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28 campgrounds and RV Parks near Oskaloosa, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
28 campgrounds
3203 campsites
15 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Oskaloosa, IA
Eddyville Inn and RV Park
Eddyville, IA (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(16 sites)
Indian Hills RV Park
Albia, IA (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+2
Main - Elk Rock State Park
Knoxville, IA (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+7
Valley Village MH and RV Spaces
Ottumwa, IA (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
Keokuk County Izaak Walton League
Sigourney, IA (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(11 sites)
+5
Kellogg RV Park
Kellogg, IA (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(38 sites)
+6
Lake Wapello State Park
Iowa (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+6
Honey Creek State Park
Moravia, IA (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(149 sites)
+5
Newton / Des Moines East KOA Journey
Newton, IA (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+14
Camp Wapello
Drakesville, IA (34 miles away)
Rock Creek State Park
Kellogg, IA (34 miles away)
$$$$$
(193 sites)
+6
Lake Darling State Park
Brighton, IA (39 miles away)
$$$$$
(118 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Toilets Showers Dump station Tables Playground Grills Trails Hiking General store
Camping near Oskaloosa, Iowa
Oskaloosa sits in Mahaska County in south-central Iowa, about a half-hour drive south of Lake Red Rock, the state's largest reservoir. The area mixes rolling farmland, hardwood river valleys, and reservoir shoreline, giving RV renters a manageable base for weekend loops through Marion, Mahaska, and Jasper counties.
Private RV parks around town cover the essentials for shorter stays and travel-through nights. Eddyville Inn and RV Park serves travelers east of Oskaloosa, while Indian Hills RV Park and Valley Village MH and RV Spaces provide additional options closer to town. Kellogg RV Park sits about 40 miles northwest along Interstate 80 at Exit 173, roughly halfway between Des Moines and Iowa City, making it a practical overnight stop for travelers crossing the state.
For a public-land experience, Main - Elk Rock State Park on Lake Red Rock is the closest state park with a modern RV campground. It offers electric and non-electric sites plus a separate equestrian area, and it puts boating, fishing, and hiking within reach of the campsite.
Things to do near Oskaloosa
Lake Red Rock anchors most outdoor plans in the area. The reservoir is Iowa's largest body of water and offers ample opportunity for boating and fishing, with bass, catfish, walleye, and crappie among the most common catches. Elk Rock State Park has 13 miles of multi-use trails that radiate from the equestrian campground, and mountain bikes are allowed on the trails when conditions are dry.
Closer to town, Nelson Pioneer Farm preserves 19th-century Iowa buildings, and the George Daily Community Auditorium hosts touring performances. Many visitors combine an RV weekend with the Tulip Time festival in Pella, about a 20-minute drive north.
Motorsports fans have two nearby draws: Knoxville is home to Knoxville Raceway, and Newton, farther north along I-80, hosts Iowa Speedway. Both run event schedules that push campground demand on race weekends.
Camping spots and RV parks near Oskaloosa, IA
When to visit Oskaloosa
- spring
March - May
61° / 41°F 90 mmWettest season; severe storms possible; trails often muddy
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 100 mmWarm and humid; peak demand on race weekends
- fall
September - November
61° / 39°F 70 mmCool, drier days; hardwood color peaks in October
- winter
December - February
34° / 18°F 35 mmCold and snowy; state park water systems shut off
The Iowa RV season centers on late spring through early fall. Summer brings warm, humid days and frequent thunderstorms, with the wettest month typically in May. Book state park sites as soon as the reservation window opens for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends, and expect race-weekend surges at Knoxville Raceway through the summer.
Spring can be muddy in wooded campground loops, and shoulder-season travelers should watch severe-weather forecasts. Fall is the sweet spot for many RV renters: cooler nights, drier trails, and hardwood color through October along the Des Moines River corridor.
Winter is cold, snowy, and windy across Mahaska and Marion counties. Many private RV parks reduce services or close for the season after the first hard freeze, and Iowa DNR staff generally start closing shower buildings and turning off water and dump stations around mid-October. From November 1 through March 31, all Iowa state park campsites are walk-in only, with no advance reservations accepted.
How to book campgrounds near Oskaloosa
Iowa state parks use a single online system operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources through ReserveAmerica. For Elk Rock State Park, campsites can be reserved up to 3 months in advance of the arrival date, and Iowa's reservation system opens at 7:00 AM Central Time. There is a 2-night minimum on weekends from May 1 through October 31, and a 3-night minimum on holiday weekends. Between November 1 and March 31, sites are first-come, first-served.
Private parks around Oskaloosa, including Eddyville Inn and RV Park, Indian Hills RV Park, Valley Village MH and RV Spaces, and Kellogg RV Park, generally accept direct phone or website bookings. Confirm rig-length limits, hookup amperage, and pet policies before arrival, especially for larger Class A or fifth-wheel setups.
