Carroll sits in western Iowa amid rolling farmland with numerous lake-centered camping options. The region experiences warm summers and cold winters with average summer highs in the mid-80s. Most campgrounds close for the winter season between October and April, though Spring Lake County Park remains open year-round.
What to do
Hiking trails: Spring Lake County Park offers multiple trail options for outdoor enthusiasts. "We loved our stay here! Beautiful campground and well maintained... Lots of trails to choose from and spacious campsites," notes Chelsea G. about Spring Lake County Park.
Water activities: Rent kayaks or paddle boats at Spring Lake during summer months. "There is Ice Cube Consessions and the skating rink from Memorial Day through Labor Day every year," shares Jeannie D. The lake provides accessible shoreline fishing with campsites positioned along the water.
German heritage exploration: Visit the authentic 350-year-old German Hausbarn at The Hausbarn Heritage Park. "Nearby is a 350-year-old authentic German Hausbarn, brought over from Germany, where you can learn about life in Germany in the 1600s. It is across the street from the beautiful Trinity Lutheran Church and there is a historical farmstead nearby," explains Lee D.
What campers like
Affordable full hookups: The Hausbarn Heritage Park offers budget-friendly camping options. "Only 20 or so sites on a first come first served system. Only $20 for full hookups," notes SteveFagerhaug.
Family-friendly amenities: Yellow Smoke Park provides excellent accommodations for family gatherings. "This campground was perfect for a small family reunion. We rented out their 3 cabins and had a whole area to ourselves. The kids could walk down to the sand and a bridge," shares MomOfBoys W.
Lakeside camping spots: Waterfront sites are highly valued at several parks. "The best waterfront camping we have found near us. Small friendly community of camping. Door to door ice and concession delivery," writes Jodi H. about Spring Lake County Park.
What you should know
Limited tent options: Swan Lake State Park Campground features primarily RV-oriented sites. "Electric only sites are small and spaced out well. Most have level drive perfect for sm camper or suv camping. Grass has slope, but I think you can find a good enough place for tent," explains RN P.
Bathroom availability varies: At some campgrounds, facilities have limited hours. "The bathrooms while nice had no working showers, they had showers but no way to turn on the water," notes one camper about Swan Lake State Park Campground.
Cell service limitations: Springbrook State Park Campground has minimal connectivity. "No cell reception, which could be a 'con' but we like that it forces us to unplug," writes Megan M. Similarly, another reviewer notes: "We have Verizon & AT&T and had no service. This is the first place we have been to without voice service."
Tips for camping with families
Roller skating entertainment: Spring Lake County Park offers unique recreation options. "There is a roller rink and a concession stand. This is a very busy campground in the summer," says Dave M. The open-air roller skating rink operates weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Playground access: Hagge County Park provides hiking trails suitable for families. "We love hiking the trails there & almost always observe fisherman along the river. There aren't a ton of trails, but what the ones there are beautiful & well maintained," shares Lori N.
Swimming options: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Carroll feature swimming areas. "A cute little beach for swimming, one main reason we picked this state park was for the kayak rentals," mentions Chelsea G. about Springbrook State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Positioning can be challenging at some sites. "Utility location did require us to use a longer hose and extension cord to reach from our site," notes Bruce P. about Camp Crescent Park.
Level sites available: Swan Lake State Park Campground offers good options for RVs. "Most have level drive perfect for sm camper or suv camping," notes one reviewer. However, many sites are arranged in a "parking lot" style layout.
Dump station considerations: At busy parks like Springbrook, plan for potential waits. "1 dump, long wait. Nearest store 10 miles away, weak cell, down in river valley," warns Kelly. Spring Lake County Park features a "Recently updated two-way fresh-fill/santiary dump station."
