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17 campgrounds and RV Parks near Spencer, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
17 campgrounds
1385 campsites
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From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Spencer, IA
Fieldstone RV Park
Arnolds Park, IA (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(106 sites)
+2
Emerson Bay State Recreation Area
Milford, IA (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(83 sites)
+6
Gull Point State Park
Milford, IA (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(104 sites)
+5
Cenla Campgrounds
Spirit Lake, IA (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(152 sites)
+7
Elinor Bedell State Park
Spirit Lake, IA (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(8 sites)
+4
Fort Defiance State Park
Estherville, IA (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(16 sites)
+3
Marble Beach State Recreation Area
Spirit Lake, IA (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(224 sites)
+5
Wild Rose Casino and Resort
Emmetsburg, IA (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(75 sites)
+2
Jackson KOA Journey
Jackson, MN (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(76 sites)
+9
Sunrise Campgrounds
Storm Lake, IA (36 miles away)
$$$$$
(164 sites)
+5
The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park
West Bend, IA (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(53 sites)
+6
Olson Park & Campground
Worthington, MN (40 miles away)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Grills Toilets Tables Showers Dump station Playground Hiking Trails Firewood
Campgrounds near Spencer, Iowa
Spencer sits in northwest Iowa in Clay County, about a 25 to 35 minute drive south of the Iowa Great Lakes chain. Most campground options for RV travellers cluster around West Okoboji and East Okoboji Lakes, with a small number of private parks closer to town. Fieldstone RV Park serves as the closest full-service option, while the state park system offers reservable sites on the lakes to the north.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources operates the state areas nearest Spencer. Emerson Bay State Recreation Area and Gull Point State Park sit on the west shore of West Okoboji Lake, and Elinor Bedell State Park is on East Okoboji Lake. Cenla Campgrounds rounds out the shortlist as an additional nearby option.
The region draws families for lake swimming, fishing, and boating in summer, with quieter shoulder seasons in spring and fall. Spencer itself functions as a supply, fuel, and services stop for trips centered on the Okoboji lakes and Spirit Lake.
Things to do near Spencer
Water activities dominate the area. West Okoboji is a prime Iowa fishing spot for walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, and catfish, and boating ranges from canoes and sailboats to ski rigs. Public beaches, boat ramps, and swimming areas are available at Emerson Bay and Gull Point.
On land, Gull Point features a self-guided interpretive trail that is good for wildlife watching, with white-tailed deer and songbirds common along the route. Elinor Bedell State Park has a trail system through restored prairie, wetland, and oak savanna landscapes, including a boardwalk across the wetlands on the shore of East Okoboji Lake.
Families typically pair camping with the Arnolds Park amusement park, lakeside dining, and the Iowa Great Lakes Trail system between the lakes.
Camping spots and RV parks near Spencer, IA
Seasonal patterns
- spring
March - May
55° / 36°F 75 mmState parks reopen in April; cool, wet shoulder season
- summer
June - August
82° / 59°F 110 mmPeak bookings; Okoboji lake sites fill months out
- fall
September - November
59° / 37°F 55 mmCool, lighter crowds; state parks close November 1
- winter
December - February
27° / 14°F 20 mmState park campgrounds closed; cold and snowy
The main state park campgrounds around Okoboji operate on a defined season. Emerson Bay and Elinor Bedell are closed January 1 through March 31, run an off-peak window in April, operate at peak from May 1 through October 15, run a second off-peak window to October 31, then close November 1 through December 31. Gull Point follows the same peak and off-peak structure and is listed as open year round, though water service is typically off in winter.
Summer is the busiest window. West Okoboji draws heavy boating, sailing, and swimming traffic from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the campgrounds at Gull Point and Emerson Bay are described as among the most popular in the state.
Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and lighter crowds, which suits RV travellers who want easier bookings. Winters are cold and snowy, most public campgrounds are closed or on reduced service, and cross-country skiing replaces hiking on some park trails.
How to book
The three closest state areas, Emerson Bay State Recreation Area, Gull Point State Park, and Elinor Bedell State Park, are 100 percent reservable and require a reservation. Bookings are handled through the Iowa State Parks reservation portal on ReserveAmerica at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
The standard rule for these state parks is that reservations must be made at least four days ahead of arrival and can be placed up to twelve months in advance. Reservations for the current camping season are accepted from April 1 through October 31, until 10:00 pm Central time on the day of arrival.
