Camping near Ottumwa

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Looking to go camping near Ottumwa, Iowa? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 265 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that fits your accommodation preference, activity/terrain preference, and budget. Whether you're into hiking, biking, swimming, or wildlife watching, there's something for everyone. You can even read reviews from fellow campers to help you decide. Check out some of the top campsites like Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), and Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews). Plus, you'll have popular amenities like trash, toilets, and showers to make your camping experience even more enjoyable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

99% (394) • 1,555 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ottumwa

Trail-Side Rural Retreat

1. Trail-Side Rural Retreat

100%
(14)
22mi from Ottumwa · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Our 3-acre pasture borders a 13-mile recreational trail that encompasses our entire town. Super easy access to the trail via bike, golf cart, or on foot to the middle school, high school, community auditorium, William Penn University or Lacey Recreational Complex. We live approximately 150 yards from the city limits, but are on a gravel road. It is an easy 7-minute drive to the grocery store, 2 minutes to the local hospital, and the trail is accessible to walkers, golf carts and bicyclists. Our property does not have any hookups, but if needed, there is are a couple of spots where a 110 connection could be accommodated (for an additional $5/night) close to our home that we could have discussions about using. My husband and are I both retired and our property is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Please note on the three acres, we do have 15 laying hens who free-range during the day, but are confined at night. They typically do not have any desire to interact with humans unless you are feeding them and should not present any problems. IF you bring a pet, please insure it is kept controlled and not allowed to interact with our hens or the folks using the recreational trail. As a bonus, for $5 per person we would be happy to whip up a farm-fresh egg breakfast each morning you stay with us. During summer months, guests are welcome to use our above-ground fully-enclosed pool complete with outdoor shower (heated by the power of the sun shining on a garden hose which means hot water is VERY limited!). There is a tiki bar, small deck and lawn furniture inside the pool enclosure. Please stop by the main house to check in when you arrive. We look forward to hosting you!
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Whitetail Tent Camping

2. Whitetail Tent Camping

100%
(12)
34mi from Ottumwa · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Camping, (Fishing at 2 of our sights) Enjoying a campfire and sometimes even petting Pedro the donkey! Learn more about this land: Nestled into the center of historic and scenic Van Buren County (where there are more Whitetail Deer than people)  You are a 5 minute drive away from The Des Moines River which is great for kayaking, boating and fishing.  You’re also 5 minutes away from Lacey State Park, which has a 30 acre lake. Lacey Lake also has a sandy beach area and over 13 miles of trails to hike on.  If you like to go fishing and boating, Lake Sugema, a 579 acre lake, is a 10 minute drive from this campsite.  If you’re into horseback riding, you’ll be camping 19 miles from where you can rent a horse and ride on 25 miles of trails in Shimek State Forest, just east of Farmington, Iowa.
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Red Rock Springs

3. Red Rock Springs

99%
(48)
39mi from Ottumwa · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Private secluded camping area near Lake Red Rock. There are several camp spots spread out over 6.5 wooded acres. There is a Spring-fed stream that runs through this property. Spot Abundant wildlife including turkey, deer, owls and eagles. Several trails wind through this camp. Pull your camper or pitch a tent. (depending on which site you select) The restroom has enough solar power to charge all your devices. This property Borders Army corps of engineers land. Competine Creek is only 1200 feet from this camp and feeds into Lake Red Rock. Great for canoes or kayaks. This camp is Less than a 5 min drive to Lake Red Rock boat ramp. 8 min to Knoxville, 10 min to Pella. This is an off grid property with a clean, simple bathroom featuring a composting toilet and hand-washing sink. (sink currently winterized but hand sanitizer provided)
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Lake Wapello State Park

4. Lake Wapello State Park

100%
(1)
State park 17mi from Ottumwa · 93 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Wapello State Park.
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Lake Keomah State Park

5. Lake Keomah State Park

State park 19mi from Ottumwa · 61 sites
Discover the charm of Lake Keomah State Park with its serene lake and lush trails.
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Electrical hookup
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Nature Heaven by lake red rock

