2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Rock Creek State Park Campground provides resort-style glamping accommodations approximately 20 minutes from Marshalltown, Iowa. Located on the shores of a scenic lake in Kellogg, this state park offers premium glamping sites with amenities including electricity, comfortable outdoor spaces with picnic tables, and fire rings for evening gatherings. The park maintains clean modern restrooms with hot showers and operates from April 1 through December 31. Otter Creek Lake and Park in Toledo also features upscale glamping sites with similar amenities, set amid quieter surroundings. Both locations provide lakeside accommodation options where visitors can enjoy waterfront views and immediate access to recreation. One visitor noted, "We were able to camp right on the edge of the lake with gorgeous sunsets over the water."
Outdoor enthusiasts staying at these glamping accommodations enjoy direct access to water activities including fishing, boating, and kayaking. Rock Creek is particularly known for excellent crappie and largemouth bass fishing, with boat and equipment rentals available at the onsite marina store. The park's camp store sells fishing gear, firewood, and essential supplies. A visitor mentioned, "The marina contains all the toys you need for on-water fun." Beyond water recreation, guests can explore hiking trails through the surrounding natural areas or use the paved bicycle path that connects Rock Creek to nearby Grinnell. Family-friendly amenities include a recently constructed playground and occasional evening movies during peak season. Both locations maintain quiet hours and accommodate pets, making them suitable for family glamping experiences.
"Nice Iowa State Park campground just outside of Grenell Iowa. On a lake. Hundreds of sites. So many of the non-electric test sites look amazing."
"The lake has lots of features like brush piles, vertical structures, mossy areas and you can go over by the bridge and fish the rocks. It’s a great place if you have a boat or kayak/canoe."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $40 / night
"There’s a bit of road noise, but there’s lot of room here on a Tuesday. The grounds are well kept. Was able to get a clear view to the north for excellent Starlink reception."
"Has electric and water sites, too. Bugs are bad this time of the year."
"Iowa."
"No frills but adorably decorated. You got gas, snacks and great food and ice cream..what else could you ask for in a overnight stop. Laundry, shower house and bocce court."
"Jump into the nearby water and let the kids have a blast! Enjoy a nice fun night away from home!"
"This is a very nice quiet campground close to a nice small lake. We stayed in space 30 and this area has just had the electrical updated and the are adding some new spots right by the lake."
"Hidden gem in Iowa"
from $10 - $20 / night
"Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. It's only $7/night! There is some play equipment for children. "
"Flat grassy spot to set up my tent and a nice fire ring/ grill to cook dinner on also had a picnic table. Very nice primitive spot. Will go back"
from $7 / night
"Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate. Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up. "
"Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit."
from $20 - $25 / night
"Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."
"The drive into the grounds was a little confusing, but I imagine that in the daylight we would have had an easier time."
"** Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.)"
"Nice campground with some non-electric sites on bank of Cedar River, clean shower house and flush toilets."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $20 / night
"camped here in 2021 and I enjoyed it but the first night I was there I ran my vehicle down the second night I was there I took a tour on the campgrounds and got verbally accosted but another camper for walking"
"It’s got access to trails and to the Des Moines river. It’s a great little escape. There is a fishing pond that’s got plenty of bluegill and largemouth bass."
TravelerNice quiet campground. The front looks like more long timers and it was a little noisier up there but I drove to the back loop and it's nice and quiet back here. PLENTY of 50/30/20 amp hookups and the shower house in the back was nice. Water was just lukewarm but it was hot out so no problem. Might be less pleasant in colder weather though. Pull through spots available. I would stay here again for sure.
LegendWe came here for a visit and we’re going to stay but the online reservation system was difficult for us with Canadian coverage in cell phones.
We carried on to black hawk instead as they had easier first come first serve but this place was much nicer.
The sites were large and mostly private. It did seem a bit “wet”
We even saw a deer
TravelerPulled in looking for a good place to camp, but unfortunately had plans late at night and they shut the gate so they’re is no entering or leaving past 10:30pm - 6:00am which I think is a little stupid if I didn’t have late night plans though I totally would’ve stayed, sites looked great, and there was only one other camper when I pulled in.
RangerGreat friendly hosts. Check in inside the gas station. Full hook ups and a fair price compared to most rv parks especially with good sam membership. No frills but adorably decorated. You got gas, snacks and great food and ice cream..what else could you ask for in a overnight stop. Laundry, shower house and bocce court. Bocce sets available to borrow from the gas station. Cute communal sitting areas one area with fire rings and wood available at the gas station. Yes its right off 80 and you will hear the traffic but with this incredible convenience we didn't mind. Felt safe and good vibes during our stay. Level and long gravel pull through sites and big rig friendly. Will definitely be added to our favorites list for I80 travels.
ScoutGreat little spot with lots of hiking trails. Bathrooms are clean and guests are quiet. Don’t miss grave from 1869 at top of hill on trail. Beautiful place. Wish I lived closer.
