The Ruthven area of northwest Iowa sits on the western edge of the glacial remnant Iowa Great Lakes region. Campers visiting sites near Ruthven can expect relatively flat terrain with elevations around 1,400 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures typically reaching the 80s and winter lows often below freezing, making April through October the prime camping season for most visitors.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lost Island Huston Park in Ruthven offers access to local waters for anglers looking to catch various species. Nearby, at Marble Beach State Recreation Area, one camper noted, "Spirit Lake is the largest natural lake in Iowa and provides some of the best fishing in the state."
Biking excursions: Several campgrounds connect to regional bike trails that wind around the lakes. "We rode around the lake. There are plenty of places to visit in the area," mentioned a Marble Beach camper. The Great Lakes bike trail allows cyclists to explore multiple lakes in a single trip, with a full loop around Spirit Lake covering approximately 16 miles.
Swimming beaches: Many campsites provide lake access for swimming during summer months. At Wolden Recreation Area, visitors appreciate the "easy access to a swimming beach and multiple playgrounds for children." The campground also includes sand volleyball courts and basketball hoops for active recreation.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Campers frequently comment on the quality of restroom facilities. At Emerson Bay State Recreation Area, one visitor was impressed that "bathrooms are IMPECCABLE someone was out cleaning the shower house at 11pm one night." Another noted, "Spaces were clean, bathrooms were nice. Beach is very close. Showers were private."
Lakeside camping: Direct lake access remains popular among visitors to the region. A camper at Emerson Bay shared, "This campground is right on the lake! The spots are spacious, the bathrooms are clean, and the price is right. There are a few docks available for boating, fishing or just lake gazing."
Less crowded options: Some campgrounds provide quieter alternatives to the busier sites. A visitor to Gull Point State Park observed it was the "quietest park at lake which is nice if you are looking for less crowds." Similarly, at Fort Defiance State Park, a camper found it to be "a hidden gem in Northwest Iowa. It is Memorial Day Weekend and on Friday night we had one other tent camper on Friday. None on Saturday."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: During peak season (June-August), many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. One visitor advised, "It does fill up quickly so book your trip well in advance" regarding Emerson Bay.
Terrain challenges: Several campgrounds feature uneven sites that may require leveling equipment. At Marble Beach, a camper noted, "Our site sloped down toward the lake; had to use our traction boards to level the van as best we can." Another mentioned "camp sites for tents are super tiny and irregular shaped. Lots of sloping on sites."
Bug considerations: Proximity to water means insects can be prevalent. At Fort Defiance State Park, visitors can explore trails and a creek, but some campgrounds experience more significant insect activity: "By the tent sites tons of mosquitoes," noted one Gull Point visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Wolden Recreation Area described it as "Good sized park with easy access to a swimming beach and multiple playgrounds for children."
Creek exploration: At Fort Defiance State Park, families can enjoy safe water play: "The big creek that runs through the kiddos can play in. It is not deep but it's water. There are some other small little creeks too."
Biking within campgrounds: Many sites offer safe areas for children to ride bikes. At Fort Defiance, "Around the camping area, the kids rode their bikes. We did ride around the roads as a family."
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup logistics: Some campgrounds have unusual electrical setups. One RVer at Fort Defiance Park mentioned, "Our site had electricity with 50, 30, & 20 amps." However, at other sites, campers noted challenges: "The electric hook ups are really far from the pad so bring an extension."
Water access planning: Not all sites provide water hookups at individual campsites. A camper at Gull Point warned, "They DO NOT have water hookups at each site, the lady on the phone said they had water but didn't clarify you have to fill up. I got trailer all disconnected and leveled and finally realized, no water. Had to re hook up and go to spicket to fill."
Site navigation challenges: Larger RVs may find some campgrounds difficult to navigate. One RVer described Gull Point as having "lots of twists and turns for an RV to get to their spot. We have a longer TT, and it was tight and nerve wracking to navigate."
