Camping Near Okoboji, IA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2025

Try a camping getaway to the small town of Okoboji in northern Iowa. Nestled between the eastern and western arms of Okoboji Lake, it’s a freshwater oasis full of activity. Campers can kayak the interconnected lake system (there are five in total), bike on the Iowa Great Lakes Trail, and build sandcastles on the beach at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area. The recreation area’s campground features electrical hookups, dump stations, bathrooms, showers, and boat ramps for RV and tent camping. Once December rolls around, Okoboji turns into a winter wonderland. The annual 40 inches of snow makes the perfect environment for ripping around on groomed snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing routes. For more year-round outdoor activities and accommodations, head to Big Spirit Lake just 20 minutes north. Get cozy in a private cabin rental with central heat, or cruise the RV to Marble Beach State Recreation Area for pull-through campsites that have 50-amp hookups and access to restrooms and hot showers.

99% (258)

Top-rated campgrounds

Try a camping getaway to the small town of Okoboji in northern Iowa. Nestled between the eastern and western arms of Okoboji Lake, it’s a freshwater oasis full of activity. Campers can kayak the interconnected lake system (there are five in total), bike on the Iowa Great Lakes Trail, and build sandcastles on the beach at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area. The recreation area’s campground features electrical hookups, dump stations, bathrooms, showers, and boat ramps for RV and tent camping. Once December rolls around, Okoboji turns into a winter wonderland. The annual 40 inches of snow makes the perfect environment for ripping around on groomed snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing routes. For more year-round outdoor activities and accommodations, head to Big Spirit Lake just 20 minutes north. Get cozy in a private cabin rental with central heat, or cruise the RV to Marble Beach State Recreation Area for pull-through campsites that have 50-amp hookups and access to restrooms and hot showers.

99% (258)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Silver Lake Camp Sweet Camp

100%

(6)

28mi from Okoboji · 1 site · RV · Ayrshire, IA

Come be our guest on Silver Lake near Ayrshire, IA. Our back-in camp site has full electric, water (Iowa Lakes Rural Water treated), and sewer hook ups. Relax, and enjoy fishing from our dock (don’t forget your poles and bait!), a picnic under our willow tree, listening to the birds sing, a peaceful cup of coffee, a walk on a country road, a delicious campfire meal, or sitting in our wildflower patch. Silver Lake is a quiet, shallow lake and is perfect for kayaking or playing in the water on a warm day. Bring your own, or rent ours. We have 2 kayaks and 2 stand-up paddle boards that can be rented for $25 each/day.

2. Lutheran Lakeside Camp

98%

(21)

2.3mi from Okoboji · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Spirit Lake, IA

Our mission is to be a place of belonging for all people to find joy and purpose in God's creation. We have a beautiful property with lots of activities and amenities to offer and we want to share it with as many people as possible. All the income we receive through campers and guests goes towards Camp for ALL Kids, where we allow foster children to attend camp at no cost. Learn more about this land:Park your RV and enjoy WiFi, endless activities onsite as well as peace and serenity while only being a few miles from the Okoboji excitement. Back in, hook up to 30 or 50 amp, Dump Station, short walk or drive to the waterfront. All guests get a picnic table and fire ring. Enjoy 3.5 miles of trails, basketball, sand volleyball, gaga ball, human foosball, 9 square, soccer filed, playground, and open fields.

3. Camping on private lake

99%

(370)

40mi from Okoboji · 10 sites · Tents · Westbrook, MN

This property has 4 camp spots. Sites 1 and 4 have a boat landing. All sites have shades trees that can hold hammocks. All sites are right next to the lake. Site 3 has a dock that all can use. There is excellent swimming with a sandy bottom at the south end of the lake. The lake is stocked with perch in 2024 but has walleye, northern, bass as well. It is also close to many lakes that are good for fishing. I have a 14' fishing boat with trolling motor, a paddle boat, 2 kayaks, and canoe for campers to use for free. Firewood is available for $5/day. There is some hiking on the property and much near by. Biking is also good with small lakes nearby to visit. The camping here is very peaceful with wonderful views and the wildlife is awesome! 120 volt power is at all sites and 220 can reach sites 2 and 3. There is warm showers and flushing toilets. Also all sites are drive through on hard ground grass. Grates are provided for cooking over the fire. There is Wi-Fi internet that reaches sites 1-3

4. Albie’s Acreage

100%

(2)

36mi from Okoboji · 1 site · Tent, RV · Wilmont, MN

Set in the heart of SW MN plains surrounded by wide open spaces, wind turbines and amazing sunsets. This property has young pine trees and quite a bit of privacy with some gardens and peaceful spots to rest and recoup after a long day in the car traveling. We just put down a gravel 20X 40 parking pad. We have a fire ring and grill available if you would like to use it and fire wood available for a minimal purchase fee.

