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Best Campgrounds near Rock Valley, IA

387 Reviews

Rock Valley, Iowa provides several camping options within a 20-mile radius, ranging from full-hookup RV sites to lakefront tent camping and cabin accommodations. Rivers Bend Campground, located about a mile outside of town, offers lakefront views with swimming areas and fishing opportunities. Newton Hills State Park, situated approximately 16 miles east in South Dakota, provides more diverse camping experiences with wooded sites, hiking trails, and year-round availability. The Bicentennial Park Campground in Rock Valley itself features a smaller selection of full-hookup RV sites within city limits.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April or May through October, with Newton Hills State Park being one of the few year-round options. Summer months typically see higher occupancy rates, especially at waterfront sites. "Decent size spots with lakefront views at just about all of them. There is a swimming hole with a little beach and walking/bike trail," noted one visitor about Rivers Bend Campground. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during peak summer months. Many campgrounds provide basic amenities including electric hookups, water, and shower facilities, though availability varies by location.

Camping experiences in the Rock Valley area frequently center around water recreation, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or rivers. Lake Pahoja Recreation Area offers fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities with campground facilities nearby. Sandy Hollow Park Campground provides a swimming lake, fishing lake, and hiking trails through prairie landscapes. A camper described it as having "standard sites, fire rings, tables, firewood, swimming beach, fishing, boating, hiking including access to Sioux Center's trail system." Families particularly appreciate the recreational options, with playground equipment available at several locations. Most campgrounds maintain moderate spacing between sites, offering some privacy while remaining accessible for both tent and RV camping.

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Best Camping Sites Near Rock Valley, Iowa (86)

    1. Rivers Bend Campground

    4 Reviews
    Rock Valley, IA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (712) 476-6065

    "There is a swimming hole with a little beach and walking/bike trail. They have tent sites that you have to walk to but they are right on the water away from all of the RV sites."

    "Only 4 stars due to neighbors leaving their dog outside barking constantly until they returned. Against park rules so maybe a one off. Water front on 80% of spots."

    2. Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    11 Reviews
    Canton, SD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 987-2263

    "The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city."

    "Love this place very close to the major city of anything is needed. Nature and trails all around, lake for fishing and swimming, love to come out during the summer with the dogs!"

    3. Rock Valley BiCentennial Park Campground

    1 Review
    Rock Valley, IA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 476-5707

    4. Island Park - Rock Rapids

    8 Reviews
    Larchwood, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 472-3456

    $5 - $45 / night

    "A good place to camp for the night with gas and groceries nearby. All sites have electricity but only 20/30/60 amps. Water spigots are spread throughout the campground."

    "The campground is nearby the City Rock Rapids .You can walk and bicycle ride around the Campground. You need not a reservation. Come and drive in ."

    5. Sandy Hollow Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sioux Center, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 722-2491

    "New seasonal County park and CG has standard sites, fire rings, tables, firewood, swimming beach, fishing, boating, hiking including access to Sioux Center's trail system, shelters, lodge, archery range"

    "Great spot with a swimming lake, fishing lake, and hiking trails through the prairie. Less than three miles from town"

    6. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    36 Reviews
    Brandon, SD
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 582-7243

    "Just another overnight stop on my drive to Iowa. I spent the night in a non-electric tent site so I can't really comment on the other parts of the campground."

    "We had a tent site, number 24, and it was tucked into the woods but still close to the parking lot!"

    7. Childrens Park

    1 Review
    Sioux Center, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 722-0761

    8. Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Hardwick, MN
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 283-1307

    $20 - $35 / night

    "The view from the ridge goes for miles, you can actually see Iowa. Site #9 is partially shaded and very level with just a slight walk to the restroom facilities."

    "Quiet place with nice bike and walking paths. Electric only 30amp water close by. Full dump station."

    9. Lake Pahoja Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Larchwood, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 753-2313

    "Good distance from others, yet close enough for group. Near everything in the beautiful black hills. Several areas.  Clean, comfortable restrooms. Store at entrance to park."

    "The Lake offers terrific fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Awesome hiking path surrounds the lake with benches to take breaks and educational signs to help you learn about the area!"

    10. Deer Run Campground, Oak Grove Park

    1 Review
    Hawarden, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 552-1047

    $27 / night

    "Larger CG has terraced sites with hard pads, tables, fire rings/ firewood, shaded spots, electric, horseshoes, nature center nearby."

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Recent Camping Photos near Rock Valley, IA

97 Photos of 86 Rock Valley Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rock Valley, IA

387 Reviews of 86 Rock Valley Campgrounds

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Another overnight stop.

    Just another overnight stop on my drive to Iowa. I spent the night in a non-electric tent site so I can't really comment on the other parts of the campground. It does have nice bathrooms with running water and showers. The non-e tent sites are in a forested section, all shaded. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Sites are located a very short walk from the designated parking. I had a great night's sleep as it was relatively quiet. I didn't partake but they do have a Frisbee golf course. Took a short walk on their trail system to the suspension walking bridge. My complaint would be the fees. I thought i was paying one fee for the non-e tent site but then there was an additional fee for non-res and another fee for park day use fee or permit. This fee was confusing whether I was supposed to pay this or not. So what looked like a small fee to spend the night turned into much more.

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Road Campground

    Convenient stop over

    Super easy to access and right near Blue Mount State Park. There is a playground which is great for kids and awesome bike trails right to the sight that leads to town, river and a huge playground.

    Has all hookups for 35$ a night.

