Ferguson is situated in east-central Iowa where the terrain features rolling hills and valleys carved by small waterways. Temperatures typically range from 14°F in winter to 84°F in summer, with higher humidity levels from June through August. Campground availability varies significantly by season, with most parks reaching capacity on summer weekends while remaining relatively empty on weekdays.
What to do
Fishing for variety: Rock Creek State Park Campground offers excellent crappie and largemouth bass fishing. "Rock Creek is known for its crappie and large mouth bass fishing. The lake has lots of features like brush piles, vertical structures, mossy areas and you can go over by the bridge and fish the rocks," noted one visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground.
Explore hiking trails: Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt provides serene walking paths through prairie and woodland areas. "There are plenty of trails to hike and some really nice views of the prairies. You can bring a kayak/canoe to go on the water. There is also some pretty good fishing," reported a camper at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt.
Kayak or canoe: Diamond Lake County Park offers water recreation opportunities on its 98-acre lake. "The lake is really clean and lovely, with lush grass and greenery all around. Great spot for birds—saw multiple heron, egret and hawks," shared a visitor.
Biking access: Multiple parks connect to regional cycling routes. "Very nice state park campground on a lake. Well kept grounds, clean bathrooms no wifi but cell service is available. 20 min from Grinnell," mentioned a visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Pine Lake State Park Campground maintains well-kept comfort stations. "Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean. Campground is well kept. We will definitely be back," noted a reviewer at Pine Lake State Park Campground.
Quiet atmosphere: Diamond Lake County Park offers a more peaceful alternative to busier parks. "Arrived on late afternoon Wednesday and there were plenty of primitive spots available (can't speak to hook ups). The lake is really clean and lovely, with lush grass and greenery all around," shared a visitor at Diamond Lake County Park.
Proximity to attractions: Kellogg RV Park provides convenient highway access. "Very convenient to I-80, well-laid out. Most convenient, though, was setting up at the site and then walking to the co-located gas station and burgers for dinner (and great ice cream cones)," reported a camper at Kellogg RV Park.
Modern amenities: Several campgrounds offer upgraded facilities beyond basic services. "The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond," noted a visitor at Diamond Lake County Park.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt operates from April 1 to November 30, while Rock Creek State Park Campground is open April 1 to December 31.
Site availability systems: Reservation policies vary by park. "Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you," explained a visitor at Diamond Lake County Park.
Water conditions: Lake clarity varies by location. "The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don't recommend swimming here," advised a visitor.
Traffic noise: RV sites near Ferguson, Iowa sometimes experience highway sounds. "It was right off the interstate but the sounds of traffic wasn't too bad. The site was an easy pull through and pretty level," reported a camper at Griffs Valley View RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some parks feature dedicated play areas. "Kid's playground is fantastic and nearly brand new," noted a visitor at Diamond Lake County Park.
Swimming options: Pine Lake State Park Campground offers beach access. "Things to do: Paddle on upper or lower Pine Lake, Fishing, shore or boat (lake, stream, or river), Bicycle trails, Hiking trails (all around lower Pine Lake), Beach swimming (lower only)," shared a reviewer.
Tent site selection: Camping with children works better at some parks than others. "The tent camping side is really big also and it's hardly ever filled up. You can reserve some spots right on the water and fish from your tent," reported a visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground.
Storm protection: Severe weather considerations matter in this region. "Bonus points to Kellogg RV Park for having an F5-rated tornado shelter located on-site, so while your RV might blow away, no worries, you and those you hold most precious will be protected in the event of a tornado," mentioned a camper.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Many rv sites near Ferguson, Iowa require some adjustment. "The sites are level concrete pads with full hook ups (30/50 amp, water and sewage) make setting up quick," explained a visitor at Adventureland Campground.
Spacing considerations: Site proximity varies significantly by park. "The lots aren't very big and you are kind of packed in there. They have a swimming pool and a fishing pond," noted a camper at Adventureland Campground.
Hookup arrangements: RV utility connections differ across campgrounds. "Pull through paved 50 amp sites, with water and sewage. Picnic table for use," reported a recent visitor to Adventureland Campground.
Highway accessibility: Several parks offer quick interstate access. "Clean sites with nice spacing and full hookups including 20/30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer connections. Open year around with easy access to I-80," noted a visitor at Kellogg RV Park.
