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31 campgrounds and RV Parks near Red Oak, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
31 campgrounds
1996 campsites
16 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Red Oak, IA
Viking Lake State Park
Stanton, IA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
+5
Schildberg Recreation Area Campground
Atlantic, IA (29 miles away)
I-29 Hwy 34 Campground
Iowa (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
Main - Waubonsie State Park
Hamburg, IA (34 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
+5
Lake Of Three Fires State Park
Bedford, IA (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(140 sites)
+5
Shelby Country Inn and RV Park
Shelby, IA (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(125 sites)
+2
Lake Anita State Park
Anita, IA (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(161 sites)
+5
Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino
Council Bluffs, IA (38 miles away)
$$$$$
(42 sites)
Riverview Marina State Recreation Area
Nebraska City, NE (40 miles away)
$$$$$
(74 sites)
East - Prairie Rose State Park
Harlan, IA (40 miles away)
$$$$$
(61 sites)
+7
Victorian Acres RV Park and Campgrounds
Nebraska City, NE (41 miles away)
$$$$$
(88 sites)
+7
Hidden Falls Cabins and RV Park
Nebraska City, NE (42 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
Most common amenities
Tables Toilets Showers Playground Grills Pet friendly Dump station Firewood Fishing Laundry
Camping near Red Oak, Iowa
Red Oak sits in Montgomery County in southwest Iowa, roughly 12 miles from Viking Lake State Park and within a reasonable drive of several other state park campgrounds. The surrounding region is rolling farmland and small lakes, with the Loess Hills rising to the west along the Missouri River. Most nearby camping is state-park based, managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with a mix of full-hookup, electric, and non-electric sites.
The closest option is Viking Lake State Park, one of the most popular state parks in southwest Iowa, with a large portion of its 1,000-acre park left in its natural state. Other options within an hour or so include Schildberg Recreation Area Campground in Atlantic, Shelby Country Inn and RV Park, Main - Waubonsie State Park in the Loess Hills near Hamburg, and East - Prairie Rose State Park near Harlan.
RV travelers will find full hookups at several of these parks, plus dump stations, modern restrooms, and shower buildings during the standard camping season.
Things to do around Red Oak
Water recreation is a central draw. Viking Lake supports populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie, and walleye, with a sandy beach on the western shore and four boat ramps, and any size boat motor may be operated at no-wake speeds. Prairie Rose offers bass, channel catfish, bluegill and crappie, a 218-acre lake for boating, and a swim beach.
Hikers have options at every park. Viking Lake features a 5.5-mile multi-use loop that encircles the entire lake plus the one-mile Burr Oak Nature Trail. Waubonsie has about eight miles of multi-use trails through its northern regions for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding or snowmobiling, plus separate hiking-only trails on the south side with Loess Hills overlooks.
Closer to town, Schildberg Recreation Area has multiple lakes for fishing, hard-surface trails, restored native prairie, and abundant wildlife.
Camping spots and RV parks near Red Oak, IA
When to visit Red Oak
- spring
March - May
63° / 39°F 90 mmParks reopen April 1; wet with severe thunderstorm risk
- summer
June - August
85° / 65°F 110 mmPeak season; weekends fill early at lake parks
- fall
September - November
64° / 40°F 65 mmCool nights, Loess Hills foliage, thinner crowds
- winter
December - February
36° / 16°F 28 mmState park campgrounds closed; frozen ground and snow common
The core camping season in southwest Iowa runs roughly April through October. The Prairie Rose campground is closed each year from November 1 through March 31, and the campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 through October 31 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival. Viking Lake follows a similar pattern: closed January 1 through March 31, off-peak April 1 through April 30, peak May 1 through October 15, off-peak October 16 through October 31, and closed November 1 through December 31.
Late spring and early summer bring the greenest scenery but also the wettest weather, with frequent thunderstorms. Summer is peak booking season and the warmest lake time, and weekends fill first at Viking Lake and Prairie Rose.
Fall offers cooler nights, thinner crowds, and strong foliage in the Loess Hills at Waubonsie. Water and shower buildings and dump stations are typically operational through the peak season and start closing in mid to late October, so shoulder-season campers should confirm current status with the park before arrival.
How to book near Red Oak
Iowa state park sites are booked through the Iowa DNR reservation system operated by ReserveAmerica. Reservations must be made 4 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 months in advance. Advance campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Viking Lake State Park, and the campground is 100% reservable and a reservation is required.
Advance cabin and campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Prairie Rose State Park, and the campgrounds are 100% reservable and a reservation is required. Cabin and campsite reservations at Waubonsie are handled through the same Iowa DNR portal.
