Island Park in Rock Valley offers basic campsite options for $15 per night with electric hookups and $5 for tent camping in grassy areas. The area sits at a relatively low elevation with fertile soil supporting agricultural activities throughout the region. Multiple campgrounds within 45 minutes of Rock Valley provide camping and glamping options along rivers and near recreational facilities.
What to do
Swimming areas with slides: Island Park provides a large swimming area with water slides that's popular for families with children. According to Amber P., "Huge swimming area with slides for kids, and river with a lot of fish!!! Brand New shower houses."
Biking on paved trails: Big Sioux Recreation Area features an extensive trail system that connects to nearby communities. Trevor A. notes, "We come here often. The showers are great, the walking trail is great, and the spots are nice and spread out."
Rock climbing opportunities: Palisades State Park offers unique quartzite formations for climbing enthusiasts. Jessica B. says, "I love this park for both its camping and hiking. Stunning quartzite formations make for some great climbing."
Fishing access: Multiple sites offer fishing opportunities with easy river access. At Island Park, one camper mentioned "river with a lot of fish!!!" while Clay County Park provides "opportunities for hiking and fishing" according to Magdalena.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between camping spots. At Blue Mounds State Park, Bruce P. notes "sites are in the woods so all sites have shade" while Big Sioux Recreation Area campers mention that "spots are nice and spread out."
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained bathrooms and showers receive positive mentions. At Sioux Falls KOA, a reviewer noted "Incredibly friendly and helpful staff! A little on the small side but good for an overnight stop!"
Affordable rates: Several campgrounds offer budget-friendly options. Island Park campers appreciate that "Very nice quiet campground. The sign says all sites are $15 but online it says you can rent camp in the grass for $5 so just write that on the slip when you pay."
Trail systems: Hiking and biking trails consistently receive positive reviews. Myrna G. at Big Sioux Recreation Area praised the "bike and hiking trails. Plus plenty of privacy."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds close during winter months or face weather-related closures. Dave K. reported about Island Park: "Drove over tonight excited for my stay at this neat looking park. Unfortunately it appears that the June 2024 flood damaged the campground and it's currently closed for repair."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Magnolia City Campground, while praised for being "a great place right off of 90," its location means traffic noise is present.
Additional fees: Some parks charge entrance fees on top of camping fees. One camper at Big Sioux Recreation Area explained, "I was paying one fee for the non-e tent site but then there was an additional fee for non-res and another fee for park day use fee or permit."
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds either require or strongly recommend reservations. Clay County Park now requires that "Camping reservations must be made before setting up on a campsite" through their online system.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. At Island Park, one reviewer mentioned "Huge swimming area with slides for kids" making it ideal for families with children.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences seasonal temperature swings and occasional flooding. Bruce P. at Blue Mounds State Park advises that "all types of camping is available" and the park offers "plenty of hiking trails and some cliff climbing."
Glamping options for first-timers: For families new to camping near Rock Valley, Iowa, glamping provides a comfortable introduction. Alison R. shared about her family's experience at Sioux Falls KOA: "We stayed in the TeePee and it was definitely an experience our family will cherish forever."
Off-peak timing: For quieter family camping experiences, avoid speedway race nights at certain campgrounds. John G. warns about Island Park: "The night we stayed, there was racing going on at Rapid Speedway that lasted well into the evening. Extremely LOUD. Make sure to check the race schedule."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric hookups are standard at most sites, but water and sewer connections vary. Daniel C. notes about Island Park: "All sites have electricity but only 20/30/60 amps. Water spigots are spread throughout the campground."
Level sites: Many RVers praise the level sites at several campgrounds. Carol J. comments about Big Sioux Recreation Area: "Site was level. Trees surrounding area. Electric hook up but no water. Flush toilets with showers very nice."
Overnight stopover locations: Several campgrounds serve well for brief stays. Mark recommends Magnolia City Campground: "Great place right off of 90. Follow the gps location on the app. Don't use the address off of the city's web site. Plus there are signs for camping that will lead you right to it."
Extension cord requirements: Some campgrounds have unusual power box layouts. One RVer at Magnolia City Campground observed: "The power boxes are set up is only few spots with multiple power boxes on the post. So you could need a power cord extention."
