Chickasaw Park

1 Review Add Review

County-managed Chickasaw Park sits alongside the Iowa River in Ionia, offering primitive camping at $10 per night through a self-pay system. The grounds receive basic mowing but minimal other maintenance, and the pit-style restrooms show wear from limited upkeep. Sites lack hookups, making this suitable for tent camping or self-contained RVs.

The campground borders an old quarry where swimming and fishing are permitted, though cliff jumping carries misdemeanor charges due to past accidents. A small dam on the river side provides additional fishing access. Campers can explore River Ranch Camping for hookup options, or find places to camp near Plainfield for broader regional choices. An old cemetery lies at the back of the property for those interested in local history.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Oregon Trail Road Trip

Independence to North Platte: 3 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Location

Public Campground

Chickasaw Park is located in Iowa

Coordinates

43.03300002 N
92.50300055 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

48 min from Waterloo, IA
1 hr 26 min from Rochester, MN
1 hr 36 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
1 hr 59 min from La Crosse, WI

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Chantal C.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2021

Used to be a Quarry

We love love love to come camping here. It's $10.00 per night last we stayed, placed into a self pay pole. While the grounds are mowed that is about all that is done on the camping side of the river for maintenance. I won't walk into the pit style restrooms let alone use them (kids can be jerks 🙄). There is a small park on the adjacent side that does have a shelter. There are no hookups so consider this a primitive campground. It is adjacent to an old quarry where swimming and fishing is currently allowed at your own risk. Due to multiple accidents and or deaths jumping/diving and cliff jumping is no longer allowed and can be a misdemeanor charge if found doing so. On the river side there is a small dam that also offers fishing. If you're not afraid of ghosts, are respectful, and you follow the road ALL THE WAY BACK there is a very old cemetery (we found it foraging firewood) which we thought was very intriguing.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best photo spots at Chickasaw Park Quarry?

The riverside areas at Chickasaw Park Quarry likely offer scenic photography opportunities with water reflections and natural landscapes. The quarry itself may provide interesting geological formations and water features worth capturing. Early morning and golden hour lighting can enhance the natural beauty of the camping areas and surrounding environment. Since the park is maintained with mowed grounds but retains a natural feel, look for contrasts between managed areas and wild spaces for compelling nature shots.

What recreational activities are available at Chickasaw Park Quarry in Ionia?

Chickasaw Park Quarry offers camping as its primary recreational activity, with sites available for $10 per night using a self-pay system. The park is divided by a river, with camping areas on one side. While the grounds are mowed regularly, other maintenance is minimal. Beyond camping, visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings and outdoor experiences typical of rural Iowa settings. For additional recreational opportunities, it's advisable to contact park management directly or check with local tourism resources in Ionia for nearby attractions and activities.

Are there swimming opportunities at Chickasaw Park Quarry?

While there is a river that divides the park, specific information about designated swimming areas at Chickasaw Park Quarry is not readily available. Quarries can sometimes offer swimming opportunities, but safety regulations vary widely. Before planning to swim, check with park management about current policies, designated swimming zones, and safety guidelines. Water conditions and access points may change seasonally, so on-site verification is recommended.

Keep Exploring