Camping › Iowa › Boating & paddling
Camping for boating and paddling in Iowa
31 camps in Iowa that list boating and paddling or mention it in their description. The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 85°F and lows near 64°F.
Best areas for boating and paddling
- Around Cedar Rapids9 camps for boating and paddling within 25 miles
- Around Des Moines8 camps for boating and paddling within 25 miles
- Around Centerville8 camps for boating and paddling within 25 miles
Questions
How many campgrounds in Iowa are good for boating and paddling?
31 camps that list boating and paddling or mention it in their description; 1 of them are free.
When is the best time to go?
The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 85°F and lows near 64°F.
What else can you do there?
Of these camps, 74% also offer fishing, 71% also offer hiking, 68% also offer swimming.
Every camp, with a 3D fly-over, weather, cell signal and the drive.
Open boating & paddling in IowaThis week's picks
A different handful each week.
Cottonwood Recreation AreaFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalCottonwood Recreation Area is a day-use facility located in the tailwater area below Saylorville Dam. The 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines…
View camp →- Scales PointeFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
This recreation area is part of [Coralville Lake](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=158&agencyCode=130)
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Buck Creek (Rathbun Lake)Federal campground · Reservable · Cell signalBuck Creek Campground is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just 9 miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking are popular activities at this…
View camp →- South Fork MarinaFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
This recreation area is part of [Rathbun Lake](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=274&agencyCode=130)
View camp → - Honey Creek State ParkFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
This recreation area is part of [Rathbun Lake](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=274&agencyCode=130)
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Bob Shetler Recreation AreaFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalBob Shetler Recreation Area is located in the tailwater area below the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.
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Cottonwood Campground (Ia)Federal campground · Reservable · Cell signalCOTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND IS CLOSED FOR THE 2026 RECREATION SEASON
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Bridgeview (Rathbun Lake)Federal campground · Reservable · Cell signalBridgeview Park is located on beautiful Rathbun Lake, just 13 miles northwest of Centerville, Iowa. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing and picnicking are popular activities at this…
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