Schildberg Recreation Area Campground in Atlantic is a city-run facility booked separately through its own campground platform, and Shelby Country Inn and RV Park handles its own reservations directly.
What to expect near Red Oak
Sites at the state parks are a mix of paved and gravel pads with fire rings and picnic tables. Prairie Rose East Campground is the primary RV area, with 8 full-hookup sites offering water, sewer, and 20/30/50-amp electric plus 69 electric-only sites, modern restrooms with showers and a dump station, and sites accommodating rigs up to 60 feet with pull-through options available. Viking Lake has 120 campsites plus modern restrooms and showers and a trailer dump station.
Waubonsie has a modern campground with non-electric and electric campsites, modern showers, restrooms and a sanitary dump station, though sites are smaller and tighter, with unique Loess Hills scenery. Cell coverage is generally decent on major carriers in this part of Iowa, and tree cover can affect satellite reception at lakeshore sites.
Plan for mosquitoes and ticks in summer, occasional strong thunderstorms, and quiet-hour enforcement at all state parks.
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 Red Oak, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Red Oak, IA, and how can I save money?
RV rental in Red Oak tends to be more affordable than in major metros. On RVezy, expect roughly $90 to $160 per night for travel trailers, $150 to $250 for Class C motorhomes, and $250 plus for larger Class A coaches, with pricing set by individual hosts. To find a cheap RV rental in Red Oak, book midweek stays in May or September when Viking Lake State Park sites are easier to grab, look for Instant Book listings, and filter by travel trailers if you already have a tow vehicle. Pro tip: hosts often discount weekly stays, so a 5 to 7 night Iowa road trip can cost less per night than a long weekend.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Red%20Oak%2C%20IowaDo I need a special license to drive an RV rental in Red Oak, IA?
Great news for first-time renters: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Red Oak, Iowa. The Iowa Department of Transportation does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or special endorsement for personal-use motorhomes, travel trailers, or fifth wheels under 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which covers nearly every rig on RVezy. You'll need to be at least 25 years old with a valid license, and RVezy verifies your ID through the platform during booking. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country license. That's it, you're cleared to hit Highway 34 and head for Viking Lake.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/drivers-license-types-restrictions-endorsementsWhat protection and roadside assistance comes with my Red Oak RV rental?
You're covered from the moment you book. Every RV rental in Red Oak booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so a flat tire on Highway 34 or a dead battery at Viking Lake State Park is a phone call away from being solved. The protection plan covers damage to the vehicle during your trip and gives you peace of mind. RVezy offers multiple coverage tiers, and you (the guest, not the host) choose your level during checkout. Pro tip: first-time renters often pick the higher tier for a few extra dollars a night, it's worth the confidence on your first Iowa RV trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Red Oak RV rental?
Booking is low-risk. RVezy sets the cancellation policy (not individual hosts), and it includes a money-back grace period after you book so you can lock in your Red Oak RV trip with confidence. After that window, refunds depend on how far out from your trip you cancel. You'll see the exact terms before you confirm payment. Pro tip: southwest Iowa weather can flip fast in spring, so book early to secure your Viking Lake or Lake Anita weekend, then reach out to RVezy support if severe weather threatens your dates, they're available to help.
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 Red Oak?
Absolutely, your dog is welcome on the trip. Many hosts offer pet-friendly RV rental in Red Oak, IA, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see listings that accept four-legged co-pilots. Iowa state parks including Viking Lake, Lake Anita, and Lake of Three Fires all allow leashed pets at campsites and on hiking trails, and Red Oak's Legion Park has plenty of grassy areas for a sniff-and-stretch break. Some hosts charge a small pet fee or require a deposit, you'll see that on the listing page. Pro tip: the 5.5-mile trail circling Viking Lake is a tail-wagger's dream, pack a collapsible water bowl and you're set.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/iowa-state-parks/park-rules-regulationsCan the RV be delivered and set up for me in Red Oak?
Yes, and it's the easiest way to start your trip. Many RVezy hosts offer RV delivery in Red Oak and the surrounding Montgomery County area, meaning they'll drive the rig to Viking Lake State Park, Pilot Grove Park, your driveway, or even a wedding venue, then level it, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system. This is perfect for first-time renters who'd rather skip the highway learning curve. Filter by Delivery on RVezy to see hosts who offer it, and check each listing for delivery radius and per-mile fees. Pro tip: ask about delivery to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds during the county fair in July, it's a Red Oak summer tradition.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Red%20Oak%2C%20IowaHow far can I travel from Red Oak on my RV rental?
