Rock Creek State Park offers traditional tent camping and RV sites along with upscale glamping options. Located 20 minutes from Grinnell, Iowa at an elevation of 940 feet, the park spans 1,690 acres including the 491-acre Rock Creek Lake. Camping areas feature gravel pads surrounded by grassy areas with varying degrees of shade and privacy between sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Rock Creek State Park attracts anglers seeking largemouth bass and crappie. "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," notes a visitor at Yellow Banks County Park.
Hiking trails: The region offers trails for various skill levels. At Ashton Wildwood Park, "There is a nice little circle hike that's not too difficult and was great for rehab after my knee replacement," reports one camper. Trails often feature creek access and wooded areas.
Biking routes: The paved trail system connects camping areas to nearby towns. "The campground was very well maintained. Shower rooms & restrooms were very clean and all were functional. We were able to kayak and bike here and it was amazing," explains a visitor at Lake Iowa County Park.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Several campgrounds offer sites directly adjacent to lakes or ponds. "We dry camped right on the water's edge for $6 a night, 2 weeks for $88! Electric sites are only 12. Their sites are 20/30/50 amp," reports a camper at Rock Creek, highlighting the value of waterfront sites.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain modern bathhouses. "The bathhouse was very clean, pretty quiet, and only 5 miles off the highway," notes a camper at Thomas Mitchell County Park, where tent campers appreciate the shower amenities.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. "We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through," shares a Lake Iowa County Park visitor describing the undeveloped areas around the camping loops.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds have sites positioned close together. "RV sites are close and busy. Grass and shade. Tenting area had a much quieter vibe. Lots of dogs. Ranger was helpful," notes a Rock Creek visitor, highlighting the difference between camping sections.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences high humidity levels in summer months. "Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didn't expect the humidity to affect us as it did. Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees," warns a camper at Lake Iowa County Park.
Reservation requirements: Booking patterns vary by park and season. "State park, make a reservation," advises a Rock Creek visitor, while Wallashuck campers note, "Very nice campground, each sight has a fire ring and table, plus a lantern pole. It is in a city park like setting and on the lake."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Most parks include play areas for children. "There is a big group site for family get togethers. There is some play equipment for children," mentions an Ashton Wildwood Park camper, making it suitable for family outings.
Creek exploration: Many campgrounds feature accessible creeks for water play. "Great place to go tent camping, very clean and quiet. Easy trails for the kids to go hiking and playing in the creek to cool off in the heat," shares a Thomas Mitchell County Park visitor.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programming. Otter Creek Lake and Park provides "Nature Center offers education displays and programs. Lake offers paddling, fishing, etc.," according to a recent visitor, creating learning experiences for young campers.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: RV sites typically offer multiple amperage choices. "Electric sites are only 12. Their sites are 20/30/50 amp. No water or sewer at the sites but there are water spigots dispersed through the campground and full dump station as you come in/leave," explains a Rock Creek camper.
Pull-through availability: Some parks offer easy-access sites. "Level sites with full hookups. Plenty of space to walk the dog. Right next to a gas station with great burgers and tenderloins!" notes a visitor to Kellogg RV Park, highlighting the convenience for larger rigs.
Site selection strategy: For optimal RV camping, consider location within the park. "I personally would not want to be in a site beyond number 7 as it gets too close to the dump station and subsequent 'sewage lagoon'," advises a Thomas Mitchell County Park camper, providing specific site selection guidance.
