Beaver Lake Campground










Beaver Lake Campground Overview
Beaver Lake Campground Location & Map
IowaDallas CountyDexterDel Rio Road
Beaver Lake Campground About
For Iowans who appreciate a more rustic and less manicured camping experience, Beaver Lake Campground in Dexter, IA, offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature. This privately owned campground caters to those who prioritize affordability and a quiet atmosphere over extensive amenities. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves spacious, natural sites, the convenience of essential hookups, and a truly laid-back environment, Beaver Lake Campground might just be your next favorite spot for a night or two under the Iowa sky. It’s a place where you can unwind, enjoy the simple pleasures of camping, and appreciate the peaceful surroundings.
Many Iowa residents cherish the chance to escape the everyday hustle without venturing too far from home. Beaver Lake Campground, with its focus on basic necessities and a relaxed vibe, provides just that kind of accessible retreat. It’s a good option for self-contained RVers looking for a quick and economical stop, or for those who don’t mind a more “back to basics” approach to camping. While it has its quirks, its affordability and big-rig friendly pull-thru sites can make it a practical choice for many Iowa adventurers passing through or exploring the Dexter area.
Beaver Lake Campground is situated at 35335 Del Rio Rd, Dexter, IA 50070, USA. This location places it approximately 1 ½ miles north of the town of Dexter. It's important for prospective campers to note that the access road to the campground is a gravel road, which can be very dusty, particularly in dry conditions. This final stretch of the journey sets the tone for a more rural and secluded camping experience.
While it's a few miles off the main highways, its proximity to Dexter allows for quick trips into town if needed, though visitors are advised to bring most of what they need. Its slightly off-the-beaten-path location contributes significantly to the quiet and peaceful ambiance that many campers seek. For those traveling on Interstate 80, the campground is often considered a convenient and more affordable alternative to pricier options closer to the interstate, even with the gravel road approach. The drive through the Iowa countryside to reach Beaver Lake Campground adds to the sense of getting away from it all, leading you to a tranquil spot surrounded by green grass and tall trees.
Beaver Lake Campground provides fundamental services primarily for RV campers, emphasizing basic utility connections.
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Electric Hookups (30 amp): The campground offers electric hookups, primarily 30 amp service, for RVs. This allows campers to power their vehicles and appliances. It's noted that the electrical pedestals may have varying conditions, with some instances of ground faults or breaker trips, suggesting campers should be prepared to use alternative pedestals if needed.
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Water Hookups (20 PSI): Water connections are available at the sites. While the water pressure is noted as approximately 20 PSI, which is adequate for most RV needs, some spigots might have leaks. Campers should be prepared for lower pressure and potentially bring a pressure regulator if concerned.
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Bathrooms/Showers: The campground includes bathrooms and showers. Reviews indicate these facilities are "dated but functional." While not modern, they provide essential restroom and showering capabilities for campers.
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Dump Station: A dump station is provided for waste disposal. One review mentioned a lack of water to flush at the dump station, which is a consideration for campers. It's always a good idea to confirm current conditions upon arrival or have alternative plans if this is a critical service for your stay.
These services are designed to offer a practical and affordable camping experience, particularly for self-contained RVs, within a more rustic setting.
Beaver Lake Campground offers several characteristics that define its unique camping experience, appealing to those who seek a blend of rustic charm and basic convenience.
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Big Rig Friendly Pull-Thru Sites: A significant highlight for RVers is that all sites are pull-thru, making it easier to navigate, especially for larger Class A motorhomes or fifth wheels. The sites are described as "just long enough for our class-A," confirming its suitability for bigger rigs, a major plus for many travelers.
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Mostly Level Sites: While some sites may not be perfectly level and might show signs of wear, they are generally described as "mostly level." This simplifies the setup process for campers, reducing the need for extensive leveling equipment.
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Abundant Green Grass and Tall Trees: The campground boasts "lots of green grass and many tall trees," providing a pleasant, natural setting. This offers shade, a sense of privacy, and a more picturesque environment compared to barren lots, enhancing the outdoor experience.
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Quiet Atmosphere (with caveats): Many visitors seek a "quiet little campground," and Beaver Lake generally delivers on this. While there have been isolated reports of noise from other campers, the overall environment, being 1 ½ miles north of town on a gravel road, contributes to a peaceful retreat away from urban sounds.
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Affordable Overnight Stop: At approximately $32.10 per night for electric and water hookups, Beaver Lake Campground offers a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive parks. This affordability makes it an attractive option for an overnight stop or a short stay for those mindful of their travel budget.
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Rustic Charm: The campground embraces a more "cared-for in some time" aesthetic, which contributes to its rustic charm. This appeals to campers who prefer a less manicured, more natural setting, akin to a traditional, no-frills camping ground.
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Proximity to Beaver Lake: While the campground itself is not directly on the lake, it is located near Beaver Lake Wildlife Area, offering potential access to lake views or recreational activities like fishing if permitted by the lake's regulations. The lake is noted for crappie and bluegill fishing, and has amenities like a boat access, fishing jetty, and picnic area.
It is important to note that while the campground offers significant benefits in terms of space and affordability, some operational aspects of the utilities (like water pressure and electrical pedestals) and cleanliness of shared facilities might vary. Campers who are self-sufficient in their rigs tend to have a more consistent positive experience here.
