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Several RV campgrounds near West Union offer full hookup sites suited for motorhomes and big rigs across northeast Iowa. Skip-A-Way Resort in Clermont features full hookup RV sites with 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections on gravel pads. "Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Most sites are level," according to one visitor. Backbone State Park offers electric sites for RVs with both 30-amp and 50-amp service, though sites tend to be closer together than at private campgrounds. Lakeshore RV Resort and Campground in Oelwein, open May through mid-October, accommodates big rigs with pull-through RV pads, while Pulpit Rock Campground near Decorah provides full hookup options with 50-amp service in a riverside setting.
Seasonal availability varies significantly throughout the region. Many campgrounds close during winter months, with limited year-round options concentrated at Backbone State Park and Bloody Run County Park. Cell service fluctuates between locations, with one reviewer noting "good Verizon and T-mobile service" at Oelwein City Park. Most RV-friendly campgrounds in the area permit pets with standard leash requirements. Dump stations are available at Skip-A-Way, Pulpit Rock, and Lakeshore RV Resort, though some are described as basic facilities. For motorhome travelers requiring propane refills, options are limited to larger towns like Waterloo or Decorah. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and fall foliage season, with many parks filling quickly from June through September. Campers seeking RV campgrounds with reliable amenities should book early, as top-rated sites near West Union tend to fill fast throughout the peak season.
"Sewer, water and electric."
"This was a nice campground next to a small town- nice quiet sites. Sites were kind of close together. Mostly seasonal spots here."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"The camp ground that we stayed at was family friendly. Hammocks were ok to put up. The only not so great experience was that 2 out of the 3 showers on the women's side were out of order."
"Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."
from $12 - $25 / night
Check Availability"This campground is non-electric, self-pay, non-reservable, and has only a few sites. There is a nice trout stream, with a few sites right by the stream."
"The hiking trail was perfect for a morning stroll with my dog and coffee and there certainly is a petting zoo (my German Shepard was a little uncertain about the goats)"
from $5 / night
Check Availability"Gravel parking spots, fairly level, most without shade unless you get on the "back loop" where you can find 4 with good shade."
"Went there last weekend had to do a walk up everything else was reserved. Clean park area, bathrooms were disgusting though. Talked to the DNR he was very friendly and knowledgeable."
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability"It's located on the south end of town, there is only one business within walking distance. It's a great restaurant (Oelwein Family Restaurant) and it's about a 15 minute walk."
"Large park, no designated sites, fire rings spread around. Elect posts spread around.water available a dump station on site $2.00 charge. Very green, a river all around the park."
"Most spots have water and electric hookups. Dump station with nonpotable water is easily accessible. Very shady camping right along the river. $12 per night. Worth the money."
from $12 / night
RangerVery nice campground with a few FHU sites, most are electric only. Some sites are pretty sloped making it hard to level longer rigs. Check carefully when making your reservation. Nice close hike to see the overlooks to the river, and there’s a well maintained hike down to the Bridal Veil Falls. Minus 1 star for the horrible push-button operated showers that only stay on for 6 seconds at a time. Good phone service for both t-mobile and AT&T.
RangerDespite its limitations, this city campground definitely suited our purpose for a 1-2 night stay in late October. Yes, there are trains and highway traffic. Correct, there are only 110 hookups. However, this space is also suitable for larger RV's IF experienced with dispersed camping. We stayed in our 43-ft motorhome and found #6 (to the left of the site near the playground) was pretty level. Did not need elec bc able to get solar charge on our panels where we parked. Great little playground if you have kids!! My only caution is if it's wet -- larger rigs might sink in the grass. We were lucky to have beautiful weather while there! Easy to grab an envelope near entrance & deposit $$ in the dropbox.
GuideOctober 12, low of 63° high around 78°.
We arrived here on Sunday around noon and there were maybe 4 other trailers. We self registered and chose one of the many spots and headed to decorah for lunch. When we got back around 5 pm everyone was gone. We enjoyed the creek rushing next to us and the quiet park!
Water was shut off but vault toilets were available.
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
LegendI edit my review - the gun range next door is obnoxious. Why would they have that next to a park with walking trails ?
Big enough for big rvs, big sites Showers Water Hydro Quiet $18 for unserved $30 for serviced
ScoutBe advised site 14 is on such a steep hill it was honestly scary coming in an out of our camper! If an older couple were staying at this site in a camper I’m not sure if they would even be able to. Our second door entrance cannot be used due to how steep the hill is and we had to add wood to the bottom of our stairs because they didn’t touch the ground. Forgot to add you’re also under a very large black walnut tree that is currently dropping walnuts that are ripe.
