RV Parks In Brooklyn, Iowa
41.7336° N, 92.4455° W
Quick Overview
Brooklyn is a friendly little Iowa town riding right along Interstate 80 at exit 197, about halfway between Des Moines and Iowa City, and it is best known to travelers as the Community of Flags. The signature stop is an 80-foot American flag surrounded by more than 55 flags, all 50 states and the military branches among them, lit year-round just under three miles off the interstate on Historic Route 6. It makes a genuinely fun fuel-and-flag break or a relaxed two-to-three day base for the lakes and fishing nearby.
For full hookups, the closest anchor is Kellogg RV Park, about 24 miles west right off I-80 at the Kellogg-Sully exit 173. It has 38 level pull-through sites with 30 and 50 amp service, water, and sewer, stays open year-round, and even bills itself as Iowa's only solar-powered RV park, with Iowa's Best Burger Cafe on site. If you would rather camp on the water, Diamond Lake Park is a Poweshiek County campground about 13 miles south near Montezuma, with 80 electric 50-amp sites, 40 primitive sites, two dump stations, and a 90-acre lake, all first-come and cheap. Farther west near Kellogg, Rock Creek State Park adds 103 electric sites, modern showers, and a big lake with 15 miles of shoreline, with most sites reservable through ReserveAmerica.
Brooklyn rewards RVers who like their stops cheap and uncrowded. County camping runs about $10 to $20 a night, the private park costs a bit more for sewer and pull-throughs, and Grinnell 15 miles west covers groceries, fuel, and basic repair. Add Skydive Iowa on the edge of town, the downtown international flag display, the Brooklyn Opera House, and good bass fishing at both lakes, and you have more to do than the flag photo most people come for. Roll in off I-80, top off your tanks, and settle in. Late spring through mid fall is the sweet spot, with warm days and green corn country all around, while September and October bring crisp settled weather and thin crowds. Just plan around summer thunderstorms and winter ice, because this is open Midwest farm country where the weather swings hard by season.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Brooklyn
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Gear for Your Trip to Brooklyn
All Dump Stations Near Brooklyn
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Pine Mobile Home Ct | 0.8 mi | 3.1 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Spruce Village Mobile Home Park | 10.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Diamond Lake Campground | 10.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Soul Creek Camp Ground | 11.7 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Willows Mobile Home Community | 13.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Grinnell Manufactured Home Community | 13.9 mi | 3.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Tama County Ohv Park And Campground | 16.9 mi | 3.2 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Outback Campground & Resort | 18.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hannen Lake Park - Benton Co. Conservation | 19.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hannen Park | 19.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Lone Pine Mobile Home Ct
0.8 miSpruce Village Mobile Home Park
10.8 miDiamond Lake Campground
10.9 miSoul Creek Camp Ground
11.7 miWillows Mobile Home Community
13.9 miGrinnell Manufactured Home Community
13.9 miTama County Ohv Park And Campground
16.9 miOutback Campground & Resort
18.8 miHannen Lake Park - Benton Co. Conservation
19.3 miHannen Park
19.4 miTraveling to Brooklyn by RV
Brooklyn sits directly on Interstate 80 at exit 197, so most RVers arrive straight off the interstate with no fuss, roughly halfway between Des Moines and Iowa City. IA-21 runs north and south through the area and drops you toward Montezuma and Diamond Lake to the south, while Historic US-6, old Route 6, threads through town past the Community of Flags. These are open, flat, well-maintained roads with no notable low bridges or weight limits, used daily by trucks and farm equipment, so a 40-foot rig tows in and out of the ramps comfortably.
The town itself is easy to navigate, with wide flat streets and quick interstate access. Fuel up on diesel or gas at the I-80 interchanges around Brooklyn, Kellogg, and Grinnell, and do your bigger grocery and propane runs in Grinnell about 15 miles west, the largest town nearby. For state park reservations at Rock Creek, use the Iowa Department of Natural Resources system up to three months ahead; Diamond Lake is first-come only, so time your arrival for a weekday if you want a lakeside electric site.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Brooklyn, Iowa, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is an easy stop on the wallet. Diamond Lake Park, the Poweshiek County campground near Montezuma, runs about $10 a night for a primitive site and around $20 for an electric 50-amp site, which is tough to beat for a lakeside spot with a dump station. Rock Creek State Park near Kellogg charges standard Iowa DNR rates, typically in the high teens to low twenties for electric sites, and adds modern showers and reservable spots for a little planning certainty.
