RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Monticello, IA
50 campgrounds and RV Parks near Monticello, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
50 campgrounds
4246 campsites
30 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 Monticello, IA
Blue Inn Campground
Monticello, IA (1 miles away)
$$$$$
(35 sites)
+5
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Monticello
Monticello, IA (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(266 sites)
+7
Riverview Ridge Campgrounds
Cascade, IA (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(135 sites)
+10
Wapsipinicon State Park
Anamosa, IA (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(26 sites)
+5
Tri-State Raceway and RV Park
Earlville, IA (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Maquoketa, IA (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+5
Cedar Valley Grove Campground
Mechanicsville, IA (25 miles away)
Palisades-Kepler State Park
Mount Vernon, IA (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(44 sites)
+3
Hoot Owl Hollow Campground
Dubuque, IA (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+4
South Lake - Backbone State Park
Iowa (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(98 sites)
+5
Pleasant Creek State Recreational Area
Palo, IA (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+5
BEYONDER Getaway at Lazy Acres
Center Point, IA (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(46 sites)
+12
Most common amenities
Tables Showers Toilets Grills Pet friendly Playground Dump station Firewood Hiking Internet
Camping near Monticello, Iowa
Monticello sits in Jones County, eastern Iowa, roughly midway between Cedar Rapids and Dubuque along the Maquoketa River. The area combines river valleys, limestone bluffs, and rolling farmland, giving RV travelers a mix of family resort camping and traditional state park sites within a short drive of town.
Blue Inn Campground is the closest in-town option, while Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Monticello sits along the Maquoketa River between Dubuque and Cedar Rapids and has operated as a family camping destination since 1974, originally as Walnut Acres Campground. South of Monticello near Anamosa, Wapsipinicon State Park occupies roughly 400 acres of sandstone and limestone bluffs above the Wapsipinicon River, from which it takes its name.
Riverview Ridge Campgrounds and Tri-State Raceway and RV Park round out the nearby choices, adding options for guests who want quieter river frontage or event-based stays. Together, these campgrounds cover the range from full-amenity resort to state park rustic, all inside a comfortable RV driving radius of Monticello.
Things to do around Monticello
Wapsipinicon State Park is the main draw for hikers and paddlers. More than three miles of multi-use trails wind through wooded areas and open grass prairies, with routes leading to Horse Thief Cave, Ice Cave, and Dutch Creek. On-site amenities include a nine-hole golf course, boat ramp, and picnic shelters, and the Wapsipinicon River offers fishing for smallmouth bass, catfish, and panfish. The three-span bowstring arch bridge on the National Register of Historic Places is worth a stop.
At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, families get a fully programmed resort experience with a heated pool, fishing lake, pedal boat rentals, river tubing, playground, jumping pillows, and themed weekends. Nearby off-site stops include the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa and the Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum.
Camping spots and RV parks near Monticello, IA
Seasonal patterns for RV travel
- spring
March - May
59° / 37°F 75 mmWet season; thunderstorms build through May
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 115 mmPeak bookings; humid with severe storm risk
- fall
September - November
61° / 39°F 65 mmCool nights, fall color; state park closes November 1
- winter
December - February
30° / 12°F 30 mmSnowy and freezing; campgrounds closed
The camping window in this part of Iowa is tightly defined. At Wapsipinicon State Park, the campground is closed January through March, off-peak in April, peak from May 1 through October 15, off-peak again through the end of October, and closed November and December. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Monticello is open April through October, matching the private-resort season across most of eastern Iowa.
Peak demand runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, when families fill the resort parks for themed events and pool time. Late spring can be wet, with May typically among the wettest months and severe thunderstorms possible into summer. September and early October bring cooler nights, fall color along the river bluffs, and lighter reservation pressure.
Winter effectively shuts down RV camping. State-park bathhouses are winterized, private resorts close, and hookups are not available at the seasonal sites. Travelers hoping to visit Wapsipinicon in winter can still hike, cross-country ski, and snowmobile the multi-use trails on a day-use basis.
How to book campgrounds near Monticello
State park sites use the Iowa DNR reservation system. Advanced reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Wapsipinicon State Park, the campground is 100% reservable, and a reservation is required. Reservations can be made for today and up to three months in advance, so popular summer weekends open on a rolling window rather than a fixed launch date. The Rotary Lodge is a larger year-round venue and can be reserved up to 12 months in advance.
Private parks book directly. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Monticello takes reservations through its own site and fills quickly for holiday weekends and themed events. Blue Inn Campground, Riverview Ridge Campgrounds, and Tri-State Raceway and RV Park each handle bookings independently, so RV travelers should call ahead to confirm rig-length limits and hookup availability before finalizing a route.
