RV campgrounds near Otley, Iowa provide outdoor recreation opportunities within the rolling hills of central Iowa, typically around 900 feet above sea level. This region experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers (75-85°F) and cold winters (15-30°F). Most campgrounds in this area are located near rivers, lakes, or reservoirs, with peak camping season running April through October.
What to do
Fishing at Rock Creek State Park Campground: The lake at Rock Creek State Park Campground is known for crappie and largemouth bass fishing. "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. It's a great place if you have a boat or kayak/canoe."
Hiking and biking trails: The area offers paved trails connecting several campgrounds. "Howell Station is one out of five COE CG's that are around Lake Red Rock. CG is well kept, has a bike/walking path that borders the River and winds through the woods. Baths/showers were very clean and well kept up."
Boat rentals and water activities: At Nature Haven at Red Rock Lake, campers can enjoy multiple water bodies. "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."
Visit nearby towns: Several RV sites near Otley provide convenient access to local attractions. "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."
What campers like
Spacious sites at Diamond Lake County Park: Diamond Lake County Park offers generous campsite spacing. "While we didn't stay in the RV areas, given our tent-pitching persuasion, what we did see was fairly impressive and looked altogether rather brand new with freshly poured concrete slots and fairly mint-looking RV hook-ups (50 amp electric and water)."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms are immaculate. Large community center, gym, and laundry facilities on site."
Food options at Kellogg RV Park: Kellogg RV Park provides convenient dining. "Very convenient to I-80, well-laid out. Most convenient, though, was setting up at the site and then walking to the co-located gas station and burgers for dinner (and great ice cream cones). And then sitting on one of the benches watching the birds as the sun set over the prairie."
Quiet camping environments: Several campgrounds offer peaceful settings away from heavy traffic. "We needed to stop for the night and this was a great choice. It was right off the interstate but the sounds of traffic wasn't too bad. The site was an easy pull through and pretty level. The bathrooms were clean. The showers were clean, hot and good pressure."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds near Otley operate seasonally. "Open year around. Nice large sites and no need to unhook. Clean rv park with easy access to 1-80."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "We dry camped right on the water's edge for $6 a night, 2 weeks for $88! Electric sites are only 12. Their 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."
Weather considerations: The area experiences severe weather conditions during certain seasons. "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."
Reservation requirements at Griffs Valley View RV Park: "I stayed at Griffs for two months in autumn while working in Altoona. The campground very very well kept with spacious concrete pads, both 30/50 amp and full water/ sewage hookups. Two nice laundry/shower houses, one in the front and one in the back of the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly areas: Several campgrounds offer dedicated spaces for children. "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."
Swimming options: Beaches and pools are available at some locations. "We have a last minute change in plans so needed a place to stay for a couple of nights. Level sites with full hookups. Plenty of space to walk the dog. Right next to a gas station with great burgers and tenderloins!"
Educational opportunities at Howell Station: "This campground has great facilities with spacious sites. We have plenty of space for our dogs on two stakes. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are large trees that provide a lot of shade for the campground. There are play grounds for the kids."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local birds and animals. "I like this place, I really do. It certainly packs a punch with all of the amenities that Kellogg RV Park offers up, not least of which is partnering up with apparently the best burger joint in the whole of Iowa."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many RV sites require leveling equipment. "The concrete in our site was in poor condition, it had crumbled leaving a dip in the pad. The cable didn't work, but electric and water had no issues. Easy on and off to the interstate."
Hookup configurations at Lakeside Casino RV Park: "All the spaces are pulled through. It is very clean. There is full hook up for water, electric and sewer. All spaces are paved. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the park. If you are here to gamble, you will love it. If you are here to rest, you will love it."
Best arrival times: Weekday arrivals typically offer better site selection. "We have a last minute change in plans so needed a place to stay for a couple of nights. Level sites with full hookups. Plenty of space to walk the dog."
Propane availability: Some campgrounds offer on-site propane services. "They have so many interesting things there. You can stay year round you can stay for a week a month or a day and they have full hookup propane they have so many interesting things there."
