RV parks near Ottumwa, Iowa provide camping options within southeast Iowa's rolling hills, where the Des Moines River flows through at approximately 650 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels from June through August. The camping season runs primarily from April through October, with limited services available during winter months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Diamond Lake County Park offers a 90-acre freshwater lake for anglers. "Nice, quite camping spots with a serene view of Lake Diamond. The camp area was clean," notes one visitor about this Montezuma location, which sits about 45 miles northwest of Ottumwa.
Biking trails: Howell Station provides access to paved biking paths. "Great fishing, bike trail right next to the campsite. Great views too. Dam is right there and you can fish," explains a camper. The trail borders the river and winds through wooded areas.
Golfing access: For campers who enjoy golf, Honey Creek Resort offers a 9-hole course as part of its amenities. "If you like camping and golf you need to stay at Honey Creek Resort," shares one visitor. The resort is located on Rathbun Lake, approximately 35 miles southwest of Ottumwa.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Howell Station campground features well-spaced camping spots. "Well maintained campground with mature shade trees. Gravel sites, a little bit of leveling required," mentions a reviewer who appreciated the layout.
Clean facilities: Diamond Lake County Park maintains clean bathrooms and shower facilities. "Bathrooms and shower house were both clean. Our family is thinking about making it a Labor Day tradition," shares one visitor who stayed at this location.
Affordability: Many campers appreciate the reasonable rates at campgrounds in the region. "Very nice camping place very laid back and good people around, decent sized lake for fishing," notes a Diamond Lake camper, where primitive sites cost $10 and electric sites are $20 per night.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Severe weather can occur in this region. One Howell Station visitor shared: "The night we stayed, there was a severe weather threat, and the staff had unlocked the storm shelters should the need arise. We ended up having to seek shelter because of a tornado warning."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites carefully based on location within campgrounds. At Honey Creek State Park Campground, a camper advised: "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."
Noise factors: Some RV parks near Ottumwa experience noise disruptions. At Crossroads RV Park, a camper warned: "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!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment for children. At Howell Station, "The grounds have play sets and swings for kids. There are some great paved paths to walk or bike," according to a recent visitor.
Water activities: Updog RV & Camping features a pond for fishing and recreation. "Nice pond for some fun fishing. Very clean restrooms and showers," reports a camper who stayed at this Mount Pleasant location.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the region offer wildlife observation opportunities. "Trees around the RV area, but not in. Fire ring and picnic table. The boat ramp is at one end of the RV area, so people may drive through with boats. Playground a short walk away on a path," notes a visitor to Honey Creek Resort.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Crossroads RV Park provides full hookup sites with 50-amp service. "The site was a full hookup- electric, water and sewer. I wouldn't stay longer than an overnight. The sites were close together and very close to a train track," advises one RVer.
Site spacing considerations: Many RV parks in the area have limited space between sites. "The rv park, itself, is very nice! Clean, well organized and spacious," notes one Crossroads visitor, though they caution about the noise issues.
Seasonal timing: Most RV parks near Ottumwa have limited availability during peak season. One visitor to Updog RV & Camping recommends arriving before the busy summer months: "Quiet park with lots of shade trees. 5 minutes from everything!"