Public campgrounds near Okoboji

Gull Point Campground

1.8mi from Okoboji · 112 sites · Tents, RVs · in Gull Point State Park

Emerson Bay Campground

2.9mi from Okoboji · 82 sites · Tents, RVs · in Emerson Bay State Recreation Area

Marble Beach Campground

8.6mi from Okoboji · 221 sites · Tents, RVs · in Marble Beach State Recreation Area

Kilen Woods State Park Campground

24mi from Okoboji · 37 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kilen Woods State Park

Stories from the community

We do have a portable solo stove you may use along with fire wood. Just let us know, but use proper fire safety and put out before retiring for the evening.

T

Tim

October 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Albie’s Acreage

Nice remote place for a smaller camper. Directions were easy to follow and the camping pad is nice and level.

C

Christina

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

We really enjoyed our stay — the campsite was peaceful and right by the water with everything we needed (kayaks/canoe/boat available). The host was very caring, friendly, and welcoming, even giving us fresh farm eggs, which was such a nice touch. The spot felt private and relaxing. The amenities are excellent: power at all sites, warm showers, flushing toilets, and well-maintained grounds. Unfortunately, we had to cut our trip short because of the high winds, but we’d love to come back when the weather is calmer!

M

M.M.

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Camping on private lake

A Little Slice of Heaven – Peaceful Lakefront Camping with an Amazing Host This place went above and beyond my expectations! I stayed for 2 nights and had an unforgettable experience. Jim is by far one of the most gracious, friendly, and welcoming hosts I’ve ever met. From the moment I arrived, he greeted me, showed me around, and made sure I had everything I needed. He even brought firewood right to my site and surprised me with a dozen fresh farm eggs—talk about hospitality! His land is a true hidden gem. The quiet lake is perfect for paddling or fishing, with a trolling motor boat, canoe, and kayaks available for guests. My campsite had electric hookups, a firepit, patio table with chairs, plus a mini fridge—a thoughtful touch that made camping feel effortless. There’s also access to a shower, flushing toilet, and outdoor bathroom, so comfort is never sacrificed. I loved that my two dogs could run around freely and enjoy the space—it was as much their vacation as mine! Nights were the highlight: no city light pollution, just millions of stars sparkling in the sky. Absolutely breathtaking. This place is serene, clean, and peaceful, with everything you need for a relaxing escape. I’ll definitely be back. Huge thanks to Jim for sharing his beautiful property and making my trip so memorable. This one’s a 5⭐️+ stay all the way!

K

Keo

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Camping on private lake

Highly recommend! Such a great little spot. We stayed at Site 4, which was spacious and set a bit farther from the others—perfect for us with two dogs and a toddler. The site came with a fire pit, table, chairs, and even a hammock. We loved the lake view and really appreciated the access to kayaks, a canoe, and a boat with a trolling motor. You can hear some traffic but that's to be expected due to it's location but it didn’t take away from how enjoyable the stay was. We didn’t get to use everything this place offers, but that just means we’ll be back again. The host was very friendly and welcoming, showed us where everything was, and made sure we were comfortable settling in. We came in from Sioux Falls, and it was absolutely worth the drive and the money.

P

Pin-Kuan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

I had my best camping experience here. I also went kayaking and fishing. The host is friendly and helpful.

M

MICHAEL

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

Highly recommend! Plenty of options for traversing the lake, have to say that's the first time I've heard cows while being out on a lake. Farmland nearby, nice and quiet and great for stargazing. Jim is an awesome host and very accommodating; mosquitoes can be a bid bad in early September.

Keith

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Camping on private lake

Great little private place to stay. Very quiet, beautiful lakeside sites that are pretty nice and big. Would definitely recomend.

