Red Barn Campground & Restaurant, Lansing, IA

For us Iowans, finding that perfect camping spot often means striking a balance: a place that feels like a true escape into nature, yet still offers the comforts and conveniences that make a vacation truly relaxing. Look no further than Red Barn Campground & Restaurant in Lansing, Iowa. This beloved destination in the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a vibrant community where you'll find genuine hospitality, excellent amenities, and a surprising array of activities right at your fingertips.

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Northeast Iowa, Lansing is a gem, and Red Barn Campground & Restaurant perfectly encapsulates its charm. Imagine arriving at a campground where the sites are not only well-maintained but also offer plenty of shade, even on the hottest days. Picture yourself enjoying a delicious meal at an on-site restaurant after a day of exploring, or watching your kids play safely on a fantastic playground. This campground goes beyond the basics, creating an atmosphere that feels like a "new neighborhood" with incredibly "friendly and helpful" people, as noted by many satisfied campers.

Many of us cherish the camaraderie of fellow campers, and Red Barn Campground & Restaurant excels in fostering this sense of community. The presence of many "seasonal sights with such nice people" means you’ll often encounter welcoming faces, even finding helpful individuals willing to share local insights, like guiding you to the best trails for side-by-sides. This article will provide a comprehensive look at what makes Red Barn Campground & Restaurant a must-visit destination for your next Iowa adventure, highlighting its unique features and everything you need to know for a memorable stay.

Red Barn Campground & Restaurant is conveniently located at 2609 Main St, Lansing, IA 52151, USA. This address places it perfectly within the beautiful landscape of Northeast Iowa, known as the "Driftless Area," which is characterized by its stunning bluffs, deep river valleys, and pristine trout streams. The campground is situated along Main Street (also designated as Highway 9), offering excellent accessibility for travelers arriving from various directions.

Its location in Lansing, a charming town on the Mississippi River, means that campers have easy access to local amenities and attractions. While the campground offers a sense of being a self-contained retreat, it's not isolated. Downtown Lansing, with its shops, restaurants, and access to boat launches on the Mississippi River, is just a few miles away. Campers can easily venture out for groceries, explore the historic town, or visit nearby natural attractions like Mount Hosmer Scenic Park, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley. The straightforward access from main roads makes Red Barn Campground & Restaurant a hassle-free destination for all types of vehicles, including large RVs, providing a perfect balance of outdoor serenity and community convenience.

Red Barn Campground & Restaurant offers a comprehensive suite of services and amenities designed to make every stay comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable for all types of campers:

Diverse Campsite Options: The campground features 118 RV and tent sites, including pull-through and back-in options, accommodating various camping preferences and vehicle sizes.
Full Hookup Sites: Many sites offer full hookups with 20/30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer connections, ensuring maximum convenience for RVers. Sites with electric-only or water & electric hookups are also available.
Primitive Tent Sites: Dedicated grassy sites are available for tent campers, some located next to a trout stream for a more rustic experience.
Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite is furnished with a picnic table and a fire ring, essential for outdoor dining and campfires.
Clean Restrooms & Showers: The bathrooms and showers are consistently praised by guests for being "very clean" and well-maintained.
Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities are available for guest convenience, especially beneficial for longer stays.
RV Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for waste disposal.
On-Site Restaurant & Bar: A unique highlight, the Red Barn Restaurant serves "very good" home-cooked food and beverages. It's open from March to November, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner (hours vary, typically open Thursday-Sunday). It also features a bar.
Campground Store: A fully-stocked store within the converted barn offers snacks, souvenirs, supplies, and more.
Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome at campsites (one pet per site, additional pets for a fee, 2 pets max.), must be leashed, and kept quiet. Specific rental units are also pet-friendly.
WiFi Hotspots: Wi-Fi is available at the park, allowing guests to stay connected (though quality can vary).
Firewood & Ice Sales: Firewood is available for purchase (and sometimes delivery by request), as is ice.
Propane Fill Station: On-site propane sales provide added convenience for RVers.
ATM Availability: An ATM is available in the campground store.
Cabin & Rental Camper Units: For those without their own equipment, the campground offers a variety of cabins and fully-equipped rental campers, complete with amenities like air conditioning, fire pits, and kitchens (depending on the unit). Guests should bring their own bedding.

