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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Ellsworth, IA
34 campgrounds and RV Parks near Ellsworth, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
34 campgrounds
2668 campsites
15 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Ellsworth, IA
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - South Equestrian
Iowa (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+2
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Beach
Iowa (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(47 sites)
+2
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - North Equestrian
Iowa (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(125 sites)
+2
Rock-n-Row Adventures Iowa River Tubing
Eldora, IA (26 miles away)
$$$$$
+4
Dolliver Memorial State Park
Iowa (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(33 sites)
+4
Ledges State Park
Madrid, IA (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(94 sites)
+5
Pine Lake State Park Campground
Eldora, IA (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
+4
Beeds Lake State Park
Hampton, IA (36 miles away)
$$$$$
(144 sites)
+6
Shady Oaks RV Campground
Marshalltown, IA (42 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground
Altoona, IA (44 miles away)
$$$$$
(142 sites)
Adventureland Campground
Altoona, IA (45 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+4
Union Grove State Park
Gladbrook, IA (46 miles away)
$$$$$
(26 sites)
+4
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Toilets Dump station Playground Pet friendly Grills Hiking Trails Firewood
Campgrounds near Ellsworth, Iowa
Ellsworth sits in Hamilton County in north-central Iowa, within an hour of two of the state's larger public campgrounds. To the west, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area covers roughly 6,500 acres of prairie, timber and lake habitat around a 690-acre reservoir. To the south, Ledges State Park anchors the Des Moines River corridor near Boone with a renovated campground and canyon trail system.
The nearby options range from full-hookup state park loops to horse-friendly equestrian camps and a private river-tubing operation on the Iowa River. RV travelers based in Ellsworth can reach Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, Ledges State Park and Rock-n-Row Adventures Iowa River Tubing without a long haul, which makes the town a workable hub for a multi-stop trip.
Most sites in the area are reservable online through the Iowa DNR system, and campground amenities, trail access and water levels shift by season, so trip planning starts with checking current park status before locking in dates.
Things to do near Ellsworth
Water and trails carry most of the itinerary. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Beach puts campers next to the lake for swimming, fishing and boating, and the park's 21 miles of shoreline include four boat ramps and eight fishing jetties. Anglers target bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye and muskellunge.
Riders and hikers use more than 45 miles of multi-use trails, including a 12-mile gravel loop around the lake. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - South Equestrian and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - North Equestrian are the two horse-camping bases.
At Ledges State Park, the four-mile trail system leads to views of the Pea's Creek canyon, and Canyon Road crosses the creek in several places, a favorite with kids. Rock-n-Row Adventures Iowa River Tubing runs shuttle-assisted float trips on the Iowa River.
Camping spots and RV parks near Ellsworth, IA
Seasonal patterns for RV trips
- spring
March - May
59° / 39°F 85 mmWet ground; equestrian trails may close after rain
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 115 mmPeak season; lake and canyon sites fill on weekends
- fall
September - November
61° / 41°F 65 mmCooler nights; water and showers shut down mid-October
- winter
December - February
32° / 14°F 25 mmState park campgrounds closed; trails open for snow use
The camping calendar in central Iowa is compressed. At Ledges State Park, the campground accepts reservations March through November and closes December through February. Water, showers and dump stations at Iowa DNR parks are generally on by May 1 and shut down around mid-October, so April and late October stays can mean primitive conditions.
Spring is wet and green, with fishing derbies and interpretive programs at Brushy Creek. Summer is the busiest stretch, and lake sites, canyon-adjacent loops and equestrian camps fill fastest on weekends and holidays.
Fall brings cooler nights, lower humidity and thinner crowds through mid-October. Winter closes the developed campgrounds, but Brushy Creek's trails stay open for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing when snow allows. Note that the North, Beach (Middle) and South campgrounds at Brushy Creek have been closed for renovation, so confirm reopening status with the Iowa DNR before booking.
