Iowa is one of the most affordable RV states in the country — low rental prices, well-maintained county and state parks, and a surprisingly diverse landscape once you get off the interstate. The average rental runs about $95/night, with travel trailers starting around $70/night and Class C motorhomes typically running $130/night.
Travel trailers are the best value for Iowa's terrain. Iowa is almost entirely paved and flat to rolling — no mountain grades, no tight switchbacks. A travel trailer handles every major destination in the state with no issues, and the savings over a motorhome are meaningful on longer trips.
The Mississippi River corridor runs tight in places. Great River Road along the Iowa side of the Mississippi passes through some picturesque but narrow river towns. A 40-foot Class A works on US-67, but secondary road detours through Guttenberg and McGregor can be tight. Know your turning radius.
Wind is a real factor on Iowa's open roads. Cross-wind gusts on I-80 and I-35 through the central plains can affect handling on high-profile units. Travel trailers and Class A motorhomes are most affected. Check weather before open-highway stretches.
Loess Hills require a smaller rig for full access. The scenic byway through the Loess Hills in western Iowa involves some narrow, steep ridge roads. A Class B campervan or small Class C handles them well. Larger units should stick to the main byway route and skip the spur roads.
Iowa is low-hassle RV travel — affordable, accessible, and well-stocked with county parks that often offer full hookups at low cost.
Iowa county parks are an underrated value. Iowa's 99 counties maintain park systems with full hookup sites, often at $15–$20/night. These rarely require advance reservations and are distributed across the state — useful for breaking up long drives.
Maquoketa Caves fills fast for summer weekends. One of the most unique campgrounds in the state, with access to a network of natural limestone caves. Sites are reservable through Iowa State Parks and book well ahead for July and August.
RAGBRAI (late July) creates major demand across the state. Iowa's famous cross-state bicycle ride brings massive crowds to host communities. If your trip overlaps, book early or avoid the route towns entirely.
Iowa State Parks use Reserve Iowa for reservations. Sites open for reservation up to 3 months ahead. Most parks have electric and some full hookup sites — confirm before booking if sewer is important to your setup.
Of course, you can’t plan an RV trip through Iowa without marking some of the best RV parks in the state.
One campground of note where you may want to stop is Kellogg RV Park. It is the only solar-powered RV park in Iowa, so for those who want to be environmentally conscious, this would be a great place to stay. It offers amenities such as convenience stores, restaurants, and fishing supplies. It also offers RV services on site, and it has full restrooms and showers, and WiFi connections.
If you are traveling with younger children as part of your family vacation, a more family-oriented RV park may be of interest. Lazy Acres RV Park offers amenities that can keep children happy and entertained when you are not on the road. Some of these features include mini-golf, a children’s playground, other outdoor games, and paddle boats. There are also restrooms and showers, self-service washes, and laundry rooms.
Another RV park to consider is Timberline Campground. This campsite’s main feature is the fact that it is close to Des Moines and all of the attractions, destinations, and stores that it offers. With 153 spaces available and amenities including dump stations, WiFi at all sites, laundry rooms, full hookups, and full restrooms and showers, you can feel right at home. Some of the best features include their pools, game room, recreation hall, and picnic areas.
Iowa is a state that has plenty to offer for people who are interested in traveling, so there are quite a few dump stations scattered across the land. There is the Rest Stop I-80EB in Underwood, which is about 23 miles from Council Bluffs. It offers basic amenities including WiFi and vending machines. Approximately one hour away from the heart of Des Moines is Rest Stop I-80EB Adair Mile Marker 81. It also offers WiFi and vending machines. Closer to Sioux City, there is the Rest Area at Onawa going Southbound, located at I-29 Mile Marker 110.
Aside from interstate dump stations, there are also dump stations at many of the city and state parks. Walnut Woods State Park in West Des Moines has a dump station. Hawarden City Park, located in Hawarden, has a dump station among other amenities including camping spots and a pool.
With the state being as full of history and natural landmarks as it is, you can expect that there are quite a few landmarks that you will want to add to your plans. Some of these include national monuments, such as the Effigy Mounds, or natural features of the land, such as the Maquoketa Caves State Park or Pikes Peak State Park. All of these areas are worth a visit during your time in Iowa.
Some of the best monuments Iowa has to offer come in the form of historical buildings. For instance, consider the Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum. The author of the esteemed "Little House on the Prairie" books would move to Burr Oak in 1876 when she was just 9 years old, and many people consider this event to be “The Missing Link” of her series. Visiting this museum offers a view into the lifestyle that would soon become one of the most well-known books in the country.
The other historical monument that is worth a visit is the Old Capitol Building located on the state university’s campus. This building is the only National Historic Landmark located in Iowa City, and it is a sight to see. It is also a building that has become the face of the state. You will likely be able to see its trademark golden dome well before you see the entrance.
On average expect to pay $166 per night in Iowa.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Iowa?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Iowa from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Iowa?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
Do you need a special license to drive an RV in Iowa?No. You don’t need a special license or CDL to drive an RV in Iowa.
