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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Ottumwa, IA
29 campgrounds and RV Parks near Ottumwa, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
29 campgrounds
2929 campsites
13 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Ottumwa, IA
Valley Village MH and RV Spaces
Ottumwa, IA (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
Eddyville Inn and RV Park
Eddyville, IA (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(16 sites)
Lake Wapello State Park
Iowa (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+6
Camp Wapello
Drakesville, IA (17 miles away)
Indian Hills RV Park
Albia, IA (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+2
Keokuk County Izaak Walton League
Sigourney, IA (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(11 sites)
+5
Lake Darling State Park
Brighton, IA (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(118 sites)
+6
Honey Creek State Park
Moravia, IA (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(149 sites)
+5
Lacey Keosauqua State Park
Keosauqua, IA (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(64 sites)
+6
Indian Lake Park
Farmington, IA (43 miles away)
+4
Updog RV and Camping
Mount Pleasant, IA (44 miles away)
$$$$$
(45 sites)
+3
Main - Elk Rock State Park
Knoxville, IA (44 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+7
Most common amenities
Toilets Pet friendly Dump station Showers Tables Playground Grills Hiking Trails Firewood
Camping near Ottumwa, Iowa
Ottumwa sits along the Des Moines River in southeast Iowa, in the rolling hill country of Wapello County. The area serves as a practical base for RV travelers heading to southern Iowa's lakes, state parks, and small river towns. Campground options range from in-town RV parks with full hookups to a full-service state park south of the city.
Valley Village MH and RV Spaces sits closest to town, followed by Eddyville Inn and RV Park to the northwest. Lake Wapello State Park, reached by heading about fifteen miles south of Ottumwa on Highway 63 then west through Drakesville, accommodates 89 camping units on a 289-acre lake. Camp Wapello, the former Boy Scout area adjacent to the state park, is now owned by the Camp Wapello Preservation Group. Indian Hills RV Park offers another hookup option south of the city.
Lake Wapello was named in honor of Chief Wapello, and the park's 1,150 acres are often called the country club of Iowa's state parks. The surrounding region is dominated by wooded hillsides, farm country, and small reservoirs suited to relaxed, short-distance RV trips.
Things to do near Ottumwa
Water recreation drives most trips to the area. Lake Wapello features one of the best sand beaches in southern Iowa, with a large beach house near the lake and boats limited to 5 mph. Anglers fish for bluegill, red ear sunfish, channel catfish and more, with largemouth bass catch-and-release only, from jetties, universally accessible piers, and the shoreline.
On land, the seven-mile Lake Shore Trail circles the lake and the park, with multi-use trails for hiking and snowmobiling and a nature trail on the north side. The park offers a variety of birding opportunities with over 200 species recorded.
In Ottumwa itself, paved trails along the Des Moines River suit families with bikes and dogs, and the surrounding farm roads offer easy day driving to Bloomfield, Eddyville, and Albia.
Camping spots and RV parks near Ottumwa, IA
Seasonal information for Ottumwa camping
- spring
March - May
61° / 41°F 85 mmWet and variable; state park reopens in April
- summer
June - August
81° / 64°F 115 mmHot and humid; holiday weekends fill first
- fall
September - November
61° / 41°F 70 mmCool and drier; peak season ends mid October
- winter
December - February
32° / 18°F 30 mmCold and snowy; state park campground closed
The prime RV window in this part of Iowa runs from late spring through early fall. Late May through early October is the sweet spot for an Ottumwa RV trip, when the state park campground is in full peak operation. The Lake Wapello campground is closed January 1 through March 31, off-peak in April, peak May 1 through October 15, off-peak again through October 31, and closed November 1 through December 31.
Summer weekends fill fast around holidays. Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day weekends fill fastest, while weekday arrivals remain far easier, even in July and August.
Cross-country skiing is a popular activity in the winter, with several areas designated for cross-country skiers, but most RV facilities in the region shut off water lines and close full-service loops once hard freezes set in. Winter camping options are limited, with only select private parks maintaining utility services through the coldest months. Indian Hills RV Park is one option for RVers passing through in the off-season.
How to book campgrounds near Ottumwa
Reservation systems vary by campground type. Advance campsite reservations at Lake Wapello State Park are made through the online reservation system, and the campground is 100 percent reservable, so a reservation is required. The reservation website is iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com, and the call center is 1-877-427-2757. Reservations can be made for today and up to 3 months in advance.
For summer weekends, book as soon as the three-month window opens. Cabins and full-hookup sites go first, and setting up cancellation alerts is worth the effort because spots open regularly.
