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25 campgrounds and RV Parks near Centerville, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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894 campsites
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From $20/night
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Best campgrounds near Centerville, IA
Honey Creek State Park
Moravia, IA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(149 sites)
+5
Lake Wapello State Park
Iowa (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+6
Camp Wapello
Drakesville, IA (17 miles away)
Indian Hills RV Park
Albia, IA (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+2
Valley Village MH and RV Spaces
Ottumwa, IA (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
Eddyville Inn and RV Park
Eddyville, IA (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(16 sites)
Whitebreast Equestrian - Stephens Forest
Iowa (38 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
Lakeroad Village RV Park
Kirksville, MO (38 miles away)
$$$$$
(46 sites)
+3
Campground 2 - Thousand Hills State Park
Kirksville, MO (39 miles away)
$$$$$
(8 sites)
+4
The Fort
Kirksville, MO (45 miles away)
Lacey Keosauqua State Park
Keosauqua, IA (47 miles away)
$$$$$
(64 sites)
+6
Nine Eagles State Park
Iowa (47 miles away)
$$$$$
(62 sites)
+5
Most common amenities
Toilets Pet friendly Tables Dump station Playground Showers Grills Hiking Trails Firewood
Campgrounds near Centerville, Iowa
Centerville sits in southern Iowa's Appanoose County, within short driving distance of Rathbun Lake, one of the state's largest reservoirs. The lake covers roughly 11,000 acres with about 155 miles of shoreline, giving campers a wide mix of state park, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and private RV park options within a short drive of town.
The closest full-service state park is Honey Creek State Park on the north shore of Rathbun Lake near Moravia. The park covers 828 acres of rolling, timbered terrain along the lake and offers modern campsites, full hook-up sites with water and sewer, showers, and restrooms, with electricity available year-round in the campgrounds. Lake Wapello State Park lies to the east near Drakesville and offers a quieter, no-wake lake setting. The park has 13 rental cabins and 89 camping sites, with 44 powered for RVs.
Private options fill in the gaps for travelers who want a simpler overnight stop. Indian Hills RV Park operates in the Centerville and Albia corridor, Camp Wapello sits near Lake Wapello, and Eddyville Inn and RV Park serves travelers north of the lakes.
Things to do near Centerville
Rathbun Lake is the main draw, with boating, fishing, sailing, and paddling as focal activities. Honey Creek State Park adds trail access on land, including the Woodland Interpretive Trail, which passes displays about the Native Americans who once lived in the area.
At Lake Wapello, the water stays calm for families. The lake features one of the best sand beaches in southern Iowa, with a large beach house near the shore and a 5 mph boat speed limit. Anglers target bluegill, red ear sunfish, and channel catfish, while largemouth bass are catch-and-release only. A 6.6-mile trail circumnavigates the lake, and fishing jetties and accessible piers extend shoreline access.
In town, Centerville's historic square and local museums such as the Appanoose County Historical and Coal Mining Museum give families a break from the water on rainy afternoons.
Camping spots and RV parks near Centerville, IA
Seasonal information
- spring
March - May
63° / 39°F 95 mmWettest stretch; thunderstorm risk peaks in May.
- summer
June - August
84° / 63°F 110 mmPeak bookings; humid days and warm lake water.
- fall
September - November
63° / 41°F 75 mmCool nights, thinner crowds, color in mid-October.
- winter
December - February
36° / 18°F 35 mmState park campgrounds closed; walk-in only November to March.
The main camping season in southern Iowa runs from spring through mid-fall. At Honey Creek State Park, the campground is closed from November 1 through March 31 and accepts reservations April 1 through October 31 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival. Peak dates run May 1 through October 15, with shoulder weeks in April and late October. Electricity is available year-round in the campgrounds, though full hookup service is limited during colder months.
Lake Wapello follows a similar rhythm for its cabins, though some are open longer. Eleven cedar-sided family cabins rent April through October, and two family cabins are available year round. Concessions at the beach house are seasonal, open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend on Thursday through Sunday and holidays.
Summer weekends fill fastest, especially the Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day holiday weekends. Spring and early fall bring cooler nights, thinner crowds, and better site selection for RV renters willing to travel midweek.
How to book a campsite
Iowa state parks use a single online reservation system operated through ReserveAmerica. Both Honey Creek State Park and Lake Wapello State Park are 100 percent reservable through that platform, and reservations are required for campsites at both parks.
Booking windows are worth planning around. Campsites can be reserved up to 3 months in advance of the arrival date, opening in the morning Central Time. Cabins, lodges, and shelters open on a longer 12-month window, with a 4-day advance requirement during peak season. From November 1 through March 31 most Iowa state park campsites are walk-in only.
