Map showing campground location near Glenwood, Iowa

Camper submitted image from Pony Creek Co Park

Pony Creek Co Park

Southwest Iowa's Loess Hills provide the backdrop for Pony Creek Co Park, where Mills County maintains a small campground alongside a fishing lake and nature center. The facility sits in a valley setting with mature shade trees, about three miles from Glenwood.

The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping on a limited scale. Four gravel RV pads offer 50-amp electrical and sewer hookups, with a single water spigot centrally located in the RV area. Tent sites include picnic tables and fire rings, though Sean J. notes these are "not too far from I-29." Vault toilets serve the camping area, but shower facilities are not available. Two rental cabins provide additional overnight options through the county's reservation system.

A small lake adjacent to the campground supports fishing, while a visitor center near the entrance offers educational programming. Tony B. mentions "the fishing has always been good here" despite noting the camping spaces are "really small." The park also features a playground and pond near the entrance area.

Campers seeking more extensive amenities might consider Glenwood Lake Park, located southeast of the area.

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Map & DirectionsPony Creek Co Park is located in Iowa near Glenwood

Public Campground

Coordinates

41.0710004 N
95.78800036 W

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Connectivity

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Verified by 3 users
Last on 5/17/26
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Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/17/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 5/17/26
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/17/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

Reservable
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sewer Hookups

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

25 min from Omaha, NE
1 hr from Lincoln, NE
1 hr 30 min from Sioux City, IA
1 hr 32 min from St. Joseph, MO

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Pony Creek Co Park

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the beautiful Loess Hills setting and good fishing opportunities, but several reviews noted concerns about the very small campsites and limited camping amenities. Many mentioned it works better for day visits than destination camping.

John C.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 4, 2026

Not great for camping.

The areas for tent camping are poorly situated and not worth paying for imho. They have a pit toilet and a water spigot nearby, but that doesn’t make it worth the noise and amount of random local traffic circling my through the campground.

Month of VisitApril

Sean J.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 1, 2026

Tent Camping

A quiet county owned campground not too far from I-29. The area has a few tent sites with tables/fire rings along with four gravel RV pads with 50 amp hook ups. There is a single water spigot in the middle of the RV area. Also available are two large cabins that can be rented via the Mills County website. A few vault toilets are scattered around the park, but there are no shower facilities. Nearby is a small lake along with a nature center. Park is within a valley with lots of shade trees. Overall an enjoyable place to relax for a couple days.

Month of VisitFebruary

Mills C.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 11, 2024

NOT affiliated with DYRT

Do not pay Dyrt to use this campground. They are not affiliated.

Kevin P.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2023

Camp by tent

a great place

Month of VisitSeptember

Tony B.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2020

Like the lake, but not much camping

Been coming to this lake for years. It's a beautiful setting, right in the middle Loess Hills in sw Iowa. The fishing has always been good here. But this camp area is not much at all. The spaces are really small, and not really one view of the lake. There is a new visitor center right by the entrance of the camping area. There also a really small pond by the entrance as well. This place would probably work for a over night stay, but not a destination. But I still love the areas wildlife, and the lake. Or maybe it's just the nostalgia for me.

(6) View All

Matt S.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Pony Creek is too small

Pony Creek is an old campground operated in Southwest Iowa. It only has about 6 sites. There is a pond in front of the park for fishing and a small playground. It also has some sort of conference center that looks like it was built recently. Honestly it looks a little out of place.

I would bring my family here for a picnic but it is not where I would camp.

(18) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Pony Creek Park?

Pony Creek Park offers limited but functional amenities. The park features a fishing pond, a small playground for children, and approximately 6 camping sites. A notable facility is the relatively new conference center or visitor center on the property. The park is situated within the scenic Loess Hills of Southwest Iowa, providing a beautiful natural setting for visitors. While amenities are basic, the serene environment and fishing opportunities make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a simple outdoor experience.

Does Pony Creek Park in Glenwood, Iowa offer camping facilities?

Yes, Pony Creek Park in Glenwood, Iowa does offer camping facilities, though they are modest in scale. The park provides approximately 6 camping sites for visitors. The spaces are quite small and don't offer direct views of the lake. For those interested in camping at Pony Creek, it's advisable to contact the park management directly to verify availability and any reservation requirements before planning your trip.

Are there cabins available for rent at Pony Creek Park?

No, Pony Creek Park does not appear to offer cabin rentals. The park primarily provides basic camping sites with limited amenities. While there is a conference center or visitor center on the property, there are no indications of rental cabins being available. Visitors looking for accommodations should plan to bring their own camping equipment or consider other lodging options in the Glenwood area.

Is there a public swimming beach at Pony Creek Lake in Iowa?

Based on available information, Pony Creek Lake does not appear to have a designated public swimming beach. The lake is primarily known for fishing opportunities, which have historically been good. While the lake is situated in a beautiful setting within the Loess Hills of southwestern Iowa, swimming facilities are not mentioned among the amenities. Visitors interested in swimming should contact the park management directly to confirm current policies or seek alternative swimming locations in the area.

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