Private parks such as Valley Village MH and RV Spaces, Eddyville Inn and RV Park, and Indian Hills RV Park take reservations directly by phone or through their own websites. Call ahead for stays longer than a week, since several sites hold monthly tenants.
What to expect on the ground
Expect quiet, wooded, small-lake camping rather than big-destination crowds. Lake Wapello's campground contains full hook-up, electric and non-electric sites near the lake with modern showers and restrooms nearby. A trailer-dump station is available at the state park campground.
Boats may be operated at speeds up to 5 mph on the lake, so it stays calm for paddling and shoreline fishing. Fishing jetties, universally accessible piers, and the shoreline provide fishing access for anglers of all ages. Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in all 99 counties in Iowa, so buy firewood locally rather than hauling it in.
In-town parks near Ottumwa lean utilitarian: level pads, easy pull-throughs, and highway access, with less shade and more traffic noise than the state park loops.
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 Ottumwa, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Ottumwa, Iowa?
Great news for budget travelers: RV rental in Ottumwa is one of the most affordable ways to explore southeast Iowa. On RVezy, travel trailers in the Ottumwa area typically start around $75 to $125 per night, campervans run roughly $100 to $175, and Class C motorhomes generally land between $150 and $250 per night. Hosts set their own pricing, so booking on weekdays or outside the peak July to August window can shave 15 to 25 percent off your total. If you want a cheap RV rental in Ottumwa, filter by travel trailers and look for hosts offering weekly discounts. Pro tip: pair a Sunday-to-Thursday booking with a stay at Ottumwa City Park (around $20 per night with electric and water) and your whole trip stays remarkably affordable.
ottumwa.us/departments/parks_and_recreation/campground.phpDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Ottumwa, IA?
Good news: your regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Ottumwa. Iowa allows drivers with a standard Class D license to operate motorhomes and tow travel trailers as long as the gross vehicle weight is under 26,000 pounds, which covers essentially every RV on the RVezy platform, from campervans to Class A motorhomes. You'll just need to be 25 or older and upload a photo of your license during the quick ID confirmation step at booking. Visiting from outside the US? Grab an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home auto club before you fly in. That's it, no CDL, no RV endorsement, no road test, just book and go.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/drivers-license-types-restrictions-endorsementsWhat protection and roadside help is included with my Ottumwa RV rental?
You're covered from the minute you hit the road. Every RV rental in Ottumwa booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so a flat tire on Highway 34 or a dead battery at Lake Wapello State Park is just a phone call away. RVezy offers multiple protection tiers (Basic, Standard, and Premium) that cover physical damage to the RV during your trip, and you choose the level that fits you at checkout, the host does not pick it for you. Roadside assistance is included with every protection plan, covering tows, jump starts, lockouts, and tire changes. It's not traditional auto insurance, but for a family RV trip Ottumwa-bound, it removes the biggest worry first-time renters have.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Ottumwa RV rental?
Booking is genuinely low-risk. RVezy (not the host) sets the cancellation policy, and it includes a grace-period window after booking where you can cancel and receive a full refund, so you can lock in that perfect rig for a Bridges of Madison County weekend without overthinking it. Refund amounts depend on how far in advance you cancel relative to your trip start date, and RVezy support can help with extraordinary circumstances. If a host ever cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or provides travel credits so you're never left without options. Iowa weather can swing fast in spring and late fall, so booking early and adjusting later is the smart play. Reach out to RVezy support anytime through the Help Center if your plans change.
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 Ottumwa?
Absolutely, and your pup will love it. Plenty of hosts offer pet-friendly RV rental in Ottumwa, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see options instantly. Hosts set their own pet policies, including any cleaning fees, so it's worth messaging them before booking to share your dog's size and travel style. Once you've got the rig, Ottumwa is a dog's paradise: the paved trails at Ottumwa Park run right along the Des Moines River, and Lake Wapello State Park (about 22 miles south near Drakesville) welcomes leashed pets on the seven-mile Lake Shore Trail. Pro tip: pack a collapsible water bowl, Iowa summers get humid fast, and your dog will be panting before you finish unhooking shore power.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-wapello-state-parkCan the RV be delivered to my campsite or home in Ottumwa?
Yes, and it's the easiest way to start your trip. Many hosts offering RV delivery in Ottumwa will bring the rig directly to your driveway, a friend's house, or straight to your campsite at Ottumwa Park Campground, Lake Wapello State Park, or Indian Hills RV Park, then walk you through every system before they leave. This is a game-changer if it's your first time renting an RV and you're not ready to drive a 28-foot Class C through downtown traffic on Jefferson Street. Delivery fees vary by distance, so use the Delivery filter on RVezy and compare hosts. Pro tip: ask about setup, many hosts will level the RV, hook up water and electric, and even deploy the awning for you.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ottumwa%2C%20IowaHow far can I drive on my Ottumwa RV trip and what are the mileage policies?