Private parks such as Indian Hills RV Park, Camp Wapello, and Eddyville Inn and RV Park handle bookings directly by phone or through their own websites, and often have more flexibility on short notice.
What to expect
Sites around Rathbun and Lake Wapello are set in rolling, wooded terrain with mature hardwoods surrounding many camping areas. Expect a mix of paved and gravel pads, with electric hookups common and full hookups available at select loops. Modern shower and restroom buildings and a trailer dump station are standard at both state parks.
Rig size is generally accommodating for renters. Honey Creek offers full hook-up, electric-only, and primitive sites, and Lake Wapello's campground includes full hook-up, electric, and non-electric sites near the lake.
One practical note: emerald ash borer has been confirmed in all 99 counties in Iowa, and all EAB quarantines have been removed. Firewood may be moved legally within the state, but buying wood locally near the park and burning it all during the stay helps protect forests.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Centerville, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Centerville, IA?
RV rental in Centerville is one of the more affordable ways to explore southern Iowa, with most rigs ranging from about $90 to $175 per night for travel trailers and $175 to $295 for Class C motorhomes. Because Rathbun Lake is the main draw, prices peak Memorial Day through Labor Day and drop noticeably in April, May, September, and October. To find a cheap RV rental in Centerville, filter by travel trailer, search mid-week dates, and book 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Pro tip: a Sunday-through-Thursday booking around Rathbun Lake can save you 20 to 30 percent versus a holiday weekend, and you'll still catch the famous crappie bite.
traveliowa.com/areastodiscover/8/rathbun-lake-area/What license do I need to rent an RV in Centerville, Iowa?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Centerville, Iowa. The state of Iowa does not require a commercial driver's license or any special RV endorsement for the motorhomes and trailers listed on RVezy, including Class A, Class C, and fifth wheels. You'll just need to be 25 or older and complete RVezy's quick ID verification when you book. Visiting from overseas? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit and you're set. With paperwork handled in minutes, you can spend your energy planning the fun part, like which Rathbun Lake campground to choose.
iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicenseWhat protection is included with my RVezy booking?
Every RV rental in Centerville booked through RVezy comes with a built-in renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit Highway 5 with real peace of mind. At checkout you choose the protection level that best fits your trip (hosts do not pick this for you), and it covers eligible physical damage to the RV during your rental. It is not traditional auto insurance, but it gives renters meaningful financial protection. Whether you are towing a trailer to Island View or driving a Class C to Honey Creek, you are covered before, during, and after your trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Centerville RV rental?
Booking an RV rental in Centerville is low-risk because RVezy sets the cancellation policy for every trip (hosts do not), and it includes a grace period after booking when you can cancel for a full refund. After that, your refund depends on how far in advance you cancel relative to your trip start date. If a host cancels on you, RVezy helps you rebook or provides a refund or travel credit. Iowa spring storms and occasional summer severe weather are real, so contact RVezy support if conditions disrupt your Rathbun Lake plans. Pro tip: lock in your dates early for Memorial Day or July 4th sites knowing the cancellation terms are clearly defined.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Centerville RV trip?
Yes, plenty of pet-friendly RV rental options in Centerville welcome four-legged travelers. On RVezy, toggle the Pet-Friendly filter to see hosts who accept dogs (some charge a small pet fee, shown up front). Once you arrive, your pup will love it: Island View, Buck Creek, and Bridgeview campgrounds at Rathbun Lake all allow leashed pets, and the open shoreline is perfect for morning walks. Honey Creek State Park also permits pets in its campground loops. Pro tip: pack a tie-out stake and a collapsible water bowl, because summer afternoons at Iowa's Ocean can hit 90F and shade varies site to site.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parksCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Centerville?
Absolutely, and RV delivery in Centerville is the easiest way to enjoy RV camping if you have never towed before. Many RVezy hosts deliver straight to your Rathbun Lake campsite, whether that is Island View, Buck Creek, Bridgeview, Prairie Ridge, or Honey Creek State Park. They will level the rig, hook up power and water, walk you through every system, and pick it up at the end of your stay. Filter listings by Delivery, enter your campground address, and check the host's delivery radius and fee. Pro tip: delivery makes a first family RV trip in Centerville feel like checking into a lakeside cabin, minus the cabin price.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Centerville%2C%20IowaHow does mileage work and how far can I drive from Centerville?