Kellogg RV Park, the private full-hookup option off I-80 exit 173, costs more per night than the county park since you are paying for sewer, level pull-throughs, and year-round service, but it is still reasonable next to a big-city RV resort. Between low site rates, affordable fuel at the interstate interchanges, and free attractions like the Community of Flags and the downtown flag display, a couple of days around Brooklyn costs a fraction of what the same stay runs in a tourist town.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Brooklyn
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Best Time to Visit Brooklyn by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
15F - 32F
Crowds: Low
Cold, gray, and quiet. Kellogg RV Park stays open year-round for the through-traveler, but expect snow and ice, run your own heat, and know the lakes empty out and freeze over.
Spring
Mar - May
40F - 60F
Crowds: Low
Wet and changeable with mud and the odd late snow, then a fast green-up by May. Sites are wide open and rates are low, but watch for the first severe storms of the season.
Summer
Jun - Aug
63F - 85F
Crowds: Medium
Peak season. Warm humid days, green corn country, and the busiest weekends at Diamond Lake and Rock Creek, so arrive early for first-come county sites and reserve state park spots ahead.
Fall
Sep - Oct
42F - 65F
Crowds: Low
The comfortable sweet spot. September and October bring crisp settled weather, good fishing, thin crowds, and easy walk-in availability before the first hard freeze.
Explore the Brooklyn Area
A few things we would tell a friend heading to Brooklyn. First, time your Community of Flags stop for dusk if you can, since the whole display is lit year-round and looks its best after dark once you have parked for the night. Second, Diamond Lake Park is first-come, first-served only, so arrive early on summer weekends or aim for a weeknight to grab one of the 80 electric sites before they fill.
Third, if you want a full-hookup pull-through you can slide straight into after a long interstate day, the Kellogg RV Park off exit 173 is the easy call, and its on-site burger cafe saves you cooking. Fourth, do your real resupply in Grinnell, the largest town nearby, because Brooklyn itself only has smaller stores and a convenience stop. Finally, do not rush past the downtown flag display and the Brooklyn Opera House; they take just an hour and make the town feel like more than a quick interstate photo.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Brooklyn
Where can I find RV parks with full hookups near Brooklyn, IA?
The closest full-hookup RV park is Kellogg RV Park, about 24 miles west right off I-80 at the Kellogg-Sully exit 173. It has 38 level pull-through sites on 8.5 acres with 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer, and it is open year-round. For public camping with electric, Diamond Lake Park near Montezuma has 80 electric 50-amp sites about 13 miles south, and Rock Creek State Park near Kellogg has 103 electric sites. Diamond Lake and Rock Creek offer electric and water but not sewer at the site, so Kellogg RV Park is your true full-hookup option.
Do I need reservations for campgrounds near Brooklyn?
It depends which one you choose. Diamond Lake Park, the Poweshiek County campground near Montezuma, is first-come, first-served only and takes no reservations, so you roll in and pick an open site. Rock Creek State Park near Kellogg is different: about three-quarters of its sites are reservable through the ReserveAmerica system up to three months ahead, with the remaining quarter held first-come. Kellogg RV Park, the private full-hookup park off I-80, takes reservations directly and is the safest bet on a busy summer weekend when the lake campgrounds fill up fast.
Is there public RV camping near Brooklyn, Iowa?
Yes, two solid public lakes are within about 25 miles. Diamond Lake Park is a Poweshiek County campground roughly 13 miles south near Montezuma, with 80 electric 50-amp sites, 40 primitive sites, two dump stations, and a 90-acre lake for fishing and swimming, all first-come and cheap. Rock Creek State Park is an Iowa DNR park about 24 miles west near Kellogg, with 103 electric sites, 93 non-electric, modern showers, dump stations, and a big lake with 15 miles of shoreline. Both give you far more room and scenery than an in-town lot.
What does it cost to camp in an RV around Brooklyn?
