Best Camping near Ottumwa, IA

Are you in need of a campground near Ottumwa, IA? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Ottumwa, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Ottumwa, IA (93)

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Showing results 1-10 of 93 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Ottumwa

Recent Reviews in Ottumwa

162 Reviews of 93 Ottumwa 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.

  • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

    Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

    Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Updog RV & Camping
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Updog RV & Camping

    TERRIBLE

    Worst place I have stayed in my 6 years of traveling as an RN. Yes, they had shade.  Made cell service very hard to receive. ONLY other thing they has was geese and fishing.  No picnic table, no firepits. I had a 30amp space. With slide out on each side, and not superslides either, I had EXACTLY 1 foot left on each side of my slides. I could not put out my awning as it would hit the camper next to me. No zero space behind camper as it went to a steep slope from my spare wheel. If I walked behind camper, I had to hang on to spare wheel or fall down the slope. Barely enough room in from of camper to park pickup at an angle.  I have never seen anything like this place before.  And hope I never do.  Pictures you see of campground are SO VERY MUCH deceiving !!!!!. I rate it a one star only because it will not allow me to go any lower.

  • 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.

  • Kim F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Ridge Campground
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Windmill Ridge Campground

    Hidden little gem

    Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.

  • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Great spot for a great price

    Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

    Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

    The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

    But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

    I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

    Other than that it was a great spot.

  • Jim C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Updog RV & Camping
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Updog RV & Camping

    Great small park⁰

    Very nice park small but great the way I like them. The bath house looks like my bath room at home. Next time in Mount Pleasant will stop again.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from brinton timbers park
    May. 31, 2024

    brinton timbers park

    Great park no showers though

    I stayed at the main site that google maps took me to. Three spots but the park is big there might be more sites around it. It is near skunk river I only stayed there for a night but where I was to get to the river you have to hike or bike to it. I’ve heard you can ride horses here. They have fire rings, picnic tables, and a bathroom that’s deep and composting. No sinks or showers. Bugs were wild at night but it is summer. No one disturbed us and it was free the best park of it all. Hoping to make it back there to go through the trails. I believe you can hike and camp too in the area.

  • 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.

  • Amanda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest
    May. 12, 2024

    Donnelson Unit - White Oak Campground — Shimek State Forest

    Peaceful Paradise

    Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.

  • 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.

  • Greg K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bentonsport
    May. 5, 2024

    Bentonsport

    17$ Bentonsport campground

    Beautiful river views. Amazing camp hosts. Showers,toilets,30/50/110 power water on sites to share water and dump on property. Mid 1800's town right there and businesses open. There is a blacksmith, a Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon.

  • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Marr Park
    Mar. 12, 2024

    Marr Park

    Great place to spend a night or even a few days

    Close to major highway. Gravel sites. Clean campground. Many paved and grass walking trails surrounded by trees and natural areas. Bath/shower house is under construction. Child’s play equipment. Bathrooms with flush toilets nearby. Dump station for a fee. All sites had water and electric. Water was off during our visit in March. Park connected to nearby town by paved trail, approx 1 mile away. Gas and convenience store nearby. Camphost on site. Park is in a quiet rural location. Payment is made at dropbox when entering the park. Cell signal was 2 bars with Verizon.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Diamond Lake County Park
    Jan. 1, 2024

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Lakeside Campground Bliss

    While it was our first time camping in Iowa, we were extremely lucky to land upon this slightly hidden fresh water centered campground just a 20 minute drive south of Route 80 near Montezuma, wherein one needs only follow Road#63, before coming across Diamond Lake County Park. With the fall colors being in full bloom when we visited, the entire campground was awash in bright yellows, reds and oranges from the changing colors of the leaves. Also, as we were visiting in mid-October, versus some of the other reviews here, we found that we had the place mostly to ourselves, which made for a rather peaceful sublime respite we were searching for. 

    As for the campground itself, what we enjoyed most was how this location is, for the most part, very well organized in keeping the RV'ers and 5th Wheeler crowds together, while preserving a nice slice of verdant lakeside pasture for us primitive camper types. Each of the sites for camping come equipped with (in most cases) fairly new aluminum picnic tables, fire ring with folding BBQ grill. 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) and this same area also boasted a brand new restroom facilities. 