Mileage is straightforward: every RVezy host sets a daily mileage allowance (often 100 to 150 free miles per day), and some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, perfect for an RV road trip from Centerville. From here, Des Moines is about 85 miles north, Kansas City is roughly 175 miles southwest, Mark Twain Lake (MO) is around 90 miles southeast, and the Amana Colonies sit about 115 miles northeast. If you're planning a bigger loop, message the host before booking to negotiate added miles or request an unlimited package. Pro tip: clustering your sightseeing around Rathbun Lake and day-tripping out keeps mileage low and your fuel budget happy.
iowadot.gov/mapsWhere are the best campgrounds near Centerville for RVs?
The best campgrounds near Centerville all sit on Rathbun Lake, Iowa's second-largest lake at 11,000 acres. Island View Park (9 miles northwest) offers 187 sites with electric hookups, a marina, and a swim beach. Buck Creek Campground (9 miles northwest) has 42 electric sites and a quieter vibe. Bridgeview Park (13 miles northwest) features 106 sites, many with stellar lake views. Prairie Ridge offers level gravel pads in open prairie. Honey Creek State Park rounds it out with year-round camping, modern showers, and access to the resort's indoor waterpark. Pro tip: reserve U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites on Recreation.gov, where bookings open 6 months ahead and lakeside spots disappear fast for July weekends.
recreation.gov/gateways/274When is the best time of year for an RV trip in Centerville?
Late April through mid-October is prime time for RV camping in Centerville, with the sweet spot running mid-May to late September when most Rathbun Lake campgrounds are open. July averages highs around 85°F with humid afternoons, while May, September, and early October bring milder 65–75°F days, fewer bugs, and easier reservations. Fall foliage along the Chariton River Valley peaks in mid-October, and the spring crappie spawn (late April to mid-May) is legendary among Iowa anglers. Winters get cold (lows in the 20s and below) and most campgrounds close. Pro tip: time your visit for Centerville's Pancake Day in late September, a 75-year-old tradition on the historic town square.
weather.gov/dmx/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay?
Yes, and Centerville is actually a great spot for first time renting an RV. Roads here are quiet, two-lane country highways with light traffic, and Rathbun Lake campgrounds have wide, level pads that are forgiving for new drivers. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through propane, water, slide-outs, dumping, and driving tips. You can also message your host anytime during the trip with questions, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included. Pro tip: book a travel trailer or Class C around 24 to 28 feet for your first family RV trip in Centerville. It's roomy enough for the kids but easy to maneuver into a Buck Creek campsite.
iowadot.gov/mvd/resources/manualsWhat if something goes wrong with the RV during my trip?
You are never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, towing, and mechanical issues. You can also message your host directly, since they know their RV best and can often troubleshoot a finicky water pump or AC unit in minutes. RVezy customer support is reachable before, during, and after your trip. Centerville has local mechanics, a Walmart, and MercyOne Centerville Medical Center right in town, so help is genuinely close. Pro tip: snap a quick photo of the RV's VIN and license plate at pickup so roadside dispatch can locate you fast out near Rathbun Lake.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are the best road trips I can take from Centerville?
Centerville is a fantastic launch pad for a Midwestern RV road trip. Drive 85 miles north on Highway 5 to Des Moines for the state capitol, science center, and farmers market. Head 90 miles southeast to Mark Twain Lake in Missouri for more shoreline camping. Roll 115 miles northeast to the Amana Colonies for German heritage and incredible bakeries. Hit Kansas City BBQ 175 miles southwest, or push 190 miles north to the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville. International one-way trips to Canada may be possible with host approval and insurance, but travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. Pro tip: message hosts before booking if you want extra mileage for a multi-state loop.
iowadot.gov/511What kind of fuel economy and gas budget should I plan for?
Budgeting fuel is easier than most first-timers expect. Class C motorhomes around Centerville typically get 8 to 12 mpg, Class A's 6 to 10 mpg, and a tow vehicle pulling a travel trailer runs 10 to 14 mpg. Iowa gas prices usually sit near or slightly below the national average, and Centerville has Casey's General Store, Kum & Go, and Walmart fuel stations on the main routes. For a 4-day Rathbun Lake trip with light driving (under 200 total miles), budget roughly $80–$140 in fuel. Pro tip: Casey's on West Maple Street and the Walmart on South 18th are easy in-and-out stops with room to swing a 30-foot rig.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far ahead should I book a campground at Rathbun Lake?
For the most popular U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Rathbun Lake (Island View, Buck Creek, Bridge View, and Prairie Ridge), book through Recreation.gov as soon as the 6-month reservation window opens, especially for Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends. Mid-week and shoulder-season dates (early June or after Labor Day) often have availability just a week or two ahead. Honey Creek State Park reservations are handled through the Iowa DNR system and also fill quickly for summer holidays. Pro tip: if your dream lakeside site is taken, set an availability alert on Recreation.gov or check 48 hours before arrival, when last-minute cancellations regularly free up prime spots.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/274What are the local roads and driving conditions like around Centerville?
