RV Parks In Creston, IA
41.0586° N, 94.3614° W
Quick Overview
Creston is a small railroad town in southwestern Iowa that makes for a practical and peaceful RV stop if you're crossing the state on US-34 or Highway 25. With several RV campgrounds and parks in the area -- including some free options -- it's got what you need for an overnight stay or a quiet few days of camping and fishing. The town sits in Union County, surrounded by rolling farmland and scenic creek valleys, and it's built around the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad that's been the town's backbone for more than a century. Train enthusiasts will enjoy watching freight trains rumble through town on the busy mainline. McKinley Park and Green Valley State Park are the main draws for outdoor recreation in the area -- Green Valley in particular is a real gem for RV campers, with its 390-acre lake stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie that keep anglers coming back season after season. The campground at Green Valley offers electric hookups with shaded sites overlooking the lake, and it's popular with fishing enthusiasts from across southern Iowa and northern Missouri who make the trip for spring crappie runs and fall bass fishing. Creston itself is a walkable little town with a charming downtown district that has a good diner, hardware store, and the essentials you'd need for a comfortable stay. The RV parks here don't have the bells and whistles of big-city campgrounds, but they deliver on the basics that matter -- level sites, decent hookups, clean facilities, and friendly hosts who take the time to chat and point you toward the best fishing spots. If you're looking for a low-key Iowa camping experience away from the crowds, with good fishing, easy access to local trails, and the kind of quiet evenings where the only sounds are crickets and distant trains, Creston fits the bill nicely. The town is about 80 miles southwest of Des Moines and 90 miles east of the Nebraska border, so it works well as a midway rest stop for RVers heading in either direction across southern Iowa.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Creston
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All Dump Stations Near Creston
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mckinley Park Campgrounds | 1.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Country Court Mobile Hm & RV | 1.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Valley View Campground Llc | 4.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Three Mile Lake Campground | 7.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Fogle Lake Park Campground | 16.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Wilson Lake Campground | 18.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mormon Trail County Park | 18.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lakeview Campground | 19.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Criss Cove County Park | 19.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Timber Ridge Campground | 20.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Mckinley Park Campgrounds
1.4 miCountry Court Mobile Hm & RV
1.5 miValley View Campground Llc
4.5 miThree Mile Lake Campground
7.8 miFogle Lake Park Campground
16.6 miWilson Lake Campground
18.0 miMormon Trail County Park
18.9 miLakeview Campground
19.4 miCriss Cove County Park
19.6 miTimber Ridge Campground
20.0 miTraveling to Creston by RV
Creston sits at the junction of US-34 and Highway 25 in southwestern Iowa. From Des Moines, take I-35 south to US-34 west -- it's about a 90-minute drive on flat, easy roads. If you're coming from I-80, drop south from the Adel or Stuart exits on Highway 25 and follow it straight into Creston. From Nebraska, US-34 crosses the state line near Red Oak and runs east directly to Creston. All the main routes are RV-friendly -- no low bridges, no narrow lanes, and no steep grades to worry about. Fuel stations are available in town along US-34, with diesel readily accessible at the truck stops. The nearest Walmart is in the town itself, and Hy-Vee and Fareway grocery stores are downtown for stocking the pantry. Propane is available at local hardware stores and some of the campgrounds. The road to Green Valley State Park is paved and manageable for larger rigs, though the final stretch through the park narrows a bit -- take it slow and you'll be fine.
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Dump Station Costs in Creston
Of the RV campgrounds near Creston, a portion% are free while a portion% charge a nightly fee. Green Valley State Park charges around $16 to $21 per night for electric campsites, and you'll need an Iowa state park vehicle sticker for entry. Private RV parks in the Creston area run $25 to $40 per night for full hookup sites, which is quite affordable compared to larger Iowa cities. Free camping options are limited but available for self-contained rigs willing to go without hookups. If you're planning a fishing trip, the savings on campsite fees compared to destination campgrounds are significant -- a week at Green Valley costs about what you'd pay for two nights at a big private resort park. Stock up on supplies at Fareway in town where prices tend to be lower than the chain stores in bigger cities.
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Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Creston
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Best Time to Visit Creston by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
10-35°F
Crowds: Low
Most campgrounds close after October. Green Valley Lake draws ice fishermen in January and February when conditions allow.
