Montgomery Fairgrounds Campground, Red Oak, IA

For Iowans who love the simplicity of camping and appreciate convenience, the Montgomery Fairgrounds Campground in Red Oak, IA, offers a straightforward and budget-friendly option. This isn’t a sprawling wilderness retreat, but rather a practical and accessible spot that provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay, particularly appealing to those looking for a no-frills experience or a convenient base when visiting the Red Oak area. If you’re seeking a clean, basic campground with electric hookups and easy access to services, then this local gem is worth considering for your next Iowa outing.

The Montgomery Fairgrounds Campground is known for its clean and basic facilities, providing exactly what’s needed for a comfortable overnight or short-term stay. Campers will find electricity at each site, along with communal water access and a convenient dump station. At a very reasonable rate, it's a solid choice for those passing through or looking for an affordable place to stay while exploring Red Oak and its surroundings. While one reviewer mentioned a desire for a location "outside of town," many Iowans appreciate the proximity to local services and the practicality that a fairgrounds campground offers. It's a testament to its no-fuss approach, providing exactly what’s promised: a nice, clean, and essential camping experience.

The Montgomery Fairgrounds Campground is located at 2011 N 4th St, Red Oak, IA 51566, USA. This address places it directly within the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Red Oak, a community in southwestern Iowa. Its location within the fairgrounds means it offers a unique blend of being within a developed area while still providing dedicated camping spaces.

The accessibility of this campground is one of its primary advantages. Being on N 4th Street, it's easily reachable by paved roads, making it suitable for both RVs and tent campers who arrive by vehicle. This straightforward access means less time navigating remote or unpaved roads, and more time enjoying your stay. For Iowans, particularly those from the surrounding counties or even further afield who are attending fair events or simply passing through, its location right in Red Oak means immediate access to local amenities. Shopping, dining, and other services within the town are easily accessible, providing a practical base for your travels. While some campers might prefer a more secluded setting, the convenience of being "in town" offers a different kind of advantage, ensuring that supplies and local attractions are always just a short drive away.

The Montgomery Fairgrounds Campground offers a fundamental set of services designed for a straightforward and functional camping experience. While it emphasizes basic amenities, it provides the essentials for a comfortable stay.

Electricity at Each Site: A key amenity, providing power hookups for RVs and for charging devices or powering lights for tent campers.
Water Access: Potable water is available, typically at a communal spigot near the entrance or central area.
Dump Station: A convenient facility for RVers to empty their wastewater tanks.
Trash Bins: Available at the entrance for easy waste disposal, promoting cleanliness within the campground.
Basic Restrooms: While not explicitly detailed, fairground campgrounds often have basic restroom facilities (pit toilets or flush toilets, sometimes limited outside of fair season). One source indicates running water and flush toilets.
Showers: One source suggests showers are available, implying more than just primitive facilities.
Tent Friendly: Accommodates tent campers, though the primary focus appears to be on RVs with electrical hookups.
Big Rig Friendly: The campground is noted to be suitable for larger RVs.
Pet Friendly: Pets are generally allowed, likely with standard leash and cleanup rules.

The Montgomery Fairgrounds Campground, while basic, features several highlights that make it an attractive option for certain types of campers in Iowa.

Affordable Nightly Rate: At $15 per night (as of June 2022), it offers excellent value, making it a very budget-friendly option for an overnight stop or short stay.
Convenient Location: Situated within the fairgrounds in Red Oak, it provides easy access to the town's services, making it convenient for resupply or dining.
Essential Hookups Provided: The presence of electricity at each site, along with water and a dump station, covers the primary needs for most RVers and electric-dependent campers.
Clean and Basic Facilities: The campground is described as "nice clean/basic," indicating that while amenities are simple, they are well-maintained.
Practicality for Events: Its fairgrounds location makes it exceptionally convenient for attendees of events held at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.
Accessibility for All Rig Sizes: Being "Big Rig Friendly" ensures that even larger RVs can find a spot.
Potential for Quiet Stays: Outside of major fair events, fairgrounds campgrounds can often offer surprisingly quiet and peaceful stays.

As a fairgrounds campground, the primary "promotion" of the Montgomery Fairgrounds Campground lies in its consistent and affordable pricing, rather than fluctuating special offers.

Standard Nightly Rate: As of June 24, 2022, the rate was $15 per night. This stable, low price makes it highly attractive for budget-conscious travelers and locals alike. It is important to confirm current pricing as rates can change over time.
Fair Event Accessibility: During the Montgomery County Fair, the campground is an invaluable resource, often offering dedicated camping options for fair attendees. While specific fair camping rules (like needing a fair membership or pass) might apply during the fair, the convenience for event-goers is a major draw.

It’s always advisable for Michiganders to confirm current rates and any specific booking procedures directly, as fairgrounds campgrounds may have slightly different rules or seasonal availability compared to state or county parks. There might also be different rates or requirements during peak fair periods.

For direct inquiries or to learn more about the Montgomery Fairgrounds Campground, please use the following contact information.

Address: 2011 N 4th St, Red Oak, IA 51566, USA

Phone: (712) 485-2295 (This phone number is also associated with Pottawattamie County Conservation, which often manages parks in the broader region. For precise fairgrounds camping information, it may be best to look for a direct fairgrounds office number if available, or confirm through the county conservation if they indeed manage the fairgrounds camping.)

Mobile Phone: +1 712-485-2295 (Same as above)

To ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information, especially concerning availability during fair events or any specific rules, it's recommended to call ahead. You might also check the official Montgomery County Fairgrounds website, as fairgrounds often list their camping details and contact information for non-fair season camping on their event or camping pages.

The Montgomery Fairgrounds Campground is particularly suitable for Iowa locals who value practicality, affordability, and convenience in their camping adventures. For us, the description of a "nice clean/basic campground with electricity at each site" is a clear signal of a functional and reliable place to stay. The $15 per night rate (as of recent data) is incredibly appealing, making it a very accessible option for a quick weekend getaway or an overnight stop without breaking the bank.

While one review jokingly suggests it's not "outside of town," many Iowans appreciate having water, a dump station, and trash bins conveniently available at the entrance, directly addressing essential camping needs. Its location within the fairgrounds means easy access to Red Oak's amenities, which is a major plus for those who prefer to be close to stores or local dining. It’s an ideal spot for those attending events at the fairgrounds who need a convenient and affordable place to stay. For the Iowa camper who prioritizes essential hookups, cleanliness, and a budget-friendly price point over extensive recreational facilities, the Montgomery Fairgrounds Campground is a straightforward and dependable choice for a comfortable local outdoor experience.