Ivans

Star4.52
129 reviews
1125 198th Place, Knoxville, IA 50138
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

725 ft

Price

$20 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open season: April 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Ivans
$20.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for RV electric sites range from $20 to $24 during peak season. Additional reservation service fees include $8 for online bookings, $9 via...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$24.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 129 reviews

62 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanfriendly

Some mention

noisesmallcell service

"Ivans Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to recreational opportunities. Guests appreciate the shaded sites and easy access to fishing, hiking, and biking. However, lack of cell service and small site sizes are common complaints."

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Campground Map

1125 198th Place, Knoxville, IA 50138

Ivans

1125 198th Place, Knoxville, IA 50138

Driving directionsThe campground is accessed off of Highway T15 by turning east onto Jewell Drive and then turning north on 198th Place.
The campground is accessible from paved roads and appears to have straightforward access points from Highway T15. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain are mentioned.
Nearby places
Knoxville (15 minutes), Pella (10 minutes), Des Moines (1 hour)
Nearby supplies
The closest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are in Knoxville and Pella, both within a 15-minute drive.

Best Time to Camp at Ivans

Experience nature's grand spectacle as thousands of American White Pelicans grace the skies during their remarkable spring and fall migrations, transforming the river into a birdwatcher's paradise. Summer brings a perfect balance of warm sunshine and cooling shade from the mature hardwood canopy, creating ideal conditions for everything from morning hikes to lazy afternoon fishing sessions. The changing seasons paint the landscape in ever-shifting colors, making each visit a unique adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busiest in spring/summer; praised for recreation, shade and clean facilities during peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall migrations and foliage are draws; campground closes Oct 6, so early fall is good but season ends early.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 3% in IA

Spring migration of pelicans and busy season with wildlife viewing; reviewers highlight spring as a highlight.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed Oct 6–Apr 23; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 24 through October 5 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: April 24 - October 5 (reservable). Closed season: October 6 - April 23.

About Ivans

Nestled beneath the impressive Red Rock Dam on the Des Moines River's southern banks, Ivans Campground offers an intimate escape with 21 thoughtfully equipped campsites. Each site comes complete with 50-amp electric hookups, while modern amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, and fresh drinking water ensure comfort meets adventure. Whether you're casting a line into the river's productive waters, exploring winding forest trails on foot or bike, or simply soaking in the riverside ambiance, this hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for your Iowa outdoor experience.
Ivans Campground includes sites for RVs and tents, with 21 electric sites. It caters to both individual and family campers. There are no group camping options, cabins, or glamping accommodations.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Ivans Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. It is also close to the Volksweg Trail, a 15-mile paved path for biking and walking.
HikingSeveral trails in the surrounding area offer hiking opportunities. The Volksweg Trail, running 15 miles from Pella to the Des Moines River, is a highlight. One reviewer stated, 'Access to the bike trail was awesome.'
FishingFishing is popular at this campground, with species such as crappie, walleye, largemouth bass, and catfish available. One reviewer noted, 'Caught some nice-sized catfish.'
SwimmingSwimming is accessible due to proximity to the river, though there are no specific on-site swimming facilities mentioned.
BikingBiking is a featured activity, with access to the Volksweg Trail. Cyclists can explore both paved and off-road paths.
BoatingBoating is supported by the campground's proximity to the Des Moines River, which connects to Lake Red Rock. Activities like canoeing and kayaking are available.
Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently spot wildlife such as bald eagles and white-tailed deer. One reviewer mentioned, 'Great views of wildlife and fishing.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo on-site water fill or dump station. Cell service is limited to non-existent. Wildlife presence includes deer, turkeys, and waterfowl.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Ivans

Reviews

4.5
129 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Ivans is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Ivans Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to recreational opportunities. Guests appreciate the shaded sites and easy access to fishing, hiking, and biking. However, lack of cell service and small site sizes are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 129 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests highlight the cleanliness of the facilities, the quiet and relaxing environment, and the abundance of recreational activities. Many appreciate the friendly and helpful campground hosts.
Based on 129 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include the lack of a dump station, no individual water hookups, poor cell service, and small or closely spaced campsites. Some visitors also mentioned long grass and...
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Based on 129 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood to ensure availability. Plan for no cell service or internet connectivity. Dispose of trash off-site, as there are no dumpsters. "Kids bring your wheels" for biking trails,...
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Based on 129 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors noted that bald eagle sightings are common from November through March. The campground is busiest during the spring and summer, particularly around events like the Pella Tulip Festival.
Based on 129 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Great little campground right on the river! Nice big shade trees on almost every site.' - Lance Martin. 'Nice restrooms. Great parking. Very relaxing. Love coming here.' - Matthew Whitt. 'The...
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Based on 129 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #6 is frequently mentioned for its proximity to the river. However, some sites are noted for being small or less shaded than others.
Based on 129 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible trails and level sites are appreciated. One guest stated, 'the site was very level, and its depth was very adequate for our pop-up.'
Based on 129 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground environment is generally accommodating for pet owners.
Based on 129 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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