Tower Rock operates under the Hardin County Conservation Board as a day-use park that transitioned away from traditional camping. The facility now features two furnished cabins available for rent, replacing the tent and RV sites that once accommodated overnight visitors.
Both cabins include full amenities and provide a base for exploring the Iowa River corridor. Kerry M. notes that "the two cabins are fairly new and have all of the amenities," making them suitable for extended family visits. The park maintains walking trails leading down to the river, plus access to a paved bicycle trail that connects the broader region.
Water activities center around the Iowa River, where local outfitters provide tube rentals for floating trips. Fishing enthusiasts can arrange boat rentals for Pine Lake or explore the smaller lake northwest of Steamboat Rock. Pine Lake State Park Campground sits less than two miles south for those seeking traditional camping sites with lake access.
The park allows alcohol and maintains trash service, though pets are not permitted. Reservations are available for the cabin rentals, which vary in price depending on season and length of stay.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTower Rock is located in Iowa near Steamboat Rock
Coordinates
42.40100045 N
93.07000067 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/17/26- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/17/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/17/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/17/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
Drive Time
- 40 min from Waterloo, IA
- 52 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 14 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 21 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
