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30 campgrounds and RV Parks near Gilbert, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
30 campgrounds
2276 campsites
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From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Gilbert, IA
Ledges State Park
Madrid, IA (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(94 sites)
+5
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - South Equestrian
Iowa (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+2
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Beach
Iowa (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(47 sites)
+2
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - North Equestrian
Iowa (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(125 sites)
+2
Dolliver Memorial State Park
Iowa (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(33 sites)
+4
Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground
Altoona, IA (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(142 sites)
Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club
Grimes, IA (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(448 sites)
+8
Adventureland Campground
Altoona, IA (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+4
Rock-n-Row Adventures Iowa River Tubing
Eldora, IA (34 miles away)
$$$$$
+4
Pine Lake State Park Campground
Eldora, IA (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
+4
Dallas County Fairgrounds Campground
Adel, IA (38 miles away)
Timberline RV Campground
Waukee, IA (38 miles away)
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Toilets Dump station Playground Pet friendly Grills Hiking Trails Firewood
Campgrounds near Gilbert, Iowa
Gilbert sits just north of Ames in central Iowa, within easy driving distance of several established Iowa DNR parks and a well-known private RV park. The area works well as a base for exploring the Des Moines River Valley, the High Trestle Trail, and the lakes and prairies of Boone and Webster counties.
The closest state-park camping is at Ledges State Park south of Boone, roughly a half-hour drive from Gilbert. The park is one of Iowa's oldest, known for sandstone cliffs, a canyon drive along Pea's Creek, and a modern campground with electric, non-electric, and hike-in sites, plus a dump station.
About an hour and a half northwest, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area near Lehigh is one of Iowa's largest public recreation areas at roughly 6,500 acres, with a 690-acre lake and three campgrounds: North Equestrian, South Equestrian, and a non-equestrian area near the beach. For a private RV option closer to Des Moines, Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground in Altoona offers paved, full-hookup sites.
Things to do around Gilbert
At Ledges State Park, the main draws are the one-way canyon drive along Pea's Creek, hikes among sandstone bluffs rising nearly 100 feet above the streambed, and Civilian Conservation Corps-era stone bridges and shelters. Trails link overlooks of the Des Moines River Valley, and the campground has modern restrooms, showers, and a playground.
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area centers on a 690-acre lake with an extensive shoreline, multiple boat ramps, fishing jetties, and a swimming beach. The park has more than 45 miles of multi-use trails used by horseback riders, hikers, mountain bikers, and, in winter, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. Anglers target bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, and muskellunge.
Closer in, the Ames area offers Iowa State University and the High Trestle Trail, while the paved Chichaqua Valley Trail runs alongside Griff's Valley View.
Camping spots and RV parks near Gilbert, IA
When to visit
- spring
March - May
59° / 37°F 88 mmMild and wet; severe storm and tornado season
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 115 mmWarm, humid, wettest season; peak bookings
- fall
September - November
61° / 39°F 65 mmCool, drier, hardwood color; lighter demand
- winter
December - February
30° / 12°F 28 mmCold and snowy; Ledges campground closed
Central Iowa has a humid continental climate with sharp seasonal swings. Summers are warm and often humid, with thunderstorms and the state's heaviest rainfall; winters are cold and snowy. Precipitation is spread across the year, but late spring and early summer are the wettest months, and severe weather including tornadoes is most common from April through June.
The practical camping season runs spring through fall. Ledges State Park's campground accepts reservations from March through November and is closed December through February, with peak reservable dates from May 1 through October 15. Reservable shelters at Ledges follow the same May through mid-October peak window.
Summer weekends and holidays fill quickly, especially at Ledges and at Brushy Creek's equestrian loops during organized rides. Fall brings cooler temperatures, hardwood color along the Des Moines River, and lighter demand on sites. Winter camping options are limited in the area, and some park roads and facilities close entirely.
How to book
Iowa state park campgrounds, including Ledges State Park and all three loops at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, are 100 percent reservable through the Iowa DNR's online reservation system, and a reservation is required. Sites can generally be booked up to three months in advance, and at Brushy Creek reservations must be made at least two days ahead of arrival.
