Chatfield Park Campground

Nestled just northwest of Keokuk, Iowa, Chatfield Park Campground offers a refreshing escape for locals seeking a blend of convenience and natural beauty. Managed by the Lee County Conservation Board, this park provides a welcoming environment for both RV enthusiasts and traditional tent campers. With a charming 9-acre lake at its heart, Chatfield Park is a go-to destination for fishing, non-motorized boating, and simply enjoying the tranquil outdoors that Iowa is renowned for.

Many Iowans hold fond memories of Chatfield Park, with one reviewer noting, "Grew up coming here. Love it." This sentiment speaks to the campground's long-standing appeal as a cherished local spot for outdoor recreation and family traditions. While one review mentioned occasional disturbances from maintenance activities like motorcycle work, leading to noise and gas smells, the consensus remains that Chatfield Park is generally a "very good place to stay." The Lee County Conservation Board actively manages the park, aiming to provide a positive experience for all visitors.

Chatfield Park Campground prides itself on offering a straightforward camping experience with essential amenities, set within a natural preserve. It's a place where you can unwind by the lake, cast a line, or explore the hiking trails, all within easy reach for residents across Southeast Iowa. The park's commitment to providing accessible and affordable camping options makes it a suitable choice for a variety of outdoor adventurers, from those seeking full hookup convenience to those preferring a more primitive, rustic experience.

Chatfield Park Campground is located at 3599 Iowa Rd, Keokuk, IA 52632, USA. This address places it approximately three miles northwest of the city of Keokuk, in Lee County. The park encompasses 90 acres, with its central feature being the picturesque 9-acre lake. Its setting offers a peaceful rural environment, yet it remains easily accessible from Keokuk and surrounding communities.

For Iowans, particularly those in the southeastern part of the state, accessing Chatfield Park Campground is quite convenient. The campground is located off major routes leading into Keokuk, ensuring a relatively short and straightforward drive. Whether you're coming from Burlington, Fort Madison, or other nearby towns, the journey to this tranquil spot is manageable, allowing for more time to enjoy your camping experience and less time spent traveling. The gravel roads within the campground are generally in good condition, making it easy for RVs and other vehicles to navigate to their respective sites. This combination of natural seclusion and practical accessibility makes Chatfield Park Campground an excellent choice for local residents looking for a nearby outdoor escape.

Chatfield Park Campground, managed by the Lee County Conservation Board, offers a range of services designed to accommodate various camping preferences and ensure a comfortable stay.

• Campsites (Full Hookup & Primitive): The campground features 14 full hookup camping sites, providing 20/30/50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections. Additionally, there are 10 primitive sites available for tent campers seeking a more rustic experience. There are also 26 campsites with electric hookups ($20/night) and 6 campsites without electric hookups ($15/night).

• Restrooms & Shower Facilities: The park provides restrooms for convenience, along with shower facilities to help campers freshen up during their stay. These amenities contribute significantly to the comfort level, especially for those staying for extended periods.

• Dump Station: A convenient RV dump station is available on-site, located at the entrance with a roundabout drive for easy access for long rigs, a crucial service for RV users.

• Potable Water: Pressurized drinking water is available throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water.

• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor dining, cooking, and enjoying traditional campfires.

• Reservable Sites: Select campsites are reservable up to 30 days in advance, providing the option to plan your trip ahead of time, with a 2 PM check-in and 11 AM check-out.

• Pet-Friendly: Chatfield Park Campground welcomes pets, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions along for the adventure, though pets must be kept on a leash (maximum 6 feet) and not left unattended.

• 9-Acre Lake (Chatfield Lake): The central feature of Chatfield Park is its beautiful 9-acre lake, providing opportunities for boating (electric motors only), kayaking, and fishing. The lake is a focal point for relaxation and recreation.

• Fishing Opportunities: The lake is stocked, offering good fishing for anglers. It's a popular activity, especially for those who "grew up coming here" to enjoy the peace and quiet of casting a line.

• Boat Ramp & Kayak Launch: A designated boat ramp and kayak launch provide easy access to the lake for water-based activities, making it convenient for visitors to get their vessels onto the water.

• Hiking Trails: The park features various hiking trails, including a wooded trail across the lake levy leading to the primitive camp field. These trails allow visitors to explore the 90-acre park's natural beauty and observe local wildlife.

• Playground Area: A playground is available for children, offering a space for younger campers to expend energy and enjoy outdoor play.

• Wildlife Viewing: Being a wildlife preserve, the park offers opportunities to observe local wildlife, which may include deer, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, and various birds, enhancing the natural experience for campers.

• Picnic Areas & Shelters: In addition to picnic tables at campsites, there are picnic-only areas with pavilions and BBQ grills further down Iowa Road, accessible via a trail to the lakeshore, ideal for day-use gatherings.

• Managed by Lee County Conservation: The campground is a Lee County maintained park, ensuring a commitment to public access and upkeep of facilities, providing a reliable and well-managed experience.

For reservations or inquiries about Chatfield Park Campground, you can contact the Lee County Conservation Board, which manages the park.

Address: 3599 Iowa Rd, Keokuk, IA 52632, USA (Note: some sources list 3592 Iowa Rd as well, indicating the general park area)

Phone: (319) 463-7673

Mobile Phone: +1 319-463-7673

Operating Season: Generally open from April to November (closes at first snow).

Reservations can be made for specific sites up to 30 days in advance.

For residents across Iowa, particularly those in the southeastern region, Chatfield Park Campground presents a fantastic and accessible local option for an outdoor escape. Its unique combination of well-equipped RV sites and more rustic primitive tent camping areas ensures that a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts can find their ideal spot. This versatility, coupled with its affordability, makes it a highly suitable destination for families, solo travelers, and groups looking for a quality camping experience without traveling extensively.

The presence of the 9-acre Chatfield Lake is a significant draw, offering plentiful opportunities for fishing and peaceful non-motorized boating. For many Iowans, the ability to easily access a serene body of water for recreation is a key component of a relaxing getaway. The hiking trails winding through the park also provide a wonderful way to immerse oneself in Iowa's natural landscapes, whether for a brisk walk or leisurely strolls through the wildlife preserve. The potential for observing local wildlife adds another layer of enjoyment to the natural surroundings.

Despite occasional feedback regarding noise from certain activities, the park's consistent management by the Lee County Conservation Board underscores its commitment to providing a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment. Amenities like showers, restrooms, and full hookups contribute to a comfortable stay, bridging the gap between rustic charm and modern convenience. The playground also ensures that younger visitors have ample space for fun.

Ultimately, Chatfield Park Campground is more than just a place to stay overnight; it's a cherished local spot that fosters a connection with nature and provides a backdrop for creating lasting memories. Its ease of access from Keokuk, diverse camping options, and focus on fundamental outdoor activities make it an ideal local retreat for any Iowan looking to relax, recreate, and reconnect with the simple joys of camping.

Chatfield Park Campground

3599 Iowa Rd, Keokuk, IA 52632, USA