Dispersed camping options near Ottumwa, Iowa include several wildlife management areas where tent camping is permitted. Eldon Wildlife Management Area provides primitive camping sites with no amenities or facilities. Located in southeastern Iowa's rolling hills, this area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and cold winters that can drop below 20°F. Seasonal flooding can affect access to some sites during spring.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Wapello State Park Campground offers excellent fishing in a 289-acre lake. "Several hiking paths-Lakeshore Trail goes around the whole lake, so be sure to reserve 2-3 hours to conquer this path-more if you like to take in the scenery," mentions camper Molly L., who adds, "Quite a bit of wildlife seen during kayaking and hiking-muskrat, beaver, swans, geese could be found on the water."
Hiking trails: Trails around Lake Darling State Park Campground provide scenic routes through wooded areas. "The new trails around the lake are so wonderful," reports Dani K. Another visitor notes, "There were several hiking trails-maps seemed to not quite fit the trails and lake to some degree. Several ponds have been added to the lake and along the hiking trails that aren't on the map."
Boat rentals: Paddle boats, canoes and kayaks are available at multiple lakes. "Boat rentals were a blast and added bonus," according to Dorothy H. who visited Lake Wapello. At Lake Darling, a visitor shares: "We went out for a fishing day, boat launch was very nice and entire lake was very clean. There were several people out on the water in kayaks and paddle boats."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Ottumwa City Park offers roomy campsites with mature trees. "Campground has nice mature trees and lots of spots available. $18 for full hook up. What a deal," says Stephanie S. She continues, "Has a lake you can fish at right in campground. Although it is right next to a major road, but also extremely close to downtown."
Quiet weekday camping: Lake Keomah State Park Campground provides peaceful midweek stays. "The campground at this state park is very well maintained. Multiple electric site are available to reserve, along with a handful that are first come-first serve," notes Dave N., adding, "Gets busy on the summer weekends, but very quiet during the week."
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate animal sightings. "Also seen: deer, bald eagles, frogs, toads, turtles," writes Molly L. about Lake Wapello. At Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground, Melissa W. reports, "Bonus: the deer came out each evening to forage."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking in summer. "We were there the week before the 4th of July and during the week, there were only about 6 other campers there. The weekend was a bit busier but still sites to be had," shares Mitch C. about Honey Creek State Park.
Park facilities: Shower availability varies between parks. "Ranger Review: The Goal Zero Light House 250 is a nice lantern. I give it 4 out of 5 stars," writes Matt S. about Honey Creek State Park Campground. "The bathrooms were clean but they were a little bit of a walk from the Group Site."
Primitive camping options: For pet friendly camping near Ottumwa without amenities, consider wildlife areas. "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," reports Rebecca W. about Eldon Wildlife Management Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks have play areas for children. At Ottumwa City Park, Stephanie mentions, "Along with playground and a couple bigger covered eating areas, but no laundry." Island View Campground offers similar amenities, with one camper noting, "The park has a nice play set for kids and there are baseball fields nearby."
Beach swimming: Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun features water access for swimming. "There is a ramp for boats and a beach," writes Andrea H., who also notes, "Pretty nice campground with showers/restrooms/dump stations spread throughout the campground."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing can be educational. At Lake Wapello, Molly L. observed numerous animals during their visit: "Quite a bit of wildlife seen during kayaking and hiking-muskrat, beaver, swans, geese could be found on the water."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Consider how close neighboring sites are when booking. At Honey Creek State Park, Sarah K. warns, "I would not recommend any spot in the center second of the loop. It was more like parking than camping. If we parked in the direction to utilize the full hookups we would have had our awning out over our neighbors campsite."
Hookup locations: Full hookup positions can affect site usability. Douglas P. shares this about Lake Darling: "Opportunities for improvement would be that the full hookup sites have the neighbors waste tube close the campers picnic table. Sometimes getting a whiff of black water waste while trying eat dinner leaves a little to be desired."
Level sites: Most area campgrounds offer relatively flat camping spots. At Lake Keomah, Dave N. notes, "Most sites are level with at least partial shade. Picnic tables and fire rings at each site." Similarly at Island View, campers appreciate that "There's tons of room between spots and lots of sites with a good view of the lake."