GuideBeen camping here every summer for about 3 years as pass thru Iowa. Sites spaced nicely apart, is electric only, but have water at entrance, and also thru out the park so can fill fresh tank upon entrance and many place inside campground. Lots of trees, but also many sunny sites here. Bathrooms are always clean
GuideGrass sites, plenty of space. Some sites have great views of the lake. Nice walking trails. Wild life to watch. If you are camped under a hickory tree you will need to brush off the Hickory nuts off your slide outs. Plenty of parking for guset to visit. Peaceful. We love camping in Hickory hils.
RangerThis is a sweet well-maintained campground just south of Mitchellville, Iowa off of 80. Not many sites and only a handful were occupied mid week in July. There is a little stream running along the edge of the campground. There is one bathroom building with 6 separate rooms - each with a toilet, sink and shower with warm water. Plenty of drinking water at centralized locations. There is shade at most sites when you first enter the campground and in the loop. Along the edges (inc the stream) shade is more variable. The only issue we had was a bright light that was on all night near the end of the loop. We were in site 5 and had to move our truck so it didn’t shine in all night.
RangerQuite a nice campground. Pretty busy for a Monday so I can imagine it gets busy here. Sites are nice and spacious. Great amenities and right next to the water.
Rock Creek State Park Campground sits approximately 20 minutes east of Marshalltown, Iowa, at an elevation of about 1,000 feet above sea level. Located in Jasper County, the area features gently rolling prairie landscape surrounding a 602-acre artificial lake. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer cooler temperatures and less crowded conditions.
Fishing opportunities: Rock Creek State Park features excellent fishing conditions throughout most of the year. "We caught so many fish here we had to actually let some loose because we were over our limit. We spent most of the day on the lake but the campgrounds were nice and quiet while we were cooking around the fire," notes one visitor to Rock Creek State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Ashton Wildwood Park offers several hiking options for all skill levels. "There is a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement," shares a camper at Ashton Wildwood Park. The park includes an orienteering course for those looking to practice navigation skills.
Biking routes: The Cedar Valley area provides extensive biking opportunities. "The bike trails are excellent and same for hiking. Clean bathroom with good showers," reports a visitor to George Wyth State Park Campground. Many parks connect to wider trail systems extending through nearby towns.
Lakeside spots: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites at various parks near Marshalltown. "Beautiful scenery with lake front camping. Sunset over the lake! Found a great trail to hike, also the opportunity to rent a boat or paddleboard," notes a camper at Rock Creek State Park.
Peaceful atmosphere: Smaller county parks offer quiet alternatives for glamping close to Marshalltown, Iowa. "Very nice state park campground on a lake. Well kept grounds, clean bathrooms no wifi but cell service is available. 20 min from Grinnell," comments a visitor to Rock Creek State Park.
Creek access: Thomas Mitchell County Park provides unique water features. "The outer loop has a creek that flows behind the sites with large stairs to get down to it. Kids were having a blast in the water," explains a camper at Thomas Mitchell County Park. The creek offers refreshing relief during hot summer months.
Seasonal considerations: Parks in the Marshalltown area have varying operating seasons. "Our camp host told us early spring can be hit or miss because sometime the campground will end up flooding so keep that in mind when you plan your trip," advises a Rock Creek visitor. Most parks operate from April through October.
Site spacing: Campground layouts vary significantly between parks. "RV sites are close and busy. Grass and shade. Tenting area had a much quieter vibe. Lots of dogs. Ranger was helpful. It was a Sunday," reports another Rock Creek visitor.
Facilities availability: Bathroom and shower conditions differ by location and season. "Campground #1 has very clean, easy to reserve. Bathroom was a pit toilet but clean. Camp spot was clean and well-maintained," notes a camper at Jester County Park.
Playground access: Several parks offer child-friendly amenities. "So quiet and peaceful down by the water. Beautiful scenery, great playground, friendly atmosphere," shares a Jester County Park visitor. Many campgrounds feature recently updated playground equipment.
Water activities: Swimming and splashing options exist throughout the area for glamping opportunities near Marshalltown. "There is a sand beach to swim, where they also rent kayaks & canoes. The campground is located along the Cedar river, for those who want to boat and fish on a river, as well as multiple lakes to fish and a lake to ski," explains a George Wyth State Park camper.
Educational options: Some parks offer learning experiences. "The Nature Center offers education displays and programs. Lake offers paddling, fishing, etc.," notes a visitor to Otter Creek Lake and Park.
Hookup availability: RV sites vary in terms of utility connections. "Level sites with full hookups. Plenty of space to walk the dog. Right next to a gas station with great burgers and tenderloins!" reports a visitor to Kellogg RV Park.
Pad conditions: Site surfaces differ across parks. "Our site was pretty level and well maintained," shares a Jester County Park visitor. Most RV areas feature either gravel or concrete pads with varying degrees of leveling.
Seasonal restrictions: Some campgrounds have limited RV access during certain times. "Open year around. Nice large sites and no need to unhook. Clean rv park with easy access to I-80," notes a Kellogg RV Park visitor, making it a reliable option regardless of season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Marshalltown, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Marshalltown, IA is Rock Creek State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Marshalltown, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 glamping camping locations near Marshalltown, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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