With plenty of state parks and other beautiful natural areas, Iowa is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. That said, there are also many things to do in the cities that dot the state’s rich farmland. There are fantastic events, like the Iowa State Fair and ballgames at the Field of Dreams.
Urban camping in Iowa is a great way to stay close to the action while retiring to the comfort of an RV. Below are the best spots for doing just that.
Urban RV Parks in Iowa
Scenic Park Campground
Across the Missouri River from Sioux City, Iowa, in Sioux City, Nebraska, is Scenic Park Campground, a popular spot for travelers exploring Sioux City, Iowa.
This campground is in a 133-acre park containing a YMCA, tennis courts, swimming pool, softball complex, baseball and soccer fields, and many walking trails. Choose between sites offering electric only, water and electric, or full hookups. Daily, weekly and monthly rates are available.
Enjoy all that Sioux City has to offer, along with stunning views of the Missouri River when you camp at this campground.
Things to do in the area include:
Adventureland Campground
Enjoy a day of riding the thrill rides and frolicking at the seasonal waterpark while camping at Adventureland Campground. This camping resort is only six miles from the Iowa State Fairgrounds, nine miles from Blank Zoo, and 10 miles to the Iowa State Capitol, so it is easy to explore Des Moines while staying at this location.
Bring your four-legged friend along as he will love the dog run. Everyone else in your camping party will love this campground’s swimming pool.
Nearby attractions include:
Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
Located just 15 minutes from Iowa City and near the Amana Colonies in Oxford, Iowa, Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow is a great urban RV park in Iowa.
You can fish in the pond, swim in the pool, and play on the beach. Special themed weekends featuring children’s activities occur on most weekends during the summer.
This campground offers full hookups. Do not worry if you forgot something because you can easily pick it up at the camp store.
Attractions you’ll want to see include:
Park Terrace Campground
You will love camping at Park Terrace Campground in Davenport. This campground sits inside West Lake Park, featuring four fishing lakes, a handicapped-accessible fishing pier, paddleboat rentals, and a beach.
Electricity and sewer are offered throughout the year while water hookups are available, except during the winter months. This campground also has an RV dump station.
Make sure to see the following while you’re there:
- Figge Art Museum
- Putnam Museum and Science Center
- Vander Veer Botanical Garden
- Freight House Farmers Market
Lazy Acres RV Park
Located less than 30 minutes from Cedar Rapids and 33 minutes from Waterloo, Lazy Acres RV Park is in Urbana, Iowa. Most sites in this campground have full hookups while a few have water and electricity only.
The park offers a miniature golf course, splash pad, disc golf course, and a fishing pond. There is also a sand volleyball court, train rides, basketball court, paddle boats, and turbo boats. Your children will love playing on the custom-made playground equipment scattered around the park.
Things to do outside of the campground include:
Waterloo/Lost Island Waterpark KOA Resort
You will think that you have run away to a tropical island when you camp at Waterloo/Lost Island Waterpark KOA Resort, located behind Lost Island Waterpark and Adventure Golf and Go Karts. Challenge your traveling companions to a round of miniature golf, or see who can catch the biggest fish. Bikes, boats, and water trikes are available to rent. There are pavilions for group activities.
Besides the waterpark and mini golf course, you’ll also want to check out:
- John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum
- George Wyth State Park
- Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens
Swiss Valley Campground
If you want to be surrounded by nature while being close to Dubuque, head to Swiss Valley Campground. Here, full hookups are available, except in the winter when the water is turned off.
The state regularly stocks the campground lake with trout, and you will love eating at the shaded picnic tables. Take the short stroll to the Swiss Valley Nature Preserve and Center, where you can go biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Things to do nearby include:
Where to Urban Camp in Iowa
- You can find terrific campgrounds near every one of Iowa’s major cities.
- You may also want to think about camping at event venues, like the Iowa State Fairgrounds, as many have their own facilities, and some are open throughout the year.
- There are campgrounds near Iowa State University in Ames and the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
- If you have never been to the Amana Colonies or the Iowa Great Lakes Region, you can find terrific campground choices there too.
Ease of Urban RV Camping in Iowa
Iowa is, for the most part, a very RV-friendly state. The highways are relatively flat and wide, making them easy to drive and most cities offer places to park an RV. There also aren’t really any steep grades in Iowa, so you won’t have to worry about that. Just stick to the main roads and avoid crowded downtown areas when driving the RV and you should be good to go!
With an RV rental, your urban vacation will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day exploring the city, you can relax around the fire at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect urban getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