How to book
Iowa state park campsites are 100 percent reservable and a reservation is required. Bookings for Brushy Creek State Recreation Area and Ledges State Park go through the Iowa DNR's online reservation system, operated on ReserveAmerica.
Both parks use the same window: reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance, and campsites must be booked at least 2 days ahead of arrival. Same-day campsite changes at Ledges can be made online until 10 p.m. Central. Equestrian trails at Brushy Creek can close after rain, and the park does not guarantee they will be open on the arrival date.
Rock-n-Row Adventures Iowa River Tubing takes reservations directly through its own website or by phone for tubing, kayaking and camping.
What to expect on the ground
Sites at Ledges State Park include full hook-up, electric and non-electric options, with modern restrooms, showers, a dump station and a playground in the campground. Primitive hike-in sites are also available, and designated accessible sites include a full-hookup site and a non-electric site.
Brushy Creek's non-equestrian campground has electric and full-hookup sites with water and sewer, and both equestrian campgrounds require animals to be tied to rails. Iowa keeps pets on a leash no longer than six feet, and pets cannot be left unattended at sites.
Firewood is a planning item: buy it locally near the park and burn it on site to slow the spread of forest pests such as emerald ash borer. Check the Iowa DNR alerts page for Canyon Road closures at Ledges and campground renovation status at Brushy Creek before departure.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Ellsworth, IA
How do I choose the right campsite for my RV?
Start with the practical stuff: site length, the hookups you need, and whether it's a back-in or pull-through. Camping conditions in the U.S. vary by region and elevation, so check the local season, road access, and reservation requirements before you book. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and state parks each have their own systems. Learn more.
How much are RV campsites near Ellsworth, IA?
Campsite prices near Ellsworth, IA depend on the type of campground. State park sites typically run $20-$45 with hookups. Private RV parks in town often run $40-$100, with tourist-hub locations charging more. Nearby Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management sites are usually $10-$25, often without hookups.
Is there any free camping near Ellsworth, IA?
Free camping near Ellsworth, IA depends on what federal public land is in driving distance. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land usually allows up to 14 days of dispersed camping at one spot. Check fire restrictions before you head out. Learn more about free camping.
Can I book a campsite through RVezy?
Not directly. RVezy doesn't handle campsite reservations, but each campground listing links to the operator's website or booking page when one's available.
What's the best time to go camping near Ellsworth, IA?
Camping near Ellsworth, IA works best in the shoulder seasons, with spring and fall hitting the sweet spot in most of the country. Summer is peak in northern climates; winter is peak in the southern and desert states. Local weather and elevation drive the specifics.
How far are RV campgrounds from Ellsworth, IA?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Ellsworth, IA. The closest are: {closestCampgroundsWithDistance(3)}. Most U.S. cities have a state park or private RV park within an hour's drive.
Where are dump stations near Ellsworth, IA?
Dump stations near Ellsworth, IA are usually at private RV parks and state park campgrounds, sometimes for a fee if you're not staying overnight. RVDumpsites.net maps the nearest options.
What's the best time of year to rent a RV in Ellsworth, IA?
Renting a RV in Ellsworth, IA works best in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) across most of the U.S. Peak rental demand runs June through August nationwide, while the snowbird stretch from December through March drives winter demand in the southern states and southwest deserts.
What's the best time of year to rent an RV in Ellsworth, IA?
RV rentals in Ellsworth, IA peak from June through August when school is out. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) usually have better availability and lower rates. Winter is high season for snowbird destinations in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
Can I have an RV delivered to my home or campground in Ellsworth, IA?
Yes. Many RVezy hosts in the U.S. deliver and set up at your home, a campground, or a destination. It's especially useful for first-time renters and for trips into remote areas where backing in a big rig isn't fun.
Can the RV be delivered near Ellsworth, IA?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Ellsworth, IA at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.
Nearby cities with campgrounds
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