Fort Dodge is the county seat of Webster County, Iowa. This city is about 30 miles northwest of Des Moines, and many RV parks in the Fort Dodge, Iowa area are close to Iowa RV trip attractions like Blank Park Zoo and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Central Iowa is known for its incredibly cold winters, but parking your RV at one of the RV campgrounds in Fort Dodge, Iowa, during the summer is a great way to enjoy classic Great Lakes region activities like boating and fishing. Here are 10 incredible options when it comes to places to camp in an RV near Fort Dodge.
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Dolliver Memorial State Park is southeast of Fort Dodge. It is on the Des Moines River, and this park includes a small campground. Fishing is available on the river, and there is an amphitheater on-site.
Unlike some options for RV camping in Fort Dodge, Dolliver Memorial State Park offers limited electrical hookups. There is a day-use lodge on-site, and there is also a free dump station. Popular activities at Dolliver Memorial State Park include birding, boating, and hiking.
“There is no cell phone service in a quiet park far enough away from all the cards of the world to unplug from it all in the picturesque Des Moines River valley. See the sandstone formations and tive American burial mounds. There are also quiet paved secondary roads in the area perfect for bicycling.” – Jacob, Google Review
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John F. Kennedy Memorial Park is a large park that is operated by Webster County. This park includes a medium-sized campground, and this Fort Dodge, Iowa campground offers full hookups. The rates charged at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park are reasoble, and there are six shelter houses on-site.
Some of the amenities offered at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park include a volleyball court, a playground, and hiking trails. The sites at this campground are spacious, and they each feature a picnic table. In addition, there are fishing docks on-site at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.
“It is lovely with a nice mixture of grassy and Woody areas. A public golf course is adjacent. It is surprisingly hilly for this part of Iowa. The main driveway into the park is hard-surfaced, so even though I visited on a wet and rainy day, I didn’t have to worry about getting stuck in the mud.” – Keri, Google Review
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Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is to the east of Fort Dodge. This park is located where Brushy Creek dumps into a large reservoir. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area features one of the largest RV parks in Fort Dodge, and this campground caters especially to equestrian campers.
With dozens of miles of horse trails in the area, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is one of the best places for equestrian camping in Iowa. There is a horse wash area on-site, and every site at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area includes a picnic table. Plus, there are fishing tourments on Brushy Creek almost every weekend in the summer.
“Great little campground tucked in amongst the sprawling crop fields of Iowa! They had really nice showers and bathrooms and some really choice camping spots. We camped in one of the equestrian grounds and it was neat seeing people and their horses milling around. People seemed pretty respectful of the quiet hours and signing up to get a site was really easy. The park ranger on duty at the office was also super helpful!” – Katt, Google Review
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Whispering Oaks Campground is a privately owned RV park in Story City, Iowa. This campground offers access to the Skunk River, which is a popular trout fishing location. In addition, free Wi-Fi is available throughout Whispering Oaks Campground.
The sites at Whispering Oaks Campground are level and shaded. Plus, there are large open spaces among the trees that are perfect for group activities. Best of all, there are multiple walking trails in the vicinity of Whispering Oaks Campground.
“Stayed there off and on May/June. Google maps took me directly there with no issues. Grounds were clean sites were big enough having room in between RV s. Owners very friendly. I was there due to death in my family. Owner was more than helpful to me even loaned me folding chairs for service. With raising her kids-school and sports they were there limited times and yes honor system in place.” – Bill, Google Review
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Oakwood RV Park is located near the banks of Clear Lake. This RV park is medium-sized, and free Wi-Fi is offered on-site. Oakwood RV Park is equipped with state-of-the-art laundry facilities, and long-term rates are available upon request.
Oakwood RV Park’s best feature is its nearness to the lake. Clear Lake is a popular spot for boating, and fishing is also available in the summer. Best of all, Oakwood RV Park is only a mile or so away from Interstate 35, which makes this RV park highly accessible.
