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33 campgrounds and RV Parks near Keokuk, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
33 campgrounds
2862 campsites
20 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Keokuk, IA
Hickory Haven Campground
Keokuk, IA (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(53 sites)
+10
Camp Nauvoo
Nauvoo, IL (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(49 sites)
+4
Nauvoo State Park
Nauvoo, IL (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(105 sites)
+5
Nauvoo RV Park
Nauvoo, IL (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+2
Carthage Campground
Carthage, IL (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(22 sites)
+5
Duck Haven RV Campground
Fort Madison, IA (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
Oak Hollow Campground
Canton, MO (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(10 sites)
+3
Kahoka RV Park
Kahoka, MO (16 miles away)
Battle of Athens State Historic Site
Missouri (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(29 sites)
Lazy Dayz Campground
Canton, MO (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(31 sites)
+6
Indian Lake Park
Farmington, IA (24 miles away)
+4
Oak Wood Acres Campground
Mendon, IL (24 miles away)
Most common amenities
Grills Tables Toilets Pet friendly Dump station Showers Playground Fishing Firewood Hiking
Campgrounds near Keokuk
Keokuk sits at Iowa's southernmost tip, where the Des Moines River meets the Mississippi and three states (Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri) converge. The city anchors a compact camping region built around the Mississippi River corridor, with most RV-friendly campgrounds clustered a short drive north across the river near Nauvoo, Illinois.
The closest options for RV travelers include Hickory Haven Campground, plus a tight group of parks just over the Mississippi in Nauvoo: Camp Nauvoo, Nauvoo State Park, and Nauvoo RV Park. Duck Haven RV Campground rounds out the local list. Together these sites offer a mix of private-park amenities and state-park tent and RV sites within roughly a half-hour of downtown Keokuk.
Nauvoo State Park sits on 148 acres in Hancock County, Illinois, on the banks of the Mississippi River, and contains a 13-acre manmade lake called Lake Horton along with a historic vineyard site. That combination of river access, small-lake fishing, and a nearby historic town center makes the Keokuk and Nauvoo area a practical base for a multi-day RV trip.
Things to do near Keokuk
The river is the main draw. The locks at Lock and Dam No. 19 are 1,200 feet long and 110 feet wide, with a 38-foot lift between the pools above and below the dam, and visitors can watch as barges pass through. The facility keeps water free of ice below the dam, which draws large numbers of bald eagles in winter and makes Keokuk a well-known eagle-viewing spot.
In town, families can tour the George M. Verity River Museum, a retired riverboat docked at Victory Park, and walk the riverfront observation deck on the old rail bridge. Across the river, Nauvoo State Park's 1.5-mile Lake Trail winds around Lake Horton and through timbered areas, and a 3/8-mile accessible loop runs from the campground. Historic Nauvoo, with its restored 19th-century town and LDS sites, is a short drive from any of the nearby campgrounds.
Camping spots and RV parks near Keokuk, IA
When to camp near Keokuk
- spring
March - May
62° / 41°F 90 mmWettest stretch; May brings heaviest spring rain
- summer
June - August
85° / 65°F 120 mmWarm, humid; peak bookings and holiday weekends
- fall
September - November
65° / 44°F 70 mmCooling nights; state park facilities close mid-October
- winter
December - February
35° / 20°F 40 mmCold and snowy; Iowa state park sites walk-in only
The prime RV window runs from late spring through early fall. At Iowa state parks, staff generally try to have water on and shower buildings open by mid-April, and start closing shower buildings and turning off water around mid-October depending on weather. Campers arriving earlier or later have no guarantee that modern facilities will be available.
Summer brings warm, humid weather along the river and the busiest weekends, especially around Independence Day. Spring can be wet, with May typically among the rainiest months, while June often delivers the heaviest single-month rainfall totals. Fall offers cooler nights, thinner crowds, and river-bluff foliage in October.
Winter camping is limited. From November 1 through March 31, all Iowa state park campsites are walk-in only, and advance reservations are not available due to unpredictable winter weather. At Nauvoo State Park across the river, hookups shut down during winter months, leaving only a hydrant near the bathhouse for filling containers.
How to book a campsite near Keokuk
Booking rules depend on which side of the river you camp. One hundred percent of Iowa state park campsites can be reserved up to 3 months in advance, counted back from the arrival date to figure the opening window, with the daily release at 7:00 AM Central Time. Reservations are made through the Iowa State Parks system on reserveamerica.com.