Private options such as Fieldstone RV Park and Cenla Campgrounds book directly with the operator. For holiday weekends and peak July and August dates, booking several months out is strongly recommended.
What to expect
Emerson Bay offers electric sites, a modern shower and restroom building, paved roads, and a dump station. The grounds are well shaded, and a sand beach, boat launch, playground, and reservable shelter sit near the campground.
Gull Point has 112 sites, over half with electric hookups, in a wooded setting, with modern restrooms, showers, and a dump station. Access roads inside the park are narrow and some sites sit on uneven ground, so larger rigs should plan carefully; the campground can accommodate rigs roughly 15 to 45 feet. Elinor Bedell is a smaller campground built around eight full-hookup pull-through RV sites, a modern restroom, and a separate youth tent area, with pads that can fit rigs up to about 70 feet.
Mosquitoes can be active near marshy areas in mid-summer, and cell service from the major carriers is generally usable in the Okoboji 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 Spencer, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Spencer, IA?
RV rental in Spencer, Iowa is one of the most affordable ways to explore northwest Iowa and the Iowa Great Lakes region. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $275, and larger Class A motorhomes start around $250 and up. Hosts set their own pricing, so you can often find cheaper RV rental in Spencer options by booking midweek or outside Clay County Fair week in September, when demand peaks. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book and travel trailers to lock in the best value, then ask the host about delivery to nearby Gull Point or Lake Okoboji to save on fuel.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Spencer%2C%20IowaDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Spencer, Iowa?
Good news: your regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Spencer, Iowa. Iowa does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any special endorsement to drive personal-use motorhomes or tow travel trailers. To book on RVezy, you'll need to be 25 or older with a valid license, and RVezy verifies your ID securely through the platform during booking. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Pair your home license with an International Driving Permit and you're set. Most first-time renters in Spencer are surprised by how straightforward the process really is.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection comes with my Spencer RV rental?
Every RV rental in Spencer booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit Highway 71 toward Lake Okoboji with real peace of mind. The protection plan covers most physical damage to the RV and is selected by you (not the host) during checkout, with multiple tiers available so you can match coverage to your comfort level. While it isn't traditional auto insurance, it provides meaningful financial protection and backup support throughout your trip. Pro tip: review the coverage tiers carefully at booking, especially if it's your first time renting an RV.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Spencer RV trip?
Booking your Spencer RV trip is low-risk because RVezy (not the host) sets and manages the cancellation policy for every rental on the platform. There's a money-back grace period right after booking, with additional flexibility depending on how far in advance you cancel. Because the policy is standardized across all listings, you won't see different rules on different RVs. If a host cancels on you, RVezy refunds you or helps rebook with travel credits. Pro tip: book early to lock in your dates for the Clay County Fair or Memorial Day weekend at Okoboji, knowing you have a clear policy if 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 Spencer?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental Spencer options are easy to find on RVezy, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when searching. Many local hosts welcome dogs (and sometimes cats) for a small cleaning fee, and northwest Iowa is genuinely dog-friendly country. Take your pup to the off-leash dog park at East Leach Park in Spencer, walk the Spencer Riverfront Trail along the Little Sioux River, or head about 20 minutes north to Gull Point State Park where leashed pets are welcome on trails. Pro tip: message the host directly from the listing before booking to confirm pet details and ask about any breed or weight notes.
iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/Gull-Point-State-ParkCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Spencer?
Yes, RV delivery Spencer is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it's perfect if you're new to RVing or just don't want to drive a big rig down Grand Avenue. Many hosts will deliver your motorhome rental Spencer right to popular spots like Gull Point State Park, Emerson Bay State Recreation Area, or a private campground on West Lake Okoboji, then set up the slide-outs, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system. Filter by Delivery when searching to see hosts who offer this service, then confirm the delivery fee and distance with them. Pro tip: delivery turns your first RV trip into a true plug-and-play vacation.
iowadnr.gov/places-to-go/state-parksHow does mileage work and how far can I drive from Spencer?
