Camping near Lehigh, Iowa centers around the Des Moines River valley with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,100 feet. The area features sandstone formations, woodland trails, and prairie landscapes typical of central Iowa. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions with daytime temperatures in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Ledges State Park Campground, visitors can explore sandstone ledges and challenging terrain. "I'm not one who enjoys staying at a park that is mostly flat, so this is definitely a good place in Iowa to camp," notes Tom S. The park offers "stone steps" and "steep edges" creating a more dynamic hiking experience than many Iowa parks.
Fishing opportunities: The lakes and streams provide good fishing spots for various species. At Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, anglers might encounter unexpected catches. "I was surprised to see a school of muskie while fishing, but it appeared that they were spawning at the time. If you go camping in May, make sure to bring a slightly heavier fishing pole to handle the musky," advises Brandon C.
Beach activities: Several parks offer swimming areas during warmer months. Kennedy County Park features "a nice playground and access to a beautiful golf course," according to Mary J. Brushy Creek has "a new beach area" that isn't overcrowded even on hot days, as Stephanie B. notes: "The beach looked real nice, not too crowded for a hot July day."
What campers like
Quiet settings: Little Wall Lake County Park provides peaceful camping with natural sounds. "The frogs in the nearby swamp were fun to hear. Lots of birds too," writes Mary. Another visitor, Chris H., describes "spacious sites along a gorgeous lake...quiet..wish every campground was this nice!"
Star visibility: The rural setting allows for excellent night sky viewing. Staci I. reports from Brushy Creek: "The Stars Were So Bright! Very little light pollution." The vast prairie setting with younger trees means less canopy obstruction for stargazing.
Historical sites: The Grotto of the Redemption RV Park offers access to unique attractions. Richard & says, "The Grotto is a fascinating achievement worth a look if you are in the area." Gary H. adds that "The Grotto is interesting and inspiring. Admission is free."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds in the region. At Kennedy County Park, Jeannie D. reports "No cell service provider functions in this park. The WIFI is shared between dozens of sites, speed averages right around 5mps." This makes it ideal for disconnecting but requires planning ahead.
Site spacing: Some campgrounds have tighter arrangements than others. At Kennedy County Park, Sherry N. notes the "RV park is quite cramped. The sites are somewhat modest in size and the one-way roads are narrow and unmarked."
Weather considerations: The lack of windbreaks can affect camping comfort. At Little Wall Lake, Bill M. advises to "check weather" since the area has "only one downfall: a lack of wind break. We went when the wind was blowing in typical Iowa summer fashion."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature play areas for children. Traci J. says about Little Wall Lake County Park: "Clean and host was nice. Kids had a fun time and want to come back. Close to the interstate and easy to get to."
Swimming options: Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground offers water recreation during summer months. The park has "great hiking trails" according to Emily, who visited during an unseasonably cold Easter weekend and wishes they "would have rented one of the cute little cabins that have fire places."
Educational opportunities: Nature and historical sites provide learning experiences. Brandi M. found Dolliver Memorial Park provided "Beautiful Fall Scenery" and notes that "Both our teenage boys agree it was one of the top 3 places on our South Dakota trip."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RV camping near Lehigh, Iowa, finding the right campsite matters. Anna C. recommends Brushy Creek, noting it's "Open for off season camping. $14/night for full hookups with pull thru RV sites."
Parking dimensions: Some parks have size restrictions for larger vehicles. Jeannie D. advises about Dolliver: "Sites can be a little squat in the middle loops, and no fhu." For Brushy Creek she recommends, "If you need 50 amps, you're going to want to head to the Beach Camp."
Road conditions: Navigation within campgrounds can be challenging. At Kennedy Park, Sherry N. cautions that "the one-way roads are narrow and unmarked. (Several times during our two-night stay, drivers were forced to pull off to permit a 'wrong-way' vehicle to pass.)"
Seasonal amenities: Most facilities operate from April to December. Gary H. found good value at The Grotto of the Redemption: "I counted (8) 50 amp and (16) 30 amp sites. Rest rooms, showers, fresh water and a dump station are provided. The cost is $20 per night."