Iowa state parks allow stays of up to 14 consecutive nights, followed by a required 3-night vacancy before returning. A 2-night minimum applies on weekends from May 1 through October 31, with a 3-night minimum on holiday weekends.
For sites just across the river in Illinois, Nauvoo State Park uses a different system. All campers must obtain a permit for overnight camping from the park office, groups of 25 or more need advance permission before entering the park, and online reservations are handled through ExploreMoreIL. Private parks such as Hickory Haven Campground, Camp Nauvoo, Nauvoo RV Park, and Duck Haven RV Campground book directly through their own websites or by phone.
What to expect on-site
Sites near Keokuk range from full-hookup RV pads at private parks to shadier, more rustic state-park loops. Nauvoo State Park Campground accommodates RVs up to 60 feet with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections, and is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Most sites sit under tree cover with ample shade, which also means mosquitoes during warmer months, and the campground layout can confuse first-time visitors since drives lack clear marking and longer rigs may find maneuvering tight in some areas.
Both pull-through and back-in sites are available, with primitive camping options that operate on a first-come basis using an envelope payment system. Expect variable cell service in the wooded loops, gravel or paved pads depending on the park, and short drives to groceries and fuel in either Keokuk or Nauvoo.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Keokuk, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Keokuk, IA?
An RV rental in Keokuk is one of the most affordable ways to explore the Mississippi River region. On RVezy, travel trailers in southeast Iowa typically start around $90 to $160 per night, Class C motorhomes run roughly $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A coaches sit in the $250 to $400 range. Because Keokuk is a smaller river town, you will often find cheaper RV rental Keokuk options than in Des Moines or the Quad Cities. Pro tip: book midweek in May or September to lock in shoulder-season pricing, and filter by Instant Book to see hosts who confirm immediately so you can start planning your Mississippi River trip the same day.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Keokuk%2C%20IowaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Keokuk?
A regular Iowa driver's license (or any valid U.S. or Canadian license) is all you need to rent an RV in Keokuk. Iowa does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or special endorsement for personal-use motorhomes or travel trailers, even larger Class A coaches. Visiting from overseas? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit. All RVezy renters must generally be 25 or older and complete the approved driver verification inside the platform during booking, so by the time you arrive in Keokuk you are ready to pick up the keys and roll.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs an RV rental in Keokuk protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RV rental in Keokuk booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can cross Lock and Dam No. 19 or head down Highway 61 with confidence. At checkout you choose the protection level that best fits your trip, and it covers eligible accidental damage to the vehicle along with liability coverage. Pro tip: take a quick walk-around video at pickup and again at drop-off in Keokuk, it is a simple habit that protects everyone and keeps your first motorhome rental Keokuk experience smooth from start to finish.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Keokuk RV trip?
Plans change, and RVezy is built to handle that. Every booking follows the RVezy cancellation policy, which is set by RVezy and applies consistently across every host, so the process is the same no matter which RV you choose. Your refund depends on how far in advance you cancel relative to your trip start date. If a host cancels on you, RVezy will refund you or help you rebook with travel credits. Pro tip: book early for Keokuk's Bald Eagle Appreciation Days in January or summer Lock 19 events, then review the cancellation terms shown on your booking before you confirm.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Keokuk RV rental?
Yes, a pet-friendly RV rental Keokuk is easy to find. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you will see hosts who welcome dogs (and sometimes cats) in their rigs. Keokuk is a great dog town: Rand Park along the Mississippi has wide grassy bluffs perfect for morning walks, and the Keokuk Riverfront and Victory Park are leashed-pet friendly with classic river views. Most local campgrounds and nearby Shimek State Forest sites allow leashed pets too. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee, and pack a collapsible water bowl, summer humidity along the river can climb fast.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Keokuk%2C%20IowaCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Keokuk?
Yes, RV delivery Keokuk is one of the easiest ways to start your trip, especially if it is your first time renting an RV. Many RVezy hosts in the Keokuk and Fort Madison area will tow or drive the rig directly to your campsite at places like Shimek State Forest or even your private property in Lee County. They will level it, hook up water, sewer, and 30/50-amp shore power, then walk you through every system before they leave. Use the Delivery filter when you search, and message the host with your campground name to get an exact delivery fee, which usually scales with distance from downtown Keokuk.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Keokuk%2C%20IowaHow far can I drive on an RV rental from Keokuk?
