Redwood Campground

For Iowans seeking a truly memorable lakeside retreat, Redwood Campground in Ruthven, Iowa, stands out as a beloved destination. Nestled on the scenic shores of Lost Island Lake, this campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a vibrant hub for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Many visitors, like those who "just love it here and would like to stay longer," find themselves drawn back to its welcoming atmosphere year after year. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a romantic getaway, or simply a peaceful escape to nature, Redwood Campground offers a diverse range of accommodations and activities designed to make your stay truly exceptional.

The success of Redwood Campground is largely attributed to its commitment to providing a "perfect" experience, often highlighted by the friendly and helpful nature of its hosts, Jeff and Carmen, who go the extra mile with "lots of extra kindnesses." This personal touch, combined with recently remodeled and "very nice and so clean" cabin suites, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all. As one family of 21 discovered, renting the connected cabin suites here offers a wonderful experience that leaves a lasting impression. From the serene lake views to the array of on-site and nearby activities, Redwood Campground is truly a gem in Iowa's natural lakes region, inviting you to create cherished memories by the water.

Redwood Campground is ideally situated at 3524 330th St, Ruthven, IA 51358, USA. This prime location places it directly on Lost Island Lake, near the charming community of Ruthven in Palo Alto County, Iowa. Lost Island Lake itself is a significant natural feature, boasting 1266 acres and ranking as the 6th largest natural lake in Iowa, providing an expansive backdrop for water-based activities.

The campground's accessibility is a key advantage for Iowans. Ruthven is connected by well-maintained state and county roads, making the drive to Redwood Campground relatively straightforward from various parts of the state. Detailed directions are often provided by the campground (e.g., from IA Hwy 9 or IA Hwy 18, involving specific turns on 310th Ave, 300th St, 350th Ave, 320th St, and 355th Ave before reaching 330th St). This ensures that whether you're bringing a large RV or simply a car full of gear, reaching your destination is manageable. The lakeside location also means direct access to the water, a major draw for those interested in boating, fishing, or swimming. The convenience of this location, allowing quick access to the natural beauty of Lost Island Lake, significantly contributes to its popularity among local visitors.

Redwood Campground provides a comprehensive array of services designed to cater to various camping preferences, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience for all guests.

• Diverse Accommodation Options: The campground offers a wide range of lodging, including 94 campsites, 3 recently renovated Cabin Suites, 3 rental Camping Cabins, 1 A-Frame Cabin, and 4 rental houses.
• Campsite Amenities: All daily campsites provide electricity and cable hookups, a picnic table, and a fire pit, making for a convenient camping setup. Seasonal campsites are also available, with options for lakeside or off-lake, and with or without sewer hook-ups.
• Cabin Suite Features: The renovated Cabin Suites (Suite #2 sleeps up to 6; Suites #1 and #3 sleep up to 9) include queen beds, pullout couches, dining areas, television with cable, refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee pot, and toaster. Bed linens, towels, dinnerware, and cookware are provided (for 6 or 9 people depending on the suite). Each suite also has a charcoal grill, fire pit, and picnic table.
• Camping Cabin Features: These units sleep 6 and typically include a queen bed, mattresses in loft areas, sofa, TV with cable, small refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, and a small table and chairs. Some units include a bathroom.
• Full Kitchen & Bathroom Units: Larger cabins and houses offer full kitchens (with stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, table service, basic utensils) and bathrooms.
• Shower House: A shared shower house with multiple units is available for campers.
• General Store/Office: The office offers ice cream treats, ice, pizza, candy, soda, and a few basic grocery items. Firewood can also be purchased here.
• Watercraft Rentals: Paddle boats and paddle boards are available for rent, providing easy access to lake activities.
• Recreational Equipment: Video games, books, and puzzles are available for rainy day activities.
• Boat Slip Rental: Limited boat slip rentals are available for campers bringing their own boats, providing convenient lake access.

Redwood Campground's location on Lost Island Lake provides a plethora of features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for Iowans seeking outdoor fun and relaxation.

