Big Hollow Recreation Area in Sperry, Iowa sits at approximately 710 feet elevation with mature hardwood forests and prairie ecosystems surrounding its 178-acre lake. The region experiences humid continental climate with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F while winter months can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, with limited winter accessibility during Iowa's snowy months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Big Hollow Recreation Area features a no-wake zone lake stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. "Fished here for a few years but camped here for the first time with my travel trailer this year. The campground is well laid out," notes a visitor to Big Hollow Recreation Area.
Water recreation: Several campgrounds offer direct access to rivers or lakes for paddling. At Shady Creek, one camper mentioned it's a "Nice location to spend time fishing, watching sunsets, and paddle. Near Wild Cat Den State Park." The Mississippi River access provides opportunities for watching commercial barges pass by.
Stargazing: Some campgrounds in the region offer clear night skies away from city lights. Big Hollow Recreation Area even has "a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!" according to one reviewer who tent camped there.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the well-designed layouts. At Big Hollow Recreation Area, campers note that "If you are in a group you can reserve spots 8 and 9 together or there are some long spots in the Eastern part for double occupancy if you want." Another camper adds, "If you want more privacy and easy access to the lake for kayaking I'd go for 14, 15, and 16."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers excellent opportunities for spotting native wildlife. At Langwood Education Center, "the woods offer prime area to see migratory birds such as kingfishers, herons, and a multitude of warblers. At night, great horned and barred owls can be heard calling back and forth."
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable rates. Primitive camping at Big Hollow costs just $10 per night. A camper reported, "Stayed at the primitive section of the campground. Site C was level for our camper van. Large, spacious site. Wooded. Fire ring."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Iowa's climate brings variable conditions. At Ferry Landing - Mississippi River, one camper warned, "Tried to camp here, but dirt road going in was submerged in deep mud holes after some heavy rain." Pack appropriate rain gear and check road conditions before visiting.
Noise factors: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. At Crossroads RV Park, a camper cautioned about "Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away. And quite a bit of freeway noise, too!"
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. At Shady Creek, one camper noted "Our cell phone provider is Sprint and we had zero service." Another campground reports strong Verizon reception with "3 bars of LTE" while others have limited or no signal.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several rv campgrounds near Sperry, Iowa offer dedicated play areas for children. Big Hollow Recreation Area has "a large playground and shower house" according to a recent visitor, providing entertainment options close to campsites.
Educational opportunities: Cedar River Campground offers various activities for children beyond standard playgrounds. A camper noted it has "mini-golf, a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids." Another camper called it "Family friendly" with "so many things to do for adults and kids!!"
Water safety: When camping near water features, prepare for varying conditions. One camper at Big Hollow noted, "The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you're wanting to fish or swim, this isn't the place for you!" Check current water conditions before planning water-based activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For RV camping at Sperry area campgrounds, choose sites based on your specific needs. At Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground, "Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river. 2 blocks from a restaurant/tavern."
Hookup availability: The region offers various hookup options for RVers. Big Hollow Recreation Area provides complete utilities. One camper emphasized, "This is a great campground. Sites are pretty level and easy to get parked. Full hookup!!! There is a good sized lake that we have kayaked and swam in."
Leveling considerations: Many Sperry area RV sites feature level concrete pads. As one camper at Shady Creek noted, "Level cement pads. Strong Verizon access." Another camper similarly reported, "Never seen a park where every pad was level like this one."
