State Parks near Iowa City, IA

Even though Apple River Canyon State Park is a smaller park at only 297 acres, there are still several activities to enjoy, including motorhome camping. Even if you don't own an RV, you can still spend a weekend at the state park campground. You can book an RV in Jo Daviess County and head over to the Apple River in northern Illinois.Apple River Canyon State Park is just over three hours west of Chicago. Before pulling into the state park for a weekend of fun, stop into Stockton, only about 20 minutes from the park. You can stock your camper rental with supplies and necessities to ensure you're set for the entire time you'll be camping at …

Set in an ancient valley carved by the Maquoketa River, Backbone State Park immerses you in the natural beauty of the Hawkeye State. It's the oldest state park in Iowa and has been welcoming visitors since 1919. The 2,000-acre park is named after its unique geological features, predominantly the narrow "Devil's Backbone" ridge that slices through the valley and forms one of the highest points in Iowa. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery, from woodland hikes and sun-dappled picnics to leisurely paddles and exhilarating rock-climbing routes. There's even a dash of history thrown into the mix, with rustic stone cabins and an absorbing museum recalling the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps.At just three hours from …

Offering a sandy beach, excellent fishing, and historic appeal, Beeds Lake State Park is one of the most popular outdoor recreation destinations in the Hawkeye State. At the heart of the park is a picturesque limestone dam and spillway built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The dam was originally constructed in the 1850s to collect water for a local mill, though today it provides a scenic setting for swimming, boating, and fishing. History buffs love checking out the beautifully preserved CCC buildings, which won Beeds Lake a place on the National Register of Historic Places.Planning a road trip in the Midwest? Book an RV in Franklin County and you can combine the creature comforts of …

With peaceful hiking trails, abundant native wildlife, and wonderful views of the Mississippi, Bellevue State Park is one of eastern Iowa's best camping destinations. Located just to the south of Bellevue, this 788-acre park actually comprises two separate areas.The first area is the Nelson Unit, which is found just to the south of Bellevue. Home to a nature center, butterfly sanctuary, and hunting area, it offers plenty to entertain and excite visitors.The second area of the park, the Dyas Unit, lies a couple of miles further south. It offers excellent hiking trails, beautiful river views, and a modern campground, so it's a wonderful spot to explore in a rental RV.If you're planning to camp with an RV …

Big River State Forest is a multi-use outdoor recreational area near Oquawka that is used for timber resource education and supply. The forest was first established in 1925, although land acquisitions since then have increased its size substantially. In the past, there were stands of hardwood trees, but these have been cultivated and replaced with the much quicker growing pine species; part of the reason for this was to demonstrate how pine trees are much more commercially successful. As a result, many nearby landowners have followed suit and created pine tree farms that have achieved similar results.The forest's headquarters area is home to a fire tower, a prominent landmark in the area, and an operational structure during peak fire …

Buck Creek Park is located in southeast Iowa, on the easternmost border of the giant Rathbun Lake. Buck Creek is located just nine miles north of Centerville, 36 miles from Bloomfield, and 35 miles from Ottumwa. This small park is known for its scenic beauty, picnicking, and fun lakeside activities.Buck Creek Park is made up of hilly grasslands that run along the Chariton River Valley. It shares a border with the easternmost arm of Rathbun Lake and provides full access to the water. The campgrounds are open, grassy areas with a few deciduous trees speckled throughout.If your motorhome camping trip takes you to Iowa, you’ll definitely want to consider Buck Creek Park. This is a …

Effigy Mounds National Monument is located near McGregor, Iowa, less than a mile from the mighty Mississippi River. The monument is a collection of mounds that were part of a culture that transcended individual tribes and is considered to be an archeological treasure providing insight into Native American culture. These mounds were not constructed for burial purposes, as many of the tribes continued to build circular mounds for burial. The Effigy Mounds Culture utilized hills in the shape of animals such as deer, bison, and turtle, among others. Archeologists believe that the mounds may have been created to honor seasonal events, to mark territory or for other purposes, but their actual purpose is still unknown.Today the monument is …

Located in central Iowa on the southern shore of Lake Red Rock is Elk Rock State Park. With 50,000 acres of forested hills right next to Iowa’s largest lake, Elk Rock State Park offers the best opportunities to fish and boat in the state. The park’s namesake "elk rock" is located in the southern region of the park. The name of the lake derives from the red rock found in the area.Some nearby parks open for exploring include Stephen’s State Forest, Lake Ahquabi State Park, and Whitebreast Park. There's also Cordova Park, which is located directly across Red Rock Lake. Nearby are several towns, and Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is just under an hour's …

Iowa is packed with scenic state parks. In southeastern Iowa, you’ll find a unique gem of a park. Geode State Park is located 20 minutes west of Burlington, 25 minutes south of Mount Pleasant, and a stone’s throw north of West Point. This 1,640-acre park attracts hikers, water enthusiasts, and wildlife viewers from all over.In 1937, Geode State Park became part of the Iowa State Park system. The area had always been a beautiful picnicking spot for locals. Then, after a group of citizens raised some money and purchased the land, they donated it to the state park system. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the park to be what it is today. It took 14 …

