Established Camping
Ledges State Park Campground
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
From March 1, 2025, through August 15, 2025; the east campground restroom/shower building will be demolished, and a new facility will be constructed. On weekdays only, during this timeframe, there may be increased construction traffic and noise related to the project. There will still be one modern restroom/shower building open during this timeframe on the west side of the campground and extra portable toilets will be brought in near the construction site. This project will take place near campsites #73-77.
This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations March 1 - November 30 until 10:00pm CST the day of arrival.
The campground is closed each year from December 1 - February 28.
Ledges State Park Campground, near Madrid, Iowa, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some solid amenities. With a mix of wooded and open sites, it’s perfect for both RVs and tents, allowing you to choose your ideal camping experience.
The campground is known for its clean facilities, including restrooms and showers, which visitors appreciate after a day of hiking. Many campers have highlighted the beautiful surroundings, with limestone cliffs and scenic trails that make for great hiking adventures. As one happy camper put it, “Wonderful views from most sites,” which really captures the essence of this place.
If you’re up for some exploration, you’ll find plenty to do nearby. The area is bustling with activities, from biking along the high trestle trail to checking out local spots in Madrid, like the bakery or the BBQ joint in Luther. Just keep in mind that cell service can be spotty, so it’s a good idea to unplug and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Ledges State Park Campground offers a welcoming atmosphere and a chance to connect with nature.
Description
DNR - Parks
Ledges State Park
Millions of years before the plains of Iowa were inhabited by the Sauk, Fox and Sioux peoples, much of the American Midwest was covered by a shallow inland sea. It was at this time that the area’s sandstone deposits began forming. Fast-forward to just 13,000 years ago, with the inland sea now long gone, Ice Age glacial meltwater raced across the dry plains, carving and scouring channels and canyons into the sandstone terrain. One of these canyons can be found in Iowa’s Ledges State Park. This 1,000-acre nature preserve and recreation area is located on a wide bend on the Des Moines River, and is just 40 miles north of the city of Des Moines. The park is subject to frequent flooding when the river breaches its banks, but is otherwise a popular year-round outdoor recreation destination. Visitors to Ledges can enjoy a variety of hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities, as well as explore a prehistoric river canyon that showcases nature’s ability to sculpt the landscape.
The campground at Ledges State Park features 94 tent and RV sites situated among deciduous woods not far from the Des Moines River. Campers can choose from full-hookup, partial-hookup, or primitive tent sites. Most sites are back-in; only a few are pull-through for larger vehicles. Tent sites are located in both in the main camp area, and in a secluded walk-in area. There is also a youth group site. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills, and all have access to water faucets, flush restrooms, showers, and trash receptacles; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The campground also features a kids’ playground, outdoor amphitheater, and is within walking distance of trails and picnic areas. Some roads and/or facilities may not be open or available in the winter. Reservations are accepted, however the park saves about half of the sites for first-come, first-served campers; sites are $11–$19/night.
Location
Ledges State Park Campground is located in Iowa
Directions
From the East (Ames): Take Hwy 30 west. Exit at Hwy 17. Take Hwy 17 south for 3 miles. Turn west on 250th St. Take 250th St. west for 3 miles to the park entrance. From the West (Ogden): Take Hwy 30 east. Exit at Hwy 17. Take Hwy 17 south for 3 miles. Turn west on 250th St. Take 250th St. west for 3 miles to the park entrance.
Address
1515 P Ave
Madrid, IA 50156
Coordinates
41.9980609 N
93.88667036 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 19 min from Ames
- 46 min from Des Moines
- 1 hr 46 min from Waterloo
- 1 hr 53 min from Cedar Rapids