“A really nice, full hookup RV park. The camp hosts were very nice and helpful. We came for one night and stayed for 3! Payment is cash or check only. Owners live on property. Clean, green, and taken care of, the pull thru sites are long but are buddy sites-not really an issue because each side is so far forward. We had no problems and will definitely recommend to others.” – Lauri, Google Review
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Backyard RV Park is in the rural town of Harlan, Iowa. This RV park is about 20 miles to the west of Fort Dodge, and it is one of the smallest campgrounds in the area. Backyard RV Park is part of the Passport America network, and it was previously known as Nielsen’s RV Park.
Since Backyard RV Park is so small, you won’t have to deal with many noisy neighbors. This RV park is family-owned, and it is next door to the Shelby County Community Golf Course. Plus, every site at Backyard RV Park features a campfire ring and a picnic table.
“We’ve known about this little midwest gem for several years… best-kept secret! However there is rarely hot showers and they are rustic in nature but other than that..low cost, peaceful, large lots, green soft grass for doggies and very quiet. Totally beats those overrated chain parks by far!” – Lisa, Google Review
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Prairie Flower Campground is in Polk City, which is just outside of Des Moines. Prairie Flower Campground is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This campground is within walking distance of the Saylorville Lake, and there is a boat ramp right down the road
Saylorville Lake is a great place to fish for walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, or northern pike. In addition, Prairie Flower Campground features laundry facilities and campfire rings. This rustic campground offers electrical hookups, but it is located in a quiet and serene setting.
“A gem of a state park. Nicely kept park (vs our IL parks…ugh), clean, and level sites. Super clean and nice bathrooms/showers. Only wish it was closer to our home!” – Mike, Google Review
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Fieldstone RV Park is a large RV park in Arnolds Park, Iowa. This RV campground caters to retirees, but guests of any age are welcome at Fieldstone RV Park. Some of the facilities offered at Fieldstone RV Park include a kitchen, group dining room, and laundry machines.
Fieldstone RV Park is a short distance away from both Okoboji Lake and Lower Gar Lake. In addition, Emerald Hills Golf Course is only a mile away. However, since Fieldstone RV Park offers free Wi-Fi access and six bathhouses, you might be tempted to never leave this RV park.
“Love this place. Live here during the summer months. ” – Vicki, Google Review
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Kellogg RV Park is operated by the owners of Iowa’s Best Burger Cafe. This restaurant is next door to Kellogg RV Park, and guests at this campground have easy access to the gas station and convenience store that are also on-site. Plus, Kellogg RV Park boasts an F-5 tornado shelter.
The best part about staying at Kellogg RV Park is the restaurant. If you want, you can have three meals a day at Iowa’s Best Burger Cafe, but all of the amenities of Des Moines are also only 20 minutes away. Best of all, this restaurant also includes an ice cream parlor.
“We arrived, got a campsite, and walked back to get a burger at Iowa’s Best Burger Cafe. Good food, fast service. We will stop again for sure.” – Kathy, Google Review
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Griff’s Valley View RV Park & Campground is located southeast of Fort Dodge. This RV park is quite large, and you can refill your propane tanks at Griff’s Valley View RV Park & Campground. In addition, you can access Wi-Fi at this RV park for a small fee.
Griff’s Valley View RV Park & Campground is in a rural location, but it is still close to Des Moines’ many amenities. This RV park features a large playground for kids, and there is a decorative pond on-site. To top it off, recreational games and dining tables are available within this RV park’s lodge.
“The owners were extremely welcoming and kind. The campground was immaculately clean, and everything worked well as expected.” – Amanda, Google Review
When selecting from among these amazing Fort Dodge campgrounds, landing on a final decision can seem impossible. However, if being near the sights of Des Moines is a high priority for you, you’ll want to take your rental RV to campgrounds in Fort Dodge, Iowa, like Prairie Flower Campground. Conversely, if exploring the frequently overlooked rural expanse of this state is what you’re all about, you’ll fall in love with Backyard RV Park. After spending time in the Fort Dodge area, take your RV out on a statewide road trip to see what else Iowa has to offer.
The top 10 campgrounds we selected all show daily, weekly and monthly rates for you. Pricing will vary.
Pricing will vary. The top 10 RV Parks we selected all display daily, weekly and monthly rates for you.
Staying at an RV Park for a long period of time will vary on the campground & RV Park you choose. View our post for more information.
Yes. The majority of campgrounds we selected in this blog allow pets.