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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Gilman, IA
33 campgrounds and RV Parks near Gilman, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
33 campgrounds
2759 campsites
16 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Gilman, IA
Rock Creek State Park
Kellogg, IA (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(193 sites)
+6
Shady Oaks RV Campground
Marshalltown, IA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
Meskwaki Casino Resort and RV Park CLOSED
Tama, IA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
Outback Campground and Resort
Tama, IA (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(130 sites)
+11
Rusty Ridge Campground
Toledo, IA (13 miles away)
Kellogg RV Park
Kellogg, IA (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(38 sites)
+6
Union Grove State Park
Gladbrook, IA (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(26 sites)
+4
Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey
Newton, IA (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+14
Rock-n-Row Adventures Iowa River Tubing
Eldora, IA (36 miles away)
$$$$$
+4
Main - Elk Rock State Park
Knoxville, IA (36 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+7
Pine Lake State Park Campground
Eldora, IA (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
+4
Adventureland Campground
Altoona, IA (39 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+4
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Showers Tables Dump station Playground Toilets Grills Internet Hiking Laundry
Campgrounds near Gilman, Iowa
Gilman sits in central Iowa in Marshall County, within short driving distance of one of the region's most popular camping lakes and a handful of private RV parks. The closest full-service public campground is Rock Creek State Park near Kellogg in Jasper County, a 1,697-acre park that includes numerous boat launches and docks, picnic grounds, camping grounds, and trails for horseback riding and hiking. Grinnell sits roughly seven miles east of the park and serves as the main supply town for campers heading to Gilman-area sites.
RV renters have several options within a short drive of Gilman, including Rock Creek State Park, Shady Oaks RV Campground, Outback Campground and Resort, and Kellogg RV Park. The mix covers private grounds and a large state-run lakeside campground, giving families flexibility on hookup level and quiet versus amenity-heavy stays.
Rock Creek anchors the area for water-based trips. Rock Creek Lake is one of central Iowa's most popular lakes, with several artificial jetties next to boat ramps, universally accessible fishing at the south boat ramp, and populations of crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish.
Things to do near Gilman
Most trips center on Rock Creek Lake. Boat and paddlesport rentals are offered at the park concessionaire along with live bait, tackle, ice, firewood, and snacks. Swimming is available at an unsupervised park beach, and shoreline anglers can spread out along the lake edge. Boat slips are available to rent from April 15 through October 15 at the south boat ramp.
On land, 8.5 miles of multi-use, non-paved trails circle the lake for hiking, biking, skiing, horseback riding, and snowmobiling, and a 5.5-mile bike trail along the park's east side connects to the town of Grinnell. Grinnell adds restaurants, groceries, and a walkable downtown, and it is home to Grinnell College, which hosts public events useful on a rainy afternoon.
Camping spots and RV parks near Gilman, IA
Seasonal patterns for RV trips
- spring
March - May
59° / 39°F 85 mmGreen-up and strong crappie bite; water turned on by mid-April
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 120 mmPeak bookings; lakeside sites fill weeks out
- fall
September - November
61° / 39°F 65 mmCool nights and light crowds; marina closes mid-October
- winter
December - February
30° / 16°F 28 mmRock Creek campground closed November 16 through March 31
Camping season in central Iowa runs primarily from spring through fall. The Rock Creek campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 through November 15 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival, and it is closed each year from November 16 through March 31. Late May through early September is the busiest window, and holiday weekends fill first, so RV renters should lock in dates well before arrival.
Shoulder seasons are appealing for families who want quieter loops. Spring brings green-up and strong fishing, while fall delivers cool nights and lighter crowds. Rock Creek Marina offers concessions roughly April 15 through October 15, open daily except Easter, so boat rentals, bait, and firewood at the park are tied to that same window.
Winter changes the picture. The 602-acre lake may freeze over, and the park becomes a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling even though the campground itself is closed. Private RV parks in the area may operate on reduced services in the coldest months, so confirm hookups before booking.
Top Hosts near Gilman, IA
Koby4 trips - Joined Jun 2026
Great experience! The RV was spotless and very comfortable! Everything worked as expected and it made my weekend camping trip very relaxing to have the RV delivered, setup, and ready to enjoy when I arrived. Koby was very responsive and easy to communicate with. I will be renting from him again in the future.
LuAnn E. - Sep 2026
Easy and great guy to work with! Camper was a nice stay! Thanks for a great weekend!
Katie V. - Aug 2026
Jerry3 trips - Joined Apr 2024
Jerry went above & beyond from start to finish. The camper was well stocked and everything worked! We would definitely rent from him again. Jerry is great- this app not so great.
Robert H. - Sep 2024
Jerry exceeded our expectations with the delivery and set up of our camper. He was there early with the ac on and cold water in the fridge! He explained how to use everything inside and out, from the stove, water supply, propane, extra supplies and even provided extra treats and a fresh flower bouquet! He was easy to communicate with, knowledgeable about the campground and even checked in later in our stay to make sure we didn’t need anything. We’ll definitely be renting again from Jerry in the near future!! Thank you again for making our long getaway weekend so enjoyable!
Kelli D. - Jul 2024
How to book campgrounds near Gilman
For Rock Creek State Park, bookings are handled through the Iowa DNR's reservation system on ReserveAmerica. Iowa's state parks, recreation areas, and forests have more than 4,300 campsites ranging from hike-in primitive sites to full hook-ups with sewer, water, and electricity, and campsites can be reserved up to 3 months in advance. Popular summer weekends should be targeted the moment the three-month window opens.
Private campgrounds such as Shady Oaks RV Campground, Outback Campground and Resort, and Kellogg RV Park take direct bookings by phone or website and often have longer booking windows than state parks. From November 1 through March 31, most Iowa state park campsites are walk-in only since advance reservations are not available due to unpredictable winter weather, making private grounds the easier off-season choice.
What to expect on-site
At Rock Creek, expect a large, family-oriented state park campground with typical Iowa DNR amenities. Options include electric hookups for RVs and trailers, modern restrooms, showers, an RV dump station, and camping cabins for those who prefer not to camp in tents or RVs. Weekend occupancy runs high in the RV loops during summer, and lakeside sites go first.
Private RV parks near Gilman tend to run smaller loops with full hookups, easier pull-through access for larger rigs, and shorter walks to laundry and Wi-Fi. Cell coverage is generally reliable near the interstate corridor and thinner on the back roads between farm fields.
One practical note for renters: emerald ash borer has been confirmed in all 99 counties in Iowa, so campers are urged to buy firewood locally near the park and burn it all during their stay.
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 Gilman, 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 Gilman, IA?
Campsite prices near Gilman, 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 Gilman, IA?
Free camping near Gilman, 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 Gilman, IA?
Camping near Gilman, 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 Gilman, IA?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Gilman, 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 Gilman, IA?
Dump stations near Gilman, 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 Gilman, IA?
Renting a RV in Gilman, 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 Gilman, IA?
RV rentals in Gilman, 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 Gilman, 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 Gilman, IA?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Gilman, IA at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.
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