RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Fort Dodge, IA
24 campgrounds and RV Parks near Fort Dodge, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
24 campgrounds
2200 campsites
14 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Fort Dodge, IA
Dolliver Memorial State Park
Iowa (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(33 sites)
+4
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - North Equestrian
Iowa (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(125 sites)
+2
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Beach
Iowa (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(47 sites)
+2
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - South Equestrian
Iowa (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+2
The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park
West Bend, IA (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(53 sites)
+6
Ledges State Park
Madrid, IA (38 miles away)
$$$$$
(94 sites)
+5
Ambrose A Call State Park
Algona, IA (39 miles away)
$$$$$
(16 sites)
+3
Black Hawk State Park
Lake View, IA (46 miles away)
$$$$$
(128 sites)
+5
Wild Rose Casino and Resort
Emmetsburg, IA (49 miles away)
$$$$$
(75 sites)
+2
Beeds Lake State Park
Hampton, IA (51 miles away)
$$$$$
(144 sites)
+6
Sunrise Campgrounds
Storm Lake, IA (52 miles away)
$$$$$
(164 sites)
+5
Whiterock Conservancy - Oak Ridge RV Campground
Coon Rapids, IA (52 miles away)
$$$$$
(13 sites)
Most common amenities
Grills Tables Dump station Showers Playground Toilets Pet friendly Hiking Trails Firewood
Fort Dodge camping overview
Fort Dodge sits in north-central Iowa along the Des Moines River, surrounded by state-managed recreation land within a short drive. Dolliver Memorial State Park lies about 10 miles south of Fort Dodge and 3 miles northwest of Lehigh, and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is roughly 5 miles east of Dolliver, putting both parks within easy reach of town.
Dolliver Memorial State Park spreads across 594 acres of bluffs, flatlands and rugged trails overlooking the Des Moines River Valley, with highlights including Boneyard Hollow, the Copperas Beds and historic Native American mounds. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is the region's headline destination for RVers. At 6,500 acres, it holds one of Iowa's largest tracts of public recreation land, with a mosaic of native prairie, grassland, timber, riparian and lake habitats, and its 690-acre lake is the deepest artificial permanent-pool lake in the state.
Important note for 2026: the Brushy Creek North, Middle (Beach), and South campgrounds are closed for renovations, so travelers should confirm reopening status with Iowa DNR before planning a stay.
For travelers heading north, The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park in West Bend offers a small, quiet stopover with electric sites next to a well-known religious shrine.
Things to do near Fort Dodge
Water and trails drive most trip plans. Brushy Creek Lake supports fishing for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye and muskellunge. The lake has 21 miles of shoreline with four boat ramps and eight fishing jetties, plus a universally accessible fishing pier on the west side. Swimming is limited to the designated beach area on the west side of the lake, and Brushy Creek is a no-wake lake.
Trail users have room to spread out. More than 45 miles of multi-use trails serve horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, including a 12-mile gravel loop around Brushy Creek Lake. At Dolliver Memorial State Park, nearly six miles of winding trails lead through the Copperas Beds, sandstone formations that tower 100 feet above Prairie Creek. Anglers can also fish the Des Moines River directly from Dolliver.
Camping spots and RV parks near Fort Dodge, IA
When to visit Fort Dodge
- spring
March - May
59° / 37°F 80 mmMild and wet; state park campground reopens in April.
- summer
June - August
81° / 61°F 115 mmWarm and humid; June is wettest, thunderstorms common.
- fall
September - November
59° / 37°F 60 mmCool and drier; developed sites close by early November.
- winter
December - February
28° / 10°F 25 mmFreezing and snowy; developed campgrounds closed.
The developed camping season in this part of Iowa runs mostly April through October. At Dolliver, the campground is closed January through March, off-peak in April, peak May through mid-October, off-peak the second half of October, and closed November through December. At Brushy Creek, restroom and shower buildings are typically available from mid-April to mid-October, so shoulder-season trips outside those dates mean reduced facilities.
Summer is the busiest window. Weekends and holidays fill early, and it is best to book well in advance, especially for summer weekends. June is typically the wettest month, so plan for muddy trails and possible thunderstorms.
Spring and fall bring milder temperatures and lighter crowds. Winter closes most developed camping, though Brushy Creek's trails see snowmobile and cross-country ski use when snow cover allows. Travelers should also verify current Brushy Creek campground reopening status, as the three lake-area campgrounds are under renovation.
