C
Cameron Z.
Traveler
TravelerBriggs Woods Park
Didnt stay long
Only stayed one night but very convenient location and registration.
Camping near Story City, IA
91 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Story City, Iowa has multiple campground options within a 30-mile radius, ranging from state parks to county facilities. The area includes Ledges State Park Campground, which accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins, and Little Wall Lake County Park offering electric hookups, tent sites, and cabin rentals. These mixed-use campgrounds typically operate between April and October, though some like Little Wall Lake remain open year-round, providing varied camping experiences in central Iowa's rural landscape.
Campground availability in the region is strongly seasonal, with most facilities operating from early spring through late fall. A visitor noted, "Great small town campground. Very quiet, especially on weekdays. Great place to take long walks with great paths and scenery." Weather considerations include potential spring flooding at riverfront sites and mosquito activity during summer months. Most campgrounds require reservations for electric sites and cabins, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may be spotty in more remote locations like Ledges State Park's hiking areas or wooded sections of county parks.
Several campgrounds in the region feature access to water recreation, with Little Wall Lake and Dakins Lake County Park providing fishing and boating opportunities. Many campers appreciate the balance of natural surroundings with proximity to amenities. According to one review, "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate." Campgrounds like Ledges State Park offer hiking trails and scenic sandstone formations that distinguish them from the predominantly flat terrain typical of central Iowa. Proximity to wildlife viewing is another highlight, with several visitors mentioning deer sightings at multiple campgrounds. Noise levels vary by location, with campgrounds near highways experiencing more traffic sound compared to those tucked deeper into wooded areas or along quieter county roads.
Best Campgrounds near Story City (91)
1. Ledges State Park Campground
"One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."
"One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."
from $18 - $38 / night
Check Availability2. Little Wall Lake County Park
"Close to the interstate and easy to get to."
"We went when the wind was blowing in typical Iowa summer fashion. The grounds are peaceful and there's lots of great plant and flower spotting."
3. Whispering Oaks RV Park
4. Briggs Woods Park
"Brigs Woods is close to Webster City, IA. There are several campsites, cabins, golf course, access to canoeing or kayaking on the Boone River, along with hiking trails, swimming and fishing. "
"We chose Briggs Woods because of its location and reviews from other campers. It is a larger campground than you think! Spots for primitive tent camping, electrical hook up and full hook ups."
5. Hickory Grove Campground
"Lots of trees for shade but the lake has trails and a swimming beach with watercraft rentals. Truly a hidden gem in central Iowa!"
"Got to the campground around 6pm on a Friday and no one was at the primitive campground which was nice. The picnic table and fire ring were clean and in good condition."
from $17 / night
Check Availability6. Dakins Lake County Park
"Close to i35, but not to close. Make reservations, facilities this good are full by Friday."
"The shelter is very nice and overlooks Dakins Lake. The camp host was very responsive and helpful."
from $17 - $24 / night
Check Availability7. Jester County Park
"A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"
"Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability8. Swede Point Park
"We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that. Nothing fancy, but has plenty of sites, flush toilets and showers available."
"Nice little camp ground with easy access to the high trestle bike trail"
9. Twin Anchors Campground
"Great place especially if you know people around love the fact u can have electricity with your tent and they have showers"
10. Bells Mills County Park
Drive Time
- 13 min from Ames, IA
- 35 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 14 min from Waterloo, IA
- 1 hr 41 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
Recent Camping Photos near Story City, IA
53 Photos of 91 Story City Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Story City, IA
483 Reviews of 91 Story City Campgrounds
Gerard E.
LegendTimberline East RV Campground
9-14-26
9-14-26 Timberline East RV Campground, I do not think this is a KOA anymore. Tent site T1 & 2 was level and on grass with table and fire ring. checked in at 7pm, overcast, Molly was great at the check in, offered a 10% Veteran discount. $34 for the night. We only stayed one night. Showers and bathrooms were decent. T-Mobile was 5G 4 bars. Rained all night, you can hear the noise from the highway but you drown it out.
Steven M.
ScoutPrairie Flower Recreation Area
Laid Back Weekend
This is a great location by the lake with some spots having great water views. You dont feel like sardines with all the space between sites. You can walk down to the beach as well in no time. We had a nice relaxing weekend. Will be back.
- EEd G.