What to expect on-site
Wapsipinicon State Park offers a modest but modern camping loop. The modern campground has nonelectric and electric campsites, showers and restrooms. There is not a dump station available. Sites are shaded and sit atop bluffs overlooking the river, with electric and non-electric options suitable for most rigs.
Jellystone Park Monticello is a resort-style operation with cabins, full-hookup RV sites, and tent sites, plus a heated pool, splash pad, jumping pillows, pedal boats, and a Wibit water course on the lake. Expect programmed daily activities and character appearances in peak season.
Cell coverage is generally reliable across the area, groceries and fuel are available in Monticello and Anamosa, and firewood is typically sold on-site. Out-of-state firewood is not permitted at Jellystone Park.
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 Monticello, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Monticello, IA?
Great news: an RV rental in Monticello is one of the most affordable ways to explore eastern Iowa. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $90 to $130 per night, while Class C motorhomes generally run $175 to $275 per night, depending on size and season. You can keep costs down by booking midweek, traveling in May or September when Jellystone Park Monticello and nearby parks are quieter, or filtering for cheap RV rental Monticello options under your budget. Pro tip: many hosts offer weekly discounts of 10 to 20 percent, so if you're planning a longer Monticello RV trip toward the Field of Dreams or the Mississippi River, message the host to ask about extended stay pricing.
traveliowa.com/things-to-do/camping/What license do I need to rent an RV in Monticello, Iowa?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Monticello, Iowa. Iowa does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal RVs, including Class A motorhomes, Class C motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers rented on RVezy. You'll just need to be 25 or older with a valid license, and RVezy verifies your ID securely through the booking platform. Visiting from outside the US? Bring your home country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you're set. Most first-time renters are pleasantly surprised that motorhome rental Monticello is no more complicated than renting a car at the airport.
iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicenseIs my RV rental in Monticello protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RV rental in Monticello booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit Highway 151 toward Dubuque or US-30 toward Cedar Rapids with confidence. You choose your protection level at checkout (not the host), so you can pick the coverage that fits your trip. The plan covers most damage to the RV during your rental, giving you meaningful financial protection if a rock chips a windshield on a gravel road near the Maquoketa River. Pro tip: review the coverage tiers at booking and pick the one that matches how adventurous your itinerary is.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy if my Monticello RV trip changes?
Booking is low risk: RVezy applies a clear, standardized cancellation policy to every reservation, including a money-back grace period right after booking so you have time to finalize your plans. Refund amounts depend on how far out your trip is when you cancel, and RVezy support can help if something unexpected comes up like severe Iowa summer storms. Because RVezy, not the individual host, manages the cancellation policy, you get consistent treatment no matter which Monticello listing you choose. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best Jones County rigs for summer weekends, knowing you have a grace period to adjust if needed.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Monticello?
Absolutely: pet-friendly RV rental Monticello options are easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when searching and you'll see every host who welcomes dogs (and sometimes cats). Jellystone Park Monticello on Highway 38 welcomes leashed pets at most RV sites, and Wapsipinicon State Park in nearby Anamosa allows leashed pets on trails and at campsites year round. Pikes Peak State Park, about 75 miles northeast, is another favorite for dog walks above the Mississippi bluffs. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee and bring a long lead, since Iowa's mosquitoes and ticks are active May through September.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parksCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Monticello?
Yes, RV delivery in Monticello is one of the most popular options for first-time renters. Many RVezy hosts in Jones County and the surrounding Cedar Rapids and Dubuque areas will drive the RV directly to Jellystone Park Monticello, Central Park Campground in Center Junction, or Wapsipinicon State Park in Anamosa, then level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system. Filter by Delivery when searching to see which hosts offer it and how far they will travel. Pro tip: delivery is a game changer if you are flying into Cedar Rapids (CID) airport about 35 minutes south, since you can skip towing entirely and start your vacation the moment you arrive.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Monticello%2C%20IowaHow far can I drive on an RV rental from Monticello?
You've got serious range from Monticello. Most RVezy hosts include a daily mileage allowance (commonly 100 to 150 miles per day), and many offer RV rental with unlimited mileage for an added fee, perfect for an RV road trip from Monticello. Popular drives include the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville (about 20 miles), downtown Dubuque and the Mississippi River (35 miles), Cedar Rapids (35 miles), Pikes Peak State Park overlooking the Mississippi (75 miles), the Quad Cities (90 miles), and the Amana Colonies (60 miles). Pro tip: if you're planning to chase the Mississippi up to McGregor or down to Iowa City, ask about an unlimited mileage upgrade at booking.
iowadot.gov/mapsWhere are the best campgrounds near Monticello, IA?