How to book campgrounds near Fort Dodge
Both state parks use the Iowa DNR reservation system through ReserveAmerica. At Dolliver Memorial State Park, the campground is 100 percent reservable, a reservation is required, and the campground accepts reservations April 1 through October 31 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival, with a reservation window of up to three months in advance.
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area also uses the same online reservation system, with campgrounds normally 100 percent reservable and reservations required. However, the North, Middle (Beach) and South campgrounds are not accepting reservations while renovations are underway, so confirm current status on the Iowa DNR site before booking.
The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park operates differently: availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, and campers register at the Grotto Office and Gift Shop upon arrival.
What to expect on-site
Hookup options vary by park. At Brushy Creek, the non-equestrian campground normally offers electric and full-hookup sites with water and sewer, while the two equestrian campgrounds add hitch rails, horse wash areas and modern showers. Dolliver is simpler, with electric sites, modern restrooms and showers, and a trailer dump station.
Equestrian rules are strictly enforced at Brushy Creek. State regulations require horses, mules and donkeys transported interstate to have a current Certification of Veterinary Inspection and a negative Coggins test, and this paperwork must accompany the animal into Iowa.
The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park is basic but functional, with electric-only sites, restrooms, showers, potable water and a dump station. Expect small-town quiet and occasional passing trains.
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 Fort Dodge, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Fort Dodge, IA?
RV rental in Fort Dodge is one of the more affordable ways to vacation in the Midwest. On RVezy, travel trailers typically run about $75 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes range from roughly $150 to $250, and larger Class A rigs sit higher. Campsites at nearby spots like Kennedy Memorial Park and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area run roughly $20 to $40 per night, so daily costs can stay reasonable. To find a cheap RV rental in Fort Dodge, book midweek, travel in shoulder months like May or September, and ask hosts about weekly discounts. Many Iowa hosts also bundle extras like camp chairs to stretch your budget.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Fort%20Dodge%2C%20IowaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Fort Dodge?
A standard driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The state does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal RVs, motorhomes, or travel trailers used recreationally. To book on RVezy you generally need to be at least 25 years old, and your ID is verified securely through the platform during checkout. Visiting from outside the United States? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most first-time renters are pleasantly surprised by how simple Iowa makes the process, so you can focus on planning stops at Dolliver Memorial State Park instead of paperwork.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection is included with my Fort Dodge RV rental?
Every RV rental in Fort Dodge booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit Highway 20 with peace of mind. Protection plans cover most physical damage to the RV during your trip, and you choose your coverage level at checkout (it is not set by the host), so you can pick the option that fits your comfort level and budget. Coverage details vary by plan, and the full terms are shown during booking. Add round-the-clock roadside help for flat tires, lockouts, jump-starts, or towing, and your Iowa RV trip is set up for a smooth, low-stress adventure.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Fort Dodge RV booking?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy sets the cancellation policy (not individual hosts), and it includes a full money-back grace period after you book so you have breathing room to lock in plans for your Fort Dodge RV trip. The refund amount after the grace period depends on factors such as how close you are to your trip start date. You can review the full policy during checkout and inside your RVezy account. If a host ever cancels on you, RVezy issues a refund or travel credit. The takeaway: go ahead and reserve that summer week at Brushy Creek with confidence, knowing flexibility is built in.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Fort Dodge RV rental?
Absolutely: pet-friendly RV rental in Fort Dodge is easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the 'Pet-Friendly' filter when searching and you'll see only rigs that welcome four-legged co-pilots. Many Iowa hosts charge a small pet fee, which they'll list on the listing page. Once you're on the road, your pup will love Brushy Creek State Recreation Area's miles of multi-use trails, the leashed pet loops at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, and the riverside walks at Dolliver Memorial State Park, all within 20 minutes of Fort Dodge. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm bedding rules and any breed preferences so check-in is friction-free.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/CampingCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Fort Dodge?
Yes, RV delivery in Fort Dodge is one of the most popular booking options, especially for first-timers who'd rather skip driving a big rig. Filter by 'Delivery' on RVezy and you'll see hosts who will tow or drive the motorhome straight to Kennedy Memorial Park, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, Dolliver State Park, or even your own driveway. Most Iowa hosts set up the RV, level it, connect hookups, and walk you through every system before they leave. Delivery fees usually scale with distance, so destinations within 20 to 30 miles of Fort Dodge stay affordable. Pro tip: book delivery for a Friday afternoon arrival so you maximize lake time on Saturday morning.
webstercountyia.org/conservation/parks-campgrounds/How does mileage work, and how far can I drive on a Fort Dodge RV trip?