GuideBob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground
Great Campground
Quiet, clean, organized and friendly host! I ll be coming back!
Taylor M.TravelerAshton Wildwood Park
Didn’t stay the night
Pulled in looking for a good place to camp, but unfortunately had plans late at night and they shut the gate so they’re is no entering or leaving past 10:30pm - 6:00am which I think is a little stupid if I didn’t have late night plans though I totally would’ve stayed, sites looked great, and there was only one other camper when I pulled in.
- Taylor M.Traveler
Hickory Grove Campground
Tent site
Has a good view of lake on the tent side with no electric hookups, or water, although there is a small water spout that is like a hose we used to wash dishes and there’s also porta potty’s. There is about 11 sites on this side pretty cheap for what you get with them; they have a fire ring, picnic table Id give it a 10/10
- MMichael B.Scout
Whispering Oaks RV Park
Quiet
Very quiet campground. Only one bathroom and shower available for use, though. Lots of space and trees as well
- DDennis G.Traveler
Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground
Great area
My wife and I are Camp host in this campground? It is a river Ravine campground lots and lots of trees. Fishing campground itself has electricity only but you can fill your campers up the water by the pump very nice and relaxing place to be.
Jennifer K.
RangerKellogg RV Park
Super convenient I80 stop over
Great friendly hosts. Check in inside the gas station. Full hook ups and a fair price compared to most rv parks especially with good sam membership. No frills but adorably decorated. You got gas, snacks and great food and ice cream..what else could you ask for in a overnight stop. Laundry, shower house and bocce court. Bocce sets available to borrow from the gas station. Cute communal sitting areas one area with fire rings and wood available at the gas station. Yes its right off 80 and you will hear the traffic but with this incredible convenience we didn't mind. Felt safe and good vibes during our stay. Level and long gravel pull through sites and big rig friendly. Will definitely be added to our favorites list for I80 travels.
Guide to Story City
Camping sites near Story City, Iowa offer a mix of prairie and woodland settings with elevations ranging from 940 to 1,100 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 82°F and winter temperatures dipping to 10°F. Central Iowa campgrounds typically receive 35 inches of annual rainfall, with May and June being the wettest months.
What to do
Hiking at Ledges State Park Campground: The park features sandstone formations with trails ranging from easy to challenging. One visitor noted, "The hiking trails are cool. 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!"
Fishing opportunities: Several lakes within 30 miles of Story City provide good fishing. At Little Wall Lake County Park, campers enjoy bank fishing with one visitor sharing, "This lake is great, lots of fishing spots and camping spots." The 249-acre lake is stocked with bluegill, crappie, and bass.
Golf access: Briggs Woods Park combines camping with an 18-hole golf course. The park also offers "access to canoeing or kayaking on the Boone River, along with hiking trails, swimming and fishing."
Wildlife viewing: Bison and elk viewing is available at Jester County Park, providing an unexpected wildlife experience in central Iowa. The park includes a nature center that opened in 2018. A visitor called it "just next level" and noted they "advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be."
What campers like
Modern facilities: Many county parks have invested in quality infrastructure. One camper at Jester County Park shared, "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate." This reflects the maintenance standards at many area campgrounds.
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer well-spaced sites for privacy. At Briggs Woods Park, a camper mentioned, "We stayed Sun-Wed in May. Closest other campers were about a football field away. Very quiet park, we stayed in the back."
Lake activities: Multiple campgrounds feature lake access. A visitor to Little Wall Lake County Park described it as "Spacious sites along a gorgeous lake..quiet..wish every campground was this nice!" The park offers water and electric hookups along with primitive sites.
Educational opportunities: The region has nature centers and educational displays. One camper visiting Ledges State Park Campground stated, "Stayed at this campground for my college visit to ISU and I nearly went to the university just because I wanted to be here at this park every weekend."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Certain campgrounds experience periodic flooding. At Ledges State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "Ledges State Park is one of the most visited parks in Iowa. I loved coming to this park as a kid and I can't wait for it to re-open. It has been closed since January 2018, but it scheduled to re-open in January of 2019. Here is a link to a local story explaining the closure and flooding."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Story City, IA?
What camping is available near Story City, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Story City, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 91 campgrounds and RV parks near Story City, IA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Story City, IA?
Which is the most popular campground near Story City, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Story City, IA is Ledges State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Story City, IA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Story City, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Story City, IA.
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