Erica

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

This was an awesome campsite. The view was great, right by the lake. It was a cold weekend so we didn’t get to enjoy the water, but it seems clean and I want to go back there in the summer. We had a lot of space. Jim was very friendly and helpful, since we were the only ones there, we were able to switch site, and Jim provided a little space heater for us and it helped a lot overnight since it got pretty cold. We were there on the opening day for bird hunting, and we woke up on Sat and Sun morning with gun shots, not super fun since we don’t like hunting and my dog gets scared of the noise, but besides that, it is an awesome place and I plan on going back. 10/10 recommend it.

Logan

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

Jim was awesome host! Awesome property! Nice lake with kayaks and boats for use. Had a great weekend and will definitely return one day.

Site 1 - ABSOLUTELY perfect for a group 👌

C

Chandra

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

Hands down one of the BEST little hidden gems of a camping spot that we have ever come across! Jim is an incredible host and provides boats and kayaks for his guests to enjoy on the private lake, the sites are absolutely beautiful and offer the perfect secluded get away for couples, families and large groups. The lake is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for fishing/swimming/cruising in the fishing boat or paddling out and enjoying the sun and each campsite is right on the water with its own private access points. Jim really did create a perfect little slice of narures heaven for people to enjoy here! We LOVED our time here and will be making this a yearly spot for our group!!

Pache

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

My friends and I absolutely loved staying at this campsite! Jim is an awesome guy! He welcomed us in, gave us a quick tour of where everything was, and even gifted us some of the eggs from his chickens :) He’s super thoughtful and has pretty much everything you’d need. He has a table, a grill-top for the campfire, chairs/seats, and even a hammock set up in the trees! I also love that he had kayaks/canoes available to use for free as well. My friends and I definitely enjoyed our time on the lake paddling in those! Of course, his dog Rocky, just the sweetest girl! We definitely recommend this place and we ourselves would come here again! Thanks Jim!

L

Larry

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Silver Lake Camp Sweet Camp

This was our first Hipcamp experience..and was it awesome!! Everything was so well cared for. All our needs were met and then some!! We loved sitting on the dock watching the boaters, found a great spot just down the road to put in our kayaks. Having firewood there was awesome! The patio by the Lake was so well laid out it was easy to enjoy the Lake!! We will be back for sure! Thanks for the great weekend!!

n

nicholas

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

This is a great place. Jim is an amazing host. I am definitely going back. Highly recommend if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing place right on the lake.

t

ty

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

Knowing you can get on a small lake without bringing the gears.

L

Lindsey

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Camping on private lake

Beautiful property and such a welcoming host! The fishing boat and kayaks were a bonus! 10/10 experience!

r

rettie

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

Jim is awesome. We stayed in site 1 and it was lovely. Lots of room and enjoyed the canoe. Will be back!

J

Jennifer

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping on private lake

Jim has made his campsites a beautiful comfortable place to camp. The man made lake was perfect for my dog. He was able to swim without large boulders. We typically can not get him to swim for as long as he did. Listed as no picnic table, but to our surprise was a patio set at site #4. The guys loved going out on the boats. We didn't use the indoor shower but took advantage of the outdoor shower rinse. Toilets were clean and as a woman I really appreciated a flushing toilet. Electricity was a huge plus for my dad's cpap. The Sunrise and Sunsets were absolutely gorgeous! We honestly did not expect all the extras that came with renting out this site. We had a wonderful relaxing time. This would also be a great place if you have younger children because of how far out kids can go and swim without a lot of worry

G

Greg

August 2025

42 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Silver Lake Camp Sweet Camp

Peaceful area, lots of area for yard activities if your bringing kids bring your yard activities as well. Will definitely plan on staying here in the future.

Christian

August 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Albie’s Acreage

Lisa had a nice quiet spot next to a corn field. Her communication was very good and she made a great breakfast in the morning.

J

Jennifer

July 2025

29 ft Class C

6 nights at Silver Lake Camp Sweet Camp

We loved staying at Mary's RV site on Silver Lake! Beautiful view of the lake and the best part is so private and secluded being the only hook up site on the property!!! Full hook-ups for RV was a big bonus. A wonderful and beautiful spot and so quiet, relaxing and a peaceful place. Mary was a great host and took good care of us checking in on us and making sure we were safe and she responded super quick anytime we had questions. Thank you Mary love your camp site, we will be back!!!