You've got plenty of room to roam: most Fort Dodge hosts include 100 to 150 free miles per night, and several offer an RV rental with unlimited mileage, perfect for longer Iowa road trips. Each listing shows the exact mileage allowance and the per-mile rate for overages, so there are no surprises. From Fort Dodge you can reach Okoboji and the Iowa Great Lakes in about 90 miles, Des Moines in 95 miles, the Loess Hills near Council Bluffs in roughly 160 miles, the Field of Dreams in Dyersville in about 175 miles, and the Mississippi River at Dubuque in around 200 miles. Pro tip: filter for unlimited mileage if you're planning a multi-state loop.
iowadot.gov/mapsWhere are the best campgrounds near Fort Dodge to park my RV?
Fort Dodge is surrounded by excellent RV camping options within a short drive. John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, just minutes north of town, offers spacious hookup sites, hiking trails, and a public golf course next door. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, about 15 miles east, has one of the largest campgrounds in the region with full hookup loops and a 690-acre lake. Dolliver Memorial State Park, 15 miles southeast along the Des Moines River, features electric sites tucked among sandstone bluffs. Gypsum City OHV Park is the spot if you're towing toys, and Webster County Fairgrounds offers easy 30-amp pull-throughs. Reserve Iowa state park sites at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com to lock in summer weekends.
iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-ParksWhen is the best time of year for an RV trip from Fort Dodge?
Late April through mid-October is prime time for RV camping in Fort Dodge, with the absolute sweet spots being late May to mid-June and all of September. Summer highs sit in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 29 C) with warm, humid nights perfect for lakeside evenings at Brushy Creek. Spring brings wildflowers and fewer mosquitoes, while September delivers crisp 70-degree days and stunning fall color along the Des Moines River valley. Winters are genuinely cold (lows in the teens with snow), so most Iowa campgrounds close mid-October through mid-April. Pro tip: book a shoulder-season Fort Dodge RV trip for the lowest nightly rates and easiest campsite availability.
weather.gov/dmx/I've never driven an RV before. Is renting in Fort Dodge first-timer friendly?
You're going to do great: first time renting an RV in Fort Dodge is easier than you'd think, and Iowa's flat-to-gently-rolling terrain and quiet rural highways are ideal for learning. Every RVezy host provides a hands-on walkthrough at pickup covering the generator, water systems, slide-outs, and dashboard controls, so you won't leave the driveway with questions. Choose a smaller Class C motorhome or campervan rental in Fort Dodge if you want easier maneuverability, or book delivery so your host parks and levels the rig at your campsite. Practice driving the short 15-mile stretch on Highway 7 toward Lehigh before tackling longer trips. Hosts and RVezy support are reachable 24/7 if you need a quick tip.
iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicense/iowa-driver-s-manualWhat if something goes wrong with the RV during my trip?
You're covered around the clock: every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so a flat tire on Highway 20 or a dead battery at Dolliver Memorial State Park is a quick phone call away from being solved. The roadside team can dispatch tire service, jump-starts, lockout help, fuel delivery, and towing anywhere across Iowa. For anything mechanical inside the rig (furnace, fridge, slide-out), your host is your first call and most will troubleshoot by phone in minutes. RVezy's customer support team is also available before, during, and after every trip. Pro tip: save both the roadside number and your host's contact in your phone before you leave Fort Dodge.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Fort Dodge RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, most RVezy rentals from Fort Dodge are cleared for travel throughout the continental United States, so a multi-state loop through Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, or down to Missouri is very doable. Cross-border travel into Canada may be allowed depending on the host and the insurance terms on the listing, so message the host before booking to confirm. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental because insurance coverage does not extend there. Popular RV road trips from Fort Dodge include Mount Rushmore (about 530 miles west), the Wisconsin Dells (around 320 miles east), and Minnesota's North Shore (roughly 400 miles north). Pro tip: confirm any border plans in writing through RVezy's messaging.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on a Fort Dodge RV trip?
Fuel is one of your biggest variables, but Iowa is kinder than most states: gas prices in the Fort Dodge area typically run a few cents below the national average. Expect roughly 8 to 10 miles per gallon (MPG) for a Class C motorhome, 6 to 8 MPG for a Class A, and 12 to 18 MPG for a campervan or for a tow vehicle pulling a travel trailer. For a 300-mile weekend loop to Okoboji and back, budget around $90 to $130 in fuel for a Class C. Top off at the Pilot Travel Center on Highway 20 or the Casey's locations around Fort Dodge, which usually post competitive Iowa pricing. Pro tip: use GasBuddy along your route.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Fort Dodge?