Northeast Iowa is shaped by the Mississippi River Valley, which gives it a landscape that's slightly different than that of the rest of Iowa, but equally gorgeous. George Wyth State Park is located midway between Cedar Falls and Waterloo, just west of Dubuque. It's part of the National Urban Wildlife Sanctuary and is a relaxing escape from city life.In 1940, nearly a decade after President Roosevelt’s New Deal was set into motion, the Josh Higgins Parkway was established. Josh Higgins was a popular radio personality in the 1920s and '30s. Sixteen years later in 1956, the park was renamed George Wyth State Park after J. George Wyth of Cedar Falls. George was a conservationist who helped shape …

With more than 5,000 acres of steep bluffs, scenic valleys, and picture-perfect lakes, Governor Dodge State Park is one of the largest state parks in Wisconsin. Located just to the north of Dodgeville, it's easily accessible from Madison and is the ideal spot for a weekend getaway (or something a little longer).When you visit Governor Dodge State Park you can hike along 40-odd miles of trails, swim and fish in two man-made lakes, indulge in a host of winter sports, and just enjoy the serenity of nature. And with two campgrounds and more than 260 campsites available, the park is perfect for RV camping.So, why not find yourself a rental RV near Governor Dodge State Park and …

Green River State Park near Harmon has 2,565 acres of untouched natural beauty for campers and outdoor adventurers to explore. Don't worry if you don't own a camper — search for an RV rental in Lee County, then plan a getaway to the state park RV campground.Chicago sits only about two and a half hours to the east of Green River State Park. Drive over to Amboy and stock up on supplies before setting up camp at Green River State Park. Amboy is about 20 minutes northeast of the park and a great place to pick up a few last-minute essentials for your rental RV.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, located near West Branch, is a monument to one of the most renowned American presidents to hold the office. The monument is located near the center of West Branch, the small town where Hoover spent his early childhood until being orphaned at the young age of 9. Hoover left the town soon after and would not return until his retirement when he chose to celebrate his many accomplishments in his place of birth. There are a large number of attractions for you to see, including his simple birthplace cottage and his burial site, marked with a Vermont white marble headstone.Camping with an RV near Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is your best bet …

Chariton River Valley is a sprawling landscape of green hills along the southeastern portion of Iowa. If you’re looking for an open grassland with a few trees scattered around for good measure at which to do some RV camping, Island View Park is the place for you. Just 20 minutes north of Centerville, 30 minutes south of Albia, and 45 minutes from Ottumwa, this lovely park is located on Rathbun Lake. Due to the lake's enormous size, it draws big winds, which makes it one of the best places in Iowa for sailing.The biggest draw to Island View Park is, very clearly, Rathbun Lake, which measures 11,000 acres. Island View has a marina, a boat dock, …

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park enjoys a picturesque setting on the Des Moines River and is a fantastic place to reconnect with nature. With a footprint of more than 1,650 acres, it's the largest state park in Iowa and features a diverse landscape of rolling hills, rugged bluffs, and lush valleys. The park has been welcoming visitors since the 1920s and offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and camping. History buffs love the park's connection to the Mormon Trail, the area's Woodland Culture tribes, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).Planning a Midwest road trip? Book an RV in Van Buren County and you can sleep under the stars in Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. With the freedom of a home on …

Camping with an RV is a great way to reconnect with your family and make memories that will last a lifetime. Lake Ahquabi State Park, near Indianola, Iowa has fun activities for all ages to enjoy. Don't worry if you don't own a motorhome — book an RV in Warren County and spend some time exploring Iowa. One of the biggest draws of Lake Ahquabi State Park is the 115-acre reservoir where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming.You can camp with your RV at Lake Ahquabi State Park and then head to Des Moines, less than 45 minutes to the north, for shopping and sightseeing. Spend an afternoon in Pleasantville wandering through quaint shops and stocking up …

If you're searching for somewhere to enjoy a quintessential Iowa camping experience, look no further than Lake Darling State Park. Located five miles east of Richland in the state's southeast, this 1,417-acre park is a haven for watersports and outdoor enthusiasts.Lake Darling itself covers 302 acres, so campers can enjoy excellent swimming, boating, and fishing in the park. Several miles of hiking trails make Lake Darling a favorite with hikers. A modern campground is also available on-site, so there are plenty of good reasons why Lake Darling State Park should be the venue for your next RV camping vacation.

Lake Keomah State Park is a 366-acre wilderness in the heart of South Central Iowa. The park was dedicated in 1934 and quickly emerged as one of the most popular outdoor recreation destinations in Mahaska County. At the center of the park, Keomah provides a scenic backdrop for swimming, boating, and fishing. History buffs will love checking out the buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), many of which are still in use.Planning a Midwest road trip? Book an RV in Mahaska County and you can sleep under the stars at Lake Keomah State Park. You'll find a huge selection of campervan rentals for every occasion, ranging from petite trailers to family-sized rigs. With a home on wheels, …

One of the best ways to explore eastern central Iowa is to search for an RV in Johnson County, which encompasses Iowa City, just south of Cedar Rapids. In this county is Lake Macbride State Park, is a top tier camping location when you are renting an RV to check out the area. This state park was opened to the public in June of 1937 after the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce was able to raise funds to create it.Construction on the park began in the 1930s after Thomas Macbride, for whom the park is named, spoke to members of the Iowa Academy of Science on the importance to establish a statewide system of parks. After …