Campsites near Runnells, Iowa sit amid rolling hills and farmland at elevations of 850-950 feet. Most camping areas in this region maintain a relatively dry climate from April to October with average summer temperatures ranging 70-85°F. The region's grassy, open campsites typically offer minimal natural barriers between sites, making early reservations essential during peak season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The fishing pond at Griffs Valley View RV Park offers recreational fishing with bluegill stocks. "There is a really nice pond for fishing that has some bluegills. The water is very clean," notes one visitor. The park features paved paths around the pond area for easy access.
Trail exploration: Several campgrounds offer hiking trails of varying difficulty. "There's a hiking trail that will take you to indian burial mounds. There is also fishing and boating," reports a camper at Yellow Banks County Park. For longer hikes, Lake Ahquabi provides more extensive options, with one visitor noting "The hiking trails are really nice. If your up for it there is a hike that loops are the entire lake making it about 6-7 miles long."
Water activities: Beyond fishing, several campgrounds offer water recreation. "The lake is beautiful and the path around it is in great shape!" mentions a visitor to Lake Ahquabi. For those seeking river experiences, Walnut Woods State Park provides access to the Raccoon River, though a camper warns "the mosquitos get crazy here!"
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Grant Park receives consistent praise for site sizing and layout. "The sites were very spacious, some massive and very spread out. You could see neighbors but you aren't on top of them," shares one camper. Another notes the park has "10 free sites. Well maintained and quiet. Pit toilet. paved fire ring area and picnic table at each site."
Convenient facilities: Thomas Mitchell County Park offers well-maintained amenities that campers appreciate. "The camp hosts are helpful and offer firewood, which they bring to your site, on Wednesday-Sunday," one visitor mentions. Another camper notes, "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."
Natural water features: Multiple campgrounds feature water access that campers value. "Great little campground. Theres a hiking trail that will take you to indian burial mounds. There is also fishing and boating," explains a Yellow Banks visitor. Walnut Woods State Park offers river access with one camper noting it has "Beautiful river access and camping in the trees."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping options are limited. Walnut Woods State Park Campground operates year-round with one camper confirming "Full service flat sites!!" available in December. However, most parks close facilities during colder months, with water systems typically shut off by late October.
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds operate on different reservation schedules. Grant Park operates primarily on a first-come basis with stays limited to 14 days. "They do have registration cards up on the board to complete and post on your site," explains one visitor. Thomas Mitchell Park uses a mixed system with "Some sites are reservable and some walk up."
Bug concerns: Ticks and mosquitoes can be problematic in warmer months. One Grant Park camper warns, "Let's talk ticks!! I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van... If you travel with a pet, check them constantly and make sure they are on a tick med!"
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Look for parks with dedicated play facilities. "The park has a playground for kids, baseball fields, and primitive camping," notes a Yellow Banks visitor. Thomas Mitchell Park provides diverse activities with one camper mentioning "There is a fishing lake, playground, sand volleyball, and hiking."
Safe water play areas: Several parks offer controlled water environments for children. Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground features a swimming beach where "The water has minimal seaweed and great temperature! They have rentals for paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, etc, for a decent price!" Thomas Mitchell campers appreciate that "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."
Camping education opportunities: Yellow Banks County Park provides learning experiences through its trails. "Great little campground. Theres a hiking trail that will take you to indian burial mounds," reports one visitor. Similarly, Walnut Woods offers nature observation areas with a camper noting "They have a nice outdoor bird viewing building."
Tips from RVers
Hookup specifics: River Oaks RV Park offers thoughtfully designed full-hookup sites. "Sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6' hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site," reports a satisfied RVer.
Site leveling considerations: Prepare for uneven grounds at some locations. River Oaks RV Park has gravel sites where "it looked like most campers had to use blocks." At Yellow Banks, sites are described as "large flat white rock cinder size area with picnic table, fire ring. Sites are well spaced. Shaded."
Off-season advantages: Fall and spring camping offers fewer crowds. An Adventureland Campground visitor notes their experience was "Very quiet but that will change once Adventureland opens." Similarly, at Thomas Mitchell Park, a camper recommends camping "Sun-Wed when there isn't a ton of people."
