Fishing enthusiasts will find Union Grove State Park Campground positioned along a lake known for quality angling opportunities. The DNR-managed facility operates seasonally from May through September, accommodating RVs up to 50 feet with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections.
The campground maintains a quieter atmosphere with most sites designed for RVs, though several smaller tent sites occupy the back section. Site conditions vary significantly—some feature uneven terrain with sloped picnic tables and awkward trailer positioning due to inclines. Campers can access lake activities including swimming and paddling, while hiking trails provide land-based recreation. The facility includes shower and restroom combinations, with one ADA-accessible unit, plus amenities like a lending library and dump station.
Description
Union Grove State Park, located in northwest Tama County, is a great place to enjoy outdoor recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking, boating, swimming, bird watching and camping. The park was established in 1938 and its focal point is beautiful 110-acre Union Grove Lake. The lake and the attractive park lands provide a pleasing contrast to the nearby residential and agricultural areas. Union Grove truly offers outdoor recreation fun for everyone.
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - October 31 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
If you are unable to reserve a cabin online because the reservation window has closed, you must call the park office at 641-473-2556 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.
Modern restroom and shower facilities are open at Union Grove State Park. The north side showers and restrooms are operational, one of the south side showers are open, and one is currently closed for repairs. If you have any questions regarding this closure please contact park staff: 641-473-2556 or union.grove@dnr.iowa.gov (POSTED 04/17/2026)
The campground is closed each year from November 1 - March 31.
Map & DirectionsUnion Grove State Park Campground is located in Iowa near Garwin
Directions
Drive 5 miles south of Gladbrook on county road T-47. Turn west on 220th St. and continue 1 mile to the park entrance.
Address
1215 220th Street
Gladbrook, IA 50635
Coordinates
42.12500053 N
92.72500075 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 11/14/25
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 11/14/25
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- 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
- 45 min from Waterloo, IA
- 54 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 3 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 6 min from Des Moines, IA