    Obviously, the main attraction here is Diamond Lake itself, with its more than 90 acres of fresh water, albeit murky fresh water, was certainly a hit with this camping family. We enjoyed being able to get out on the lake with our kayaks and canoes as well as go for very long walks around the circumference of the lake itself, with which you will find simply splendid trails. And if that’s not enough exploration for you, then head further inland and away from the lake to explore this parks other 660 acres of grassy prairieland. 

    From an amenities standpoint, there’s a decent amount, including: three shower houses, four shelters, 2 dump stations, three his / her latrines (some much more dated than others), boat ramp and fishing dock, a dedicated fish cleaning station and what looked to be a fairly new kids playground. In all there’s a total of 120 sites to choose from, with 80 designated for RVs / 5th Wheelers and 40 earmarked for primitive camping, which do not come with any electric, which was on one hand the biggest bummer, but on the other hand, offered up front-row access to lakeside camping bliss as many of these primitive campsites are located right on the water’s edge. 

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Check-in is self-registration and is done onsite, so net-net, this place is first-come, first served as no online or advanced registration is taken. While we didn’t mind this, and given that we arrived right around noon as folks were actually checking out, we got the ‘pick of the litter’ of campsites. Electric sites are $20 / night and non-electric are $10, so this place is incredibly affordable; (2) If you are looking for some grub nearby after growing weary of another meal of franks & beans, then there’s really just a few nearby options: Subway, Sauced Pizza & Pub, Casey’s and Yolanda’s Tacos over in the little town of Montezuma; (3) While there are actually few different campgrounds here at Diamond Lake, for primitive campers, the best sites IMHO are located as far southwest as you can possible go around the lake, where there’s more than a dozen or so sites that sit right in front of the water and present a completely isolated surrounding. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Anderson Campground
    Jan. 1, 2024

    Anderson Campground

    Corn Field RV Parking Pasture

    If you find yourself heading left / right or east / west through the ‘belly button’ of Iowa here on its busiest thoroughfare (interstate 80) and find yourself looking for a place to ‘hunker down for the night (or several), then you may very well want to consider visiting the good folks over at Anderson Campground. What first started out as a patch of land that they would let out to ‘friends & family’ soon ballooned into more of an enterprising opportunity to help RV road warriors find suitable, safe and peaceful plot of land to enjoy nearby Diamond Lake County Park. 

    In fact, a very good amount of the business Anderson Campground has here is the result of overflow from this little-known summer lake destination specifically for those campers who wanted something more akin to ‘peace & quiet.’ With only 6 dedicated RV slots complete with 30 / 50 amp electric and water hook-ups, one thing is for certain should you choose to stay here – you will definitely get to know your neighbors as you will be parked right alongside of them with virtually no privacy, but when we were there, this did not seem to be an issue. 

    While most of the folks who were laying up here in their own RVs and 5th Wheels could be described more as ‘day laborers’ like traveling nurses or those working construction jobs, there was a very nice sense of community and the new-found isolation that one may have felt was only the direct result of the surrounding corn-fields having been recently harvested. Aside from this, the chocolate lab, Beau, was the first to welcome us and what a host (and friend) he turned out to be! 

    What this location delivers in spades – namely peace & quiet– is compromised by the lack of amenities (apart from the basic hook-ups). There is no sewage line, bathrooms or showers and you won’t find community fire rings or picnic tables. But from what we gathered when we stopped in was that most folks had all of this covered from what they were packing in their RVs so for those that care, there’s other places to consider. And for those that don’t mind, this may very well be your perfect lay-up. With the nightly rate being an amazingly low $20, the place usually sells out for those wanting to rent out by the week or for the month @ $500. To check on availability and rates, call Julie directly. 