Camping here is affordable by RV standards. Diamond Lake Park runs about $10 a night for a primitive site and around $20 for an electric 50-amp site, which is hard to beat for a lakeside county park. Rock Creek State Park charges standard Iowa DNR rates, typically in the high teens to low twenties for electric sites. Kellogg RV Park, the private full-hookup option, costs more than the county park since you are paying for sewer, pull-throughs, and year-round service, but it is still reasonable compared to a big-city RV resort. Budget accordingly by hookup level.
Can I park my RV overnight in downtown Brooklyn?
It is not a reliable plan. Downtown Brooklyn has limited parking and nothing posted as RV-friendly overnight, so we would not count on a street or small lot for the night. The town is really a fuel-and-flag stop right off I-80, best for seeing the Community of Flags and stretching your legs. For an actual overnight with hookups, a dump station, and a level site, head to Kellogg RV Park off exit 173 or one of the two nearby lakes. You get water, power, and a legal spot for not much money instead of gambling on a lot.
Are the RV parks near Brooklyn big-rig friendly?
Generally yes. Kellogg RV Park is the standout for larger rigs: its 38 sites are level pull-throughs, so a 40-foot motorhome or a long fifth-wheel combo can pull straight in and out without backing into a tight space, and it sits right off the I-80 ramp. Diamond Lake Park and Rock Creek State Park have a mix of site sizes, with many that handle big rigs, though the county park is first-come so call ahead about current openings. Brooklyn itself has wide, flat streets and easy interstate access, so getting around the area with a big rig is low stress.
What is the best time of year to RV around Brooklyn?
Late spring through mid fall is the window. May greens up the corn country and opens the lakes, summer brings warm humid days ideal for fishing and swimming at Diamond Lake and Rock Creek, and September into October is arguably the best of all with crisp settled weather, good fishing, and thin crowds. Summer weekends fill the first-come county sites early, so arrive by Thursday or aim for a weeknight. Winters are cold and gray with snow and ice; Kellogg RV Park stays open year-round for through-travelers, but the lakes empty out and freeze, so plan a cold-weather setup off-season.
Is the Community of Flags worth stopping for?
It is the reason most RVers pull off I-80 at Brooklyn, and it delivers. The Community of Flags centers on an 80-foot main American flag surrounded by more than 55 flags, including all 50 states and the four military branches, and the whole display is lit year-round. It sits just under three miles off the interstate on Historic Route 6, an easy detour with room to park. Plan a half hour to walk the rows, then wander downtown to see more than 35 international flags along the streets, plus the Brooklyn Opera House and the historical museum in an 1869 home.
What highways lead into Brooklyn for an RV?
Brooklyn sits directly on Interstate 80 at exit 197, about halfway between Des Moines and Iowa City, so most rigs arrive straight off the interstate with no fuss. IA-21 runs north and south through the area and connects you to Montezuma and Diamond Lake to the south, while Historic US-6, old Route 6, runs through town past the Community of Flags. These are open, flat, well-maintained roads with no notable low bridges or weight limits, used daily by trucks and farm equipment. A big rig tows in and out of the interstate ramps here about as easily as anywhere in Iowa.
Are there services like propane, groceries, and repair near Brooklyn?
Yes, though the biggest options are in the neighboring towns. Kellogg RV Park sells propane, and co-ops and dealers in Grinnell and Newton refill RV bottles. Grinnell, about 15 miles west, has full-size grocery stores, and you will find diesel and gas at the I-80 interchanges around Brooklyn, Kellogg, and Grinnell. Basic auto and truck service is available in Grinnell and Newton, while larger RV-specific shops sit toward Des Moines. Brooklyn itself has smaller stores and a convenience stop, so plan to do bigger resupplies in Grinnell before settling in at one of the lakes.
What else is there to do around Brooklyn besides the flags?
Plenty for a relaxed day or two. Skydive Iowa operates on old US Highway 6 at the edge of town for tandem and experienced jumps if you want a thrill. Diamond Lake, about 13 miles south, offers fishing, swimming, boating, and paved bike trails around a 90-acre lake, while Rock Creek Lake to the west has 15 miles of shoreline, strong bass and crappie fishing, and multi-use trails for hiking and biking. Downtown you can browse the international flag display, catch a show at the Brooklyn Opera House, and tour the historical museum, which makes Brooklyn more than a single-photo stop.
Can I get sewer hookups at the lakes near Brooklyn?