For the smoothest experience, book Iowa state park sites about three months ahead through the Iowa DNR reservation system, which manages Brushy Creek, Dolliver Memorial, and other DNR campgrounds. Reservations open on a rolling window, and Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends fill quickly. Webster County parks like Kennedy Memorial Park are managed by Webster County Conservation and can typically be booked through their site, often a bit easier to snag last-minute. Midweek nights in May, June, and September are often wide open even days before arrival. Pro tip: set a calendar reminder for the booking window opening so you can grab a lakefront site at Brushy Creek the moment it becomes available.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping/Make-a-ReservationWhat are driving conditions like around Fort Dodge?
Driving an RV around Fort Dodge is refreshingly easy: the area sits on the gently rolling prairie of north-central Iowa, with wide four-lane stretches of US Highway 20 running east-west and US 169 running north-south. There are no mountain passes, tunnels, or low clearances to worry about within 100 miles. Watch for sudden summer thunderstorms and high crosswinds on open prairie, which can push taller Class A rigs, and slow down for farm equipment on rural county roads in spring and fall. Winter brings snow and ice from November through March, which is why most rentals are seasonal. Pro tip: avoid downtown Fort Dodge's older brick streets near Central Avenue with a long rig and use the Highway 20 bypass instead.
hb.511ia.org/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Fort Dodge?
Most campgrounds near Fort Dodge offer the essentials you need for a comfortable motorhome rental in Fort Dodge experience: 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups, potable water fills, dump stations, flush toilets, and hot showers. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area and Kennedy Memorial Park both have full or partial hookup loops plus on-site dump stations open to registered guests. Webster County Fairgrounds offers 30-amp electric and water with toilets. For free dump-and-fill stops between campgrounds, the Fort Dodge area has a few municipal options, and many Casey's and Pilot stations along Highway 20 sell propane. Pro tip: many Iowa state park loops are first-come for showers, so plan a morning rinse before the 8 a.m. rush.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping/Campground-AmenitiesWhat's actually inside the RV I'm renting?
Expect a fully equipped home on wheels: most Fort Dodge RV rentals come with a queen or king bed, convertible dinette and sofa sleepers, a propane stove and oven, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, full bathroom with shower and toilet, air conditioning, furnace, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many listings also include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, and onboard generator for off-grid stops. WiFi is rarely built in, but cell signal across most of Webster County is solid on Verizon and T-Mobile, so a hotspot works great. Each listing's photos and amenities checklist spell out exactly what's included. Pro tip: filter by 'Sleeps 6+' if you're planning a family RV trip Fort Dodge style with kids and grandparents along.
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/recreational-vehicle-safetyWhat add-ons and pickup options can I choose from?
Hosts in Fort Dodge make customizing your trip easy with optional add-ons like camping chairs and tables, bedding and linen packages, kitchen kits, bike racks, generators, propane refills, and pet packages, all priced clearly on the listing. Pickup is typically at the host's home in or near Fort Dodge, but many offer delivery to Kennedy Park, Brushy Creek, Dolliver, or your driveway for a per-mile fee. Mileage policies range from 100 free miles per night to fully unlimited, and you can filter searches by 'Instant Book' to skip the approval wait. Pro tip: ask your host about a propane top-off and full water tank at pickup so you arrive at camp ready to relax.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping/Make-a-ReservationHow does the security deposit and payment work?
Payment is straightforward and secure: when you book an RV rental in Fort Dodge through RVezy, you pay with a credit or debit card directly through the platform, never in cash to the host. The security deposit is separate from your booking payment and is held as a pre-authorization on your card before your trip, then released after the RV is returned in the same condition. Deposit amounts vary by rig and are clearly shown on the listing before you confirm. To avoid issues, take date-stamped photos of the interior, exterior, and odometer at pickup and drop-off, follow the host's fuel and dump-tank instructions, and return on time. Pro tip: message your host about any small pre-existing dings at pickup so everyone is aligned.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhat are the best RV road trip routes from Fort Dodge?
Fort Dodge is a fantastic launchpad for an RV road trip. Head 90 miles north to Lake Okoboji and the Iowa Great Lakes for beaches, boating, and Arnolds Park's classic amusement pier. Drive 95 miles south to Des Moines for the State Fair in August or the downtown farmers market. Aim 175 miles east to Dyersville to visit the Field of Dreams movie site, then continue to the Mississippi River bluffs at Dubuque. For a bigger adventure, the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore sit about 530 miles west via I-90, an easy three-day RV road trip from Fort Dodge. Pro tip: combine Okoboji and the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway for a quintessential Iowa loop.
traveliowa.com/trip-ideas/