You've got tons of road to explore, and mileage is flexible. Most hosts on RVezy include a daily mileage allowance (commonly 100 to 150 miles per day) with extra miles available for a small per-mile fee, and some hosts offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, look for that filter or message hosts directly. From Ottumwa, the road trip possibilities are excellent: Des Moines is about 90 miles northwest, Iowa City around 85 miles northeast, the Amana Colonies roughly 100 miles north, Lake Red Rock about 60 miles northwest, and the Mississippi River at Burlington just 70 miles east. A classic Iowa RV road trip from Ottumwa hits Pella's tulip fields, Lake Red Rock, and the historic Bridges of Madison County all in one loop.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ottumwa%2C%20IowaWhere can I camp with my RV near Ottumwa?
You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping Ottumwa offers. Right in town, Ottumwa City Park Campground sits along the Des Moines River with around 150 sites, full hookups available, paved trails, and rates near $18 to $20 per night (open early April through late October). Lake Wapello State Park, about 22 miles south in Drakesville, has 89 sites with full hookup, electric, and non-electric options on a gorgeous 289-acre lake with one of southern Iowa's best sand beaches. Indian Hills RV Park offers year-round full hookups in town. For something more remote, Lake Keomah State Park (about 20 miles north) is open year-round. Pro tip: Lake Wapello is 100 percent reservable, so book early through the Iowa DNR reservation system for summer weekends.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-wapello-state-parkWhen is the best time to take an Ottumwa RV trip?
Late May through early October is the sweet spot for an Ottumwa RV trip. July is the warmest month with average highs around 83°F and humid evenings, perfect for swimming at Lake Wapello's sand beach. Spring (May to early June) brings green woodlands, mild 70s, and excellent fishing, while September and early October deliver crisp 60s-70s, fewer crowds, and gorgeous fall color along the Des Moines River bluffs. Ottumwa winters are cold (January averages hover around 16°F to 29°F with snow), so most local campgrounds, including Ottumwa City Park, close from November through March. Local insider tip: time your visit for the Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races in September, lifting off right over the river, it's an unforgettable backdrop for camping in town.
weather.gov/dmx/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving around Ottumwa?
You're going to do great, Ottumwa is genuinely one of the friendlier places in the Midwest to learn. Roads are wide, traffic is light, and major routes like US-34 and US-63 give you long, flat stretches to get comfortable with your rig before you tackle anything tricky. Every RVezy host provides an in-person orientation at pickup, walking you through the generator, slide-outs, water system, and dump procedures, so you're never left guessing. You can also message your host with questions before booking right from the listing page. Pro tip: for your first time renting an RV, choose a Class C or travel trailer in the 22 to 26 foot range, they handle like a large truck and fit easily into Ottumwa City Park's pull-through sites.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/drivers-license-types-restrictions-endorsementsWhat happens if something goes wrong on the road during my trip?
Help is one phone call away, 24 hours a day. Every RV rental in Ottumwa booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, covering common issues like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and tow service if needed. You'll also have direct contact with your host, who knows the RV inside-out and can troubleshoot quirks like a sticky slide-out or a finicky water pump. RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after your trip through the Help Center. Pro tip: take a quick photo of the breaker panel and propane shutoff during your walkthrough, those two photos solve about half of all minor RV hiccups when you're parked at Lake Wapello after sunset.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Ottumwa RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, cross-state travel is no problem. Your Ottumwa RV rental is welcome across the United States, so a road trip from Ottumwa to Missouri (Mark Twain National Forest is about 3 hours south), Minnesota's North Shore, or the Black Hills of South Dakota is completely doable. Crossing into Canada may be allowed depending on the host and insurance terms, so message the host through the listing before booking if Canada is on your itinerary. One firm rule: travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because protection coverage does not extend there. Popular multi-state routes from Ottumwa include the Great River Road along the Mississippi (about 90 minutes east) and the loop up to the Amana Colonies and Iowa City wine country.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel on an RV rental Iowa road trip from Ottumwa?
Fuel in Iowa is consistently among the most affordable in the country, which is a win for your RV rental Iowa budget. Expect roughly 8 to 10 miles per gallon (MPG) for a Class C motorhome, 10 to 14 MPG for a campervan, and 12 to 16 MPG for a truck pulling a travel trailer. Ottumwa gas prices typically run a bit below the national average. For a 300-mile weekend loop to Lake Red Rock and Pella, budget around $90 to $150 in fuel for a midsize motorhome. Pro tip: fill up at the Casey's or Kum & Go stations on the edge of town along US-63 before heading to Lake Wapello, rural station prices climb fast once you're past Drakesville.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Ottumwa?