Red Barn Campground & Restaurant stands out with an impressive array of features and highlights that transform a simple camping trip into a memorable resort-like experience for families and individuals alike:

On-Site Restaurant & Bar: The converted early 1900s barn houses a restaurant serving "very good" food and a bar, offering unparalleled convenience for meals and relaxation without leaving the campground.
Friendly and Welcoming Community: Consistently praised by visitors, the campground fosters a "super friendly and helpful" atmosphere, particularly among its "alot of seasonal sights with such nice people." This creates a sense of "new neighborhood."
Spacious & Shaded Sites: Many sites offer "lots of shade" and are "more spacious than many private parks," providing comfort even on hot days and more privacy. Sites are level and well-maintained with beautiful, lush grass or gravel parking areas.
Family-Friendly Activities On-Site: The campground boasts a "great playground surrounded with sand" for little kids, a "small mini golf," basketball, and volleyball courts, ensuring plenty of entertainment for all ages.
Access to a Small Creek: A "little creek runs through" the campground, offering a safe and fun spot for kids to "cool off in the water."
ATV/Side-by-Side Friendly: The campground welcomes ATVs/side-by-sides, and local seasonal campers are even known to show visitors local trails, enhancing off-road adventure opportunities.
Proximity to Town Amenities: Despite its natural setting, the campground is only a "few miles away" from the Lansing town swimming pool and other downtown attractions, including grocery stores and the Mississippi River boat launches.
Cleanliness Standards: Reviewers repeatedly highlight the cleanliness of the "bathrooms, showers, laundry," demonstrating a commitment to guest comfort and hygiene.
Excellent Connectivity: Wi-fi "worked fine," and Verizon hotspot also functioned well, allowing guests to stay connected if desired.
Quiet Atmosphere: Even when "packed and busy over the weekend," campers reported no issues with "too much noise from late partying campers," indicating a well-managed and respectful environment.
Trout Stream Access: A trout stream is close by, offering fishing opportunities, with the DNR reportedly stocking it every two weeks.

Red Barn Campground & Restaurant offers several appealing promotions and flexible rates designed to enhance your camping experience and provide excellent value:

Stay 6 Nights, Get the 7th Free: This fantastic deal makes longer vacations more economical, allowing you to extend your stay and fully enjoy all the campground and surrounding area have to offer.
Military Discount: Active and retired military personnel can receive a discount by using the promo code "SALUTE" when booking, a great way to show appreciation for service.
Mid-Week Special: Book a stay on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and receive one of your nights 50% off. This promotion (using promo code "MIDWEEK") encourages weekday visits, potentially offering a quieter experience.
Seasonal Site Rates: For those looking for an extended stay throughout the camping season, Red Barn Campground offers seasonal rates. These provide significant savings compared to daily rates for stays of 90 days or the full season (184 days). Interested parties should call directly for availability and pricing for these specific sites.
Tiered Pricing for Site Types: Daily rates are clearly structured based on site amenities: Primitive Tent Sites are $25/night, while 30/50 Amp Electric Only, 30 Amp Water & Electric, and Full Hookup (30/50 Amp) sites are all $39/night. This transparent pricing allows campers to choose based on their needs and budget.
Rental Units: A variety of rental campers and cabins are available at different price points (e.g., $55 for a one-room cabin, $89-$119 for rental campers), offering alternatives for those without their own RVs or tents.
Pet Fees: While pets are welcome at campsites, there is an additional fee of $10 per additional pet (2 pets maximum per site).

These promotions and rate structures demonstrate Red Barn Campground & Restaurant's commitment to offering flexible and appealing options for all types of campers.

For inquiries, reservations, or to gather more detailed information about Red Barn Campground & Restaurant, its amenities, or the on-site dining options, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2609 Main St, Lansing, IA 52151, USA
Phone: (563) 538-4956
Mobile Phone: +1 563-538-4956 (This confirms the main phone number is the primary contact.)
Website: www.redbarncampgroundandrestaurant.com (Their official website is the best source for online reservations, updated policies, and restaurant menus.)

It is highly recommended to call or visit their website for the most current information, especially for specific site availability, restaurant hours, or to inquire about seasonal spots, as these can fill up quickly.

For us Iowans, Red Barn Campground & Restaurant is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for our next outdoor adventure. It beautifully combines the rustic charm of camping with the modern conveniences and family-friendly amenities that truly enhance a getaway. We appreciate places where the "people are so friendly and helpful," creating a warm, community atmosphere that feels like a "new neighborhood" rather than just a temporary stop. This sense of belonging is invaluable and sets Red Barn apart.

The on-site restaurant is a huge draw, offering "very good" food, eliminating the need to cook every meal and allowing for more relaxation. The variety of activities, from the "great playground" and "mini golf" for kids to basketball, volleyball, and even accessible ATV trails for adults (with helpful local guidance!), ensures there's never a dull moment. Clean facilities, spacious and shaded sites, and a convenient location near Lansing's town pool and other attractions make it practical and enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned RVer, a tent camper, or looking for a comfortable cabin, Red Barn Campground & Restaurant offers a complete, hospitable, and truly memorable experience right here in the heart of Northeast Iowa.