Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground sits near Palo, Iowa at approximately 850 feet elevation within the rolling hills of eastern Iowa. The region has four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching 85°F and winters dropping below freezing. Camping options range from basic tent sites to cabins, with most locations open from April through October when temperatures remain mild enough for comfortable overnight stays.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground offers multiple water recreation options on its 410-acre lake. "It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground... Awesome lake to go kayaking on too!" reports Chelsea M., who found tent camping straightforward with secluded sites and water sources conveniently located.
Hiking around the lake: The trail system at Pleasant Creek provides a complete 8-mile loop around the lake 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," advises Mitch C.
Canoe and paddleboat rentals: Pinicon Ridge Park offers seasonal boat rentals for visitors without their own equipment. "We all took the trail into town and found a BIT Brewery where we enjoy woodfired pizza and brought some beer home in a growler for around the fire that night," notes Brandon T., who appreciated the convenient trail connections to nearby amenities.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground features tent sites with natural screening. "The tent sites are very nice and private. There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty. New picnic tables. Lots of shade," observed Ann B. who visited during July.
Quiet camping areas: Morgan Creek County Park maintains a peaceful atmosphere away from highway noise. "This is a first come first serve campground. No reservations can be made. There were mostly RVers, but some tent campers were also scattered throughout the grounds. The bathroom was pretty nice and clean. The grounds were beautiful," notes Jessica C.
Family playgrounds: Pinicon Ridge Park features exceptional play facilities. "They have the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen. There were activities for kids of all ages, and they used a rubber composite on the ground at the playground so when kiddos fall, they aren't injured," shares Chelsea D.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some parks operate on a first-come, first-served basis while others require advance booking. Terry M. notes about Morgan Creek County Park: "Beautiful facilities. Pleasant camp hosts. The only problem is it's first come first serve. Hard to get a site."
Vehicle limitations: Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground enforces specific parking rules. "We made a reservation for a nice summer weekend but when we arrived someone was in our site. Luckily there was one more site available where the ranger asked us to stay instead since the other group was set up already," reports LeAnn D., highlighting potential challenges during busy weekends.
Seasonal flooding: Several campgrounds near Palo experience periodic flooding, particularly in spring and after heavy rains. One camper noted about Pleasant Creek, "Weekends are pretty much sold out. We love the area. Kayaking, biking, and fishing. Very well maintained grounds."
Tips for camping with families
Storm safety planning: Pinicon Ridge Park provides on-site storm shelters for camper safety. "Awesome Campground. Clean, and even NEW showers that are outstanding. Storm shelter right on site. Playground is awesome for kids of all ages," writes Beau Z., noting the various safety features at this location.
Youth group facilities: Several parks offer designated youth camping areas. "We stayed here for the easy access to the water for the Scouts to get out in canoes and fishing. I have been camping here off and on for the last 25 years. I have not had any issues at all. I have stayed in a regular tent campgrounds and the youth group campsites," explains Robert F. about Pleasant Creek.
Swimming options: Both natural and developed swimming areas are available at various parks. "There is a sand beach to swim, where they also rent kayaks & canoes," explains Steve R. about George Wyth State Park, which also offers "a large sand playground area with slides and swings" for younger children.
Tips from RVers
Utility hookups: Lake Iowa County Park provides electrical sites for $16 compared to $10 for tent sites. "Very well kept campground! 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?" reports Randall K.
Dump station locations: Most glamping sites near Palo, Iowa have dump stations located near the park entrance rather than at individual sites. "Camp sites do not provide private water/sewer but there is a good water/sewer station on the way in," notes David J. about Pleasant Creek.
Site spacing concerns: Several reviewers mention proximity issues between sites. "The only issue is that 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," warns Randall K. about Lake Iowa County Park.