Spring
Mar - May
35-70°F
Crowds: Low
Campgrounds open in April with light crowds. Crappie fishing picks up as Green Valley Lake warms, making spring an excellent time to visit.
Summer
Jun - Aug
65-90°F
Crowds: Medium
Warm weather fills the campgrounds on weekends but midweek sites are usually available. Fishing slows midday in the heat.
Fall
Sep - Oct
45-75°F
Crowds: Low
Cool mornings and fall colors around the lake make this a beautiful time to camp. Bass fishing picks up again as water cools.
Explore the Creston Area
Green Valley State Park is the top camping destination near Creston, and the sites along the lake's north shore tend to get the best afternoon shade. Fishing here is consistently good -- bass and crappie are the main targets, and local anglers swear by early morning sessions in the coves along the east side of the lake. Bring your boat if you've got one, as there's a public ramp at the park, but the lake also fishes well from shore and from the fishing jetties. McKinley Park in town is a pleasant spot for a morning walk and has a small lake of its own. If you're a train enthusiast, Creston's railroad heritage is visible everywhere -- the BNSF mainline runs through town and there's a small railroad museum worth checking out. For dining, the downtown area has a handful of locally owned restaurants serving classic small-town Iowa fare -- pork tenderloin sandwiches and pie are the specialties. Fill your fresh water tanks in town before heading to Green Valley, as the water situation at the park can vary depending on the season.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Creston
Where can I find RV parks near Creston, Iowa?
Creston has {{stationCount}} RV campgrounds and parks. Green Valley State Park south of town is the most popular option with electric campsites overlooking a 390-acre lake. Private parks in the Creston area offer full hookup sites for travelers needing more amenities.
Are there free camping options near Creston?
Yes, {{freeCount}} free camping options exist in the Creston area. These tend to be basic sites without hookups, suitable for self-contained RVs. Check with local parks about overnight policies and any stay limits that might apply.
How much does RV camping cost in Creston?
Green Valley State Park charges $16 to $21 per night for electric sites plus a state park vehicle sticker. Private RV parks run $25 to $40 per night for full hookups. Weekly discounts are available at most locations, making extended fishing trips very affordable.
What kind of fishing is available near Creston?
Green Valley Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. There's a public boat ramp at the state park, plus fishing jetties and plenty of shoreline access. Spring crappie runs and fall bass fishing are the highlights of the fishing calendar here.
Is Creston a good overnight stop for RVers crossing Iowa?
Creston works well as an overnight stop on US-34 between the Nebraska border and Des Moines. It's about 80 miles from the state capital with easy access, affordable camping, and all the basic supplies you'd need for a quick rest before continuing your trip.
Where can I find RV parks near Creston, Iowa?
Creston has {{stationCount}} RV campgrounds and parks. Green Valley State Park south of town is the most popular option with electric campsites overlooking a 390-acre lake. Private parks in the Creston area offer full hookup sites for travelers needing more amenities.
Are there free camping options near Creston?
Yes, {{freeCount}} free camping options exist in the Creston area. These tend to be basic sites without hookups, suitable for self-contained RVs. Check with local parks about overnight policies and any stay limits that might apply.
How much does RV camping cost in Creston?
Green Valley State Park charges $16 to $21 per night for electric sites plus a state park vehicle sticker. Private RV parks run $25 to $40 per night for full hookups. Weekly discounts are available at most locations, making extended fishing trips very affordable.
What kind of fishing is available near Creston?
Green Valley Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. There's a public boat ramp at the state park, plus fishing jetties and plenty of shoreline access. Spring crappie runs and fall bass fishing are the highlights of the fishing calendar here.
Is Creston a good overnight stop for RVers crossing Iowa?
Creston works well as an overnight stop on US-34 between the Nebraska border and Des Moines. It's about 80 miles from the state capital with easy access, affordable camping, and all the basic supplies you'd need for a quick rest before continuing your trip.
Are there free dump stations in Creston?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Creston.
All Dump Stations Near Creston (84)
RV ParkCountry Court Mobile Hm & RV
RV ParkMckinley Park Campgrounds
RV ParkValley View Campground Llc
RV ParkThree Mile Lake Campground
RV ParkFogle Lake Park Campground
RV ParkWilson Lake Campground
RV ParkMormon Trail County Park
RV ParkFife's Grove Park & Campground
RV ParkCriss Cove County Park
RV Park