No, not at the individual sites. Diamond Lake Park offers electric 50-amp and primitive sites with two central dump stations, but no sewer at the pad, and Rock Creek State Park has electric and non-electric sites with dump stations rather than site sewer. So at either lake you use the shared dump station on your way out. If sewer at your site is a must, choose Kellogg RV Park off I-80 exit 173, which has full hookups including sewer at every pull-through, and treat Diamond Lake and Rock Creek as the scenic lakeside alternatives where you dump before or after your stay.
How many days should I plan for a Brooklyn RV stop?
One night works if the Community of Flags is your only goal and you are passing through on I-80, since the display and downtown take an hour or two. Two or three days lets you slow down and use the area as a base: spend a day at Diamond Lake fishing and swimming, another at Rock Creek Lake hiking the trails and casting for bass, and an evening downtown seeing the flags lit up. If you like cheap first-come county camping, Diamond Lake makes an easy weeknight basecamp, while Kellogg RV Park suits travelers who want full hookups and a quick interstate on-ramp the next morning.
Where can I find RV parks with full hookups near Brooklyn, IA?
The closest full-hookup RV park is Kellogg RV Park, about 24 miles west right off I-80 at the Kellogg-Sully exit 173. It has 38 level pull-through sites on 8.5 acres with 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer, and it is open year-round. For public camping with electric, Diamond Lake Park near Montezuma has 80 electric 50-amp sites about 13 miles south, and Rock Creek State Park near Kellogg has 103 electric sites. Diamond Lake and Rock Creek offer electric and water but not sewer at the site, so Kellogg RV Park is your true full-hookup option.
Do I need reservations for campgrounds near Brooklyn?
It depends which one you choose. Diamond Lake Park, the Poweshiek County campground near Montezuma, is first-come, first-served only and takes no reservations, so you roll in and pick an open site. Rock Creek State Park near Kellogg is different: about three-quarters of its sites are reservable through the ReserveAmerica system up to three months ahead, with the remaining quarter held first-come. Kellogg RV Park, the private full-hookup park off I-80, takes reservations directly and is the safest bet on a busy summer weekend when the lake campgrounds fill up fast.
Is there public RV camping near Brooklyn, Iowa?
Yes, two solid public lakes are within about 25 miles. Diamond Lake Park is a Poweshiek County campground roughly 13 miles south near Montezuma, with 80 electric 50-amp sites, 40 primitive sites, two dump stations, and a 90-acre lake for fishing and swimming, all first-come and cheap. Rock Creek State Park is an Iowa DNR park about 24 miles west near Kellogg, with 103 electric sites, 93 non-electric, modern showers, dump stations, and a big lake with 15 miles of shoreline. Both give you far more room and scenery than an in-town lot.
What does it cost to camp in an RV around Brooklyn?
Camping here is affordable by RV standards. Diamond Lake Park runs about $10 a night for a primitive site and around $20 for an electric 50-amp site, which is hard to beat for a lakeside county park. Rock Creek State Park charges standard Iowa DNR rates, typically in the high teens to low twenties for electric sites. Kellogg RV Park, the private full-hookup option, costs more than the county park since you are paying for sewer, pull-throughs, and year-round service, but it is still reasonable compared to a big-city RV resort. Budget accordingly by hookup level.
Can I park my RV overnight in downtown Brooklyn?
It is not a reliable plan. Downtown Brooklyn has limited parking and nothing posted as RV-friendly overnight, so we would not count on a street or small lot for the night. The town is really a fuel-and-flag stop right off I-80, best for seeing the Community of Flags and stretching your legs. For an actual overnight with hookups, a dump station, and a level site, head to Kellogg RV Park off exit 173 or one of the two nearby lakes. You get water, power, and a legal spot for not much money instead of gambling on a lot.
Are the RV parks near Brooklyn big-rig friendly?
Generally yes. Kellogg RV Park is the standout for larger rigs: its 38 sites are level pull-throughs, so a 40-foot motorhome or a long fifth-wheel combo can pull straight in and out without backing into a tight space, and it sits right off the I-80 ramp. Diamond Lake Park and Rock Creek State Park have a mix of site sizes, with many that handle big rigs, though the county park is first-come so call ahead about current openings. Brooklyn itself has wide, flat streets and easy interstate access, so getting around the area with a big rig is low stress.
What is the best time of year to RV around Brooklyn?
