2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Little Wall Lake County Park houses several glamping options near Story City, Iowa, with accommodations that range from comfortable yurts to well-appointed cabins. Located just a short drive from Interstate 35, the park features three climate-controlled cabins with electricity and modern comforts that elevate the camping experience beyond traditional tent sites. The cabins provide a perfect blend of outdoor immersion and resort-style amenities, with picnic tables and fire rings outside for evening gatherings. Campers appreciate the peaceful setting beside the small lake, with opportunities to relax in comfort while enjoying water views. One guest shared, "This little gem is a great place to stay. There are 3 cabins also."
The natural surroundings at Little Wall Lake offer glamping visitors multiple recreational opportunities without sacrificing comfort. The lake provides excellent fishing spots, bird watching, and peaceful water views from private accommodations. During spring and summer, the area comes alive with natural sounds including frogs from the nearby wetlands that create a soothing natural soundtrack for glampers. Ledges State Park, another glamping destination in the region, offers beautiful hiking trails through sandstone formations and along the Des Moines River, perfect for day excursions from your boutique camping accommodation. According to a camper, "The campground is clean and well maintained. We only got a chance to stay here for two nights but we plan on going back next year and spending a week." Both locations remain open seasonally, with Little Wall Lake County Park available year-round and Ledges State Park operating from April through December.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $25 / night
"Small lake. Some sites are reserveable online and some are first come first serve. We had water and electric on site. Showers were not open yet in April. "
"Close to the interstate and easy to get to."
"Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate. Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up. "
"Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit."
from $20 - $25 / night
"Very quiet and nice neighbors camping next store , fresh water well on pump next to our campsite number #1 electric and non electric site’s ,electric sites run $18 a night non electric $11 a night , has"
"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."
"Camped by tent, basic amenities on-site-fire ring, table, etc. Went kayaking on lake and then on Des Moines River (close by). Nice wildlife areas, hiking, fishing, etc. Pleasant staff."
"Very quite and nice campground, we camped on top of the hill in tents it was awesome view and potable drinking water next to camp, bathrooms and shower facilities was clean and nice"
from $12 - $20 / night
"Been camping here every summer for about 3 years as pass thru Iowa."
"Nice campground with 30/50 amp electric, no water or service but bathrooms are clean and many. The staff are very friendly and willing to offer info."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $26 / night
"Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. It's only $7/night! There is some play equipment for children. "
"Flat grassy spot to set up my tent and a nice fire ring/ grill to cook dinner on also had a picnic table. Very nice primitive spot. Will go back"
from $7 / night
"Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."
"The drive into the grounds was a little confusing, but I imagine that in the daylight we would have had an easier time."
"The best waterfront camping we have found near us. Small friendly community of camping. Door to door ice and concession delivery."
"There are campsites along the lake with easy access to shoreline. There are approximately 100 sites. There is a playground and disc golf. There is a roller rink and a concession stand."
from $20 / night
"Nice Iowa State Park campground just outside of Grenell Iowa. On a lake. Hundreds of sites. So many of the non-electric test sites look amazing."
"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. It’s a great place if you have a boat or kayak/canoe."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $40 / night
TravelerPulled 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.
RangerGreat 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.
ScoutGreat little spot with lots of hiking trails. Bathrooms are clean and guests are quiet. Don’t miss grave from 1869 at top of hill on trail. Beautiful place. Wish I lived closer.
GuideBeen camping here every summer for about 3 years as pass thru Iowa. Sites spaced nicely apart, is electric only, but have water at entrance, and also thru out the park so can fill fresh tank upon entrance and many place inside campground. Lots of trees, but also many sunny sites here. Bathrooms are always clean
RangerThis is a sweet well-maintained campground just south of Mitchellville, Iowa off of 80. Not many sites and only a handful were occupied mid week in July. There is a little stream running along the edge of the campground. There is one bathroom building with 6 separate rooms - each with a toilet, sink and shower with warm water. Plenty of drinking water at centralized locations. There is shade at most sites when you first enter the campground and in the loop. Along the edges (inc the stream) shade is more variable. The only issue we had was a bright light that was on all night near the end of the loop. We were in site 5 and had to move our truck so it didn’t shine in all night.
GuideLevel sites and very quiet. Great hiking location and photo opportunities.
