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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Gowrie, IA
23 campgrounds and RV Parks near Gowrie, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
23 campgrounds
1881 campsites
11 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Gowrie, IA
Dolliver Memorial State Park
Iowa (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(33 sites)
+4
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - South Equestrian
Iowa (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+2
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Beach
Iowa (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(47 sites)
+2
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - North Equestrian
Iowa (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(125 sites)
+2
Ledges State Park
Madrid, IA (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(94 sites)
+5
Whiterock Conservancy - Oak Ridge RV Campground
Coon Rapids, IA (36 miles away)
$$$$$
(13 sites)
Springbrook State Park
Guthrie Center, IA (36 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
+6
Whiterock Conservancy - River CG
Coon Rapids, IA (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(6 sites)
+2
Black Hawk State Park
Lake View, IA (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(128 sites)
+5
Dallas County Fairgrounds Campground
Adel, IA (47 miles away)
The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park
West Bend, IA (48 miles away)
$$$$$
(53 sites)
+6
Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club
Grimes, IA (51 miles away)
$$$$$
(448 sites)
+8
Most common amenities
Tables Showers Grills Dump station Playground Toilets Pet friendly Internet Hiking Trails
Campgrounds near Gowrie, Iowa
Gowrie sits in Webster County in north-central Iowa, within easy driving distance of two of the state's most popular public campgrounds along the Des Moines River corridor. RV travelers based here have access to state park camping with electric and full-hookup sites, hiking trails, sandstone bluffs, and a lake with a swimming beach.
The closest option is Dolliver Memorial State Park, located along the Des Moines River Valley near Lehigh. The park spreads across 614 acres of bluffs, canyons, and flatlands overlooking the river, and its campground features 33 sites with electrical hookups, plus 2 camper cabins, modern restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
A short drive east, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area encompasses about 6,500 acres, making it one of Iowa's largest public outdoor recreation areas. It offers three distinct camping areas relevant to RV renters: Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - South Equestrian, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - North Equestrian, and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Beach. Ledges State Park, farther south near Boone, rounds out the nearby options.
Things to do near Gowrie
Hiking is a headline draw at Dolliver Memorial State Park. Nearly six miles of winding trails lead through the Copperas Beds, unique sandstone formations that tower 100 feet above Prairie Creek, where erosion has uncovered an ancient river bed. Boneyard Hollow, a box canyon in the northern part of the park, is a notable historic feature in Webster County.
Brushy Creek is the multi-sport hub of the area, with more than 45 miles of multi-use trails, including a 12-mile gravel trail around the 690-acre Brushy Creek Lake. The lake supports swimming, fishing, and boating, with four boat ramps, eight fishing jetties, and a universally accessible fishing pier on the west side. Ledges State Park adds sandstone bluffs, creek crossings, and family-friendly hiking within a scenic river valley.
Camping spots and RV parks near Gowrie, IA
Seasonal info for camping near Gowrie
- spring
March - May
55° / 36°F 87 mmParks reopen; wet trails and rising rivers common
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 115 mmPeak bookings; thunderstorms and humid nights
- fall
September - November
59° / 41°F 65 mmCool weekends; modern facilities close around mid-October
- winter
December - February
28° / 10°F 25 mmCampgrounds closed; walk-in only at most Iowa state parks
Iowa state park camping runs on a peak and off-peak schedule tied to weather. At Dolliver, the campground is closed January 1 through March 31, off-peak in April, peak May 1 through October 15, off-peak October 16 through 31, then closed November 1 through December 31. Cabins and lodges are reservable May 1 through October 15, and shelters May 1 through September 30.
Summer weekends are the busiest window. Peak season runs May 1 through October 31 with a 2-night minimum on weekends and a 3-night minimum on major holiday weekends, and maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights. Beach swimming at Brushy Creek and shaded canyon hikes at Dolliver both hit their stride from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Spring and fall bring milder temperatures, thinner crowds, and easier last-minute booking. Park staff generally have water on and shower buildings and dump stations open by May 1 and start closing them around mid-October, so shoulder-season campers should not assume modern facilities will be available.
How to book a campsite near Gowrie
Both parks use the Iowa DNR reservation system. Advance campsite and cabin reservations can be made online, and the campgrounds are 100 percent reservable, with a reservation required. The reservation call center is 1-877-427-2757.
Reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance of the arrival date, so summer weekends and holiday weekends should be booked as early as the window opens. Full-hookup sites at Brushy Creek and electric sites at Dolliver are the first to go. From November 1 through March 31, most Iowa state park campsites shift to walk-in only.
The non-equestrian campground at Brushy Creek contains electric, non-electric, and full hookup sites with water and sewer. Equestrian loops can accept campers without horses when sites are open, but the south and north equestrian areas prioritize riders.
What to expect
Expect a rural, wooded feel with limited cell coverage in the river valleys. Dolliver is compact and quiet, with the campground set on a bluff overlooking the Des Moines River, modern restrooms and showers, a dump station, and short walks to trailheads. Sites are shaded, and larger rigs should check length limits before booking.
Brushy Creek is bigger and more spread out. The north equestrian campground has a modern shower and restroom, electric and non-electric sites, water hydrants with potable water, picnic tables, grills, and a playground, while the south equestrian campground adds some full hookup sites with water and sewer. Beach campers get direct lake access.
Bring drinking water containers, bug spray for humid summer evenings, and firewood purchased locally to comply with Iowa's invasive-pest rules.
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 Gowrie, 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 Gowrie, IA?
Campsite prices near Gowrie, 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 Gowrie, IA?
Free camping near Gowrie, 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 Gowrie, IA?
Camping near Gowrie, 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 Gowrie, IA?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Gowrie, 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 Gowrie, IA?
Dump stations near Gowrie, 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 Gowrie, IA?
Renting a RV in Gowrie, 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 Gowrie, IA?
RV rentals in Gowrie, 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 Gowrie, 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 Gowrie, IA?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Gowrie, IA at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.