RV Parks In Eddyville, Iowa
41.1565° N, 92.6374° W
Quick Overview
Eddyville is a small Wapello County town in southeastern Iowa, positioned along the Des Moines River near Lake Ottumwa and the Rathbun Lake recreation area. The community offers several RV parks for travelers, with some providing free access. Sitting near the intersection of Highway 63 and Highway 137, Eddyville is a convenient stop for RVers exploring the outdoor recreation opportunities in this part of Iowa. Rathbun Lake, one of the state's largest reservoirs, is a major draw just to the south and provides excellent fishing, boating, and shoreline camping options. The Des Moines River valley around Eddyville offers scenic terrain with wooded bluffs and bottomland that's more varied than the flat farmland Iowa is typically known for. Local parks tend to be no-frills operations focused on giving RVers a clean, functional place to stay. Most sites offer basic hookups, and the pace of life here is slow and easy. Ottumwa is about 15 miles south for supply runs and has the services you'd expect from a regional hub. For RVers who enjoy fishing, boating, or simply want a quiet riverside camp, Eddyville puts you in a great position to enjoy southeastern Iowa's water recreation. The area's relaxed pace and natural beauty make it an underrated stop on the Iowa camping circuit.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Eddyville
No rated stations yet. Be the first to leave a review!
All Dump Stations Near Eddyville
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eddyville Inn & RV Park | 0.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| God's Little Acre Campground | 1.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Eveland Access Campground | 7.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Spring Creek Village | 7.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Oskaloosa RV Park | 9.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Oak Creek Mobile Home Park | 10.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Skyline Mobile Park | 14.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Ottumwa City Campground | 14.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Foster Acres Campground & Trails Boys Scouts Of America Mid-iowa Council | 14.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Leisure Living Estates | 17.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Eddyville Inn & RV Park
0.3 miGod's Little Acre Campground
1.3 miEveland Access Campground
7.4 miSpring Creek Village
7.7 miOskaloosa RV Park
9.4 miOak Creek Mobile Home Park
10.2 miSkyline Mobile Park
14.0 miOttumwa City Campground
14.7 miFoster Acres Campground & Trails Boys Scouts Of America Mid-iowa Council
14.9 miLeisure Living Estates
17.7 miTraveling to Eddyville by RV
Highway 63 is the main north-south route through the area, connecting Eddyville to Ottumwa in the south and New Sharon to the north. Highway 137 provides east-west access and links to the Rathbun Lake area. The roads are RV-friendly with no low bridge restrictions on the main routes. From I-80, take Highway 63 south at the Malcom exit -- it's about 45 miles but a smooth, scenic drive through Mahaska County. Diesel and gas are available in Ottumwa where you'll find multiple truck stops along the Highway 34 corridor. Eddyville itself has limited fuel options, so top off before you arrive. For groceries and supplies, Ottumwa has a Walmart, Hy-Vee, and other retailers that cover all the basics. Propane refills are available at farm supply stores in Ottumwa. Cell coverage is decent in town but can be patchy along the river bottoms and in the more wooded areas around Rathbun Lake.
Useful Links
Find additional dump stations near Eddyville
Browse RV parks and campgrounds in Iowa
Helpful articles for RV travelers
Navigate to Eddyville, IA
National Weather Service forecast
Recreation.gov campground search
Find emergency medical care nearby
Find grocery shopping nearby
Dump Station Costs in Eddyville
RV camping near Eddyville is very budget-friendly, even by rural Iowa standards. Of the parks in the area, a portion% offer free camping while a portion% charge a nightly fee. Paid sites typically range from $15 to $25 per night for basic electric and water hookups. Full hookup sites may cost slightly more where available. Weekly and seasonal rates can often be arranged directly with park operators for extended stays. The free options provide a functional place to park overnight without any expense, which is great for travelers just passing through on Highway 63. Compared to the campgrounds directly at Rathbun Lake -- which tend to be slightly pricier due to the recreation area -- Eddyville area parks offer a more affordable base while keeping you within easy driving distance of the lake.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Eddyville
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Best Time to Visit Eddyville by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
15-35°F
Crowds: Low
Most parks close for winter, though eagle watching along the Des Moines River draws hardy visitors to the area in January and February.