What to expect on the ground
Roads into the private parks around Oskaloosa are paved and RV-friendly. Elk Rock State Park is reached via Highway 14 north of Knoxville, roughly six miles north of the Hwy 92 junction. At Elk Rock, the non-equestrian campground has both electric and non-electric sites, with a modern shower building, trailer dumping station, and a self-dispensing firewood machine located next to the shower building. The equestrian loop adds horse stalls, hitching rails, and a riding arena.
Cell coverage is generally reliable near town and along Highway 92, and it can drop in wooded sections of the state park. Bring insect repellent from May through August, plan for humid nights, and pack rain gear, since convective storms can build quickly on summer afternoons across the Des Moines River basin.
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 Oskaloosa, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Oskaloosa, IA?
RV rental in Oskaloosa is one of the most affordable ways to explore Iowa, with nightly rates typically ranging from about $90 to $175 for travel trailers and pop-ups, $150 to $250 for Class C motorhomes, and $250 to $400 for larger Class A coaches. Because hosts set their own pricing on RVezy, you can filter by budget and compare options side by side. To find a cheap RV rental in Oskaloosa, aim for midweek pickups, shoulder-season dates in April, May, September, or October, and longer bookings that often unlock weekly discounts. Pro tip: pairing a budget-friendly trailer with a stay at Howell Station Campground at Lake Red Rock keeps your total trip cost remarkably low.
travel.iowa.gov/things-to-do/outdoors/camping/What kind of driver's license do I need to rent an RV in Oskaloosa?
Good news: a regular Iowa or out-of-state driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Oskaloosa, even for big Class A motorhomes. Iowa does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal recreational vehicles, so the license already in your wallet works just fine. To book on RVezy, you simply need to be 25 or older and complete the platform's quick ID verification during checkout. Visiting from another country? Bring your home license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local auto association. Most first-time renters are surprised how straightforward the paperwork is, and you can be booked in under ten minutes.
iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicenseIs RV rental in Oskaloosa protected if something goes wrong?
Every RV rental in Oskaloosa, IA booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit the road with real peace of mind. The protection plan covers damage to the vehicle up to the plan's limits, and during checkout you choose the coverage level that fits your trip, not the host. That means a flat tire on Highway 63, a dead battery at Lake Keomah State Park, or a windshield chip on the way to Des Moines can be handled with a single phone call. Pro tip: save the RVezy support number to your phone before pickup so help is one tap away.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if my plans change after I book an Oskaloosa RV trip?
Booking your Oskaloosa RV trip is low-risk because RVezy sets the cancellation policy centrally, not individual hosts. Every booking includes a money-back grace period right after you reserve, and after that window refund amounts depend on factors like how far out your trip is. That consistency matters in Iowa, where summer thunderstorms and winter ice storms can occasionally shift travel plans. If a host cancels on you, RVezy issues a refund or travel credit so you're never left stranded. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best Lake Red Rock and Pella Tulip Time dates, knowing flexibility is built in.
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 Oskaloosa?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental in Oskaloosa is easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on the search page and you'll see every host who welcomes four-legged co-pilots, often with details about pet fees and any size notes. Oskaloosa is a great dog town: Edmundson Park has shaded trails right in city limits, and dogs are welcome on-leash along the paved Volksweg Trail at nearby Lake Red Rock. Lake Keomah State Park also permits leashed pets in its campground. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet fees and ask for their favorite local dog-walking spot, most Oskaloosa hosts are happy to share.
iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/ParkDetails/ParkID/610105Can the RV be delivered to my campsite in Oskaloosa?
Yes, RV delivery in Oskaloosa is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it's a game-changer if you've never towed before. Many local hosts will drive the RV directly to Howell Station, Lake Keomah State Park, the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds, or even your driveway, then level it, hook up water and 30/50-amp electric, and walk you through every system before they leave. Use the Delivery filter when searching to see hosts who offer this service and their per-mile delivery rates. Pro tip: delivery pairs perfectly with a campervan rental in Oskaloosa if you want freedom to explore by day but a fully ready basecamp by night.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Oskaloosa%2C%20IowaHow far can I drive on an Oskaloosa RV rental, and is unlimited mileage available?
