Luther, Iowa sits at an elevation of 1,050 feet above sea level with nearby Boone County averaging 35 inches of annual rainfall. The camping season typically runs from April through October, though water access may be limited during early spring and late fall due to winterization of facilities. Most campgrounds in the area feature oak and hickory forests interspersed with native prairie landscapes.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Saylorville Lake at Prairie Flower Recreation Area offers shoreline fishing with catfish, crappie, and walleye. "This is a very large campground with lots of sites and large group camping areas. The bathrooms and shower house are nice and clean," notes one visitor to Prairie Flower Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: Jester Park features elk and bison viewing areas. "The County has invested a lot of resources into this park making it a great place to stay when enjoying the fun at Saylorville Lake. The facilities are modern and clean and there is some real pride at this park," explains a camper at Jester County Park.
Biking: Access the 25-mile paved Chichaqua Valley Trail directly from Griffs Valley View RV Park. "Nicely paved 25 mile long biking and walking Chichaqua Valley Trail runs right between the campground and the campground office," notes a long-term camper at Griffs Valley View RV Park.
Hiking: Explore sandstone formations at Ledges State Park with trails featuring stone steps and challenging terrain. "I would say it was a challenging hike. A lot of up and down terrain, stone steps, etc. The ledges along the river were beautiful and depending on the river height you can walk right along them," shares a day hiker.
What campers like
Scenic lake views: Don Williams Park offers waterfront sites with excellent vistas. "Great sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views," explains a visitor to Don Williams Park.
Quiet camping spots: Swede Point Park provides a peaceful setting with mature trees. "Nice and quiet little park very scenic and beautiful area, park rangers are very nice and helpful as well," shares a camper.
Nature playscape: Acorn Valley campground offers access to the natural playscape at Jester Park. "Upon arrival the host swiftly checked our reservation and sent us on our way after a few questions on where to obtain firewood. Sites were great, facilities were immaculate, playground and pond were awesome for keeping kids entertained. Just a short hike down Corydon to the lake, and a short drive to Jester Park for the natural playscape," writes a camper at Acorn Valley.
Clean facilities: Bob Shelter Recreation Area maintains well-kept washrooms. "This is a lovely spot. We stayed at spot 20 which was extra wide, concrete pad with electric hook up. No water or sewer. Spot 20 is at the end which makes it very private with nice large grassy area adjacent to wooded area," notes one visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "Prairie Flower is run by the Army Corps of Engineers. It is huge! There are so many campsites that when it is full it can become a maze," explains a camper.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are active at multiple campgrounds near Luther. "Campsites are well kept and clean. Bathrooms are immaculate and cleaned every day. Biggest downside is the resident raccoons. Come out every night to rummage through possible food options. Secure your food and they're no problem unless you're a light sleeper," advises a visitor to Acorn Valley.
Limited water hookups: Several campgrounds offer electric-only sites. "The only thing holding it back from 5 stars is no water or sewer onsite," notes a camper at Prairie Flower. Another camper points out: "Not all loops are paved. A is not. But the site was pretty level, wasn't too much trouble to get our trailer backed in and leveled. No water hook ups, so fill up after you get in the campground before you park."
First-come camping: Swede Point Park operates without reservations. "This county park has many amenities not to mention that it is close to a very popular bike trail (High Tressel Trail Bridge). PLAN TO GET HERE WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY because this park is FIRST COME basis. NO RESERVATIONS! And ALL of the electrical sites were full Thursday evening," warns a visitor to Swede Point Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. "We parked at a site by the playground and bathhouse, and could sit at our camper and watch our son play at a safe distance," shares a parent visiting Acorn Valley.
Hiking difficulty: Ledges State Park trails may challenge young children. "What I enjoy most about this park compared to others in Iowa are the sandstone ledges and the slopes on the trail. I'm not one who enjoys staying at a park that is mostly flat, so this is definitely a good place in Iowa for me to camp," notes a former Boy Scout at Ledges State Park Campground.
Campsite privacy: Tent campers should consider site location carefully. "If you want to tent camp, bring a cart or something to haul everything with. The parking lot is a LONG WAY from any private tent site. Youth group camp, the ones with all the energy and strength, is next to parking lot. That's messed up," advises a tent camper at Ledges.
Budget options: Non-electric tent sites cost $8-16 throughout the area. "Everything's changed out here, can no longer pay using cash have to reserve it online and can no longer stay out here for a month for my construction workers, definitely don't like the changes and with all the hidden charges definitely not my cup of tea, $16 plus tax for non electric tent camping is ridiculous."
Tips from RVers
Dump station wait times: Plan for delays during Sunday checkout. "Now my one complaint - there's one dump station for a campground that is large is size and popularity. Trying to leave on a Sunday is a good 1 hour wait... that's being generous! I hate going there knowing that instead of getting to enjoy Sunday - I'll be busy draining my pooper," warns an RVer at Prairie Flower.
Water fill locations: Scout water connections before setting up. "Only two water connections for the camp," notes a camper at Swede Point Park. Another advises: "No water hook ups, so fill up after you get in the campground before you park."
Concrete pads: Several campgrounds feature level, paved sites. "Sites are level and well marked. The property is kept up nicely. Has a cute pond and is adjacent to a bike and running trail," notes a traveler at Griffs Valley View.
Site selection: End sites often provide more privacy and space. "We stayed at spot 20 which was extra wide, concrete pad with electric hook up. No water or sewer. Spot 20 is at the end which makes it very private with nice large grassy area adjacent to wooded area," advises an RVer about Bob Shelter Recreation Area.