For peak-season weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, book as early as the window opens. Equestrian sites at Brushy Creek's North Equestrian and South Equestrian campgrounds have limited hitch-rail capacity and fill early around event weekends. Check the Iowa DNR alerts page before booking, as Brushy Creek campgrounds have been subject to renovation closures.
Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground in Altoona is a privately operated park that takes reservations directly. It caters heavily to long-term campers, so short-stay availability is limited and calling ahead is essential.
What to expect
Ledges State Park offers electric, non-electric, and hike-in sites with modern restrooms, showers, a dump station, and a playground. Cell service in the canyon can be spotty, and portions of the canyon road occasionally close for high water and flooding from the Des Moines River.
Brushy Creek has three modern campgrounds. The North and South Equestrian loops offer electric and non-electric sites with hitch rails at every site, horse wash areas, and shower buildings; the South Equestrian and non-equestrian areas also include full-hookup sites with water and sewer. Iowa requires a current health certificate and negative Coggins test for horses transported into the state.
Griff's Valley View has paved concrete pads with full hookups, 30 and 50 amp service, laundry, and shower buildings, in a quiet rural setting just off I-80, adjacent to the paved Chichaqua Valley Trail.
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 Gilbert, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Gilbert, IA?
RV rental in Gilbert, IA is approachable for most budgets. Travel trailers typically start around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes generally run $175 to $275 per night, and campervans and Class B options usually fall in between. To find a cheap RV rental in Gilbert, book midweek (Sunday through Thursday) and aim for May or September when summer demand cools off. Use the price slider and Instant Book filter on RVezy to surface the best deals quickly. Many Gilbert area hosts also offer multi-night discounts for stays of 5+ nights, which is great for a longer Iowa road trip.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Gilbert,%20IowaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Gilbert, Iowa?
Good news: a standard driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Gilbert, Iowa. The Iowa Department of Transportation does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for personal RVs, motorhomes, or travel trailers rented on the platform. On RVezy, approved drivers are generally 25 or older with a valid license, and your ID is verified during the booking process. Visiting from outside the US? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home license. Most first-time renters in Iowa are surprised how straightforward it is to get on the road.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my RV rental in Gilbert covered if something goes wrong?
Yes. Every booking on RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit the road around Gilbert with real peace of mind. At checkout you'll choose the protection level that fits your trip, from essential to premium coverage, which helps safeguard against most accidental damage to the vehicle. Roadside help is included for flat tires, lockouts, jump starts, fuel delivery, and towing. Review the protection options carefully at booking, since higher tiers reduce your out-of-pocket responsibility if something happens during your Iowa RV trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Gilbert RV rental?
Booking an RV rental in Gilbert, IA is low-risk because RVezy (not individual hosts) sets the cancellation policy for every reservation. There is a money-back grace period right after you book, and additional refund options depend on how far in advance you cancel. If a host cancels on you, RVezy provides a refund or travel credit so you are not left without options. That means you can lock in your dates with confidence, even months ahead. Book early to secure the best Iowa motorhomes for summer weekends, especially around Iowa State University football games in nearby Ames, when demand spikes.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV rental in Gilbert, IA?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rentals in Gilbert are plentiful on RVezy. Toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when browsing listings to see motorhomes and travel trailers that welcome dogs (and sometimes cats). Hosts may set a small pet cleaning fee, which you'll see clearly before booking. Once you're on the road, your pup will love Ada Hayden Heritage Park in nearby Ames, which has trails around the lake, and McFarland Park just minutes from Gilbert also welcomes leashed pets. Iowa state park campgrounds permit leashed pets as well. Message the host before booking if you have a large breed or multiple pets to keep everything smooth.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/CampingCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Gilbert?
Yes, RV delivery in Gilbert is one of the easiest ways to start your trip, especially if you're new to RVing. Many local hosts will drive the RV directly to your campground, your driveway, or a nearby destination like Ledges State Park or McFarland Park, then level it, hook up utilities, and walk you through every system. Use the Delivery filter on RVezy to see which hosts offer it and their per-mile fee, typically $2 to $4 per mile from their location. Delivery is a game-changer for first-time RV renters because you skip the highway drive and start your vacation with everything set up and ready to enjoy.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Gilbert,%20IowaHow far can I drive on a Gilbert RV rental, and is unlimited mileage available?
