck offers 83 campsites with electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. A playground is also provided.

## Natural Features

Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at Wallashuck, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrates through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. White-tailed deer , turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake. 

## Nearby Attractions

Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.

## Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amound. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

Wallashuck

## Overview

Howell Station Campground sits just below the Red Rock Dam and Lake on the north side of the Des Moines River. Lake Red Rock is Iowa's largest lake, located just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.

  
For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here:   
[Lake Red Rock Website](https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Red-Rock/)

  
For a virtual tour of the area, click here:  
[Lake Red Rock - Virtual Tour](http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/usace/redrock/tour.html)

## Recreation

Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline. Anglers will find crappie, largemouth and striped bass, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill. Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area.

## Facilities

Howell Station offers 143 campsites with 50-amp electric hookups. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and two dump stations.   
Younger campers love the park's playgrounds, while anglers enjoy the great river fishing access.

## Natural Features

Hardwood forests cover the riverbanks at Howell Station, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrate through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. White-tailed deer, turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake. 

## Nearby Attractions

Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo.

## Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

Howell Station

## Overview

North Overlook Campground is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking and viewing wildlife.

  
For more information regarding the Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Red Rock Project, click here:  
[Lake Red Rock Website](https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Red-Rock/)   
  
For a virtual tour of the area, click here:  
[Lake Red Rock - Virtual Tour](http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/usace/redrock/tour.html)

## Recreation

Lake Red Rock offers excellent boating, water skiing and swimming opportunities. Miles of water trails for kayakers and canoeists are designated along the shoreline. Anglers will find crappie, largemouth and striped bass, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, northern pike and bluegill. Several miles of trails for hiking and biking are in the area. The 15 mile paved Volksweg Trail stretches west from Pella to the Des Moines River and to the Cordova Recreation Area

## Facilities

North Overlook offers 46 shady campsites with 50-amp electric hookups, along with 6 primitive tent sites without electricity. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station.   
  
Younger campers love the park's playground, and the North Overlook Beach is located within 1/4 mile from the campground.

## Natural Features

Lake Red Rock is situated on the Des Moines River. Hardwood forests cover the lake shore at North Overlook, offering shade and scenic views. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. A wide variety of waterfowl, including the American White Pelican, migrates through the area in spring and fall. Bald eagles can be observed from November through March. White-tailed deer, turkeys and other small animals are commonly viewed around the lake. 

## Nearby Attractions

Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is an hour away, with numerous shopping and dining opportunities, museums and the Blank Park Zoo. 

## Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancel or change reservations through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees.

North Overlook Camp

This recreation area is part of Lake Red Rock

Ivan's Recreation Area

Whitebreast Campground

Marion County Park

This recreation area is part of [Lake Red Rock](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId;=160&agencyCode;=130)

Roberts Creek West Campground

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The Best Camping Near Ames, Iowa

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The Best Camping Near Dubuque, Iowa

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Lake Red Rock

The Best Camping Near Lake Red Rock, Iowa

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The Best Camping in Otley

Top Campgrounds in Otley (102)

1.