159 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Eastern Iowa's countryside surrounding Oxford Junction features several established campgrounds within a short drive. Eden Valley Refuge, located near Lost Nation and Oxford Junction, provides year-round camping with RV hookups, tent sites, and cabins. The area also includes Central Park in Center Junction with electric sites for tents and RVs, and Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground offering a unique landscape with caves and natural features. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, with many offering electric hookups for RVs.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Flooding can impact accessibility, particularly at sites near rivers and creeks. Eden Valley Refuge and Central Park remain popular choices, with Central Park operating mid-April through mid-October. Facilities range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots with 30/50 amp service. Several campgrounds provide shower houses and modern restrooms, though some more remote areas offer only vault toilets. A visitor noted that "Eden Valley County Refuge is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa. The camping areas have expanded with plenty of hook-ups for RVs, but there are also some backcountry, hike-in sites off of the main trail."
Campers consistently mention the natural attractions as highlights of the region. Maquoketa Caves State Park draws visitors with its unique cave system and hiking trails through wooded terrain. Eden Valley Refuge features a swinging bridge and observation tower as main structural attractions, along with several caves scattered throughout the property. The region offers a mix of recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Water features like the Wapsipinicon River provide additional activities for campers. According to one review, "Near Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, IA this park is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa... Overall, very enjoyable and there aren't a lot of places like this nearby. Worth a stop if you're in the area."
"cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa."
"This is a great weekend stay, with short trails that show some beautiful and unusual scenery for central Iowa. The natural bridge is incredible, and the sites are well spaced out."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Near Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, IA this park is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa. The camping areas have expanded."
"Well we found a pretty good one that is relatively close to our home and is rarely reserved. Its only 1 hour North of the Quad Cities where I live & open year round!"
"Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas."
"Small lake to fish and kayak!"
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availability"There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling."
"Primitive sites include gravel entrance, picnic tables, fire rings only. There is a boat ramp for the Wapsipinicon river with access for fishing, paddling, etc."
from $7 / night
Check Availability"Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife."
"AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails. Park is also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River."
from $70 - $80 / night
Check Availability"CG has open sites with fire pits, tables, dump station, firewood, restrooms. 2 shelters to rent, playground, trails, lake for fishing."
"Park has small lake for paddling and fishing."
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability
GuideWe came towards the end of season so we were one of the few people staying there. The spaces are close together but we had no one near us so we didn’t mind. We had a great experience with the host, very friendly. However, it is a bit noisy since the highway is right there and you do constantly hear the trains. Also, there are some questionable people roaming through the campground.
GuideI arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
LegendThe camping cabins are provided with twin size bunks for four people and include air conditioning, heat, and a small refrigerator and microwave oven. A fire ring and picnic table are provided for each cabin. One tent is allowed on site.
SUPPLIES PROVIDED: Broom & dustpan. Refuse must be removed to nearby dumpster
*RENTER WILL NEED TO BRING:*Complete bedding with pillow, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags;All camping supplies; All bath linens & toiletries(Shower house located inside the park);Lawn chairs (if desired)
Rent-- $50/night payable by Visa or Mastercard. Sorry, but we are currently unable to accept Discover cards. Any questions please call 563-259-1876. Park offers playground, boat ramp, paddling rentals, store with grill, Eco Tourism Center pontoon rides, and nature center with displays and programs.
LegendThe camping cabins are provided with twin size bunks for four people that include air conditioning, heat, and a small refrigerator and microwave oven. A fire ring and picnic table are provided for each cabin. One tent is allowed on site.
SUPPLIES PROVIDED: Broom & dustpan. Refuse must be removed to nearby dumpster
*RENTER WILL NEED TO BRING:*Complete bedding with pillow, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags; All camping supplies; All bath linens & toiletries(Shower house located inside the park);Lawn chairs (if desired)
Rent- $50/night payable by Visa or Mastercard. Sorry, but we are currently unable to accept Discover cards. Any questions please call 563-259-1876. Park offers playground, store and grill, paddle rentals, nature center too.
LegendPark has multiple cabins. Pintail Cabin is an ADA compliant, fully accessible cabin that sleeps up to 6 people. The cabin includes a queen-size adjustable bed that raises and lowers for easy access, twin size bunk bed, a full-size sofa sleeper, table/chairs. Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, electric cook top, sink. Central Heat/AC. Bathroom has accessible roll-in shower. There is also has a large deck and an accessible picnic table and fire ring outside. Bedding, towels, and kitchen cookware and utensils are not provided. The cabin has an ADA compliant access ramp. Tents are not permitted on this site. There is a playground, boat ramp, paddle rentals, Eco Tourism Center with small store and grill, and a nature center offering programs! The Blue Heron pontoon boat offers tours on the water too!
LegendThis campground offers lots of amenities, including: gravel, pads, fire rings, firewood, on site, campground host, playgrounds, water, dump station, both tent and RV sites, as well as cabins. There’s a store for Supplies, and a grill serving food. The Eco tourism center includes interactive and educational displays and programs. The marina offers slips for rent, boat rentals of canoes and kayaks. The campground can get very buggy, considering seasons in Iowa.
LegendThis campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.
LegendThis campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa. Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi river, sites include hard pads, fire rings, electric, water, showers, and restrooms, campground Office, seasonal host with wood. There is a playground, volleyball, Sandy beaches, boat ramps. This campground recently connected to City water instead of septic.
