Green Valley State Park Campground, near Creston, Iowa, is a fantastic spot for families and friends looking to unwind in nature. With its lakeside campsites, you can enjoy stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a perfect backdrop for your camping adventures.

This campground is well-equipped with modern amenities, including clean restrooms and showers, which many visitors appreciate. As one camper noted, “The facilities make a difference,” especially for families who want a bit of comfort while enjoying the great outdoors. You’ll find picnic tables and fire pits at your site, ideal for evening gatherings and roasting marshmallows.

Outdoor activities abound here. Whether you’re into fishing, boating, or hiking, there’s something for everyone. The bike and walking trails are particularly popular, allowing you to explore the area while soaking in the scenery. One visitor mentioned, “Sit by a campfire or visit with your neighbor,” highlighting the friendly atmosphere that makes this campground feel like a community.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with plenty of opportunities for fun, Green Valley State Park Campground is a solid choice. Just a short drive from grocery stores and gas stations, you can easily stock up on supplies while still enjoying the tranquility of the park.

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.

Green Valley State Park Campground

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Creston, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Creston is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Creston, reviewed by campers like you.

Creston

The Best Camping Near Creston, Iowa

It is clear that facilities make a difference. Modern restrooms and showers are always a plus for attracting family campers. My wife does not like the rustic camping when we have our children with us. The modern facilities make it possible to have a good time and Green Valley SP meets expectations.

What I personally like is that at Green Valley SP you can get a nice campsite right by the lake. This makes for great views when the sun is setting and rising. It helps to also feel like you have the park to yourself.

ALSO, DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR BICYCLE. There is a nice trail to ride your bike around the lake and through the park. Don't leave your bike at home.

I like Green Valley SP for its lakeside campsites and shower house

I'm a single person tent camper. I like this spot, space between sites are far enough you don't have to hear your neighbor, but close enough that you could have a conversation if you wanted to.

Showers are nice enough, the water spray kinda gets your dry clothes moist. Water temp is not adjustable, is on a conserving 15 second push button.

The bike/walking trail is amazing, will take you all around the lake and into town. Right past the hospital and into McKinley Park.

Quiet Campground

A small friendly campground on a lake.

Fish, boat, hike or bike.

Sit by a campfire or visit with your neighbor.

This is the place to be!

Serene and scenic Green Valley State Park

Campsite was pretty packed on a Saturday night in late September. We didn't have a reservation but was able to get one of the last tent sites available. Nice spot, fire pits have nice swinging grates on them. There was a picnic table at our spot as well. Great view of the lake from here. We were in Campsite 092\. Only drawback is that there must be a cow farm somewhere to the south as you will hear cows mooing all night at this campground.

Nice, clean campground

This is the best State Park campground in SW Iowa, it has everything anyone needs...love it here and the views are beautiful!

Unbeatable

We love camping here with the whole family even though we are only 20 min from home.  

Great place to relax!!!

Very nice place, close to the lake. Beach at walking distance through the trail. Fishing area, two kid playgrounds and at around 15 minutes to any grocery stores and gas stations.

Great place

Pretty grounds with woodland coverage on all sides in addition to the lake. We visited in August and realized it was prime family vacation time before school starts up again, so a little crowded and noisy. Spots are pretty close together too. But the grounds are quite lovely and the facilities were super clean. We plan to go back when Autumn arrives, mid week. Bonus easy shore fishing access. 


Timing is everything!

July, 2017

  

We stayed here for a week while working in the area.  Very nice place. Clean and well maintained.

Photos of Green Valley State Park Campground

Real photos from real campers