Late spring through mid fall is the window. May greens up the corn country and opens the lakes, summer brings warm humid days ideal for fishing and swimming at Diamond Lake and Rock Creek, and September into October is arguably the best of all with crisp settled weather, good fishing, and thin crowds. Summer weekends fill the first-come county sites early, so arrive by Thursday or aim for a weeknight. Winters are cold and gray with snow and ice; Kellogg RV Park stays open year-round for through-travelers, but the lakes empty out and freeze, so plan a cold-weather setup off-season.
Is the Community of Flags worth stopping for?
It is the reason most RVers pull off I-80 at Brooklyn, and it delivers. The Community of Flags centers on an 80-foot main American flag surrounded by more than 55 flags, including all 50 states and the four military branches, and the whole display is lit year-round. It sits just under three miles off the interstate on Historic Route 6, an easy detour with room to park. Plan a half hour to walk the rows, then wander downtown to see more than 35 international flags along the streets, plus the Brooklyn Opera House and the historical museum in an 1869 home.
What highways lead into Brooklyn for an RV?
Brooklyn sits directly on Interstate 80 at exit 197, about halfway between Des Moines and Iowa City, so most rigs arrive straight off the interstate with no fuss. IA-21 runs north and south through the area and connects you to Montezuma and Diamond Lake to the south, while Historic US-6, old Route 6, runs through town past the Community of Flags. These are open, flat, well-maintained roads with no notable low bridges or weight limits, used daily by trucks and farm equipment. A big rig tows in and out of the interstate ramps here about as easily as anywhere in Iowa.
Are there services like propane, groceries, and repair near Brooklyn?
Yes, though the biggest options are in the neighboring towns. Kellogg RV Park sells propane, and co-ops and dealers in Grinnell and Newton refill RV bottles. Grinnell, about 15 miles west, has full-size grocery stores, and you will find diesel and gas at the I-80 interchanges around Brooklyn, Kellogg, and Grinnell. Basic auto and truck service is available in Grinnell and Newton, while larger RV-specific shops sit toward Des Moines. Brooklyn itself has smaller stores and a convenience stop, so plan to do bigger resupplies in Grinnell before settling in at one of the lakes.
What else is there to do around Brooklyn besides the flags?
Plenty for a relaxed day or two. Skydive Iowa operates on old US Highway 6 at the edge of town for tandem and experienced jumps if you want a thrill. Diamond Lake, about 13 miles south, offers fishing, swimming, boating, and paved bike trails around a 90-acre lake, while Rock Creek Lake to the west has 15 miles of shoreline, strong bass and crappie fishing, and multi-use trails for hiking and biking. Downtown you can browse the international flag display, catch a show at the Brooklyn Opera House, and tour the historical museum, which makes Brooklyn more than a single-photo stop.
Can I get sewer hookups at the lakes near Brooklyn?
No, not at the individual sites. Diamond Lake Park offers electric 50-amp and primitive sites with two central dump stations, but no sewer at the pad, and Rock Creek State Park has electric and non-electric sites with dump stations rather than site sewer. So at either lake you use the shared dump station on your way out. If sewer at your site is a must, choose Kellogg RV Park off I-80 exit 173, which has full hookups including sewer at every pull-through, and treat Diamond Lake and Rock Creek as the scenic lakeside alternatives where you dump before or after your stay.
How many days should I plan for a Brooklyn RV stop?
One night works if the Community of Flags is your only goal and you are passing through on I-80, since the display and downtown take an hour or two. Two or three days lets you slow down and use the area as a base: spend a day at Diamond Lake fishing and swimming, another at Rock Creek Lake hiking the trails and casting for bass, and an evening downtown seeing the flags lit up. If you like cheap first-come county camping, Diamond Lake makes an easy weeknight basecamp, while Kellogg RV Park suits travelers who want full hookups and a quick interstate on-ramp the next morning.
Are there free dump stations in Brooklyn?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Brooklyn.
All Dump Stations Near Brooklyn (88)
RV ParkLone Pine Mobile Home Ct
RV ParkSpruce Village Mobile Home Park
RV ParkDiamond Lake Campground
RV ParkSoul Creek Camp Ground
RV ParkTama County Ohv Park And Campground
RV ParkWillows Mobile Home Community
RV ParkGrinnell Manufactured Home Community
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