Redwood Campground

Hello, fellow Iowans! Are you yearning for that perfect lakeside retreat, a place where the stresses of daily life melt away, replaced by the gentle lapping of water and the warmth of a campfire? Look no further than Redwood Campground, a truly special destination nestled on the shores of Lost Island Lake in Ruthven, Iowa. For many of us across the Hawkeye State, the ideal getaway involves connecting with nature, enjoying water activities, and creating cherished memories with loved ones. Redwood Campground, with its welcoming atmosphere and diverse offerings, perfectly encapsulates this spirit. This article is crafted to provide you, our local users, with a comprehensive, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Redwood Campground a standout choice for your next Iowa adventure.

Redwood Campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a vibrant community where guests feel like family. The glowing testimonials from real customers paint a vivid picture of the exceptional experience awaiting you. One reviewer fondly stated, "I love it here. My grandma loves the fire pit. Yesterday she was sitting in the rain watching the fire with an umbrella. Jeff and Carmen make it extra special here." This speaks volumes about the personalized care and friendly environment fostered by the owners. Another family, a group of 21, highlighted their "wonderful experience" renting the connected cabin suites, emphasizing how "Jeff and Carmen are so friendly and helpful! They made our stay perfect with lots of extra kindnesses!!" This dedication to guest satisfaction truly sets Redwood Campground apart. Whether you're planning a quiet weekend by the water, a lively family reunion, or a summer-long escape, prepare to discover why Redwood Campground is a beloved gem in Iowa's beautiful lake country.

Redwood Campground boasts an enviable location at 3524 330th St, Ruthven, IA 51358, USA. This prime spot places it directly on the shores of Lost Island Lake, one of Iowa's beautiful natural lakes. Lost Island Lake spans 1266 acres, making it the 6th largest natural lake in the state, offering expansive opportunities for water activities and scenic views.

The resort's position in Ruthven, a welcoming community in Clay County, ensures a convenient and straightforward journey for Iowans. For those traveling from Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or Omaha, the drive is a manageable few hours, offering a pleasant route through Iowa's picturesque rural landscapes. Similarly, residents from closer cities like Spencer, Storm Lake, or Emmetsburg will find the campground incredibly accessible for weekend getaways or longer stays. The well-maintained roads leading to Ruthven and directly to the campground make navigation simple, even for first-time visitors. With 1520 feet of shoreline and a variety of accommodations spread across its grounds, the campground feels like a true escape, yet its proximity to the town of Ruthven means that essential supplies, local eateries, and other conveniences are never too far away. This perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and easy accessibility truly enhances Redwood Campground's appeal as a premier local destination for Iowans seeking a refreshing outdoor experience.

• Diverse Accommodation Options: Redwood Campground offers a wide array of lodging choices to suit various preferences, including 94 campsites (both seasonal and potentially daily), 3 rental Cabin Suites, 3 rental Camping Cabins, 1 A-Frame Cabin, and 4 rental houses. This variety ensures there's an option for every type of camper, from RVers to families seeking a comfortable cabin.
• Remodeled and Clean Cabins: The Cabin Suites, in particular, have recently been remodeled and are described as "very nice and so clean." They come fully equipped with bed linens, towels, dinnerware, cookware, flat-screen HD TVs with cable, refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, coffee pots, and toasters.
• Full Hookup RV Sites: Many RV campsites are available, with options potentially including full hookups (water, electric, sewer) for maximum convenience for RV and trailer owners. Seasonal camping sites are also offered.
• Water Activities and Rentals: Located on Lost Island Lake, the campground provides opportunities for a variety of water sports, including swimming, tubing, and water skiing. Boat slip rentals are available for campers who bring their own boats, and the lake allows boats of all motor sizes.
• Fishing Opportunities: Lost Island Lake is renowned for excellent fishing, particularly for walleye, bullhead, crappie, bluegill, northern pike, catfish, and yellow perch. The campground's location on the lake provides direct access to these fishing opportunities.
• Recreational Facilities: Guests can enjoy various on-site activities including a playground, sand volleyball court, tetherball, and a private beach. There are also walking trails and a bike trail for those who enjoy land-based recreation.
• Campground Store: A full-service store is conveniently located at the office, stocking essentials like firewood, ice, beverages (including cold beer and wine), pizza, hot dog specials, popcorn, candy, pop, apparel, and basic grocery items, minimizing the need to leave the campground for supplies.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff/Owners: Customer reviews consistently highlight the exceptional hospitality of the owners, Jeff and Carmen, who are described as "super welcoming," "friendly and helpful," and providing "lots of extra kindnesses."
• Communal Amenities: The presence of fire pits (as loved by one reviewer's grandma) and picnic areas suggests spaces for communal gathering and outdoor dining.