Driving in and around Centerville is refreshingly easy. Highway 5 is the main north-south corridor connecting to Albia and Des Moines, and Highway 2 runs east-west. Both are two-lane rural highways with light traffic, generous shoulders, and gentle rolling hills, ideal terrain for an RV. The roads to Rathbun Lake campgrounds (County Roads J29, J5T, and J18) are paved and well-signed. Watch for white-tailed deer at dawn and dusk and the occasional farm equipment in spring and fall. Summer thunderstorms can pop up quickly, so check the forecast each morning. Pro tip: use Iowa 511 for real-time road and weather alerts, especially if you're traveling in shoulder season when overnight frost is possible.
iowadot.gov/511What amenities will I find at Rathbun Lake campgrounds?
Rathbun Lake campgrounds are well equipped for a comfortable RV camping Centerville experience. Island View, Buck Creek, and Bridgeview all offer 50-amp electric hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water spigots, and a centralized dump station, though full hookups (sewer at the site) are limited. You'll find picnic tables, fire rings, boat ramps, playgrounds, and swim beaches at most parks. Honey Creek State Park adds modern restrooms and year-round access, plus the neighboring resort's indoor waterpark. Pro tip: fill your fresh water tank before pulling into your site and use the dump station on your way out, this keeps setup quick and lets you grab that lakeview site without worrying about hookup distance.
nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Rathbun-Lake/What's inside a typical RV rental in Centerville?
Most RV rentals in Centerville come fully equipped for a turn-key trip. Expect a queen or king bed, bunk options on family-sized rigs, a kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with toilet and shower, plus dinette and lounge seating that converts to extra sleeping space. Air conditioning, furnace, and propane are standard. Many hosts include a TV, and some offer Wi-Fi hotspots, generators, or solar panels (great for quieter nights at Rathbun Lake). Seatbelts in motorhomes determine how many people can travel safely and are listed clearly on each listing. Pro tip: filter by Sleeps count and confirm the seatbelt count matches your group before booking your motorhome rental in Centerville.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Centerville%2C%20IowaWhat add-ons and pickup options are available for my RV rental?
RVezy hosts in Centerville offer plenty of add-ons to customize your trip: linens and bedding packages, camp chairs and outdoor rugs, kayaks and paddleboards (perfect for Iowa's Ocean), portable grills, generators, bike racks, and even pre-stocked kitchen kits. Pickup is usually at the host's home in or near Centerville, but many offer delivery to Rathbun Lake campgrounds, your driveway, or even nearby towns like Moravia, Albia, or Chariton. Mileage policies and pet fees are clearly listed on each page. Pro tip: a campervan rental Centerville with a kayak add-on is the ultimate way to explore Rathbun Lake's hidden coves at sunrise, when bald eagles and pelicans put on a show.
iowadnr.gov/things-to-do/boatingHow do payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through the RVezy platform when you book (no cash, checks, or off-platform transfers, which keeps you protected). Hosts set a refundable security deposit that is held during your trip and released after the RV is returned in the same condition you received it. To avoid deposit issues, take time-stamped photos of the RV inside and out at pickup and dropoff, return it with the same fuel and propane levels, and dump the holding tanks if your host requires it (many offer a dump fee if you prefer to skip that step). Pro tip: do a quick walkthrough together at both pickup and return so everyone is on the same page.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhere can I park overnight or find dump stations and water near Centerville?
You have solid options for where to park an RV in Centerville beyond traditional campgrounds. The Centerville Walmart on South 18th Street typically allows overnight RV parking with manager permission, great for a one-night pass-through. For dump stations and fresh water fills, head to Island View, Buck Creek, or Bridge View at Rathbun Lake, all of which have public dump stations available to registered campers (a small fee may apply for non-campers). Honey Creek State Park also has a dump station. Always confirm overnight parking at private lots before settling in. Pro tip: the historic Centerville town square (one of the largest in Iowa) is great for daytime stops but not designed for overnight RV stays.
nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Rathbun-Lake/Nearby cities with campgrounds
St. Louis, MOKansas City, MODes Moines, IACedar Rapids, IAAlbia, IAKearney, MOSigourney, IAHiawatha, IAHarlan, IAO'Fallon, ILJohnston, IALeavenworth, KSVan Meter, IAEureka, MOBrentwood, MOPleasant Hill, IASmithville, MOAvoca, IAGardner, KSFairfax, IABlue Springs, MOSaint Charles, MONewton, IAWaterloo, IA