LegendWe got here on a Monday and got a great spot in the back. The sunrise was spectacular. Then the fog moved in off the river and it was pretty cool.
GuideWe camped in Pulpit Rock campground in a pull through site with friends. They allow two campers on one site. This site was particularly long with our 38' 5th wheel and their 33' pull type camper. We were next to the highway so it was a little noisy which is why I didn't give it 5 stars. Tons of shade in this area. Staff was very friendly. We called in early and they saved this spot for us b/c it was a FCFS site. So you call and they will hold a spot for you to come that day. We also had a flat fire pit with 2 sides instead of a circle one in the ground. We were always knocking out burning logs.
TravelerRight next to the Cedar River (you can watch it flow from your camp spot), also very nice pond with geese. A problem with the electricity in the first spot, but were given another spot (worked fine) peaceful sleep. Wanted to stay another day, but had to keep driving, (long way home). Would stay again and maybe try fishing.
The northeastern corner of Iowa features diverse elevation changes and limestone bluff terrain surrounding West Union. Located about 850 feet above sea level, this region offers camping experiences across rolling hills, trout streams, and river valleys. Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, though some maintain sites year-round.
Trout fishing opportunities: Bloody Run County Park provides direct access to stocked trout streams. "Caught plenty of German brown trout and cooked over the fire pits at the site (grate included)," reports one visitor. The park maintains a fishing calendar for stocked species.
Hiking trail networks: Yellow River State Forest offers extensive hiking with varied terrain. "We enjoyed hiking despite the mosquitoes and humidity in August and were able to make a 5+ mile loop leaving from the campground," according to a camper. Trail maps available at the information center show interconnected paths suitable for day hikes.
Water recreation: Skip-A-Way Resort features multiple water activities during summer months. "Some weekly activities include canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake, a splash pad for kids," notes a reviewer. Equipment rentals available on-site from April 15 through October 15.
Natural features: Backbone State Park campers appreciate the geological formations. "We loved waking up in the morning and going for a walk along the many trails, seeing deer on the trail, and the lake," shares one visitor. The park contains Iowa's first designated state park with distinctive rock formations.
Waterfront sites: Campgrounds along rivers offer premium experiences for RV camping near West Union. "Each sight also has a table and ample space to park car and pitch tents. We had three tents and 2 SUVs and lots of space," writes a Bloody Run camper about their creekside spot.
Spacious layouts: Big Paint Campground provides well-separated sites. "The sites there are pretty spacious and level, but they don't feel very private because this campground is essentially just an open field with line of sight to all other campsites," according to a visitor. Sites typically include fire rings and tables.
Train noise affects some campgrounds: At Bloody Run County Park, overnight noise can be significant. "First night at 3am we were awoken but a train blaring its horn the whole way threw the camp ground and the second night it happend at midnight and 3 am," warns a camper. Consider packing earplugs if selecting this location.
Reservation requirements vary: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "You're not getting much (and that's not a bad thing) so the $9 fee seems fair. Pay up front at the entrance station, or make a reservation online at last 2 days ahead of time," explains a Yellow River State Forest visitor.
Varying levels of facility development: Campgrounds range from primitive to full-service. "There's water at the information center (and a camp host site) outside the campground about 100 yards to the left," notes one visitor about Big Paint Campground's limited facilities.
Kid-friendly activities: Pulpit Rock Campground offers convenient access to trails and water. "City campground run by great staff. A quick bike to town to enjoy breweries, restaurants, ice cream and shops," explains a visitor. Sites accommodate various camping setups including tents and RVs.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. "They have a beach for swimming. Boats for renting but they were out of order for repairs when we were here. You can rent kayaks, bikes. They have mini golf but you have to pay 8 dollars for that," reports a Skip-A-Way visitor.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs operate seasonally at select parks. "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time," shares a family who visited Wyalusing State Park. Many parks offer ranger-led activities during summer months.
Site dimensions matter: When motorhome camping near West Union, check site specifications. "We stayed at site #125 which has fantastic views of the river and surrounding area's, but the wind is stronger at this spot because it's open," notes a visitor to Wyalusing State Park, which accommodates larger rigs.
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds provide varying levels of service. "Sites are primitive with tables, fire rings/grates, pit toilets, self registration, ice/wood available across road at visitors station," explains a camper about Yellow River State Forest, where RVers should be prepared for minimal hookups.
Seasonal availability: Many West Union area RV sites close during winter. "I was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station," reports a late-season visitor to Big Paint Campground. Most full-service RV parks operate April through October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near West Union, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near West Union, IA is Skip-A-Way Resort with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
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