6. Nature Heaven by lake red rock

96%
(300)
39mi from Ottumwa · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We open year-round!! We believe each season has its own special natural beauty, so we open year-round. The property name is Tri-pond Farm. This secluded, beautiful, pet-friendly 40-acre fenced farm camping site is on hilly, pond land and is rare in Iowa, with a view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and a far view of Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres of natural timber area that keep you away from the other campers and the rest of the world. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, and a solar light. The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity. There are tons of natural features; you may see deer, rabbits, and other game birds by your campsite. Each campsite has a good distance to keep privacy from each other. A recently built 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want a more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent gifts. For surrounding areas, the nearby White Breast Beach is open from May 23 to September 3, 2026, with boating, hunting, and hiking activities in Lake Red Rock. For our campers' safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, if you come hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public hunting grounds are near our camping ground. The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on top of a hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and a lake view while enjoying the great nature and having a comfortable stay. The cell phone signals are good from most providers; you may use your cell phone hotspot to work remotely at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^. Hope you will find joy, peace, and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and the Red Rock Lake area. A little history of this land: These 40 acres of land were a surface mining site. The reclamation work was done during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Master's and PhD in soil and environmental health backgrounds, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds, hills, tall grass, butterflies... The site is totally different from what Google Maps shows now.
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Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp

7. Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp

99%
(94)
48mi from Ottumwa · 1 site
We offer one private site on four acres, including a small pond, beach, treehouse, trails and peace and quiet. In addition to the tipi, there are kayaks, canoe, fire ring, wood supply, cooking equipment, dutch ovens, hammock, and tables and chairs Catch and release fishing is allowed. Campers will need to bring sleeping bags and food. Dogs are welcome. There is a rustic restroom (outhouse), with an outdoor shower. Water and electricity are available at the restroom and campsite. In addition, Navigation Play-Williamsburg, provides outdoor play opportunities at the farm on a seasonal basis. If interested, find her on her facebook page. Our dream was to restore an old farmstead to prairie and woods, grow our own food, make some wine and create a wonderland for grandchildren. The tipi and pond campsite is our way of sharing our place. We love meeting new people, especially those that are looking for a new camping experience.
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Ramsey Creek Natural Area

8. Ramsey Creek Natural Area

100%
(17)
48mi from Ottumwa · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
3 acres that were converted from a cornfield 30 years ago to an area containing prairie, woods and creek. A great place to relax and enjoy rural Iowa, guests are welcome to roam the mowed areas and paths while respecting other guests. In the heart of the largest Amish community west of the Mississippi, only 2 miles from Kalona Historical Village. Groceries, gas and food and dump station available in Kalona, firewood available on site, kayak trips may be arranged.
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Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging

9. Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging

97%
(16)
48mi from Ottumwa · 3 sites
*NEW 2023*Prairie-Schooner Wagon*You are invited to stay where the buffalo roam in a beautiful Conestoga Wagon! These unique wagons have heat & a/c, a king bed, twin/twin bunk beds and locking front door. Enjoy the beauty of the sunset along the rolling hills. Stargaze while cuddled around your private fire pit. Wake up to our bison herd grazing near by. Private luxury shower house w/ heat & a/c. The wagons do NOT have a kitchen. They do have a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, toaster and grill & more.
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Rathbun Lake

10. Rathbun Lake

100%
(1)
Park 30mi from Ottumwa · 391 sites
Discover Rathbun Lake: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers.
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Honey Creek Resort

11. Honey Creek Resort

State park 28mi from Ottumwa · 20 sites
If this is camping, sign us up! Resort amenities abound at this cushy state park.
Electrical hookup
Honey Creek State Park

12. Honey Creek State Park

State park 29mi from Ottumwa · 152 sites
Discover the natural charm of Honey Creek State Park.
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Lake Darling State Park

13. Lake Darling State Park

State park 30mi from Ottumwa · 85 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Darling State Park.
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House 1949

14. House 1949

25mi from Ottumwa · 2 sites
Secluded 33-Acre Retreat with Pond, Fishing & Trail Access Escape to 33 acres of open Iowa countryside with everything you need for an easygoing, family-friendly stay. Any size rig is welcome here—park on the level gravel pad or pull into the open fields and set up wherever suits you best. There’s plenty of room to spread out, let the kids roam, and settle in. Head down to the 4-acre pond to cast a line or simply soak in the peace and quiet. Right outside your door, you’ll have direct access to more than 20 miles of connected trails, perfect for hiking, walking the dog, or exploring on wheels. On-site amenities: • Flat, level gravel surface plus open fields—park wherever works best • Any size rig welcome • Family-friendly with plenty of space to roam • 4-acre pond with fishing access • More than 20 miles of connected trails directly from the property • Potable water hose for filling your fresh water tank • Trash dumpsters on-site Come for the fishing and stay for the peace and quiet. Ideal for families, anglers, trail lovers, and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the land.
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Morris Acres Campground