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) First things first, you’ve got to get yourself down to Diamond Lake County Park, where there’s a simply fantastic, large lake that is great for kayaking and canoeing as much as it is for fishing (catch & release) as well as swimming, although to be honest, the lake is a bit too dark and murky for me; (2) If you are looking for some grub nearby after growing weary of another meal of franks & beans, then there’s really just a few nearby options: Subway, Sauced Pizza& Pub, Casey’s and Yolanda’s Tacos over in the little town of Montezuma. Further afield, you could find a Country’s Pride over near Brooklyn as well as in the opposite direction, yes, you guessed it, more Mexican restaurants like Los Girasoles or Casa Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, both of which are fairly decent; (3) Should you need to load up on groceries while in the vicinity, while there isn’t much, in the little town of Montezuma, you’ll find both a Dollar General as well as a Supervalu. 

    Happy Camping!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • John C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Crossroads RV Park - Iowa
    Sep. 8, 2023

    Crossroads RV Park - Iowa

    Nice RV Park … if you want NOISE

    The rv park, itself, is very nice! Clean, well organized and spacious. The issue is NOISE!! Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away. And quite a bit of freeway noise, too! It's all by about location, location, location and this park doesn't have it. Spent three(3) sleepless nights. We would have moved on but we were visiting our son who lives in the immediate area. Next time, l'll drive 30 minutes more to find someplace quiet.

  • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Diamond Lake County Park
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Great weekend

    Kept getting visits from the park ranger over nonsense from being parked on the grass when others were parked on the grass as well especially calling the office first and getting the approval from the person in charge just seemed like they were running ppl off the place was very much opened for Labor Day weekend which was a shock considering past years on the same weekend it was packed , hopefully they allow more freedom in the future was not impressed trash cans were full as well hadn’t been emptied in a while

  • Claude R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Updog RV & Camping
    Aug. 22, 2023

    Updog RV & Camping

    Serene

    Showever up after a 400 mile ride. Met the owner.  Very pleasant. 

    Showed me around n where I could pitch for the night. Right by the pond. Very clean, very quiet n would go all over again!



Guide to Ottumwa

Camping near Ottumwa, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: At Rock Creek State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy a no-wake lake perfect for fishing and kayaking. One camper mentioned, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities" made their stay enjoyable.
  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. A reviewer shared, "Excellent hiking trails. Great area to explore around the park as well."
  • Playgrounds and family activities: Many campgrounds, like F. W. Kent Park, have playgrounds for kids. One parent noted, "New playground for the kids. Clean facilities."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Thousand Hills State Park Campground remarked, "The shower houses had individual, private, large, and very clean facilities."
  • Spacious campsites: Many campers enjoy the roomy sites at Whitebreast Campground. One reviewer said, "Sites were very spaced out and they are only on one side of the road."
  • Natural beauty: Campers love the picturesque surroundings. A visitor at Diamond Lake County Park mentioned, "The lake is really clean and lovely, with lush grass and greenery all around."

What you should know:

  • Self-registration: Most campgrounds, like Diamond Lake County Park, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper noted, "Check-in is self-registration and is done onsite."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have markets or stores nearby. A visitor at F. W. Kent Park pointed out, "NO market" on-site, so plan accordingly.
  • Noise from highways: Campgrounds close to major roads, like Newton KOA, can be noisy. One camper mentioned, "The sounds of traffic wasn't too bad," but it's something to consider.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Look for places like F. W. Kent Park that offer kid-friendly amenities. A parent shared, "Nice campground with a lake" and activities for children.
  • Plan for activities: Bring along games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground enjoyed the "little store" for snacks and supplies.
  • Check for family-friendly events: Some parks host events or activities during the summer. A visitor at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park mentioned, "Great beach, and just close enough to town to grab some ice cream."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Kellogg RV Park offer full-service electric, water, and sewer. A reviewer said, "The sites are mostly pull through with full service electric, water, and sewer."
  • Choose quieter sites: Opt for spots away from busy roads. A camper at Newton KOA suggested, "The best sites are those in the lower valley."
  • Explore local dining options: Many campgrounds are near local eateries. A visitor at Kellogg RV Park recommended checking out "Iowa's Best Burger Café" nearby.

With these insights, you're all set for a great camping experience near Ottumwa, Iowa!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Ottumwa, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Ottumwa, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 93 campgrounds and RV parks near Ottumwa, IA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ottumwa, IA is Lake Wapello State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Ottumwa, IA.

  • What parks are near Ottumwa, IA?

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