Fishing enthusiasts will find multiple spillways and easy shore access at Green Valley State Park Campground, which sits directly on the lake in southwest Iowa. The campground features both tent sites and RV spots with hookups, many positioned right along the water's edge for lake views during sunrise and sunset. Modern restrooms and shower facilities serve family campers, though the water operates on a 15-second push button system.
The 10-mile trail system loops around the lake and extends into nearby Creston, passing the hospital and connecting to McKinley Park. Campers can bike or hike this route, which provides access to town amenities about 15 minutes away. Sites offer adequate spacing between neighbors while maintaining a social atmosphere, and each includes a fire pit with swinging grates and picnic table.
Woodland coverage surrounds the campground on all sides beyond the lake frontage. Weekend visits, particularly during late summer family vacation season, tend to draw larger crowds with closer site proximity becoming more noticeable. Steve S. notes the facilities stay clean, including "the vaulted toilets." Nearby livestock operations may produce occasional cattle sounds at night.
The area serves campers exploring places to camp around Creston who want lake access combined with trail connectivity to town.
Description
Green Valley is the base camp for anglers trying their luck at four area lakes (Three Mile, Twelve Mile, Summit Lake and Green Valley Lake), all located within 10 miles of each other. Whether you are here to fish, camp, swim or just relax, we hope you enjoy your stay.
The lake fishery was renovated in 2008 to eliminate some problem species. Largemouth bass, crappies, bluegill, walleyes and channel catfish have all been restocked and are growing rapidly.
A 6.5 mile paved multi-use trail is located on the East and South sides of the lake. The trail begins in the campground and provides a scenic view of the Eastern side of the lake. Across the dam, the trail passes through DNR managed Mitchell Marsh, and it's worth a stop to watch waterfowl and other wetland species of birds, particularly during spring and fall migrations. The trail connects to Creston and Southwestern Community College and continues south through town to McKinley City Park.
Picnicking/Shelters
Green Valley is a popular family picnic spot. It offers two shelters that may be reserved online.
Cabins
The rustic pine log camper cabins offer visitors a sense of pioneer lifestyle. The cabins have a covered porch, electricity, a microwave and dorm-size refrigerator. Cabins are located near the campground so cabin users will have use of the shower and restroom facilities.
Camping
The campground boasts non-electric, electric, and full hook-up sites (water and sewer) as well as modern restrooms, showers, and a trailer dump station. There are two playgrounds within the park. There is a playground located right outside of the campground and there is a playground located in the campground.
Trails
A 10 mile trail will take you completely around the lake. If you plan to walk the entire trail, be sure to take water and sunscreen. The west side of the park does not have restroom facilities. The trail takes you through a variety of habitats, from wetland areas around the fringes of the lake to woodlands and remnants of native prairie. Depending on the time of year and time of day, the keen observer may see some of the wide variety of wildlife species residing in these various habitats. The trail is a combination of grass and existing roadways and is open to hikers and mountain bicyclists. The park also has a self-guided nature trail.
Lake Activities
Green Valley's 390 acre lake draws hundreds of visitors on hot summer days. The swimming beach is a great place to cool off for both kids and adults. Green Valley has long been a popular "fishing hole" for both bank and boat anglers. A number of fishing jetties are available, as well as fishing piers for persons with varying abilities. A section of shoreline is designated as 24-hour fishing access. Four boat ramps provide convenient lake access.
Nearby Towns
Creston is two and one-half miles southeast on State Route 186. Afton, Orient and Greenfield are close by also,
Concessions - Firewood Sales
Open April 1 to Oct. 31; 7 days a week, when campground host is available.
No in-board motors/ jet-powered boats are allowed on this lake. This includes personal watercrafts.
Water skiing is allowed in the designated zone. Boats must maintain a "no wake" speed when outside the ski zone. For safety reasons, there are special regulations governing water skiing. All other boats must keep out of the general traffic pattern of boats pulling skiers and must not operate at speeds greater than 5 miles per hour when within 50 feet of another craft or person. All water skiers, including those using surfboard-type devices, must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life-saving jackets. No boat is allowed to be operated within 100 feet of shore at speeds greater than 5 miles per hour.
Cabin renters must provide their own bedding, pillows, towels, toiletry items, cooking utensils, pots and pans and dinnerware.
Pet Policy:
Pets are not to be left unattended anywhere within the park. Campers are not allowed to leave pets unattended in the campground. Pets are not allowed to run at large. All animals shall be kept on a leash not to exceed 6 feet in length. Pets must be kept quiet.
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
The restrooms and shower facilities have been closed for the winter season. The water hydrants, electricity, and dump stations are still on. Shower facilities will be turned on around April 15, 2026. (Posted October 23, 2025)
If you are unable to reserve a cabin online because the reservation window has closed, you must call the park office at 641-782-5131 regarding cabin availability. All last minute cabin rentals must be a minimum of 2 nights, are handled by park staff and must be done prior to arriving at the park.
Starting in April of 2026, all campsites will become 100 percent reservable and will be accepting same-day reservations. As part of this process, the campground will close on January 1, 2026.
This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - October 31 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
140t St. at the spillway is closed for a bridge replacement. Estimated completion date is September 2026. Alternative paved route is to take Hwy 25 to town then bring Lincoln St/Green Valley Rd north to the park.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundGreen Valley State Park Campground is located in Iowa
Directions
The main entrance is located 3 miles north of Creston on Green Valley Road P27, then west on 130th St about 1/3 mile, then turn south into the park.
Address
1480 130th St
Creston, IA 50801
Coordinates
41.11500058 N
94.38300036 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/21/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/21/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 6 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 33 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 50 min from Omaha, NE
- 1 hr 56 min from St. Joseph, MO




