15. Morris Acres Campground

30mi from Ottumwa · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to Morris Acres Campground, a simple and peaceful RV-friendly campsite located in the beautiful countryside of Barnes City, Iowa. This spacious site offers easy setup, convenient access, and a quiet place to relax while enjoying the open landscape and fresh country air. Perfect for travelers looking for a comfortable overnight stop or a peaceful extended stay, this campground features a gravel pull-through site with room for large rigs up to 60 feet. The site includes 50 amp electrical service, water hookups, and space for a variety of RV setups, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, campervans, and motorhomes. Enjoy a private and relaxing atmosphere surrounded by wide-open views, farmland scenery, and beautiful sunsets. The campsite is a great place to unwind, recharge, and enjoy the simplicity of rural Iowa. Amenities include: • Private RV/tent site • Pull-through access • 50 amp electrical service • Water hookup • Gravel surface • Space for up to 6 guests • Pets allowed • Parking for up to 2 vehicles Please note: • No campfires allowed • No potable water available • No toilet facilities available (campers must bring their own camping toilet) • Site may require minor leveling • 2WD accessible Located near Hawthorn Lake and Public Ground, Morris Acres Campground provides a convenient base for outdoor adventures, fishing, nature exploration, and enjoying the peaceful Iowa countryside. Whether you’re passing through or looking for a quiet place to settle in for a while, Morris Acres Campground offers a simple, comfortable, and relaxing rural escape.
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Electrical hookup
Hidden Ridge Campground of NE MO

16. Hidden Ridge Campground of NE MO

32mi from Ottumwa · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Come visit our peaceful 5-acre RV park in rural northeast Missouri. Enjoy fishing in the pond and stunning night skies on clear evenings. Take in the birds, wildflowers, and views of neighboring cows. You’ll be just three miles from Rebel’s Cove Conservation Area, perfect for hiking, hunting, and fishing — or float the Chariton River for a relaxing day on the water. We offer 30- and 50-amp hookups, water hookups, a dump station, and pull-through sites. Picnic tables and fire rings are available. Hidden Ridge is pet-friendly, but leashes are required.
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Chief’s Lookout

17. Chief’s Lookout

32mi from Ottumwa · 3 sites
Two cozy guest cabins (Amish made)that can sleep up to 4 a piece and a kitchen cabin (Chief Keokuk) that also sleeps four. Tucked in a serene wooded cove with a small pond, great for swimming and fishing. Located just two miles North of the Missouri border, and 7 miles south of Moulton, IA. The kitchen cabin has a full bathroom and full kitchen. There is a community fire pit on the patio with three picnic tables offered, horse shoe pit, and a deer hanging post and first come first serve dog kennel with dog house. It is located 2 miles away from 3,000 acres of public hunting land in Iowa, called Sedan Bottoms and a couple miles away from about 3,500 acres of public hunting in Missouri and it’s called Rebels Cove.
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Chariton Valley Cabins And RV Sites

18. Chariton Valley Cabins And RV Sites

100%
(4)
36mi from Ottumwa · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Our RV Sites sit on our secluded property that overlooks the beautiful Lake Rathbun in southern Iowa. We have 6 sites available. Enjoy the peaceful, starry night sky. We are not off of a main road/highway so it is very quiet and peaceful. Each RV site has full hook up (Electric, water, septic, wifi). PRICING: $30 a night plus tax $360 a month plus tax $3500 a year plus tax Laundry facilities available (if staying an extended period of time)
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Full hookups
Double E Farm Retreat

19. Double E Farm Retreat

41mi from Ottumwa · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
One mile north of Knoxville, Iowa, sits a peaceful farmstead on a dead-end road with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The property is set up for multiple rentals, including a farmhouse, a glamping garage, a bunkie for additional sleeping accommodations, an outdoor stage for small weddings or performances, and multiple campsites with water and electrical hookups. Rent one unit or the entire property, depending on your needs.
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Lake Escape Cabin Retreat

20. Lake Escape Cabin Retreat

42mi from Ottumwa · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A small cabin facing Lake Red Rock and bordering government land offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. Sit by the fire pit and enjoy evening sunsets overlooking the lake, or walk down and launch your kayak for an evening paddle around Whitebreast. This cozy cabin is equipped with all your basic needs, including air conditioning, a microwave, refrigerator, rustic outdoor shower, outdoor bathroom, deck with picnic table, and BBQ grill. In keeping with this tranquil setting on a dead-end road, there is no TV, radio, or internet provided. Instead, sit back, enjoy nature, and disconnect from everyday distractions. The boat launch is located 1 mile from the cabin and offers ample parking space.
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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