For peace of mind, aim to book three months ahead for summer weekends, especially at Lake Wapello State Park, which is now 100 percent reservable through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reservation system at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends fill fastest. Ottumwa City Park Campground is more flexible and often has openings closer to your dates, especially mid-week. Indian Hills RV Park, open year-round, is a reliable backup. Local insider tip: weekday arrivals at Lake Wapello are almost always available even in peak season, and you'll have the seven-mile Lake Shore Trail and sand beach practically to yourself. If a campground shows sold out, set up a cancellation alert, spots open up regularly.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-wapello-state-parkWhat are driving conditions like around Ottumwa for a large RV?
Ottumwa is forgiving country for RV driving. The terrain rolls gently, highways like US-34, US-63, and Iowa Highway 149 are wide and well-maintained, and you won't encounter mountain passes or tight switchbacks anywhere in southeast Iowa. Watch for two real-world considerations: spring thunderstorms can bring strong crosswinds (check the National Weather Service Des Moines forecast before driving), and winter ice from December through February makes RV travel risky, which is why most local rentals operate April through October. Downtown Ottumwa has a couple of older bridges over the Des Moines River, so stick to US-63 if you're driving a tall Class A. Pro tip: plan pickups and drives outside of weekday rush hour to avoid traffic backups near the industrial corridor on south Wapello Street.
weather.gov/dmx/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Ottumwa?
Local campgrounds make RV life easy. Ottumwa City Park Campground offers electric and water hookups, a dump station, modern showers and restrooms, WiFi, and even a stocked fishing pond, all for around $20 per night. Lake Wapello State Park has full hookup, electric, and non-electric sites, modern shower houses, a trailer dump station, and a sand beach with boat and kayak rentals seasonally. Indian Hills RV Park offers full hookups (electric, water, sewer) suitable for big rigs year-round. For potable water and dump access between trips, the dump station at Ottumwa City Park is the most convenient in town. Pro tip: cell service is solid in town and at Ottumwa Park but gets spotty deeper in Lake Wapello's wooded loops, download maps offline before you leave the highway.
ottumwa.us/departments/parks_and_recreation/campground.phpWhat's typically included inside an RV rental in Ottumwa?
You'll be impressed by how complete these rigs are. A typical campervan rental in Ottumwa comes with a comfortable bed, a kitchenette with fridge, stove, sink, and basic cookware, plus heating and air conditioning. Step up to a Class C motorhome and you'll add a full bathroom with shower and toilet, a dinette that converts to a bed, an over-cab sleeping area, an awning, a generator, and seatbelted seating for the road. Many hosts include linens, towels, camp chairs, and even outdoor mats, just check the listing's Features section or message the host. WiFi and TV vary by rig, so filter for those if they matter. Pro tip: ask hosts about backup propane and a starter water hose, these little extras make first nights at Lake Wapello smoother.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ottumwa%2C%20IowaWhat add-ons and pickup options can I choose from when I rent an RV in Ottumwa?
Hosts make customizing easy. Popular add-ons for an RV rental in Ottumwa include bedding and linen packages, kitchen kits, outdoor furniture, bike racks, generator use, propane refills, and even pre-stocked pantry items. Delivery and setup is the most-loved add-on, particularly for guests headed straight to Lake Wapello State Park or Ottumwa Park. Pickup is typically at the host's home in or near Ottumwa, with a 30 to 60 minute walkthrough included. Mileage policies vary: most hosts offer 100 to 150 free miles per day with reasonable overage fees, and some offer unlimited mileage packages. Pro tip: book add-ons at the time of reservation rather than after, hosts can stage everything for a faster, smoother pickup so you're on the road sooner.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ottumwa%2C%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work for my Ottumwa RV rental?
Payment is simple, secure, and handled entirely through RVezy, no cash, checks, or off-platform payment requests, ever. You'll pay your trip total (rental, fees, and chosen protection plan) by credit or debit card when you book. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment before pickup, the amount depends on the RV and host, and it's released after your trip assuming the rig comes back in the same condition it left. To avoid any deposit issues, do a thorough walkthrough at pickup with your host, take date-stamped photos of the exterior, interior, tires, and any existing scratches, and return the RV with fuel and propane levels noted in the rental agreement. Pro tip: keep your dump-station receipt, it's proof you returned the tanks correctly.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby cities with campgrounds
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