Red Oak is a fantastic launchpad for a Midwest RV road trip. From here, Omaha and the Henry Doorly Zoo sit about 65 miles west (just over an hour on Highway 34 and I-29), Des Moines is roughly 130 miles northeast via I-80, Kansas City is about 150 miles south, and the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway is only 40 miles west for jaw-dropping bluff views over the Missouri River. Each RVezy host sets their own mileage policy, you'll often see 100 to 150 free miles per night, with reasonable per-mile overage rates. Some listings even offer RV rental with unlimited mileage. Pro tip: message the host to confirm your route before booking a longer Iowa RV trip.
iowadot.gov/mapsWhere are the best campgrounds near Red Oak, IA for an RV?
You've got great options within 30 minutes. Viking Lake State Park near Stanton (about 12 miles east) is the local favorite, with lakefront electric sites, modern showers, and a dump station. Lake of Three Fires State Park near Bedford (about 45 miles southeast) offers shaded electric sites and an equestrian campground. Pilot Grove Park and Hacklebarney Woods, both run by Montgomery County Conservation, offer affordable electric sites just minutes from town. For full-service amenities and pull-throughs, West Omaha KOA Holiday is an easy 70-mile drive. Pro tip: Viking Lake campsites can be reserved via the Iowa State Parks reservation system, book 2 to 3 months ahead for summer weekends.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/iowa-state-parks/viking-lake-state-parkWhen is the best time of year for a Red Oak RV trip?
Late April through mid-October is prime time for RV camping in Red Oak. Summer days run warm and humid with highs in the 80s F, perfect for swimming at Viking Lake's sandy beach, while late September into mid-October brings crisp, sunny days in the 60s and 70s F, ideal for hiking the Loess Hills with fewer bugs and stunning fall color across the oak savannas. Spring (May) is beautiful but bring rain gear for afternoon thunderstorms. Winters can dip into the teens with snow, and most state-park campgrounds including Viking Lake close through the winter season. Pro tip: shoulder seasons offer the best RV rental rates and easiest campsite bookings.
weather.gov/dmx/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay renting one in Red Oak?
You'll do great, and you're not on your own. Red Oak is one of the easier places to learn the ropes: rural Highway 34, wide-open county roads, light traffic, and gentle rolling terrain mean no white-knuckle mountain passes or city congestion. Every RVezy host provides a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through driving, the propane system, slide-outs, hookups, and dumping. You can message the host with questions before booking, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included on every trip. Pro tip: for your first time renting an RV, consider a smaller Class C motorhome or a travel trailer with delivery to Viking Lake, you'll arrive to a set-up rig and a full walkthrough.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat if something goes wrong with the RV during my trip?
You're never stranded. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, towing, and mechanical breakdowns. If you're parked at Viking Lake State Park and the generator won't start, or you blow a tire on Highway 71 heading toward Clarinda, one phone call gets help dispatched. You can also message your host directly through the RVezy app, most owners know their rig inside and out and can talk you through small fixes like resetting a GFCI outlet or relighting the water heater. Pro tip: save the RVezy support number and your host's number to your phone before leaving Red Oak, cell coverage is solid but spotty in some rural valleys.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Red Oak RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, interstate travel is welcome on most RVezy rentals. Red Oak sits near the Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri borders, so an RV road trip from Red Oak to Omaha (about 65 miles), the Lake of the Ozarks (roughly 230 miles south), or the Black Hills of South Dakota (around 480 miles northwest) is doable. Cross-border travel to Canada may be permitted depending on the host and insurance coverage, message the host through the listing to confirm before booking. Travel into Mexico is not allowed on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend there. Pro tip: popular interstate routes from Red Oak include I-80 west toward Colorado and Highway 71 south into the Ozarks.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel mileage should I expect, and how much will gas cost?
Fuel is one of the bigger budget items, but Iowa keeps it manageable. Expect roughly 8 to 10 miles per gallon (MPG) for Class A motorhomes, 10 to 14 MPG for Class C rigs, 15 to 20 MPG for Class B campervans, and your tow-vehicle MPG minus 25 to 30 percent for travel trailers. Gas prices around Red Oak typically sit near or below the national average, with stations on Broadway Street and along Highway 34 being convenient fill-up spots. For a weekend trip to Viking Lake (about 24 miles round trip), fuel is barely a line item. Pro tip: use a fuel-finder app like GasBuddy to find the cheapest pumps in Council Bluffs before heading west, prices often drop once you're off the interstate.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Red Oak?
