99% (262) • 12 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ottumwa
Whitetail Tent Camping
1. Whitetail Tent Camping
100%
(10)
34mi from Ottumwa · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Camping, (Fishinfg 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$28
/ night
Red Rock Springs
2. Red Rock Springs
100%
(33)
39mi from Ottumwa · 1 site · Tent, RV
Private secluded camping area near Lake Red Rock. Two 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)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Rathbun Lake
3. Rathbun Lake
100%
(1)
Park 30mi from Ottumwa · 391 sites
Discover Rathbun Lake: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
4. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
State park 32mi from Ottumwa · 82 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Lake Red Rock
5. Lake Red Rock
100%
(5)
Park 41mi from Ottumwa · 390 sites
Discover Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake with endless recreation and scenic beauty.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Battle of Athens State Historic Site
6. Battle of Athens State Historic Site
State park 48mi from Ottumwa · 29 sites
Explore Civil War history and riverfront landscapes at this park in northeastern Missouri.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
99% (262) • 12 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ottumwa
Whitetail Tent Camping
1. Whitetail Tent Camping
100%
(10)
34mi from Ottumwa · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Camping, (Fishinfg 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$28
/ night
Red Rock Springs
2. Red Rock Springs
100%
(33)
39mi from Ottumwa · 1 site · Tent, RV
Private secluded camping area near Lake Red Rock. Two 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)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Rathbun Lake
3. Rathbun Lake
100%
(1)
Park 30mi from Ottumwa · 391 sites
Discover Rathbun Lake: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
4. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
State park 32mi from Ottumwa · 82 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Lake Red Rock
5. Lake Red Rock
100%
(5)
Park 41mi from Ottumwa · 390 sites
Discover Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake with endless recreation and scenic beauty.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Battle of Athens State Historic Site
6. Battle of Athens State Historic Site
State park 48mi from Ottumwa · 29 sites
Explore Civil War history and riverfront landscapes at this park in northeastern Missouri.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Mark
December 2025
15 ft campervan
The directions for getting there were very clear. The site was level and the toilet facilities were clean. Even though we were winter camping, the host made provision for sanitary hand washing. We heard owls but no coyotes or traffic which was quite pleasant. I highly recommend this place and hope to come back someday when it's not foggy and cold!
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J
Judy
November 2025
13 ft travel trailer
We loved this very private and roomy campsite! We heard owls, cranes, and coyotes, and we saw geese and trumpeter swans fly overhead. The stars were amazing! We also found the solar lighted bathroom with the composting toilet to be quite a luxury for boondocking.
I would highly recommend this site. My only advice…the ground is very rocky, so wear boots or good solid shoes. Enjoy!
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d
dave
November 2025
13 ft travel trailer
We loved this spot. The restroom was well lit and clean. Beautiful spot with actual owls we heard at night.
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Carrie
November 2025
Tent
Nice little getaway! I loved that it was secluded enough but you could still drive to town if need be. I like to use this app because of my fear reactive dog. She needs space from humans and dogs, and we both enjoy getting away and relaxing in nature. The neighbors did have dogs that barked through out the night and she found it very hard to settle with the barking. That was my only complaint! The weather did change on us while we were there so we did pack up and leave a little early, but I would definitely come back and give it another go in the future.
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J
Jenny
October 2025
14 ft travel trailer
We loved our first experience taking out our little Falcon camper and we are so happy it was here. This is a private site with a lighted composting toilet area, with TP and a hand washing station 😊. It has a fire pit and an option to purchase firewood. The view of the trees is stunning, especially this time of year and we enjoyed walking around the grounds. Also there are many paved trails close by within a short drive. Joshua is kind and helpful. Thanks Joshua. We plan on returning and telling our friends and family about your little gem.🌳🐿🦌
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Sara
October 2025
15 ft campervan
With pets
We loved camping here, and our dogs had so much fun exploring. The tripod to cook over the fire was handy as well as being able to venmo for firewood. We plan to return!
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Zach
October 2025
Tent
Joshua was very helpful and the stay was great! The property was very nice and private, all in all a great experience!
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Luke
October 2025
Tent
Great host, calm grounds and beautiful scenery would definitely camp again
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alicia
October 2025
24 ft Class C
With pets
Incredible spot! Wish we had more time here. Directions via Google maps were perfect, look for the cones. Fire wood available restroom available. The site is magical, had an amazing time, my dogs loved being able to explore and relax. Area was well tended too, enjoyed finding old machinery on the lot and so many cute frogs. Some traffic during day but absolute silence in the evening. If you're looking for off grid, peace and quiet with wonderful walking trails and beautiful scape, this is the place!
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K
Kat
October 2025
Tent
With pets
My pup and I had a great stay! We spent most of the daytime on the lower part of the property in the shade, which was such a beautiful area with its own picnic table and even a fire pit. The property trails were well maintained. I got two firewood bundles, which were hefty and worth the price: you can see in the attached photo just one bundle and how much wood it supplied. Outhouse was well maintained and didn’t stink. Beautiful open sky at night and peaceful nature sounds. Loved the nearby paved biking trails and recreational areas. Would definitely visit again!
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Rob
September 2025
14 ft travel trailer
Great spot! Clean, private, and quiet! Host had fantastic communication. Can’t wait to go back!
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Jacob
August 2025
26 ft travel trailer
With pets
This place is amazing, I can tell you that much. It's a great spot for anyone who appreciates a bit of peace and quiet. The private atmosphere really sets it apart from other places I've been to. Our dogs loved the trails and stream down at the lower level! Would love to visit again soon!
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K
Kim
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Loved the peace & quiet and space for my dogs to romp! The creek was great to cool them down during our hot summer stay!
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Elly
August 2025
Tent
Me and my partner had a wonderful overnight stay at Owl’s Perch. We were able to cook using the fire pit and provided, along with the suspended rack. The trails connected to the campsite are beautiful, lush, and well cared for. We had a very pleasant experience, and Joshua is a kind and accommodating host. If you’re looking for a cute, private camping spot, this is your place!
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Tonya
August 2025
Tent
With pets
What a great little area to set up camp! Plenty of space for tents and a camper. Great for families to explore and dogs to roam. Besides the occasional car driving by we didn’t hear any other people near by so it felt really private. Hosts are great and responsive. Great spot!
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Kalyca
July 2025
24 ft travel trailer
With pets
Beautiful surroundings and very quiet. The stars were amazing at night!
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Matt
July 2025
Tent
Great place to camp! Easy to get to yet secluded. Joshua clearly puts in the effort to maintain this site. I didn’t get a chance to hike on the trail because rain made it too muddy for me. Looks as though the trail is well-maintained as well.
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R
Robert
July 2025
Tent
With pets
Had a great time at this spot with my fiancée. Loved the privacy. Also had a toilet and a sink to wash hands. Got the firewood bundle and he left plenty for the night. Also it’s true to its name—we heard owls! That was my favorite part
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S
Shannon
July 2025
10 ft campervan
With pets
Great experience all around. The site is wonderful with nice hiking trails and privacy. Josh was a perfect host with good communication and easy to follow directions. Will definitely be going back again.
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Lizzie
July 2025
18 ft travel trailer
With pets
Great overnight stay at Owl’s Perch! Nice amenities including bins and a “water diverting” toilet. Site was spacious and easy to maneuver in. We did in fact hear owls! At dusk there was a beautiful show of fireflies. Would definitely stay again!
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