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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Grinnell, IA
36 campgrounds and RV Parks near Grinnell, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
36 campgrounds
3142 campsites
17 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 Grinnell, IA
Rock Creek State Park
Kellogg, IA (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(193 sites)
+6
Kellogg RV Park
Kellogg, IA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(38 sites)
+6
Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey
Newton, IA (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+14
Outback Campground and Resort
Tama, IA (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(130 sites)
+11
Meskwaki Casino Resort and RV Park CLOSED
Tama, IA (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
Shady Oaks RV Campground
Marshalltown, IA (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
Rusty Ridge Campground
Toledo, IA (20 miles away)
Union Grove State Park
Gladbrook, IA (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(26 sites)
+4
Main - Elk Rock State Park
Knoxville, IA (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+7
River Oaks RV Park
Hartford, IA (38 miles away)
Keokuk County Izaak Walton League
Sigourney, IA (40 miles away)
$$$$$
(11 sites)
+5
Adventureland Campground
Altoona, IA (40 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+4
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Tables Showers Playground Toilets Dump station Grills Hiking Trails Internet
Camping near Grinnell, Iowa
Grinnell sits in central Iowa along Interstate 80, roughly halfway between Des Moines and Iowa City. The town is best known as the home of Grinnell College, but for RV travelers it functions as a practical I-80 stopover with lake camping close by. Rock Creek State Park is located near the city of Kellogg, with Grinnell about 7 miles to the east, giving campers a nearby public option with electric and non-electric sites on the water.
The surrounding area is Jasper and Poweshiek county farmland, gently rolling and dotted with small lakes. The 1,697-acre park was dedicated in 1952 and includes numerous boat launches and docks, picnic grounds, camping grounds, and trails for horseback riding and hiking. Kellogg RV Park and Outback Campground and Resort provide additional private options within a short drive of Grinnell.
For travelers moving between Chicago and Omaha, the Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey adds a full-hookup stop about 30 minutes west, useful when Rock Creek is closed for the season or fully booked.
Things to do around Grinnell
Water recreation anchors most trips. Rock Creek Lake is one of central Iowa's most popular lakes, any size boat motor may be operated at a maximum speed of 5 mph, and several boat ramps are located around the lake. Boat and paddlesport rentals are offered at the park concessionaire along with fishing bait and snacks. Fish species include black and white crappie, largemouth bass, white bass, channel catfish, black bullhead, bluegill, green sunfish, freshwater drum, and walleye.
On land, more than eight miles of non-paved, multi-use trails wind around the lake, a five-mile biking trail near the east side of the park connects to the town of Grinnell, and horseback riding, skiing, and snowmobiling are also popular on the trails. In town, the Grinnell College campus, downtown shops, and the Louis Sullivan-designed Merchants National Bank building are easy afternoon stops. The Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey adds pool time, a stocked fishing pond, and family activities for travelers staying near the interstate.
Camping spots and RV parks near Grinnell, IA
When to visit Grinnell
- spring
March - May
57° / 39°F 90 mmWet and variable; state park reopens April 1
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 125 mmWarm, humid, wettest season; peak bookings
- fall
September - November
61° / 41°F 70 mmCool days, quieter sites; park closes Nov 15
- winter
December - February
30° / 16°F 28 mmFreezing and snowy; Rock Creek campground closed
The public camping season at Rock Creek is tightly defined. Rock Creek Campground is closed January 1 through March 31, off peak April 1 through April 30, peak May 1 through October 15, off peak October 16 through November 15, and closed November 16 through December 31.
Late May through early September is the busiest window, with warm humid days, active fishing, and racing events at the Iowa Speedway outside of Newton throughout the summer that push demand at Newton-area sites. Rock Creek Marina offers concessions roughly April 15 through October 15, matching the practical on-water season.
Shoulder months bring quieter sites and cooler nights. In the winter, the 602-acre lake may freeze over, and the park is a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, though the campground itself is shut. Private year-round parks like the Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey fill the winter gap for renters passing through on I-80.
Top Hosts near Grinnell, 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 Grinnell
State park sites are booked through the Iowa DNR reservation system, operated on the ReserveAmerica platform. Reservations for Rock Creek State Park Campground can be made through Iowa's state park reservation system, and the campground offers both electric and non-electric sites that can be reserved in advance. Peak-season summer weekends and holidays sell out early, so booking several weeks ahead is wise for Friday and Saturday arrivals.
Some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, especially during off-peak times, but planning ahead is strongly recommended for summer. Private parks including Kellogg RV Park, Outback Campground and Resort, and the Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey take direct reservations by phone or through their own websites and the KOA app.
Note that Meskwaki Casino Resort and RV Park is closed and should not be included in trip plans.
What to expect on the ground
Rock Creek is a lake-oriented public campground with a mix of camper types. Rock Creek is one of central Iowa's camping hotspots and includes both electric and nonelectric campsites and campsites alongside the water. The campground has a modern restroom and shower building. The campsites are located nearby and are not big enough for big rigs and trailers; most of the sites cannot accommodate RVs larger than 40 to 50 feet in length.
Access from the interstate is straightforward. The campground is located about 8 miles off I-80. The Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey is closer to the highway and geared to overnight I-80 travelers, with full-hookup sites and pull-throughs suitable for larger rigs.
Expect Midwestern weather swings: humid summer thunderstorms, calm autumn evenings, and cold, snowy winters that shut most public campgrounds down completely.
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 Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, IA?
Campsite prices near Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, IA?
Free camping near Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, IA?
Camping near Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, IA?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, IA?
Dump stations near Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, IA?
Renting a RV in Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, IA?
RV rentals in Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, 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 Grinnell, IA?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Grinnell, 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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