The best campgrounds near Ottumwa, Iowa with a private bathroom

Looking to camp near Ottumwa, Iowa and need a toilet? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 299 options in the area that offer a toilet, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a rustic cabin or a secluded campsite, Hipcamp has got you covered. Some of the top campsites with rave reviews include Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), and Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews). Average prices per night start at $60, with options as low as $15. Popular amenities include cooking equipment, showers, and campfires, while popular activities in the area include horseback riding, whitewater paddling, and swimming. So grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

99% (348)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to camp near Ottumwa, Iowa and need a toilet? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 299 options in the area that offer a toilet, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for a rustic cabin or a secluded campsite, Hipcamp has got you covered. Some of the top campsites with rave reviews include Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Draco Hill Farm (192 reviews), and Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews). Average prices per night start at $60, with options as low as $15. Popular amenities include cooking equipment, showers, and campfires, while popular activities in the area include horseback riding, whitewater paddling, and swimming. So grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

99% (348)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Nature Heaven

96%

(315)

39mi from Ottumwa · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Knoxville, IA

The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has it’s special nature-beauty, so we open year around. This seclude, beautiful pet friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa with view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and rest of the world. Each site has a firepit, picnic table and a solar light. The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity on. There are tons of nature features, you may see deer, rabbits and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distances to keep privacy from each other. A recently built a 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent nature's gifts. For surrounding areas, the close by White Breast Beach is open from May 23-September 3, 2024, boating, hunting and hiking activities in the lake red rock. For our camper's safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come for 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 a top of hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and lake view while enjoy the great nature and have a comfortable stay. The cell phone signals are good from most providers; you may use your cell phone hotspot 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 areas. A little history of this land: These 40 acres of land was a surface mining site. The reclamation works 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 environment health background, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for the nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds, hills and tall grass, Butterflys... The site is totally different from what the Google map shows now.

2. Red Rock Springs

100%

(32)

39mi from Ottumwa · 1 site · Tent, RV · Knoxville, IA

Private secluded camp spot Near Lake Red Rock. Enjoy your own private 6.5 wooded acres to explore. 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. 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)

3. Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp

99%

(85)

48mi from Ottumwa · 2 sites · Lodging · Williamsburg, IA

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. 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.

4. Chief’s Lookout

32mi from Ottumwa · 4 sites · Lodging · Moulton, IA

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.

5. Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging

100%

(14)

48mi from Ottumwa · 7 sites · Lodging · Malcom, IA

*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.

6. The Point at Lake Red Rock

98%

(32)

40mi from Ottumwa · 1 site · Lodging · Knoxville, IA

Our 32 acres is a unique property on Iowa’s largest lake, Lake Red Rock. It features 17 acres of woods and 15 acres of native pollinator flowers and plants. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching and much more! Gorgeous sunsets and quiet surroundings will give you a memorable get away!

7. Whitetail Tent Camping

100%

(10)

34mi from Ottumwa · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Keosauqua, IA

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.

8. Well Within Farm Sanctuary

429mi from Ottumwa · 6 sites · Lodging · Kingsley, MI

Well Within Farm Sanctuary is a forested 10 acres located minutes from hiking, biking, fishing and beautiful Traverse City, MI. Nestled 1/4 mile back from a main road but, only five minutes from The Village of Kingsley, MI with grocery store, gas station, brewery, shops, library, splash park, restaurants and more! You will stay at a rustic campsite with room for a tent or small RV. Recently we have added a 25 ft by 12 foot camping cabin. We provide one queen size air mattress and linens including pillows, sheets and a quilt. There is a private solar shower at each campsite. We do provide a clean well maintained port o potty for use.

Camper favorites near Ottumwa

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Chief’s Lookout

32mi from Ottumwa · 4 sites · Lodging · Moulton, IA

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.

Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging

100%

(14)

48mi from Ottumwa · 7 sites · Lodging · Malcom, IA

*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.

The Point at Lake Red Rock

98%

(32)

40mi from Ottumwa · 1 site · Lodging · Knoxville, IA

Our 32 acres is a unique property on Iowa’s largest lake, Lake Red Rock. It features 17 acres of woods and 15 acres of native pollinator flowers and plants. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching and much more! Gorgeous sunsets and quiet surroundings will give you a memorable get away!

Whitetail Tent Camping

100%

(10)

34mi from Ottumwa · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Keosauqua, IA

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.

Well Within Farm Sanctuary

429mi from Ottumwa · 6 sites · Lodging · Kingsley, MI

Well Within Farm Sanctuary is a forested 10 acres located minutes from hiking, biking, fishing and beautiful Traverse City, MI. Nestled 1/4 mile back from a main road but, only five minutes from The Village of Kingsley, MI with grocery store, gas station, brewery, shops, library, splash park, restaurants and more! You will stay at a rustic campsite with room for a tent or small RV. Recently we have added a 25 ft by 12 foot camping cabin. We provide one queen size air mattress and linens including pillows, sheets and a quilt. There is a private solar shower at each campsite. We do provide a clean well maintained port o potty for use.

