Map showing campground location near Sperry, Iowa

Camper submitted image from Big Hollow Recreation Area

Big Hollow Recreation Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Managed by the Des Moines County Conservation Board, Big Hollow Recreation Area sits within the campgrounds near Big Hollow Creek Recreation Area and packs a notably wide range of facilities into a county-level park. The campground runs from full-hookup concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer connections to primitive wooded sites, giving RV travelers and tent campers access to the same core amenities without sharing the same footprint.

Reviewers consistently flag the site variety as a standout. Numbered sites in the eastern section include longer pull-throughs suited to larger rigs, while spots 14, 15, and 16 sit closer to the lake and give paddlers quick water access. The lake is a no-wake zone and holds largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, though at least one reviewer noted heavy algae during summer months, which affected swimming conditions. Canoe rentals and a boat ramp are on-site. Other facilities include a shooting range, equestrian trails, a playground, a shower house, and telescope viewing, making this one of the more fully equipped county parks in the state.

One reviewer described it as "the most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far." Conservation officers make regular rounds, and a campground host is typically available during the season. Sites run $15 to $20 per night with hookups. Reservations are available, and pets are allowed. Campers who want a state park setting nearby can look at Geode State Park Campground, roughly 12 miles to the southwest.

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Map & DirectionsBig Hollow Recreation Area is located in Iowa near Sperry

Public Campground

Address

18829 Ranger Lane
Sperry, IA 52650

Coordinates

40.95262649 N
91.22428355 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

58 min from Iowa City, IA
1 hr 13 min from Davenport, IA
1 hr 19 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
1 hr 40 min from Peoria, IL

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Big Hollow Recreation Area

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Visitors repeatedly highlighted well-designed level sites and comprehensive facilities including full hookups and shower houses. Guests commonly noted the helpful staff and excellent value at $10/night for primitive camping.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Travis R.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 18, 2024

Full Featured Camping

This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.

(11) View All

Travis R.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 17, 2024

Really excellent campground

Lots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range.

Fred S.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2021

Nice stay at primitive site

Stayed at the primitive section of the campground. Site C was level for our camper van. Large, spacious site. Wooded. Fire ring. No table st this site, but other sites in this area has tables. Vault toilets a short walk away. Campground host was very helpful. Inexpensive firewood. Enjoyed our stay here. Paid $10 for site.

SiteC

Month of VisitOctober

(4) View All

Lisa M.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2021

Nice simple place for tent camping

We tent camped here a few weeks ago and it was pretty nice. You self check in and cost is only $10/night for primitive. They don’t have electric or water hookups for tent camping which was ok for us. It was easy to find and quiet. The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you’re wanting to fish or swim, this isn’t the place for you! There’s a gun range, horse farm, playground, bathrooms, and even a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!

SiteB

Month of VisitAugust

Jeremy

Scout

Reviewed May. 22, 2021

Full Hookup!!!

This is a great campground. Sites are pretty level and easy to get parked. Full hookup!!! There is a good sized lake that we have kayaked and swam in. The conservation officers are very nice and usually stop by to make sure everything is going great. They continue to improve the campground every year

Month of VisitMay

Sarah J.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2019

Quiet, beautiful, close to fishing and kayaking

Fished here for a few years but camped here for the first time with my travel trailer this year. The campground is well laid out. If you are in a group you can reserve spots 8 and 9 together or there are some long spots in the Eastern part for double occupancy if you want. If you want more privacy and easy access to the lake for kayaking I'd go for 14, 15, and 16. I'm in 32 and it is private and very pretty.

Nearby lake has a beach and a boat ramp for launching boats (whole lake is no wake zone) or kayaks. If you are into fishing, this place has large mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Big Hollow Recreation Area?

Big Hollow Recreation Area offers a variety of camping options to suit different preferences. The campground features both full hookup sites with cement camping pads and primitive camping areas. RV campers will find well-laid out sites that are generally level and easy to access, including some pull-through spots. For groups, there are designated sites (like spots 8 and 9) that can be reserved together, and some longer spots in the eastern section allow for double occupancy. Tent campers can use the primitive sites which cost around $10 per night. Facilities include a shower house, vault toilets in the primitive section, and a playground for children. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host.

Is Big Hollow Recreation Area considered a state park?

No, Big Hollow Recreation Area is not a state park. It appears to be a county-managed conservation area rather than a state park. The property is overseen by conservation officers who regularly check on campers and work to improve the facilities. County conservation areas typically have different management structures and sometimes different fee systems than state parks, though they often offer similar recreational opportunities.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Big Hollow Recreation Area?

Big Hollow Recreation Area offers numerous recreational activities centered around its lake and surrounding lands. Water activities include fishing, kayaking, canoeing (with rentals available), swimming, and boat launching facilities. Land-based recreation features equestrian trails for horseback riding, a shooting range, and hiking opportunities. The campground also includes a playground for children. The conservation area is suitable for both active recreation and relaxed nature enjoyment, though visitors should note that algae can sometimes affect the lake during certain periods. The diverse offerings make it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Where is Big Hollow Recreation Area located in Iowa?

Big Hollow Recreation Area is located in Iowa. While the exact county or city isn't specified in the available information, it's a conservation area featuring a good-sized lake. The recreation area is accessible by road and features both developed and primitive camping areas. For precise directions or GPS coordinates, contact the local conservation board that manages the property.

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