• Lost Island Lake Access: With 1520 feet of shoreline, the campground offers direct access to Lost Island Lake, a 1266-acre natural lake. This allows for excellent opportunities for fishing (walleye, bullhead, crappie, bluegill, northern pike, catfish, yellow perch), boating (no size limit on boat motors), swimming, tubing, and water skiing.
• Recently Remodeled Cabins: The "very nice and so clean" and recently remodeled cabin suites are a significant highlight, offering a comfortable and modern stay with full amenities for families and groups.
• Family-Oriented Atmosphere: The campground is known for its "family orientated atmosphere," making it a welcoming and safe environment for visitors of all ages.
• On-Site Recreation: Beyond the lake, the campground offers a playground for children, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, tetherball, and a private beach for leisurely enjoyment.
• Walking and Bike Trails: Visitors can explore the area through walking trails and a designated bike trail, perfect for enjoying the scenic surroundings and getting some exercise.
• Nature Center: The presence of a nature center indicates educational opportunities and a chance to learn more about the local ecosystem.
• Stunning Sunsets: Being on the lake, the campground is an ideal spot to witness "beautiful sunset view over the lake," a highlight that enhances the overall peaceful experience.
• Friendly Staff: The "friendly and helpful" owners, Jeff and Carmen, are consistently praised, contributing significantly to a positive and welcoming experience for guests.

Redwood Campground offers various options that can be considered valuable "offers" for different types of stays, particularly for those looking for longer visits or group accommodations.

• Seasonal Camping Sites: For Iowans who want to make Redwood Campground their summer home, seasonal camping sites are available. These come at a reduced long-term rate, with options for lakeside or off-lake, and with or without sewer hook-ups. The season runs from April 15 through the last Sunday in September. This provides significant savings over daily rates for extended stays.
• Cabin Suite Daily Rates: The Cabin Suites are available for daily rental, with competitive pricing for weekdays ($150-$175/night) versus weekends ($175-$200/night) and holiday weekends ($175-$200/night). A two-day minimum stay is required. This tiered pricing can offer better value for weekday visits.
• Group Accommodation: The availability of connected cabin suites and multiple rental cabins/houses makes Redwood Campground ideal for large family gatherings or group trips, allowing everyone to stay together comfortably. The positive review from a family of 21 renting connected suites highlights this benefit.
• On-site Amenities Included: The wide range of on-site activities and amenities (playground, volleyball, beach access, trails) are included with your stay, providing entertainment value without additional costs for many activities.

For the most current rates and any potential last-minute availability or unadvertised specials, it's always recommended to contact Redwood Campground directly. Booking in advance is especially advised for cabins and houses, as they tend to be fully booked well into the next season. Full payment is due upon reservation for lodging, and a cancellation policy exists.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Redwood Campground, please use the following contact details:

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

Phone: (712) 837-4481

Mobile Phone: +1 712-837-4481

Email: redwoodcamping@gmail.com

Hours: Mon-Thur: 9 AM - 4 PM; Fri & Sat: 9 AM - 7 PM; Sunday: 9 AM - 5 PM.

For Iowans seeking a comprehensive and exceptionally welcoming outdoor experience, Redwood Campground on Lost Island Lake is an ideal choice. Its suitability for locals stems from its combination of convenient location, diverse accommodation options, and a family-friendly atmosphere that makes every visit memorable.

The accessibility of Ruthven, coupled with the campground's direct access to Lost Island Lake—one of Iowa's largest natural lakes—means that a wide array of water activities like fishing, boating, and swimming are literally at your doorstep. This is a significant draw for any Iowan who cherishes lake life. The variety of lodging, from traditional campsites with hookups to beautifully remodeled cabin suites and rental houses, caters to every comfort level and group size, making it perfect for anything from a solo fishing trip to a large family reunion. The positive testimonials about the "very nice and so clean" cabins and the "friendly and helpful" staff, Jeff and Carmen, underscore the high quality of the guest experience and the genuine hospitality that enhances any stay.

Beyond the accommodations, the on-site recreational features like playgrounds, volleyball courts, and walking trails ensure there's always something to do, especially for families with children. The opportunity to witness stunning lake sunsets and simply unwind in a peaceful lakeside setting provides the perfect antidote to daily stresses. Redwood Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a community where lasting memories are made, offering a consistently delightful and well-managed escape for Iowans looking to embrace the beauty and recreational opportunities of their home state.