You've got serious range from Keokuk, IA. Most RVezy hosts include a daily mileage allowance (commonly 100 to 150 miles per day) and many offer RV rental with unlimited mileage for longer Mississippi River road trips. From Keokuk you can reach Nauvoo, IL in 20 minutes, Hannibal, MO (Mark Twain country) in about 90 minutes, the Quad Cities in 2 hours, Des Moines in 3 hours, and St. Louis in roughly 3.5 hours. Each listing shows its mileage policy clearly before you book, and any overage rate is right there too. Pro tip: if you're planning a Great River Road RV trip from Keokuk all the way to Dubuque, filter for unlimited-mileage rigs first.
fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/2310Where are the best campgrounds near Keokuk, IA?
Keokuk sits in a sweet spot for RV camping. Top picks include Shimek State Forest (Farmington Unit), about 30 minutes west, for quiet, wooded sites with electric hookups; Lake Sugema Wildlife Area near Keosauqua for fishing-focused stays; and Wilson Lake Park in Donnellson for a budget-friendly county option. A bit further afield, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park offers full amenities along the Des Moines River. Across the river, Nauvoo State Park in Illinois is only 25 minutes away with lakeside electric sites. Pro tip: Iowa State Parks reservations open through the Iowa DNR system, and summer weekends fill quickly, so book your dates before you confirm the rig.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/CampingWhen is the best time of year for an RV trip from Keokuk?
Late April through mid-October is prime time to rent an RV in Keokuk. Summer highs sit in the mid-80s F with humid, lush river scenery, while May and September deliver 65 to 75 F days with fewer bugs and lower rates. Fall along the Mississippi bluffs is stunning, with peak color usually in mid-October. Winters are genuinely cold (January lows around 18 F with occasional snow), but Keokuk's Bald Eagle Appreciation Days in mid-to-late January draws RVers to watch eagles fish below Lock and Dam No. 19, one of the largest eagle gatherings on the Upper Mississippi. Pro tip: book a four-season rig with a heated underbelly if you are chasing eagles in January.
weather.gov/dvn/I've never driven an RV before. Is renting in Keokuk a good idea?
Keokuk is actually a fantastic place for first time renting an RV. Traffic is light, Highway 61 and Highway 218 are wide and easy, and you're minutes from rural backroads where you can get comfortable behind the wheel. Every RVezy host gives you a full orientation at pickup, covering driving, leveling, the propane system, water, and dump procedures, plus they're a text away during your trip. If a Class A feels like too much, start with a Class B campervan or a small Class C motorhome, both very common on listings here. Pro tip: take a 20-minute practice loop on Main Street and the riverfront before heading out to camp.
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/recreational-vehicle-safetyWhat happens if I break down during my Keokuk RV trip?
You are covered. Every RVezy rental in Keokuk includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so whether you get a flat on Highway 61 heading toward Burlington or a battery issue at a Shimek State Forest campsite, one phone call gets help dispatched. Your host is also a direct line for quirks specific to their rig, like generator start-up or slide-out operation, and RVezy support is available before, during, and after the trip through the app. Pro tip: save the roadside number in your phone before you leave Keokuk, and snap a photo of the RV's VIN and license plate so you can share details instantly if you ever need a tow.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Keokuk RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes. Keokuk sits at the meeting point of Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, so you can literally cross three states in 15 minutes, and your RVezy rental is covered for travel throughout the U.S. Popular RV road trip from Keokuk routes include the Great River Road north to the Quad Cities and Dubuque, south to Hannibal, MO and St. Louis, or east to Springfield, IL. Travel into Canada may be allowed with host approval and the right insurance documentation, so message the host before booking if that's the plan. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. Pro tip: keep your rental agreement and protection details in the glovebox for easy border or roadside reference.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goWhat should I budget for fuel on a Keokuk RV trip?
