Lake Iowa County Park provides several tent, RV, and cabin camping options within 8 miles of Marengo, Iowa. The park sits at an elevation of around 850 feet and experiences typical Midwest seasonal patterns with cold winters and warm, sometimes humid summers. The camping area features both wooded and lake-view sites with varying levels of privacy depending on location.
What to do
Hiking around lakes: At Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area, trails offer moderate terrain with some elevation changes. "There is a nice hiking trail around the lake, about 8 miles complete loop. There is a bit of elevation change and not many opportunities to 'bail out' so take water and pace yourself," notes Mitch C.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes provide good angling options for various species. "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," shares Willy W. about Rock Creek State Park.
Educational displays: Nature centers in the region offer learning experiences about local ecosystems. At Otter Creek Lake and Park, the "Nature Center offers education displays and programs. Lake offers paddling, fishing, etc.," according to James M.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high with campers. "Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?" remarks Randall K. about Lake Iowa County Park.
Kayaking access: Multiple waterways provide paddling opportunities. "It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground, tent camping is a breeze with very secluded sites, and well water very close to each site and a trail that leads to a large dumpster. Awesome lake to go kayaking on too!" shares Chelsea M.
Varied accommodation types: From primitive camping to yurt camping near Marengo, Iowa, options exist for different preferences. At Pinicon Ridge Park, "The sites were extremely level and clean, electric and water hookups. The camp host was very friendly and had plenty of firewood and ice in stock," notes Chelsea D.
What you should know
Site spacing concerns: Some campgrounds have crowding issues. "The spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed," reports Randall K. about Lake Iowa County Park.
Weather impacts: Summer humidity can affect comfort levels. "We were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August. 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," explains Clifton B.
Water quality limitations: Not all lakes permit swimming. At Rock Creek, "Unfortunately, the amazing swimming beach with concession stand and changing rooms with showers is gone. Due to the large population of geese, ducks, and cranes, the water is not safe to swim in," reports Elisha L.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Palisades-Kepler State Park offers recreational options for children. "Super chill and plenty of space, especially for tents on site 39. Bathrooms are very nice and modern and clean, maintenance was very nice to let me shower before he could clean it," notes Khenia F.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer chances to see animals. "Nice, quiet and affordable. Saw lots of deer and rabbits right outside our door. Shower rooms are very nice," shares Wendy D. about Lake Iowa Park.
Site selection strategy: Choose specific sites for better experiences. "Very few sites have a view of the lake. To walk to the lake or near by pond you must go down hill, which could be a problem for any one with mobility issues. Once down to the water trail are easy to walk. I would say if you can try and get sites, 67-70. They have beautiful views," advises Leslie P.
Tips from RVers
Electrical connections: Hookup options vary by park. "Weekends are pretty much sold out. We love the area. Kayaking, biking, and fishing. Very well maintained grounds. Camp sites do not provide private water/sewer but there is a good water/sewer station on the way in," explains David J. about Pleasant Creek.
Site leveling: Terrain affects comfort in larger vehicles. "The tent sites are nice and private. There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty. New picnic tables. Lots of shade," notes Ann B.
Seasonal availability: Many parks have limited operating seasons. "We stayed in a 25 foot travel trailer in the middle of the week. 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 Elisha L. about Rock Creek State Park.