    I wouldn’t stay more than the night due to RVs being really close together - not so much room to open space or have privacy , but if you’re looking for a stop over it’s perfect.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Quiet but bugs

    This was a fine location. A few people stopped by the boat ramp but no one else stayed the night. I looked everywhere and saw no signs regarding camping here and I was not disturbed. Lots of mosquitos and flies made me stay indoors.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Quiet Relaxing Visit

    Had a great time relaxing by the camper. We had great views from our campsite. Hiking was nice. Bathroom and shower facility were very well kept. Very grassy sites - great for group camping.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Union Grove State Park Campground

    Great overnight spot

    Right off the interstate, great access. On hill, treed sites. Large sites, with power. Some back in and some pull through. Great restrooms with showers. Campground host. Make reservations on line. Limited number of sites. Dump station. You can hear the interstate, but small nice campground

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Island Park - Rock Rapids

    A good stopover campground

    A good place to camp for the night with gas and groceries nearby. All sites have electricity but only 20/30/60 amps. Water spigots are spread throughout the campground. A dump station is located at the west entrance across the driveway from the pay station. It's northwest Iowa (cattle country) so you will notice a hint of something special in the air.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Nice spot to overnight for a day or two. Not a very large spot but enough room for 6 or 7 rigs. I tow a 20ft trailer Next to Vermilliom river. 1 picnic table, pit toilet, boat ramp. Easy to get to. Well maintained gravel road. No potable water. Walmart is 5.3 miles away.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Palisades State Park Campground

    Average

    Overpriced, no water hookup at electric site and do dump station. Friendly staff but probably wouldn’t stay again

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Open in August 2025. No idea what all the fuss is about.

    I almost skipped this spot because people were complaining about it being roped off or closed, or it didn't look safe or whatever, and it couldn't be farther from the truth. Whoever is writing those is probably either overly conscious, or they're trying to dissuade other campers so that they can have the spot to themselves. But it's such a big place and a lot of places to park that it doesn't really make a whole lot of sense to do that, so I don't know what their motive was.

    There are trash cans and if you can do water procurement, there's the Missouri River. I don't see a grey dump though.

    No problem at all getting my bus in here.

Guide to Rock Valley

Camping near Rock Valley, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are great options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: There are many trails to explore. One camper mentioned, "We went on a couple trails and just enjoyed the beautiful fall colors," highlighting the scenic views available at Blue Mounds State Park Campground.
  • Wildlife Viewing: If you’re into wildlife, you might catch a glimpse of bison. A visitor shared, "We drove in the morning to the bison area and saw about 12 of them roaming near the fence," which adds excitement to your camping experience at Blue Mounds State Park Campground.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: For those who enjoy fishing, Lake Vermillion Recreation Area offers a great beach and fishing pier. One review noted, "Short walk or bike ride to the lake which had a great beach, fishing pier, and picnic area."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Palisades State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms exceptionally clean. Showers great."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Big Sioux Recreation Area said, "Sites are big and roomy. We have two big dogs and were able to put them both on 30-foot leads."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Sioux Falls Yogi Bear are great for kids. A family shared, "It was an absolute blast for our kids with plenty of activities to keep them entertained."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways. A visitor at Sioux Falls KOA mentioned, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway."
  • Limited Privacy: If you're looking for solitude, some sites may be close together. A camper at Newton Hills Campground noted, "Spots are fairly spacious, but not a lot of privacy."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Sioux Falls KOA is open from May 1 to October 15.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One parent said about Yogi Bear Campground, "Great pool and kid activities."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring a grill or plan to cook. A camper at Big Sioux Recreation Area enjoyed grilling, saying, "We got our grill going and enjoyed a delicious steak dinner."
  • Pack for Fun: Bring games and outdoor toys. A family at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area enjoyed the playgrounds and trails.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the site can accommodate your RV. A camper at Palisades State Park Campground mentioned, "Totally new entrance with easy access to new section that will handle larger RVs."
  • Look for Amenities: Facilities like electric hookups and dump stations are important. A review from Big Sioux Recreation Area noted, "Bathrooms exceptionally clean. Showers great."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Bring gear for changing conditions. A visitor at Newton Hills Campground said, "Great trails and a short scenic road."

Camping near Rock Valley, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Rivers Bend Campground in Rock Valley?

Rivers Bend Campground offers several desirable amenities for campers. The campground features decent-sized spots with lakefront views available at most sites. Water and electrical hookups are provided for RV campers. For tent campers, there are dedicated tent sites located right on the water, separated from the RV area for more privacy. The campground includes a swimming area with a small beach for cooling off during summer months. Additional amenities include walking and biking trails that connect to the campground. The location provides easy access to the town of Rock Valley, which is small but offers basic services and supplies for campers.

Where is Rock Valley Campground located in Iowa?

Rock Valley is located in northwestern Iowa in Sioux County. The primary camping option in Rock Valley is Rock Valley BiCentennial Park Campground, which is situated within the town limits. Rock Valley is a small, quaint community positioned near the Big Sioux River, approximately 45 miles north of Sioux City and about 30 miles east of the South Dakota border. The town offers convenient access to several regional camping destinations, including Gunderson Park which is nearby and surrounded by water on three sides, making it feel secluded despite being close to town amenities.

What recreational activities can I enjoy at Bicentennial Park in Rock Valley, Iowa?

Rock Valley BiCentennial Park Campground offers numerous recreational opportunities for visitors. The park features walking and biking paths that wind through natural areas, perfect for morning exercise or evening strolls. Water activities are a highlight, with fishing access and options for kayaking or canoeing. The park's location near the Big Sioux River provides additional water recreation possibilities. For families, there are playground facilities and open green spaces for games and picnics. Nearby, Lake Pahoja Recreation Area offers additional outdoor activities including more extensive hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and wildlife viewing, making it an excellent day trip option for campers staying at Bicentennial Park.

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