Lewis and Clark State Park Campground offers camping options with many sites situated along the shores of Blue Lake. The Loess Hills formation extends throughout this region of Iowa, creating a distinctive landscape formed by wind-deposited silt during the last ice age. Summer highs average 85°F, while spring and fall provide milder temperatures between 60-75°F with less humidity. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with most campgrounds closed during winter months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground offers excellent fishing in Blue Lake where visitors catch bass and panfish. A camper noted, "This place has great fishing and is very well maintained not to mention that they have a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago."
Hiking trails: The hiking paths at Hitchcock County Nature Center provide varied terrain through the unique Loess Hills formation. A visitor mentioned, "There are miles of trail available with backcountry camping available for $10 per night." Another reviewer stated, "The hiking is fantastic and offers something for every skill level."
Water activities: Nelson Park at Crawford County offers kayaking and swimming options during summer months. As one visitor described, "It has a descent size lake good for kayaking and fishing." Water activities are best from June through August when temperatures consistently reach the 80s.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and shower houses at Crawford Creek County Rec Area. One visitor mentioned, "Nice bath houses. Clean area. Good for the family."
Spacious sites: Scenic Park receives praise for its roomy campsites. A camper noted, "All the spots are spacious...neighbors are not on top of you. This spot had a nice concrete slab with a picnic table." Another mentioned, "Spacious site well cared for grounds."
Affordability: Missouri Valley City Park offers economical camping options compared to commercial campgrounds. According to a reviewer, "With 30/50 electric and water this place is well worth the $15 they charge. It's all on an honor system so make sure to bring some cash."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railroad disruptions, particularly at Missouri Valley City Park. A camper warned, "Besides the traffic noise because it's close to the hwy, the train passed at night like 4 or 5 times, so have that in mind if you light sleep."
Site reservations: Many campgrounds near Castana operate on a first-come, first-served basis during weekdays, with weekends requiring advance booking. A visitor to Little Sioux Park noted, "All sites are first come first serve. We arrived on a Saturday evening around 5:30pm and found a site no problem."
Seasonal concerns: Mosquitoes can be prevalent in summer months, especially near water bodies. One camper at Lewis and Clark State Park candidly described it as "Buggy and muggy" with "Many water spots on basically what is a mosquito breeding ground."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature child-friendly recreation areas. A visitor to Little Sioux Park Campground shared, "Small beach area for swimming. Two playgrounds. Very nice field of wild comb flowers blooming near the shower house."
Educational opportunities: Plan visits to the Lewis and Clark replica boat for historical learning. A camper mentioned, "They will also occasionally take it out and give rides. They also have a history museum to accompany the boat."
Swimming options: Multiple lakes offer swimming opportunities for children during summer months. A reviewer at Crawford Creek Recreation Area noted, "Water good for fishing, kayaking and swimming. Multiple play areas for kids."
Tips from RVers
Full hookups: For glamping close to Castana, Iowa, On-Ur-Wa RV Park offers complete services for larger rigs. A visitor stated, "This small campground is right off the interstate, easy to get to. It's right by a small truck stop, but the noise was not bothersome at all."
Dump station access: Verify dump station availability and accessibility before arriving. A reviewer at Lewis and Clark State Park cautioned, "The dump station is a tight squeeze for anything other than a small bumper pull camper."
Level sites: Most RV sites near Castana are relatively level and many feature concrete pads. A camper at Lewis and Clark State Park described, "Nice level sites paved, fire rings and tables."