You've got plenty of range to explore from Oskaloosa, and RV rental with unlimited mileage is offered by select hosts on RVezy. Look for listings that advertise unlimited miles or a generous daily allotment (often 100 to 150 free miles per day with a small per-mile fee beyond that). From Oskaloosa you can easily reach Des Moines in about 60 miles, Iowa City in 75 miles, Kansas City in 220 miles, and the Mississippi River at Davenport in 130 miles, all comfortable day or weekend drives. Pro tip: if you're planning a longer RV road trip from Oskaloosa toward the Black Hills or the Ozarks, filter for unlimited-mileage rentals first to avoid surprises at drop-off.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Oskaloosa%2C%20IowaWhere are the best campgrounds near Oskaloosa for an RV trip?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping in Oskaloosa. Lake Keomah State Park, just 6 miles east, offers 65 quiet sites with electric hookups and a swimming beach. Howell Station Campground at Lake Red Rock (about 25 miles northwest, near Pella) is an Army Corps of Engineers favorite with 143 sites, 50-amp power, showers, and two dump stations along the Des Moines River. Whitebreast and Wallashuck campgrounds, also on Lake Red Rock, round out the area with shoreline sites and boat ramps. For an in-town stay, the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds on North I Street has 100 electric pull-through sites, perfect for big rigs. Pro tip: Howell Station sites book up fast for summer weekends, reserve as soon as the window opens.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233516When is the best time of year for an Oskaloosa RV trip?
Late April through mid-October is prime time for an Oskaloosa RV trip, with the absolute sweet spots being May, September, and early October when daytime highs sit in the comfortable 65 to 78 F range and humidity drops. July and August are warm and humid with highs averaging 82 F and occasional heat advisories pushing the heat index to 100+, so make sure your rental's air conditioning is sized for that. Spring brings Pella Tulip Time in early May, just 20 minutes away, and fall delivers stunning hardwood color around Lake Red Rock. Winter trips are possible with a four-season RV, but expect January lows near 15 F. Pro tip: book September dates early, locals consider it Iowa's most underrated camping month.
weather.gov/dmx/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay renting one in Oskaloosa?
You'll be more than okay, first time renting an RV in Oskaloosa is genuinely one of the easiest places in the country to start. Every RVezy host provides a hands-on walkthrough at pickup, covering driving, leveling, hookups, slide-outs, awnings, and the holding tanks, and you can message them with questions throughout your trip. Oskaloosa itself sits on flat-to-rolling terrain with wide rural highways like US-63 and Highway 92, very forgiving for new drivers. If you're nervous about driving, choose a smaller Class C motorhome or a campervan, or simply pick a host who delivers and sets up for you. Pro tip: do a short practice loop around the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds before heading to the highway.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if I get a flat tire or break down during my Oskaloosa RV trip?
You're covered: 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every RVezy booking, so help is one phone call away whether you're parked at Lake Keomah, cruising Highway 163 toward Des Moines, or pulled over on a county road outside Eddyville. Roadside assistance handles common issues like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing to a qualified service center. Your host is also a direct message away for quick questions about quirks of their specific rig. Cell coverage is generally strong along the major Iowa highways around Oskaloosa, though it can get spotty in the wooded areas around Lake Red Rock. Pro tip: save the roadside number and your booking confirmation to your phone before you leave the driveway.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are the best road trip routes from Oskaloosa?
An RV road trip from Oskaloosa puts a huge slice of the Midwest within easy reach. Popular routes include: Oskaloosa to Pella and Lake Red Rock (25 miles, perfect overnight), Oskaloosa to Des Moines and the Iowa State Fairgrounds (60 miles), Oskaloosa to Amana Colonies and Iowa City (90 miles), Oskaloosa to the Mississippi River at Le Claire and the Quad Cities (140 miles), and Oskaloosa to Hannibal, Missouri (160 miles). Cross-border travel from Iowa into neighboring states like Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin is allowed on RVezy rentals. Pro tip: message your host if you're considering a one-way trip, some are open to it for an extra fee.
travel.iowa.gov/What kind of fuel mileage should I plan for, and what does gas cost around Oskaloosa?
Budget smart and your Oskaloosa RV rental fuel costs stay reasonable. Expect roughly 18 to 22 MPG for a campervan, 10 to 14 MPG for a Class C motorhome, 7 to 10 MPG for a Class A, and 12 to 16 MPG for a tow vehicle pulling a travel trailer. Iowa gas prices typically run near or just below the national average, and stations like Casey's, Kum & Go, and Hy-Vee are easy to find on Highway 63 and Highway 92. Most local rentals run on regular gasoline, though some larger Class A units are diesel. Pro tip: Casey's locations in town are usually the cheapest fill-up in Mahaska County.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Oskaloosa?
For the best spots, book 3 to 6 months ahead for summer weekends and major events. Lake Red Rock's Howell Station and Whitebreast campgrounds are reserved through Recreation.gov and fill especially fast for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends, when the reservation window typically opens 6 months prior. Iowa state parks like Lake Keomah are reserved through the Iowa DNR reservation system, which also opens roughly 3 months ahead. The Southern Iowa Fairgrounds RV sites are easier to grab, even week-of. Pro tip: if you strike out at Howell Station, set a free alert on Recreation.gov, cancellations pop up almost daily as the date approaches, and you can grab a prime riverside site at the last minute.
recreation.gov/What are driving conditions like around Oskaloosa for a motorhome rental?