Mileage policies are set by each host and shown clearly on every listing, ranging from a set number of free miles per night to RV rental with unlimited mileage for bigger road trips. Spencer is an ideal launch pad: you're about 20 minutes from Lake Okoboji, roughly 90 miles to Sioux Falls, SD, about 200 miles to Des Moines, and roughly 230 miles to Omaha, NE. Heading further? The Black Hills are around 500 miles west. Pro tip: if you're planning a long RV road trip from Spencer, filter for unlimited mileage listings or message a host to arrange a custom mileage package upfront.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Spencer%2C%20IowaWhere are the best campgrounds near Spencer, IA?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping Spencer and the surrounding Iowa Great Lakes. Top picks include Gull Point State Park on West Lake Okoboji (electric sites, beach access, boat ramp), Emerson Bay State Recreation Area just south of West Okoboji (full-hookup sites and a marina), Elinor Bedell State Park on East Okoboji (modern campground with paved pads), and Trapper's Bay State Park near Lake Park (quieter, wooded sites). For something closer to town, Oneota Park along the Little Sioux River offers basic city-run sites just minutes from downtown Spencer. Pro tip: book Iowa State Park sites through the Iowa DNR reservation system up to three months ahead, especially for summer weekends.
iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Reserve-a-CampsiteWhen is the best time to take an RV trip from Spencer?
Late May through mid-September is the sweet spot for any Spencer RV trip, when daytime highs sit in the comfortable 75 to 85°F range and the Iowa Great Lakes come alive with boating, swimming, and lakeside dinners. July is the warmest month and peak season at Okoboji, while June brings the greenest landscapes (and the most rain). September is a local insider favorite: the Clay County Fair (one of the largest county fairs in the U.S.) draws huge crowds early in the month, but late September delivers crisp mornings, fall colors, and far fewer campers. Winters drop well below zero, so most hosts pause rentals from November through March. Pro tip: book Okoboji weekends 2 to 3 months ahead.
weather.gov/dmx/I've never rented an RV before. What should I expect at pickup in Spencer?
First time renting an RV? You're in great hands. Every RVezy host in Spencer provides a hands-on orientation at pickup (or at delivery, if they're bringing the RV to you), walking you through driving basics, propane, water, electrical, slide-outs, the awning, and waste tanks. Plan on 45 to 60 minutes, take video on your phone for reference, and don't be shy about asking questions. You can also message your host before booking with any concerns. Most Spencer-area roads are flat, wide, and low-traffic, which makes the area genuinely beginner-friendly for learning to drive a motorhome. Pro tip: do a short practice loop near the host's location before pointing the RV toward Okoboji.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if something goes wrong on the road?
You're never alone out there. Every RV rental in Spencer on RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, towing, and mechanical breakdowns. If anything pops up between Spencer and the Iowa Great Lakes (or further afield), one phone call gets help dispatched. Your host is also typically a quick text away for questions like resetting the inverter or relighting the water heater, and RVezy's support team is available before, during, and after every trip. Pro tip: save the roadside number in your phone before you leave the driveway and snap a photo of the RV's VIN plate.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take my Spencer RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, an interstate RV road trip from Spencer is one of the best parts of renting here, you're within an easy day's drive of South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Popular routes include north toward Minnesota's Boundary Waters (around 400 miles), west to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore (about 500 miles), and east to the Wisconsin Dells (around 380 miles). Cross-border travel into Canada may be allowed depending on the host and protection coverage, so confirm by messaging the host directly before booking. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental because insurance and roadside coverage don't extend there. Pro tip: share your full route when messaging the host so they can confirm everything upfront.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on a Spencer RV trip?
Fuel is usually the biggest variable cost on any Spencer RV trip, but it's manageable with a little planning. Expect Class C motorhomes to get roughly 8 to 12 MPG, larger Class A rigs around 6 to 10 MPG, campervan rental Spencer (Class B) options 15 to 20 MPG, and trucks pulling travel trailers about 10 to 14 MPG. Iowa gas prices typically run a bit below the national average, and you'll find plenty of large-format truck stops along Highway 71 and US-18 around Spencer that easily accommodate motorhomes. Pro tip: use the GasBuddy app, fill up in town before heading to Okoboji (lake-area prices run higher), and drive 60 to 62 mph to maximize MPG.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Spencer?
For the best sites, book Iowa State Park campgrounds through the Iowa DNR online reservation system up to 3 months in advance, that's the maximum window and it fills fast for summer weekends at Gull Point, Emerson Bay, and Elinor Bedell. For July 4th, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Clay County Fair week (early September), reserve the moment your window opens. Private RV parks around Okoboji often book 4 to 6 weeks ahead in peak season. Midweek nights and shoulder season (late May or mid-September) are far easier and often cheaper. Pro tip: if you strike out on a state park, check Hannah's Bend Park in Lake Park or the city-owned Oneota Park in Spencer as solid backups.
iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Reserve-a-CampsiteWhat are driving conditions like around Spencer?