You have plenty of range for a great Gilbert RV trip. Hosts set their own mileage allowances, typically including 100 to 150 free miles per night, and some offer RV rentals with unlimited mileage for longer adventures. Extra miles usually run $0.30 to $0.50 each. From Gilbert, you can reach the Iowa Great Lakes (Okoboji) in about 3 hours, the Mississippi River near Dubuque in roughly 3 hours, Omaha in about 2.5 hours, and the Twin Cities in about 4.5 hours. Filter listings by unlimited mileage if you're planning a longer RV road trip from Gilbert, and you'll see options that fit your route.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Gilbert,%20IowaWhere are the best campgrounds near Gilbert, IA?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping Gilbert. McFarland Park, just minutes south of Gilbert, offers quiet wooded sites with electric hookups along the Skunk River. Hickory Grove Park near Colo (about 20 minutes east) has a sandy swim beach, full hookup sites, and great fishing. Ledges State Park near Boone (40 minutes west) is famous for its sandstone bluffs and shaded campground. For a bigger adventure, Don Williams Recreation Area near Ogden offers lakeside sites and boat rentals. Pro tip: Story County and Boone County parks book through their county websites, while Ledges uses the Iowa DNR reservation system, so check both when planning your stay.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping/State-Park-CampingWhen is the best time of year for an RV trip from Gilbert, Iowa?
Late May through early October is prime time for RV camping near Gilbert, with daytime temperatures generally in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit and warm summer nights perfect for campfires. June and September are the sweet spot, offering green landscapes, fewer mosquitoes, and easier campground reservations. July and August bring Iowa's warmest weather (often mid 80s to low 90s) and the liveliest campground scene. Fall color around Ledges State Park typically peaks in mid-October. Winters are cold (often below 20F), so many hosts pause bookings from late November through March. Target the second week of September for the best mix of weather and availability.
weather.gov/dmx/I've never rented an RV before. Is Gilbert a good place to start?
Gilbert is one of the friendliest spots in Iowa for first time renting an RV travelers. The roads here are flat, low-traffic, and well-paved, so you can build confidence quickly without navigating busy interstates or mountain passes. Every RVezy host provides a thorough pickup orientation, walking you through driving tips, slide-outs, water systems, and waste tanks before you leave. Many Gilbert area hosts also offer delivery, so you can skip driving entirely and have the RV set up at your campground. Pro tip: ask your host to record a quick video of the walkthrough on your phone so you can replay it later, and message them anytime during your trip with questions. Iowa's gentle terrain makes it ideal for beginners.
iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicense/safe-drivingWhat happens if my RV breaks down during my Gilbert trip?
You're never stranded on an RVezy rental. Every booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so help is one phone call away whether you have a flat tire near Ames, a dead battery at McFarland Park, or need a tow off Highway 30. Services include tire changes, jump starts, lockout help, fuel delivery, and towing to the nearest qualified service center. Your host is also a message away for quick troubleshooting questions about quirks specific to their RV. Save the RVezy support number in your phone before you leave Gilbert, and snap a photo of the RV's VIN and license plate so you have them handy if you ever need to call for help.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are popular road trip routes from Gilbert, Iowa?
An RV road trip from Gilbert opens up some incredible Midwest destinations. Head northwest about 3 hours to the Iowa Great Lakes around Lake Okoboji for swimming, boating, and lakeside campgrounds. Drive about 3 hours east to the Mississippi River bluffs in Dubuque and the Field of Dreams in Dyersville. Loop south about 2 hours to the Amana Colonies for German heritage and farm-to-table dining. The Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota are a doable 8 to 9 hour drive west, perfect for a week-long adventure. Cross-border trips to Canada are allowed on many RVezy rentals (confirm with your host), but travel to Mexico isn't covered. The Loess Hills Scenic Byway along Iowa's western edge is an underrated gem.
traveliowa.com/trip-ideas/road-trips/What kind of fuel economy and budget should I plan for?
