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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Rathbun Lake
Red Rock Springs
Red Rock Springs
100%
(33)
35mi from Rathbun Lake · 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
from
$16
/ night
Nature Heaven by lake red rock
Nature Heaven by lake red rock
96%
(315)
36mi from Rathbun Lake · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We open year-round!! The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has its special nature-beauty, so we open year-round. This secluded, beautiful, pet-friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa, with a view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and a far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and the 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 natural features, you may see deer, rabbits, and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have 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, in case 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 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 were 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 environmental health backgrounds, 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 Google Maps shows now.
Water hookup
Pets
from
$20
/ night
Chariton Valley Cabins And RV Sites
Chariton Valley Cabins And RV Sites
8.1mi from Rathbun Lake · 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)
Pets
Full hookups
from
$30
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Mark
3 weeks ago
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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C
Cristian
October 2025
Tent
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.
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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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G
Georgia
September 2025
Tent
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!!!
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Cristian
September 2025
Tent
10/10 returning soon again beautiful area quiet away from everyone perfect spot
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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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Kit
September 2025
Tent
My friend and I had a lovely time camping on Anna’s land! When we arrived there was someone already in our spot but Anna quickly sorted out another spot for us that we think was even nicer than what we had planned. We had a great view with a gentle breeze. All the spots offer lots of privacy.
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Cody
September 2025
30 ft toy hauler
With kids
Anna’s Hipcamp spot near Lake Red Rock is beautiful-lovely prairie with peaceful sunsets and sunrises. It’s great for stargazing and telescope use, with private access, a water fill, fire pits, and good campsites. The hosts are great, and it’s boondocking on restored land that feels truly serene.
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E
Erin
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Loved the land and the campsite. Everything was exactly as it was described and pictured. Very friendly couple that owns the land- only 12 mins from Pella. Beautiful views of the lake and sunset from this spot.
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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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1 ratings · 0 reviews