• Exceptional Owner Hospitality: The standout feature, consistently praised in customer reviews, is the incredibly welcoming and helpful nature of the owners, Jeff and Carmen. Their personal touch and "extra kindnesses" make guests feel truly special and contribute significantly to a memorable stay.
• Prime Lakeside Location on Lost Island Lake: Situated on the expansive 1266-acre Lost Island Lake, the campground offers direct access to a vast body of water, making it ideal for fishing, boating, swimming, tubing, and water skiing. The 1520 feet of shoreline further enhances the lakeside experience.
• Diverse and Remodeled Accommodations: With 94 campsites, 3 recently remodeled Cabin Suites, 3 Camping Cabins, 1 A-Frame Cabin, and 4 rental houses, Redwood Campground caters to a wide range of preferences and group sizes. The remodeled Cabin Suites are particularly highlighted for being "very nice and so clean," providing modern comforts.
• Full-Service On-Site Store: The convenience of a well-stocked general store at the office is a major highlight. It provides everything from firewood and ice to groceries, pizza, and beverages, meaning guests don't have to leave the premises for basic necessities.
• Family-Oriented Atmosphere: The campground is explicitly described as having a "family orientated atmosphere," making it a perfect destination for families with children of all ages. Activities like the playground, sand volleyball, and private beach cater to family fun.
• Spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks: A specific and highly praised feature is the "great 4th of July fireworks," indicating that the campground offers a spectacular holiday experience, likely a significant draw for local families during that time.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Lost Island Lake is known for its excellent fishing for a variety of species including walleye, bullhead, crappie, and northern pike, making the campground a prime spot for anglers.
• Recreational Activities for All Ages: Beyond water sports and fishing, the campground offers land-based activities like walking trails, a bike trail, and a nature center, ensuring there are diverse options for all interests and energy levels.

For reservations, inquiries about specific accommodations, or any questions regarding your stay at Redwood Campground, please use the following contact information. The friendly owners, Jeff and Carmen, will be happy to assist you.

Address: 3524 330th St, Ruthven, IA 51358, USA

Phone: (712) 837-4481

Mobile Phone: +1 712-837-4481

Email: redwoodcamping@gmail.com

Operating Hours:

• Monday-Thursday: 9am - 4pm
• Friday & Saturday: 9am - 7pm
• Sunday: 9am - 5pm

It is always recommended to call or email ahead, especially for specific questions or to confirm availability during peak seasons.

For Iowans seeking the quintessential lakeside experience, Redwood Campground on Lost Island Lake stands out as an exceptional and highly suitable local destination. It perfectly encapsulates the warm, community-oriented spirit that defines our state, combined with outstanding natural beauty and a comprehensive array of amenities.

The overwhelming sentiment from past visitors, particularly the praise for owners Jeff and Carmen, highlights the "extra special" and "perfect" experiences they create. This level of personalized, friendly hospitality is a significant draw for local Iowans, who appreciate genuine connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Knowing that the people running the campground genuinely care about your stay transforms a simple vacation into a memorable family tradition. The fact that guests, like the one whose "grandma loves the fire pit" even in the rain, find such joy in the small details, speaks volumes about the resort's charm and comfortable environment.

Furthermore, its location on Lost Island Lake provides Iowans with direct access to one of the state's largest natural lakes. This means endless opportunities for popular Iowa pastimes like fishing, boating, and simply enjoying the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler, a family looking to cool off with a swim, or someone who simply enjoys watching the sunset over the lake, Redwood Campground caters to these cherished local preferences. The diverse range of accommodations, from RV sites to beautifully remodeled cabin suites, ensures that every Iowan can find a suitable option, whether they prefer rustic camping or a more luxurious lakeside stay for a family reunion.

The added conveniences, such as the on-site store stocking essentials and the renowned Fourth of July fireworks, further solidify Redwood Campground as a premier choice for Iowans. It’s not just a place to visit; it’s a destination where lasting memories are forged, community bonds are strengthened, and the true spirit of an Iowa summer vacation comes alive. For a truly special and authentic Hawkeye State getaway, Redwood Campground is an undeniable local treasure.

Redwood Campground

3524 330th St, Ruthven, IA 51358, USA