Public campgrounds near Ottumwa

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(1)

Lake Wapello Campground

17mi from Ottumwa · 93 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Wapello State Park

Lake Keomah Campground

19mi from Ottumwa · 61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Keomah State Park

Buck Creek Campground

26mi from Ottumwa · 42 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rathbun Lake

100%

(1)

Prairie Ridge Park Campground

26mi from Ottumwa · 55 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rathbun Lake

Island View Campground

29mi from Ottumwa · 188 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rathbun Lake

Honey Creek Campground

29mi from Ottumwa · 152 sites · Tents, RVs · in Honey Creek State Park

Lake Darling Campground

30mi from Ottumwa · 85 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Darling State Park

Lacey-Keosauqua Campground

32mi from Ottumwa · 82 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

Bridgeview Park Campground

33mi from Ottumwa · 106 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rathbun Lake

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Howell Station

37mi from Ottumwa · 143 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Red Rock

100%

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North Overlook Campground

38mi from Ottumwa · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Red Rock

100%

(1)

Whitebreast Campground

39mi from Ottumwa · 111 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Red Rock

Stories from the community

J

Judy

3 weeks ago

13 ft travel trailer

1 night at Red Rock Springs

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!

d

dave

3 weeks ago

13 ft travel trailer

1 night at Red Rock Springs

We loved this spot. The restroom was well lit and clean. Beautiful spot with actual owls we heard at night.

C

Carrie

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

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.

C

Cristian

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Nature Heaven

Great location, and accommodating host. Great directs and signs as you go through. Defined trailed with class 2 base gravel for easy 2wd access. Saw multiple deer both day for short time I was there. Well maintained.

J

Jenny

October 2025

14 ft travel trailer

1 night at Red Rock Springs

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.🌳🐿🦌

S

Sara

October 2025

15 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

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!

Beth

October 2025

3 nights at The Point at Lake Red Rock

A cozy camper and beautiful nature to boot! The lake is serene with all kinds of wild life! Debbie the host made sure all was great.

Z

Zach

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

Joshua was very helpful and the stay was great! The property was very nice and private, all in all a great experience!

L

Luke

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Red Rock Springs

Great host, calm grounds and beautiful scenery would definitely camp again

alicia

October 2025

24 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

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!

K

Kat

October 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Red Rock Springs

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!

Site 3. is on a hill top. One part of the site is in the shade and another part is on a limited open spaces. This site have beautiful view of pond, hills and lake. very nice sunset view if weather permit.

G

Georgia

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Nature Heaven

Wow this place is just so gorgeous. We fit one 2 person tent and one 4 person tent very comfortably next to each other. When you’re in or around your tent, or sitting at the bonfire it’s incredibly private, but you can still walk out just 30 feet and see the beautiful wide open view. Definitely will be back soon a recommending this site to all of my friends!!!

Cristian

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

10/10 returning soon again beautiful area quiet away from everyone perfect spot

R

Rob

September 2025

14 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Red Rock Springs

Great spot! Clean, private, and quiet! Host had fantastic communication. Can’t wait to go back!

C

Carrie

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Point at Lake Red Rock

Debbie’s place was great! Perfect escape for a girls trip with dogs. Camper was clean and had the basics. Nice, easy walk to the boathouse and lake and close to town in case you forgot anything.

Sam

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Point at Lake Red Rock

Beautiful prairie. So quiet and peaceful. Comfortable accommodations inside and out! My wife and I enjoyed our stay and the host was GREAT!

Michelle

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp

Maria was a great host and we had a great time. They have everything you could need there and it’s great for kids too. Our kids loved the canoe and sand toys. They even brought us some homemade wine that was fantastic!

Out side the dome portable fire pit. A perfect spot to watch sunsetting.
There is an additional sitting area behind the dome with another fire pit and picnic table. Additional spaces behind the dome for hammocks car parking etc.

E

Eric

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Nature Heaven

Loved the location, the view. And the fun setup. Had a great time!

N

Nehemiah

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp

It’s perfect. Clear view for the sunset & sunrise. The teepee was unexpectedly comfortable, being able light up the fire pit in the inside was a 10. It was 45 degrees last night and we slept like new born babies. Trails cut out to enjoy the colors and the life that the their prairie brings to the land. Great hospitality, I even got the chance to enjoy the taste of delicious fruit and drinks produced from the land.. if this place don’t Bless your camping needs, you’re not a camper. If I keep giving details it might seem too good to be true, I advise you to check it out. Overall it was a pleaser to meet them and enjoy this wonderful idea for us to enjoy nature and the peace that comes with it.. We will be back for sure.

Jessica

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging

We loved staying in the wagon — it was a dream come true. It was serene and you could tell this property is prayed over and seasoned in love and care. Everything was as described or BETTER! It was cozy and clean! We loved the two cats on the property and seeing the bison in the morning. The beds were very comfortable and the amenities are too numerous to detail. We went out of our way to stay here and it was WORTH IT! Thank you so much to our hosts for their hospitality, faith, patriotism, hard work, and care that is displayed even in their absence!