RangerThere’s not a lot going on in the vicinity of this state park, which is on the smaller side, and you will hear some cows, but all in all the campground exceeded my expectations for the two nights I stayed. This was partially because my site, 65, offered ample room away from the neighboring sites and backed up to a small green area with the road further back (minimal noise, aside from the random loud dirt bike). It also had a good mix of shade and sun if you’re hoping for a bit of solar charging, though no shore power or water. The site was long and mostly level with just the smallest tilt, but not enough to be a bother even without leveling blocks. The dumpster is nearby, but it’s a tiny one and was well maintained (aka not smelly). The brand new shower house was within easy walking distance as well. I had enough service (Verizon) to send texts and watch a bit of YouTube (buffering times were a smidge slow), but you likely wouldn’t have a strong enough signal for much more.
RangerQuite a nice campground. Pretty busy for a Monday so I can imagine it gets busy here. Sites are nice and spacious. Great amenities and right next to the water.
ScoutStayed here last week in July 2025 on a cross-country motorcycle trip. Nice and quiet. Flat grassy spot to set up my tent and a nice fire ring/ grill to cook dinner on also had a picnic table.
Very nice primitive spot. Will go back
Little Wall Lake County Park offers cabin camping just 11 miles south of Story City, Iowa. The park sits at an elevation of about 1,000 feet and features a small 249-acre lake that reaches depths up to 12 feet. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to climate-controlled cabins that remain open year-round, with peak season running May through September.
Fishing and boating: Don Williams Park provides excellent fishing opportunities with a large lake stocked with bass, crappie, and catfish. One visitor noted, "Very nice campground with a lake to fish and swimming area. Tent and campers access."
Hiking trails: Ledges State Park features challenging terrain with stone steps and sandstone formations. "I did not camp here however I drove and took a day hike. The hiking trails are cool. I would say it was a challenging hike. A lot of up and down terrain, stone steps, etc," reports a visitor.
Disc golf course: Spring Lake Park includes a disc golf course among its many recreational amenities. The course winds through the wooded areas of the park, offering both challenging and beginner-friendly holes. A camper mentioned, "There is a playground and disc golf. There is a roller rink and a concession stand."
Lake views: Little Wall Lake County Park offers camping spots with direct lake access. According to a camper, "Spacious sites along a gorgeous lake..quiet..wish every campground was this nice!"
Wildlife viewing: The natural wetlands around Little Wall Lake attract various birds and amphibians. One visitor shared their experience: "The frogs in the nearby swamp were fun to hear. Lots of birds too. This looks like it is a popular park for local people in the summer."
Roller skating: Spring Lake County Park maintains a unique open-air roller skating rink open weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A visitor described it as "Great long-term hosts really make this park feel like going home."
Reservation options: Most campgrounds near Story City offer both reservable and first-come-first-served sites. At Swede Point Park, sites operate on a first-come basis only. As one camper advised, "If you're going on a nice weekend, make sure to head out Friday morning to claim a spot."
Weather considerations: Spring and early summer can bring flooding to certain areas. At Rock Creek State Park, a camper noted: "Our camp host told us early spring can be hit or miss because sometime the campground will end up flooding so keep that in mind when you plan your trip."
Water access: Not all campgrounds have drinkable water at each site. For glamping close to Story City, Iowa, bring containers to fill at central water stations. A Swede Point visitor mentioned, "Only two water connections for the camp."
Playground access: Jester County Park offers modern play equipment plus natural areas for children to explore. A camper noted, "Fun easy spot near salorville mouth. Lots of cool kid activities. Buffalo ranch near by which is cool."
Creek play areas: Thomas Mitchell County Park features a creek with constructed entry points perfect for children. One visitor shared, "The outer loop has a creek that flows behind the sites with large stairs to get down to it. Kids were having a blast in the water."
Cabin options for beginners: Glamping accommodations near Story City provide an entry point for families new to outdoor recreation. Little Wall Lake's yurts and cabins come equipped with basic amenities. One camper described it as a "Cute little place. Clean and host was nice. Kids had a fun time and want to come back."
Site spacing: Rock Creek State Park Campground has varied site layouts with some more private than others. A visitor observed, "RV sites are close and busy. Grass and shade. Tenting area had a much quieter vibe."
Electric hookups: Most parks offer 50-amp service with water available at central locations. Don Williams Park has full electrical sites with convenient water access. A visitor noted, "Peaceful camping with lots of room, 50 amp hook ups and water easily available."
Dump station quality: State and county parks maintain clean dump stations with regulations about gray water disposal. One visitor to Jester Park specifically praised this aspect: "I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Story City, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Story City, IA is Ledges State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 41 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Story City, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 glamping camping locations near Story City, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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