Spring
Mar - May
40-70°F
Crowds: Low
Spring flooding can affect low-lying areas near the Des Moines River, so check conditions before heading to riverside campsites.
Summer
Jun - Aug
70-90°F
Crowds: Medium
Peak season for Rathbun Lake recreation and camping, with warm water temperatures ideal for swimming and fishing.
Fall
Sep - Oct
40-70°F
Crowds: Low
Fall colors along the Des Moines River bluffs are excellent, and the fishing at Rathbun Lake stays productive through October.
Explore the Eddyville Area
Rathbun Lake is the premier outdoor attraction in the area, offering bass, crappie, walleye, and channel catfish fishing along with boat ramps and swimming beaches. The lake is about a 20-minute drive south of Eddyville and well worth the trip if you enjoy water recreation. Bring your own boat or rent one at the marina near the dam. The Des Moines River near town offers bank fishing access at several public spots. Fill your fresh water and stock your fridge before arriving since Eddyville's in-town options are very limited. If you enjoy birding, the river valley and lake area attract bald eagles in winter and a variety of waterfowl during spring and fall migration. Ottumwa's dining options include some solid local restaurants if you want a meal out -- the Canteen in downtown Ottumwa is a local landmark. Evening campfires are a highlight at most parks here, with quiet nights and star-filled skies.
National Parks Nearby
Other Cities in Iowa
RV Tips & Articles
Secure Your Site: A Guide to FootLoose RV Sewer Caps and Grip-N-Lock Well Caps
Read more →Understanding AASHTO M306, H20, and EN 124 Load Ratings: What They Really Mean for Manhole Covers
Read more →Anti-Tamper & Locking Solutions for Public Utility Access Points: Keeping Manholes Secure and Compliant
Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Eddyville
Where can I find RV parks near Eddyville, Iowa?
Eddyville has {{stationCount}} RV parks listed on RVingLife. Check the listings on this page for hookup details, amenities, and locations in the Des Moines River valley of Wapello County.
Are there free camping spots near Eddyville?
Yes, {{freeCount}} of the parks in the Eddyville area offer free camping for RVers. Review individual listings for specifics on what amenities are included and whether any overnight stay limits apply.
How far is Rathbun Lake from Eddyville?
Rathbun Lake is approximately 20 miles south of Eddyville, making it an easy day trip for fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake is one of Iowa's largest reservoirs and offers excellent recreation opportunities throughout the summer.
What fishing is available near Eddyville campgrounds?
The Des Moines River near town offers catfish and bass fishing from the bank at several public access points. Rathbun Lake adds walleye, crappie, and more catfish to the menu and is about a 20-minute drive south of the Eddyville area.
Where can I find RV parks near Eddyville, Iowa?
Eddyville has {{stationCount}} RV parks listed on RVingLife. Check the listings on this page for hookup details, amenities, and locations in the Des Moines River valley of Wapello County.
Are there free camping spots near Eddyville?
Yes, {{freeCount}} of the parks in the Eddyville area offer free camping for RVers. Review individual listings for specifics on what amenities are included and whether any overnight stay limits apply.
How far is Rathbun Lake from Eddyville?
Rathbun Lake is approximately 20 miles south of Eddyville, making it an easy day trip for fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake is one of Iowa's largest reservoirs and offers excellent recreation opportunities throughout the summer.
What fishing is available near Eddyville campgrounds?
The Des Moines River near town offers catfish and bass fishing from the bank at several public access points. Rathbun Lake adds walleye, crappie, and more catfish to the menu and is about a 20-minute drive south of the Eddyville area.
Are there free dump stations in Eddyville?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Eddyville.
All Dump Stations Near Eddyville (79)
RV Park with Dump StationsLake Wapello State Park
RV ParkMain Station Campground
RV ParkResort Park Campground
RV ParkCoyote Ridge Campground
RV ParkHowell Station Campground Lake Red Rock
RV ParkPrairie Ridge Park/ Lake Rathbun
RV ParkNorth Overlook Campground
RV ParkNorth Overlook Park
RV ParkHoney Creek State Park South Campground
RV Park