You'll find excellent RV camping Monticello options within 20 minutes of town. Jellystone Park Monticello on Highway 38 N is the headline destination with 266 sites, a pool, water park features, and full hookups from mid-April to October 15. Central Park Campground in Center Junction (about 13 miles) offers shaded county park sites with electric hookups and a lake. Wapsipinicon State Park Campground in Anamosa (12 miles) has wooded electric sites along the river. Pictured Rocks County Park north of town adds quieter, scenic limestone bluff camping. Pro tip: Iowa DNR state park sites are reservable through the Iowa DNR system up to three months in advance and book quickly for summer weekends.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parks/iowa-state-parks/wapsipinicon-state-parkWhen is the best time of year for an RV trip in Monticello, IA?
Late May through early October is the sweet spot for RV camping Monticello. Summer highs sit comfortably in the upper 70s to mid 80s°F, with warm evenings perfect for campfires along the Maquoketa River. June and July bring the liveliest atmosphere (and the Great Jones County Fair in late July, one of Iowa's biggest), while September delivers cooler nights, fewer bugs, and gorgeous early fall color along the Wapsipinicon River. Winters are genuinely cold (lows can drop to 13°F), and most local campgrounds including Jellystone close by October 15. Pro tip: book a September weekend for shoulder-season pricing, harvest scenery, and wide-open campground availability.
forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Monticello&state=IA&site=DVNI am a first-time renter, will I know how to drive and use the RV?
You will be in great hands. Every RVezy host gives a hands-on walkthrough at pickup (or at delivery, if you choose that option), covering driving, leveling, the water system, propane, the generator, and dumping tanks. First time renting an RV in eastern Iowa is actually ideal: roads like US-151 and Highway 38 are wide, flat, and lightly trafficked compared to mountain or coastal routes. You can also message your host any time during the trip with questions. Pro tip: pick a smaller Class C motorhome or travel trailer under 25 feet for your first Monticello RV trip, it fits easily into Jellystone Park and Wapsipinicon State Park sites and is much easier to maneuver.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/sections/360008168714-Renting-an-RVWhat happens if I break down during my Monticello RV trip?
You are never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so if you have a flat tire on Highway 151, a dead battery at Jellystone Park, or any mechanical issue between Monticello and Dubuque, one phone call dispatches help. Your host is also just a message away through the RVezy app and knows the rig inside and out. For medical or police emergencies, dial 911 (Jones County Sheriff and Monticello Fire Department both respond locally). Pro tip: save the RVezy roadside number and your host's number to your phone before you leave the driveway, and you will have total peace of mind.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Monticello RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, multi-state road trips from Monticello are very welcome and many guests do exactly that. Iowa borders Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota, so popular routes include Wisconsin Dells (about 175 miles), the Driftless Area, Chicago (about 240 miles), and the Black Hills of South Dakota for longer trips. Travel into Canada depends on the individual host's approval and the protection plan you select, so message the host before booking to confirm. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental due to insurance coverage limits. Pro tip: share your full route when messaging the host so they can confirm mileage allowance and cross-border details up front.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel on an RV road trip from Monticello?
Fuel is one of the biggest variables, but it's predictable. Travel trailers towed by a pickup typically get 10 to 14 mpg, Class C motorhomes average 8 to 12 mpg, and Class A motorhomes run 6 to 10 mpg. Iowa gas prices generally sit a bit below the national average, and you'll find Casey's General Store, Kwik Star, and Pilot/Flying J stations all along US-151 and I-80. For a round trip from Monticello to the Field of Dreams (40 miles) and back, you might spend under $20 in a Class C. Pro tip: fill up in Monticello or Anamosa before heading to smaller towns, where prices can be 20 to 30 cents higher per gallon.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Monticello?
For summer weekends, book as early as you can. Iowa DNR state parks like Wapsipinicon and Pikes Peak open reservations exactly 90 days ahead through the Iowa DNR online reservation system, and prime riverside sites get scooped up within minutes for July and August Fridays and Saturdays. Jellystone Park Monticello and Central Park in Center Junction take direct reservations and often fill 3 to 6 months ahead for the Great Jones County Fair week in late July. Midweek and shoulder-season trips are far easier and often bookable a week out. Pro tip: lock your RVezy rental first, then book your campground the same day so your dates align perfectly.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parks/reservationsWhat are driving conditions like around Monticello?