Budgeting fuel for your Iowa RV trip is straightforward. Class C motorhomes typically get 8 to 12 miles per gallon, Class A rigs 6 to 10 mpg, campervans 16 to 20 mpg, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle (often 10 to 14 mpg combined). Iowa gas prices generally track close to the national average. Check current Iowa prices on the EIA before you go. For a typical 300-mile weekend loop from Gilbert through Ledges State Park and back, plan on roughly $80 to $130 in fuel for a Class C. Casey's General Stores are widespread across Iowa and often have RV-friendly pull-through fueling lanes plus solid pizza for the road.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Gilbert?
For the smoothest RV camping Gilbert experience, book your campground 2 to 3 months ahead for summer weekends, especially Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Iowa State Parks like Ledges open reservations 3 months in advance through the Iowa DNR online reservation system, and the prime riverside sites disappear fast. Story County parks (including McFarland) book through the Story County Conservation website and tend to have more midweek availability. For weekday trips in June or September, you can often find sites with just 2 to 3 weeks' notice. Pro tip: if you strike out on weekends, midweek camping is gloriously quiet around Gilbert, and many hosts offer better nightly rates Sunday through Thursday too.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping/State-Park-Camping/ReservationsWhat are the driving conditions like around Gilbert, IA?
Driving an RV around Gilbert is genuinely easy. The roads are flat, traffic is light, and Highway 69 plus nearby Interstate 35 give you smooth, well-maintained routes in any direction. Watch for occasional gravel county roads if you wander off the main routes, and keep an eye out for farm equipment in spring and fall planting seasons. Summer thunderstorms can roll through quickly with high winds, so check the National Weather Service forecast from the Des Moines office before you drive. Deer are common at dawn and dusk, so slow down on rural stretches. Avoid driving through downtown Ames on Iowa State football Saturdays, when game-day traffic gets heavy around Jack Trice Stadium.
hb.511ia.org/What amenities will I find at campgrounds around Gilbert?
Campgrounds near Gilbert offer a great mix of comfort and outdoor charm. McFarland Park has electric hookups, modern restrooms, and a dump station. Hickory Grove Park near Colo offers full hookup sites (electric, water, and sewer), hot showers, and a swim beach. Ledges State Park provides electric sites, drinking water spigots, restrooms with showers, and a centralized dump station. Most Story and Boone county parks have potable water fill-up points near the entrance. Pro tip: if you need a dump station mid-trip, the one at Ledges is free for registered campers and open to day-trippers for a small fee, making it a handy stop on your way back to Gilbert.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/CampingWhat's typically included inside a Gilbert RV rental?
Most motorhome rentals in Gilbert come fully equipped so you can focus on the fun. Expect a queen or king bed, a dinette and/or sofa that converts to extra sleeping space (Class C rigs typically sleep 4 to 6, Class A up to 8), a full kitchen with fridge, freezer, microwave, stove, and sink, plus a bathroom with toilet and shower. Air conditioning, furnace, and seatbelts at every traveling seat are standard. Many hosts include linens, cookware, outdoor chairs, and a propane grill. WiFi and built-in TVs vary by listing, and a generator for off-grid power is often available on Class A and Class C units. Check the listing's amenities and message the host if you need something specific like a coffee maker or high chair.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Gilbert,%20IowaWhat add-ons and pickup options can I expect from Gilbert hosts?
Hosts in the Gilbert area offer thoughtful add-ons that make your trip easier. Popular options include bedding and linen packages ($25 to $50), kitchen kits, outdoor chairs and tables, bike racks, propane refills, generator usage ($3 to $5 per hour), and portable grills. Pickup is typically at the host's home in or near Gilbert with a 45 to 60 minute orientation walkthrough. Drop-off is usually at the same location, and many hosts offer flexible pickup windows. One-way trips aren't standard but some hosts are open to it, so message them directly from the listing. Bundle add-ons like linens and a kitchen kit if you're flying into Des Moines International Airport (about 45 minutes south), so you don't have to pack bulky gear.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Gilbert,%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure on every RV rental in Gilbert. You'll pay through the RVezy platform with a credit or debit card (never directly to the host), with the trip cost typically split between a deposit at booking and the balance closer to your trip start. A refundable security deposit is held on your card before pickup, usually a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on the RV's value, and it's released after drop-off once the host confirms everything is in good shape. Take dated photos and a short video of the RV's interior and exterior at both pickup and drop-off, and share them through the RVezy message thread so you have a clear record and your deposit returns quickly.
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