RV camping in Iowa is an amazing way to vacation. This state has a number of awesome things to see and do, including museums, amusement parks, and of course, outdoor adventures.
Of course, you will probably want some guidance when planning your first RV camping in Iowa adventure. Below, we’ve included everything you need to know to plan an amazing Iowa RV camping trip.
Finding Campgrounds
You will need someplace to park the RV during your Iowa adventures. Fortunately, there are a lot of options to choose from. From luxury campgrounds and urban campsites to rustic state park camping and boondocking in the middle of nowhere, you’re sure to find something that suits your fancy.
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Iowa
Public campgrounds are first on our list of Iowa camping options. In Iowa, these include state parks, which are the perfect option for those on a budget as well as those who like to camp in beautiful places.
State Park Camping
Iowa’s state parks are some of the very best places to escape into nature while spending time in the state. These beautiful areas offer hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and of course, camping.
One of our favorite state parks in Iowa is Maquoketa Caves State Park where guests can explore caves, go rock climbing, and more. We also really love Pikes Peak State Park, which features a 500-foot bluff that overlooks the Mississippi River and some seriously beautiful hiking trails. Those who love water recreation will appreciate Lake Keomah State Park and Backbone State Park, as both offer awesome water access.
All of these state parks offer camping, most with bathhouses and playgrounds, and some with electric hookups.
Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Of course, Iowa’s private campgrounds are also an option. These include basic campgrounds with simple amenities such as bathhouses and dump stations, as well as luxury campgrounds with some amazing glamping opportunities.
One of the best private campgrounds in the state is BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow. This campground has been around since the 1970s and is still going strong. Planned activities like hayrides happen on a regular basis in this park, and the pool, onsite fishing, and pizza place all add to the fun.
Crossroads RV Park in Mt. Pleasant is another favorite. This park features cable TV, a book exchange, cornhole and horseshoes, and a playground to keep visitors busy and happy. The clean restrooms, full hookups, and included Wi-Fi are pretty great as well!
Boondocking in Iowa
Boondocking in Iowa is a great option for free camping, and a great pick for those who want to spend time in nature.
Hickory Hills Park in New Virginia, Iowa is one excellent boondocking spot. Here, guests can enjoy onsite fishing and hiking paths. A pit toilet is available in the park and water can be found in the nearby day-use area.
Otter Creek Park is another great pick. It’s 16 miles outside of Des Moines, and there is plenty to see and do in the area. Aside from pit toilets, there are no amenities at this park so be sure to plan accordingly.
Preparing for RV Camping
Next, you’ll need to get an RV to camp in—and pack it with all the right gear. If you have an RV already, this is easy enough, but those who don’t own an RV of their own will need to look into Iowa rental RVs.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs
Not sure how to go about choosing the best rental RV for RV camping in Iowa? Begin by deciding whether you’d like it delivered or not. If delivery is a must, you will be able to narrow your options a bit right off the bat.
Plan to drive the rig yourself? You’ll want a driveable RV unless you have a truck big enough to tow the trailer of your choosing.
Once you know whether you want a motorhome or trailer and whether you plan to have it delivered or not, you can look into things like size of the RV, amenities, and floorplan. On the subject of size, you’ll want to make sure the rig is big enough to accommodate your travel party, but small enough to fit into the campsites you plan to visit.
Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip
Next, you’ll want to make sure you have everything packed that you’ll need for your trip. Fortunately, we have a packing list for every possible camping trip you might be planning.
Considerations for Camping in Iowa
With your rig picked out and packed up, you are almost ready to get going. Next, you’ll want to know the rules of the road before you leave. While RVing laws are pretty similar from one state to the next, there are some differences you will want to be aware of.
In Iowa, no rig should exceed 65 feet in length. Trailers must be 53 feet or less, and motorhomes can’t be more than 45 feet long. No RV should exceed 8.5 feet in width or 13.5 feet in height.
Towing a trailer behind another trailer (AKA triple-towing) is allowed in Iowa, but overnight parking in state rest areas is not permitted.
Planning Your Itinerary
The next thing you need to do in order to ensure your Iowa trip goes off without a hitch is to plan your itinerary. Whether you plan to explore Davenport or Des Moines, or you’d rather head to the rugged natural areas in the state, you’re sure to find some amazing ways to spend your time in the Hawkeye State.
Features and Attractions in Iowa
If you’re hoping to really dive into Iowa’s natural beauty, a scenic drive is an excellent choice. Iowa is home to three nationally designated scenic byways, including the Loews Hills National Scenic Byway and the Iowa Great River Road National Scenic Byway.
Seeing some of Iowa’s iconic landmarks is also a must-do while in the state. These include spots such as the Laura Ingalls Wilder Park & Museum, the Old Capitol Building, John Wayne Birthplace & Museum, and the famed bridges of Madison County.
Many of the landmarks scattered across the state are actually run by the National Parks Service. These NPS sites include wonders like Effigy Mounds National Monument, and should definitely be added to your itinerary.
Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Iowa
Festivals, concerts, and other events can add another level of fun to any trip. Fortunately, Iowa plays host to a number of great events throughout the year.
Some of the best annual events in Iowa include the Lumberjack Festival in Clinton during June, the BACooN Ride in Waukesha during June, the Truckers Jamboree in Walcott during July, Tug Fest in Le Claire during August, and Pancake Day in Centerville in September.
Exploring Outdoor Activities
Spending some time outdoors is a great idea while RV camping in Iowa. Iowa has tons of awesome outdoor recreation opportunities to offer people of all ages and abilities.
Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails
Trails wind their way through the state, providing hikers and cyclists a number of fantastic ways to get outside and explore. Which trail will you choose to follow as you go a bit deeper into Iowa’s wilderness areas?
For hikers, we recommend the following trails:
- Maquoketa Caves Loop in Maquoketa Caves State Park — Easy
- Dozer Cut, Bunker Hill, and Badger Ridge Trail Loop in Hitchcock Nature Area — Hard
- Wildcat Den Trail in Wildcats Den State Park — Moderate
- Brown’s Woods Trail in West Des Moines — Moderate
- Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail in Mines of Spain Easement — Moderate
Meanwhile, we think cyclists might prefer the trails below:
- West Lake and East Lake Trail Loop in Backbone State Park
- Blue Heron Lake Loop Trail in Racoon River Park
- Sycamore Trail in Sycamore Park
- Ashworth Park to Greenwood Park Singletrack in Ashworth Park
- Sugar Bottom Trail in Sugar Bottom Park
Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities
Trails are great, but they aren’t the only thing that can make the outdoors extra fun. Water activities can also provide hours of amusement. Whether you prefer fishing, swimming, or chasing waterfalls, Iowa has something for you.
For anglers, there are many excellent fishing spots in the state. Black Hawk Lake near the town of Lake View is a great starting spot. We also really like the fishing at Lake Macbride near Solon (and the Kentucky spotted bass found here are pretty great).
Prefer playing at the beach over fishing? Iowa has a number of great beaches as well. The sandy Ainsworth Beach on Big Spirit Lake is one of our top picks. We also love Whitebreast Beach, which is situated on the shores of Lake Red Rock.
Want to find some beautiful waterfalls? Iowa can give you those as well. The Dunning’s Spring waterfall near Deborah is small but absolutely beautiful, and it’s perfect for kids who can’t hike far. We also like the Briggs Woods Waterfalls, which can be found via a short hike into the woods.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts will be happy to learn that Iowa is an excellent place to see animals in their natural habitats. The many state parks mentioned so far are great for watching various critters go about their lives. You might also try Desoto National Wildlife Refuge and Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge to see deer, squirrels, birds, and more.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
There are tons of amazing things to do as a family while exploring this amazing state. From the attractions in Dubuque and Iowa City to the aforementioned outdoor activities, you will absolutely be able to find ways to keep everyone happy.
Historical Sites and Museums
We think travel is a great opportunity to teach our kids new things. Historic sites like NPS sites can really help with this. We especially love the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site for a bit of educational fun.
Everyone can also learn something while visiting museums in the state.
Some of our favorite family-friendly museums in Iowa include:
- National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque
- Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in Walcott
- Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City
- John Wayne Birthplace & Museum in Winterset
- National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids
- Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch
- Living History Farms in Urbandale
Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
When it comes to finding family-friendly fun while on vacation, amusement parks are pretty much always a win. Some of the best amusement parks in Iowa include Adventureland Park and Adventure Bay Waterpark in Altoona, Lost Island Themepark & Waterpark in Waterloo, and FunCity Resort and Huck’s Harbor in Catfish Bend.
Zoos are another great pick for families. Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines is sure to keep everyone amused, and Storybook Hill Children’s Zoo in Dubuque is perfect for little ones.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Iowa
You will want to stay safe while RV camping in Iowa. Pack a first aid kit, drive carefully, use common sense, and heed the warnings below, and you should have no trouble keeping your travel party safe as you explore the state.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
Snowstorms and tornadoes are the most common natural disasters in Iowa. You can obviously avoid snowstorms by traveling during warmer months. But if you love winter camping, pay special attention to weather reports and don’t attempt to drive during a snowstorm or blizzard.
As far as tornadoes go, we recommend going in prepared. Downloading a couple of good weather apps and allowing push notifications is a good first step. This will ensure you know when severe weather is headed your way. Always know where the nearest tornado shelter is, and try to book campgrounds that provide an onsite shelter.
It’s also good to pack a “bug out” bag in case you need to seek shelter. This should include a hand-crank radio, flashlights, food, and water.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
You’ll also want to be ready for local wildlife in order to stay safe while RV camping in Iowa. Rattlesnakes make themselves at home in this state, so you always want to watch your step. Also, watch for venomous spiders, and wear long sleeves and long pants in order to avoid ticks.
Black bears do also live in Iowa. While bears won’t usually bother people, they will attack if they feel threatened. Make noise while hiking to let bears know you are there, and consider carrying bear spray for protection just in case.