RangerWe had a delightful afternoon and overnight stay here. We were warmly welcomed by the volunteer at the registration booth, who filled us in on the area and what we might see during our short visit. Our site was lovely, tucked at the end of a loop overlooking the woods, where we spotted several deer. We explored a bit while we were there, including the dam and the nearby fossil site—both very cool. Bathrooms were clean, and the showers had plenty of hot water and good pressure. We only wish we could have stayed longer at this lovely park. It was a wonderful final stop on our trip.
The countryside surrounding Oxford Junction, Iowa sits at approximately 850 feet above sea level in eastern Iowa's rolling hills. This area experiences seasonal variations with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Camping options near Oxford Junction include established campgrounds and more primitive sites, with several offering river access for fishing and paddling activities.
Explore cave systems: Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground offers unique spelunking opportunities with 13 distinct bat caves to explore. "For the rest of us outdoor enthusiasts who are simply looking for a great campground, then you've also struck the campground lottery, but if you are interested in staying here, I would STRONGLY encourage you to mind your dates taking note of when bat hibernation ends and begins," advises a camper at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground.
Kayak or tube the Wapsipinicon River: Rolin Wapsi Campground provides direct river access and equipment rentals. "They also offer Tubes, Kayaks, Canoes and a Shuttle service to float on the Wapsi River," notes a visitor. This campground gives campers easy water access without needing to bring their own equipment.
Fishing opportunities: Sherman Co Park provides access to the Wapsipinicon River for anglers. "Our favorite past time while we're there is to go tubing on the Wapsi River," shares a regular visitor. The park has both electric sites and primitive camping options along the water.
Secluded tent sites: Eden Valley Refuge offers walk-in camping options away from the main campground. "It's a little hike in for the dispersed sites, but worth it to be in a secluded woodsy site. Was peaceful and relaxing," reports one camper. These sites require approximately a half-mile hike but provide greater privacy than the main campground.
Modern facilities: Bennett Park receives praise for its updated amenities. "The shower house and bathrooms are new and super nice. There are two playgrounds for the kids to play on, and a pond we were able to put some kayaks in!" shares a visitor. The park offers electric sites with gravel pads.
Night sky viewing: Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. "No city light so night sky shines with stars," notes a reviewer. The center includes an observatory with sky programs for visitors interested in astronomy.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground "is closed between December 1 thru February 28 each year," according to a visitor. Additionally, bat hibernation periods may restrict cave access even when the campground remains open.
Flooding potential: Low-lying campsites near rivers may experience flooding. At Walnut Grove Co Park, "individual sites along the river had a great view, but maybe retained a few memories and scars from the last flood," notes one camper. Always check weather forecasts and river levels before booking riverside sites.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. "These sites must be reserved online and are $13 a night," notes a visitor to Eden Valley Refuge regarding their hike-in sites. Booking ahead ensures availability, especially for weekend stays.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. "There's a nice newer playground for the kids and a few trail to explore," notes a visitor to Sherman Co Park. Consider campsite proximity to these areas when booking with children.
Educational opportunities: Central Park offers both recreation and learning experiences. "This park is well maintained with full service and primitive sites. Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc," according to a visitor. The nature center provides indoor activities during inclement weather.
Swimming options: Bennett Park allows swimming in its small pond. "There's a pond that you can actually swim and fish and paddling," mentions a reviewer. This provides a cooling option during hot summer days when river conditions might be unsuitable for swimming.
Site selection: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, "All sites designated for RV's are back-in and range in driveway length between 31 and 68 feet." RVers should verify site length before booking to ensure their rig fits comfortably.
Dump station availability: Check campground amenities before arrival. "Only downfall is there is no dumping station," notes a visitor to Bennett Park, though this has reportedly been updated with a "newer dump station" according to a more recent review.
Electric options: Most campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups, but amperage varies. Central Park provides sites with power, and "The camping spots are nice and most have picnic tables," according to a visitor. Call ahead to confirm electrical service meets your RV requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recreational activities are available at Oxford Junction?
The Oxford Junction area offers diverse recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. At Eden Valley Refuge, visitors can enjoy hiking through eastern Iowa's scenic countryside, wildlife viewing, and fishing. The nearby Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground provides secluded hiking trails with beautiful views. The region also features boating and fishing access at several local waterways, playgrounds for children, and nature observation opportunities. Central Park near Center Junction offers additional hiking trails and water activities, making Oxford Junction an unexpected recreational gem in rural eastern Iowa.
What is the best time of year to camp at Oxford Junction?
The best time to camp around Oxford Junction is from late spring through early fall (May to October), when temperatures are most comfortable and facilities are fully operational. Sugar Bottom Campground offers a beautiful setting during this period with ample wildlife viewing opportunities. Cottonwood Campground is particularly pleasant in late summer and early fall when the tent areas among trees provide natural shade. Be aware that Iowa occasionally experiences severe weather, including thunderstorms and wind events that may temporarily affect campgrounds. Early fall offers particularly pleasant camping conditions with fewer insects and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities.
Are there RV camping facilities at Oxford Junction?
Yes, the Oxford Junction area accommodates RV camping at several locations. West Overlook Campground offers electric hookups with convenient dump and water stations at the park entrance. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow provides RV-friendly sites just minutes from I-80. For those seeking local options, Central Park and Bennett Park offer drive-in sites with big-rig-friendly facilities and basic amenities like water and toilets. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak season, so booking ahead is recommended for RV travelers visiting Oxford Junction.
Keep Exploring
