Best RV Parks & Resorts near Ottumwa, IA

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!

Honey Creek resort run by the state of Iowa (not to be confused with Honey Creek State Park nearby) is not your typical camping spot. There is a resort hotel with an indoor waterpark, cabins for rent, and an RV Park. The hotel and the RV park are right on the lake. Rathbun is maybe the nicest lake in Iowa (I would say Okoboji, however that has become an overcrowded mess). 

The RV sites: There are not many of them, 20 I think. But they are all paved, level, full hook ups, spacious, with a view of the lake. I don't even think we exchanged harsh words setting up it was so easy. ;)  There are even a couple sites on the side that have equipment for fall hunters. 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, but not right in the RV area. 

Indoor waterpark: Probably geared to the 4-10 crowd. Only one bigger slide, lazy river, hot tub, pool with some balance platforms and a rope and a basketball hoop. Then a small kiddie pool with a pirate ship structure with some small slides and some fountains. Not a ton to do, however when we were there it rained for an entire day so that was very handy. Snackbar that serves booze. 

Lake: one of the biggest in the state, not too busy as it is 2 hours from Des Moines so not a lot of day traffic (unlike Saylorville and Red Rock). Boat rentals available. 

Resort hotel: I haven't been in the guest rooms. There is a lobby, restaurant/bar. I have not eaten at the restaurant. There is a little shop with necessities and firewood. There is a nature program where you can check out backpacks for kids to explore nature. Grounds are nice and lush, paths for walking and biking. There's a golf course.

Very nice personnel and clean, updated facilities. There are some long-term residents, but everyone seems very kind and helpful. Clean restrooms and laundry. You can buy quarters for the laundry. We’ll controlled dogs here! That’s Nice. Parking is drive thru, but sites are pretty close. We

Campground has nice mature trees and lots of spots available. $18 for full hook up. What a deal. 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 and anything you might need. Bathrooms were outdated and the reason this place got 4 instead of 5 stars.(could have been a little cleaner but they were old.) Shower heads were very low in women’s bathroom. I’m 5’8 the shower heads were at my chin or lower. They only have one dump site. But a wide variety for any size of camping. Along with playground and a couple bigger covered eating areas, but no laundry.

Great staff and RV park amenities. Camped for two nights and it was quiet.

it has full hookups, tent site swim beach, fishing, canoes,and f, playgrounds also cabins a stone lodge for family get togethers some sites just have electric and water on site and there are some full hookups also a shower house and modern restrooms, fire wood for sale We go at least 3 times a year . So nice and quiet the lake is clean they also have a dump station

This was a nice spot for an overnight stay. 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.

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. There are some great paved paths to walk or bike. It's a good place to fish or bird watch.

Good place close to Pella and Knoxville. Some sites on Red Rock. Little pricey for not having full hookups. Overall good place.

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.

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.

Got in @3:30. Nearly empty. We’re self contained so it was $10/night with no hook ups. They have RV sites with water and electric. Nice free showers. Quiet and clean.

Camping doesn't get much better than this in Iowa. The North Overlook site is part of a much larger group of COE campgrounds on Lake Red Rock. It is heavily shaded and offers direct access to a large beach on the lake complete with shower houses and concessions. Red Rock is the largest lake in the state and can accomodate any size water craft. The campground is located directly on the Volksweg trail which offers excellent opportunities for any level of hiker or bicyclist. The town of Pella is close by and is a worthy destination in itself. Shower houses are clean as is the campground in general. Campsites are well distanced from each other and offer a good degree of privacy. The only drawback, for some, is the fact that sewer and water hookups are not available. All sites have electric. I would highly recommend this, and all the COE campgrounds on Lake Red Rock.

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!

Very nice campground, each sight has a fire ring and table, plus a lantern pole. It is in a city park like setting and on the lake. Fire wood for sale at the entrance, you have to get water at the entrance only electrical hook up. Showers are very clean and there is also a children’s play ground.

This park has something for everyone. They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent. All very reasonably priced. Most of the sites are nice and shady and level. A bathhouse with showers. A stone lodge for large parties. There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends. Hiking,fishing, swimming, kayaking,bird watching. There are many things to keep you busy here.

Cute little RV/tent campground. Very nice hosts. Only stayed 1 night. Definitely on the 'let's go back' list. Waubonsie trail behind park is a short hike to the covered bridge and Dutchman's Store. Perfect Way to stretch your legs after a long day on the road. Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean. Horseshoe pit, playground and campfire swing area were nice surprises. All for under $20 for electric RV site! Great campground for a small group event.