Based on the provided information, Beaver Lake Campground maintains a consistent and competitive pricing structure rather than advertising specific, fluctuating promotions. The prevailing "offer" that makes it attractive to campers is its affordable nightly rate. At approximately $32.10 for electric (30 amp) and water hookups, it presents a cost-effective option for travelers in the Iowa region.
This stable, lower price point is a continuous benefit, especially for those seeking an economical overnight stay or a brief, budget-conscious camping trip. While there are no explicit "special offers" mentioned, the inherent value of accessible hookups at this price serves as its primary draw for many campers.
It is always advisable for prospective visitors to contact Beaver Lake Campground directly using the provided phone numbers to confirm current rates and any potential unadvertised deals that might be available, particularly for longer stays or off-peak seasons. However, the consistent affordability is a key element of its appeal, distinguishing it as a practical choice for locals and travelers alike.
To inquire further about Beaver Lake Campground, confirm availability, or understand more about their facilities, you can reach out directly:
Address: 35335 Del Rio Rd, Dexter, IA 50070, USA
Phone: (515) 789-4661
Mobile Phone: +1 515-789-4661
Calling ahead is recommended, especially if you have specific concerns about site conditions, utility functionality, or general availability, as conditions can vary.
Beaver Lake Campground, with its rustic charm and focus on essential services, presents a suitable option for many Iowans seeking a particular kind of outdoor experience. Its primary appeal lies in its straightforward approach to camping and its affordability. For locals with RVs, especially larger rigs, the availability of big-rig friendly, pull-thru sites with electric and water hookups at a reasonable price point (around $32.10) is a significant advantage. This makes it an accessible and economical choice for a quick overnight stop or a short, no-frills getaway close to home.
The campground's location, a short drive north of Dexter on a gravel road, contributes to its quiet and remote feel. For those Iowans who desire to escape the noise and bustle of more developed areas, this seclusion is a considerable benefit. It offers a chance to truly disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings, characterized by "lots of green grass and many tall trees." While the facilities might be dated and some utilities may require a bit of flexibility (e.g., lower water pressure or checking different power pedestals), many seasoned campers are prepared for such minor adjustments in exchange for a peaceful, less crowded environment.
Furthermore, for locals looking for easy access to fishing, the proximity to Beaver Lake, known for crappie and bluegill, adds another recreational dimension to a stay here. While the campground may not offer extensive activities for young children on-site, it serves as a functional base for exploring the wider Dexter area, which has historical sites and trails.
Ultimately, Beaver Lake Campground is ideal for self-sufficient Iowan RVers who prioritize value, space, and a quiet, natural setting over modern amenities and constant entertainment. It caters to those who are comfortable with a more independent camping style and appreciate the simplicity of a laid-back rural escape. It’s a pragmatic choice for a tranquil Iowa adventure, allowing residents to enjoy the beauty of their home state without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews
Spent 1 night at Beaver Lake Campground at $32.10 for electric (30amp only) & water only (20 PSI). NEVER AGAIN!!! OVER-PRICED!!! The 3 different homeless campers made for a very interesting night. (I should have called the sheriff) 1 slept in his car, another in a utility trailer with no windows and the tenters were the best. Loud music, heavy drinking, and challenging conversation. Several dogs ran loose within the campground (1 dog belonged to the homeless) The campground is 1 ½ miles north of town on a very, very dusty gravel road. The first electrical pedestal I connected to had a ground fault, the water spigot leaked like a water fall and the sites while mostly level have not been cared for in some time. Several full-timers spilled over into other sites. All the sites are pull-thru, just long enough for our class-A and the park is big rig friendly. The interior roads are all gravel. The bathrooms/showers are dated but functional. There is lots of green grass and many tall trees.
If you're looking for a quiet little campground that doesn't cost a whole lot of money this place might be for you but after checking in hooking up to their 30 amp service and had the breaker trip four times had to power cord to the next lot power service, the bathrooms weren't maintained very well on the men's bathroom Toilet was plugged up and if you have young kids not much for them to do here. Make sure you bring things for them to do.
We had a reservation for this weekend (Labor Day) when one of party arrived the campground was found to be a place we didn't want to camp in. Several campers apparently are long term residents. Nothing wrong with long term camping. The conditions of these sites however are not campground friendly. The playground area was not mowed or taken care of. Dogs running at large. All things we find not appealing. We did not even stay. This at one time was a really nice campground that has gone down hill. It's in a beautiful location sad to see the condition of the place. Please check other reviews. IF the owner happens to see these reviews please take them into consideration. We really enjoyed the campground in the past and would like to see it return to how it was before. You are sitting on a beautiful piece of property and with so many people wishing to camp and needing places to go a little spit and polish you would be booked every weekend.
Beaver lake campground was decent. We were just passing through looking for camping last minute. we stopped at the KOA and there wasn't anyone at the office. The campground at this particular KOA was packed with very small lots. we then called beaver lake and the man was very friendly, he took us right back to the campground, let us pick our own spot. it's very quiet, full hookup, the camp dog was really sweet! It came and visited a few times throughout the night. There is also a small playground. The biggest con is the bathroom. granted most campgrounds don't have bathrooms especially ones that flush but it's pretty dirty here.
No frills, just great quiet campground. Small, maybe 15 sites with 3 full while we were there.
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