For summer weekends at Viking Lake State Park, book as soon as you can. Iowa State Parks reservations open up to 3 months in advance, and prime lakefront sites at Viking Lake disappear within hours of opening for July and August weekends. Lake of Three Fires and Lake Anita follow the same 3-month window. For Montgomery County parks like Pilot Grove and Hacklebarney Woods, many sites are first-come, first-served, so midweek arrivals usually score a spot. Pro tip: set a calendar reminder for exactly 90 days before your target Friday night, log in at 8 a.m. Central Time, and you'll have your pick of the best Viking Lake sites.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/reservationsWhat are local driving conditions like around Red Oak?
Driving an RV around Red Oak is refreshingly mellow. The terrain is gently rolling prairie and oak savanna, with no mountain grades or tight switchbacks. Highway 34 (the main east-west route) and Highway 71 (north-south) are both well-paved two-lane highways with generous shoulders, and downtown Red Oak's grid is easy to navigate, though avoid the narrow alleys behind Broadway. Watch for farm equipment in spring and fall, deer at dawn and dusk year-round, and sudden thunderstorms from April through July that can bring high crosswinds, pull over at a rest stop if a severe storm warning hits. Pro tip: I-29 west of town is the smoothest way to reach the Loess Hills and Omaha with a big rig.
hb.511ia.org/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Red Oak?
Local campgrounds make RV camping in Red Oak easy. Viking Lake State Park offers electric sites, modern flush restrooms and hot showers, a sanitary dump station, potable water hydrants, and a playground. Lake of Three Fires has electric sites, showers, and a dump station. Pilot Grove and Hacklebarney Woods (Montgomery County) offer electric sites with shared water and vault toilets. For fresh-water fills and dumping between trips, the Viking Lake dump station is your go-to. Pro tip: most Iowa state-park dump stations are open from spring through late fall, plan a quick dump-and-fill stop on your way out so you return the RV clean for your host.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/iowa-state-parks/viking-lake-state-parkWhat features and equipment come inside RV rentals in Red Oak?
RVezy rentals in Red Oak come fully equipped for a real road trip. Expect a queen or king bed in the main bedroom plus convertible dinette and sofa sleepers (most rigs sleep 4 to 8), a kitchen with a 3-burner stove, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, and sink, a wet or dry bathroom with toilet and shower, roof air conditioning, propane furnace, and DOT-approved seatbelts for travel. Many motorhomes include a generator, flat-screen TV, and outdoor speakers; some hosts add Wi-Fi hotspots and solar. Each listing spells out exactly what's inside. Pro tip: for a Viking Lake trip with kids, filter by Sleeps 6+ and look for listings with an outdoor kitchen, perfect for lakeside breakfasts without tracking sand inside.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Red%20Oak%2C%20IowaWhat add-ons and pickup options are available with Red Oak RV rentals?
Hosts make it easy to customize your trip. Common add-ons on RVezy listings in Red Oak include bedding and linen packages, kitchen kits, camp chairs and tables, generators, propane fills, bike racks, and pet packages, prices vary by host and you'll see them on the listing. For pickup, you can grab the RV at the host's location around Red Oak (usually 20 to 30 minutes of orientation), or pay for delivery to Viking Lake, your home, or your event venue. Mileage policies typically run 100 to 150 free miles per night, with extra miles charged at a per-mile rate. Pro tip: bundle delivery plus setup for a family RV trip to Viking Lake, you'll save the stress of backing into a lakeside site.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Red%20Oak%2C%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and secure. When you book an RV rental in Red Oak through RVezy, you pay through the platform with a credit or debit card, no cash exchanged with the host. A refundable security deposit is held (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the rig), and it's released back to your card after the trip once the host confirms the RV was returned in good shape. To avoid issues, take photos of the interior and exterior at pickup and dropoff, return the RV with the same fuel and propane levels, and dump the tanks before bringing it back. Pro tip: communicate any small issues via the RVezy app during the trip so everything's documented and your deposit comes back quickly.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Red Oak in the winter, and how do I prep for cold weather?
Winter RV rentals are possible and can be magical, frost-covered prairies, quiet trails, and zero campground crowds. Many Red Oak hosts offer winter-ready rigs with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and propane furnaces; filter for cold-weather features or message hosts directly. Keep in mind Viking Lake State Park campground closes through the winter, so winter campers usually head to private parks or use the rig as a base near a hosted property with shore power. Temperatures can dip into the single digits and below zero with windchill. Pro tip: ask your host to demonstrate winterizing the water system at pickup, and run the furnace on shore power to save propane on the coldest Iowa nights.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/iowa-state-parks