Motorhome rental Oskaloosa drivers enjoy some of the friendliest roads in the Midwest. The terrain is gently rolling farmland with wide, well-maintained highways like US-63 (north-south) and Iowa Highway 92 (east-west), almost no steep grades, and very little urban congestion. The main things to watch for: summer thunderstorms with strong crosswinds, occasional gravel county roads (stick to paved routes in a big rig), deer at dawn and dusk especially in November, and winter ice storms from December through February if you're traveling off-season. Downtown Oskaloosa around the historic City Square has a few lower tree branches, so taller Class A coaches should stick to the bypass routes. Pro tip: check 511ia.org before you roll for real-time Iowa road and weather updates.
511ia.org/What hookups and amenities will I find at campgrounds near Oskaloosa?
You'll find solid infrastructure at most campgrounds near Oskaloosa. Howell Station at Lake Red Rock has 50-amp electric at every site, drinking water spigots, flush toilets, hot showers, and two dump stations, ideal for any size RV up to 80 feet. Lake Keomah State Park offers electric hookups, modern restrooms, showers, and a dump station near the entrance, with a 35-foot RV length max. The Southern Iowa Fairgrounds in town has 100 electric pull-throughs that are big-rig friendly. Full sewer hookups are less common at public parks, so plan to dump on the way out. Pro tip: fill your fresh water tank at your campground's potable spigot (never the dump station rinse hose) and you'll be set for several days of off-grid exploring.
iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/ParkDetails/ParkID/610105What features and amenities can I expect inside an Oskaloosa RV rental?
You'll find genuine home-on-wheels comfort in most Oskaloosa rentals. Expect real beds (typically a queen plus convertible dinette or bunks), a full kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with toilet and shower, roof air conditioning, a propane furnace, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many listings also include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor speakers, and a power awning. Wifi and onboard generators are common on Class A and Class C motorhomes but vary on trailers, so check the listing's amenity list. RVezy listings show clear photos and a feature checklist for every unit. Pro tip: filter by Sleeps count and Instant Book to quickly land on a family RV trip Oskaloosa setup that matches your group size.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Oskaloosa%2C%20IowaWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about when I rent an RV in Oskaloosa?
Hosts offering RV rental in Oskaloosa, IA typically provide a menu of optional add-ons to make your trip turnkey: linens and bedding packs, kitchen kits with pots and dishes, camp chairs and outdoor rugs, portable generators for off-grid stays, bike racks, and propane top-offs. Pricing for add-ons is set by each host and shown clearly at checkout. Mileage policies vary by host, with many offering 100 to 150 free miles per day plus an overage fee, or unlimited-mileage options. Standard pickup is at the host's address in or near Oskaloosa, with delivery available for an added fee. Pro tip: bundling linens, kitchen, and delivery often costs less than buying gear and driving across town, especially for first-timers.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Oskaloosa%2C%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work on an RVezy rental?
Payment is simple and fully handled through RVezy, never in cash to the host. You pay the rental total, taxes, protection plan, and any add-ons securely on the platform when you book. A separate refundable security deposit is held on your card before pickup, with the amount set by the host based on the RV's class and value, and it's released after drop-off once the host confirms there's no damage or missing items. Pro tip: do a quick walkaround video with the host at pickup AND drop-off, this 60-second habit is the single best way to ensure your full deposit comes back on time and avoid any disputes.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Oskaloosa during winter, and how do cold-weather rentals work?
Yes, winter RV rental in Iowa is doable around Oskaloosa, and it's a magical way to see bald eagles, which gather at Lake Red Rock from late fall through early spring. Look for listings tagged four-season or winter-ready, these RVs have heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, extra insulation, and reliable propane furnaces, and many hosts include skirting or heated water hoses. Plan to camp at parks with shore power so you can run the furnace freely. Average Oskaloosa winter lows hover around 15 to 22 F, with occasional dips below zero, so pack layers and manage your tanks carefully. Pro tip: ask your host for their cold-weather checklist, it's a 5-minute conversation that makes the whole trip smoother.
weather.gov/dmx/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Kansas City, MODes Moines, IACedar Rapids, IAAlbia, IAKearney, MOSigourney, IAHiawatha, IAHarlan, IAJohnston, IALeavenworth, KSVan Meter, IAPleasant Hill, IASmithville, MOAvoca, IAFairfax, IAMason City, ILNewton, IAWaterloo, IAWest Baraboo, WIIndependence, MOGladstone, MOColfax, IAWest Des Moines, IAGalesburg, IL