Fuel is the biggest variable, but it's predictable. Class B campervans average 18 to 22 MPG, Class C motorhomes 10 to 14 MPG, and Class A coaches 7 to 10 MPG. Iowa gas prices typically run a bit below the national average, and you'll find convenient fill-ups at the Casey's and Hy-Vee stations on Main Street and along Highway 61 in Keokuk. For a 3-night loop covering Keokuk, Nauvoo, and Hannibal (around 200 miles total), budget roughly $80 to $150 in fuel for a Class C. Pro tip: top up in Keokuk before crossing into Illinois or Missouri, Iowa fuel taxes often make in-state pricing the better deal on the Tri-State border.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Keokuk?
For the best sites, book 2 to 3 months ahead. Iowa State Parks like Lake Darling and Geode (both about an hour from Keokuk) take reservations through the Iowa DNR's online system, and electric sites for summer weekends and the Fourth of July fill within hours of opening. Shimek State Forest is more first-come, first-served and easier to grab last minute. Private parks typically take direct reservations year-round. Pro tip: if you are coming for Bald Eagle Appreciation Days in January, lock in your campground or driveway parking spot by early December, Keokuk's limited winter-open sites go fast once eagle season is announced.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping/Campground-ReservationsWhat are driving conditions like around Keokuk?
Driving an RV in and around Keokuk is refreshingly relaxed. Highway 61 (the Avenue of the Saints) and Highway 218 are four-lane and easy for any size rig. The historic downtown grid has a few narrow brick streets near Main and Concert, so larger Class A coaches should stick to Main Street and Blondeau. The Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge over the Mississippi has standard clearance and is fine for all RVs. Watch for fog along the river in early morning during spring and fall, and slow down on rural blacktops in Lee County for deer at dawn and dusk. Pro tip: winter brings occasional ice on the river bluffs near Rand Park, check the Iowa 511 system before heading out December through February.
511ia.org/What hookups and amenities will I find at Keokuk-area campgrounds?
Most RV parks near Keokuk offer 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups, with the full setup at private parks like Hickory Haven and Fort Madison's Riverview Park. Iowa State Forest sites at Shimek typically offer electric only, with central water spigots and a shared dump station. Wi-Fi is hit-or-miss in rural Lee County, so don't count on streaming. Free dump stations are available at several Iowa DOT rest areas along I-380 and at Geode State Park, and you can fill freshwater tanks at most Casey's travel plazas. Pro tip: Keokuk's Victory Park and Riverfront area has a small public dump station seasonally, handy before you return your rental to the host.
iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping/Campground-ReservationsWhat's actually inside a Keokuk RV rental?
More than you'd expect. A typical RVezy motorhome rental Keokuk comes with a real bed (often a queen), a kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, sink, and cookware, a bathroom with toilet and shower, dinette seating, roof A/C, furnace heat, and seatbelted seats for travel. Many rigs include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, and a generator for off-grid stays along the Des Moines River or at Shimek State Forest. Campervan rental Keokuk options are more compact but include a bed, mini-kitchen, and often a portable toilet. Each listing shows exactly what's included with photos. Pro tip: message the host to confirm linens, towels, and kitchen basics, many include them free, others offer them as a small add-on.
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/recreational-vehicle-safetyWhat add-ons and pickup options can I expect from Keokuk hosts?
Keokuk hosts make trip prep simple. Common add-ons include linen and towel packages ($25 to $75), camp chairs and outdoor tables, kitchen kits, generators, bike racks, portable grills, and Starlink internet on some rigs. Pickup is usually at the host's home in or around Keokuk, Fort Madison, or Montrose, with a 30 to 60 minute orientation. Many hosts offer delivery to local campgrounds and even to private property for stationary stays. Mileage policies are listed up front, often 100 miles per day included with a per-mile rate above that, or unlimited mileage for select rigs. Pro tip: bundle linens and a generator add-on when booking a remote stay at Shimek State Forest, where shore power isn't always available.
iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-ForestsHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and fully handled inside the RVezy platform, no cash or side deals with the host. You pay your rental total by credit card when you book, and a refundable security deposit is pre-authorized (not charged) on your card a few days before pickup. Deposit amounts vary by rig, typically several hundred to a couple thousand dollars for RVs in the Keokuk area, and the hold is released after a smooth return. Cleaning fees, mileage overages, and any add-ons are billed through the platform too, so you always have a clear record. Pro tip: do a quick video walk-around at pickup and drop-off at your Keokuk meeting spot, it is the simplest way to ensure your deposit is released fast.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby cities with campgrounds
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