Spencer is one of the most relaxed places in the country to drive an RV. The terrain is flat to gently rolling, roads are wide, and traffic is light outside of Clay County Fair week and Okoboji summer weekends. Highway 71 north to the lakes, US-18, and US-71 are the main arteries, all RV-friendly. Watch for two local conditions: summer thunderstorms with crosswinds (pull off at a truck stop and wait it out), and winter snow and ice from November through March, when many hosts pause rentals anyway. Spring brings occasional severe weather, so download a NOAA weather radio app. Pro tip: avoid downtown Spencer's older side streets in larger Class A rigs and stick to Grand Avenue and the highway loops.
iowadot.gov/511/What hookups and amenities will I find at campgrounds near Spencer?
Campgrounds around Spencer and the Iowa Great Lakes range from full-service to rustic, so there's a fit for every RV. Most Iowa State Parks like Gull Point and Elinor Bedell offer 30/50-amp electric sites with potable water fill stations and a central dump station (no sewer at every site), while private parks around Okoboji often have full hookups including sewer, Wi-Fi, and laundry. You'll find dump stations and freshwater fill at Emerson Bay, Gull Point, and most commercial parks. Showers and flush toilets are standard at state park modern campgrounds. Pro tip: top off your freshwater tank before leaving Spencer (many gas stations have a spigot) so you're ready even at electric-only sites.
iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-ParksWhat's actually inside the RVs I can rent in Spencer?
Spencer-area RVs come fully equipped to feel like a cabin on wheels. Expect a real bed (queen or king in most motorhomes, plus convertible dinettes and bunks), a kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, propane stove and oven, a wet or dry bathroom with shower and toilet, climate control with roof A/C and furnace, and seatbelted seating for travel. Most listings include a TV, many offer onboard generators or solar for off-grid stays, and some include Wi-Fi hotspots. Linens, kitchenware, and outdoor chairs are commonly provided, check the listing's amenity list to confirm. Pro tip: filter by the specific amenities you need (generator, solar, bunks, pet-friendly) to quickly narrow down the right rig for your trip.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Spencer%2C%20IowaWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts in Spencer offer a range of add-ons that make your trip smoother: linen and kitchen packages, camping chairs and outdoor rugs, bikes and kayaks (huge for Okoboji), generators, portable grills, and even pre-stocked propane tanks. Delivery and setup is one of the most popular options, especially to Gull Point or Emerson Bay. Pickup is usually at the host's home in or around Spencer, with orientation included. Mileage policies and generator hours are clearly listed on each listing, so there are no surprises. Pro tip: bundle delivery plus a bike or kayak add-on for a true turn-key Okoboji vacation, and message the host 48 hours before pickup to confirm timing.
traveliowa.com/things-to-do/outdoors/How does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through RVezy at booking with a credit or debit card, and funds are released to the host after your trip starts, no cash exchanged. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment (the amount is shown clearly on the listing before you book) and released after the trip, assuming the RV is returned in the same condition. To avoid issues, take time-stamped photos and a quick walk-around video at both pickup and drop-off, and follow the host's fuel and tank-dumping instructions. Pro tip: review the listing's mileage, generator, and cleaning policies during booking so you know exactly what's included in your Spencer RV rental.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Spencer in winter, and how do I prep for the cold?
Yes, a winter RV rental in Spencer is possible with the right rig, though many hosts pause listings from November through March when overnight lows routinely dip below 0°F and snow is common. Look for listings that mention four-season packages: heated and enclosed holding tanks, dual-pane windows, an upgraded furnace, and shore power capability. Plan to stay at parks with 30/50-amp electric hookups (winter water service is rare in northwest Iowa), use a heated drinking-water hose, and pack a small space heater as backup. Pro tip: ice fishing on Lake Okoboji and the University of Okoboji Winter Games in January are bucket-list local experiences, message a cold-weather-equipped host well ahead of time to lock it in.
weather.gov/dmx/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Minneapolis, MNDes Moines, IAOmaha, NESioux Falls, SDApple Valley, MNAlbia, IAHopkins, MNPrior Lake, MNLong Lake, MNSigourney, IAHudson, WIChamplin, MNHarlan, IAJohnston, IAMaplewood, MNVan Meter, IASaint Anthony, MNCoon Rapids, MNBecker, MNPleasant Hill, IAAvoca, IASavage, MNBelle Plaine, MNOtsego, MN