Driving an RV around Monticello is genuinely easy. The area sits in eastern Iowa's gently rolling farmland at about 800 feet elevation, with wide, well-maintained roads. US-151 (the main route to Dubuque and Cedar Rapids) is a four-lane divided highway, and Highway 38 into Monticello is smooth two-lane with low traffic. Watch for slow-moving farm equipment in spring and fall, deer at dawn and dusk, and occasional summer thunderstorms that can bring strong crosswinds. Winter brings snow and ice from November through March, which is why most rentals operate April through October. Pro tip: check Iowa 511 before any long drive, it shows live road closures, construction, and weather alerts statewide.
iowadot.gov/511What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Monticello?
Local campgrounds are well equipped. Jellystone Park Monticello offers full hookups (water, 30/50 amp electric, sewer), a heated pool, WiFi, laundry, a camp store, and the famous Wibit lake obstacle course. Wapsipinicon State Park in Anamosa has electric sites, modern restrooms with showers, a dump station, and potable water fill. Central Park Campground in Center Junction offers electric sites, a swimming beach, and a nature center. Most Jones County and Iowa DNR parks have at least one dump station and a fresh water fill point on the way in or out. Pro tip: top off fresh water before heading to any state park, and plan one dump stop before returning the rig to your host.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parks/iowa-state-parks/wapsipinicon-state-parkWhat's typically included inside a Monticello RV rental?
You'll be comfortable from the first night. Most RVs on RVezy in Monticello come fully equipped: real beds (queen or king in the bedroom, plus convertible dinette or bunks), a full kitchen with fridge, freezer, stove, microwave, sink, and cookware, a bathroom with toilet and shower, climate control with AC and furnace, plus seatbelts at every designated travel seat. Many include a TV, outdoor speakers, awning, and a generator or solar setup for boondocking. Some hosts offer WiFi hotspots as an add-on (cell coverage is solid around Monticello on Verizon and AT&T). Pro tip: check each listing's amenities list and message the host if you need specifics like a CPAP-friendly inverter or a kids' bunk.
fcc.gov/consumers/guides/cell-phone-coverageWhat add-ons and pickup options should I expect when I rent an RV in Monticello?
Hosts make it easy to customize your trip. Popular add-ons for a Monticello RV trip include linen and towel packages ($25 to $75), camp chairs and outdoor mats, bike racks, generators, extra propane, and kitchen kits. Many hosts offer delivery to Jellystone Park, Wapsipinicon State Park, the Cedar Rapids airport (CID), or your driveway, with delivery fees usually based on round-trip miles. Mileage policies vary: a typical allowance is 100 miles per day with extra miles at 30 to 45 cents each, and some hosts include unlimited mileage. Pro tip: confirm pickup and dropoff times in writing through the RVezy chat so your check-in at the campground lines up smoothly.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Monticello%2C%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure. You pay through the RVezy platform with a credit or debit card, never directly to the host, which protects both sides. A separate security deposit hold is placed on your card before the trip (amounts vary by RV, often $500 to $1,500) and is released after the host confirms the RV came back in good shape with no damage or extra cleaning needed. To avoid any issues, do the pre-trip walkthrough carefully with the host, take photos inside and out, return the RV with the agreed fuel and propane levels, and dump the tanks if your contract requires it. Pro tip: a quick wipe-down and trash removal before drop-off keeps things smooth and your deposit on track for a fast release.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksIs Monticello a good base for a family RV trip?
It is one of the most underrated family RV trip destinations in the Midwest. Monticello sits between Cedar Rapids and Dubuque, putting you about 20 minutes from the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, 35 minutes from the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, an hour from the Amana Colonies, and 75 miles from the dramatic Mississippi bluffs at Pikes Peak State Park. Jellystone Park Monticello itself is built for kids, with water features, mini golf, and themed weekends. Add a campervan rental in Monticello or a larger motorhome for sleep space, and you have an effortless week. Pro tip: time your visit to the Great Jones County Fair in late July for a quintessential Iowa summer experience.
traveliowa.com/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Madison, WIDes Moines, IACedar Rapids, IAAlbia, IAChenoa, ILCrystal Lawns, ILSugar Grove, ILWaterford, WIMontgomery, ILBatavia, ILSigourney, IAHiawatha, IARockland, WIJohnston, IAVan Meter, IARochester, WIPlainfield, ILSpring Grove, ILOshkosh, WIDelafield, WIGridley, ILPleasant Hill, IAJohnsburg, ILFox Crossing, WI