Union Grove State Park Campground offers electrical hookups and spacious sites for both tents and RVs. Located near Vermillion, the campground features hiking trails through wooded areas and clean shower facilities. Visitors note the well-maintained grounds and peaceful setting make it a comfortable base for exploring the region. The park sits at a moderate elevation overlooking rolling hills, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F during camping season.
What to do
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Turkey Ridge at Ponca State Park provides extensive trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "Lots of great hiking trails. The hosts are very kind and helpful," notes Laura S. The park's location offers opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Missouri River activities: Riverfront Campground provides direct river access for fishing, boating, and water recreation. "The Missouri river access points near these campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for dogs to cool off during summer months," with reviewer Luke L. adding the park is "set at the edge of rolling wheat fields over looking the Missouri river. The woods are lush and full of deer, turkeys and other critters."
Seasonal outdoor recreation: Oak Bluff Campground offers year-round activities that change with the seasons. "We found a few 'hike in' spots but they were not more than .25 miles from trailheads," writes Kwin K. Winter camping is also available with a reviewer noting, "A lot of places in Iowa are closed to camping until April or even May. I looked west and quickly found this."
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities at campgrounds near Vermillion. A visitor to Union Grove State Park Campground noted, "Definitely one of the cleanest most well kept campgrounds I've seen in a while. Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice."
Site privacy and separation: Clay County Park receives positive feedback for its spacious camping areas. "The sites were very nice sized. You didn't feel like you were right on top of each other," reports Shannon G. This setup creates a more peaceful camping experience when traveling with pets or family.
Affordable camping options: Elk Point City Park Campground offers budget-friendly camping near Vermillion. "What a great find. $15 with electric and some water hookups. Playground right there and a nice walking path," writes Nancy B. Other reviewers confirm the value, noting "Cute and historical city park that offers multiple 30 Amp hook up sites for $15."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather around Vermillion varies dramatically by season. A camper at Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area noted mixed experiences regarding site access, with one review stating, "This was a fine location. A few people stopped by the boat ramp but no one else stayed the night. I looked everywhere and saw no signs regarding camping here and I was not disturbed."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others allow walk-ins. Clay County Park now uses a state reservation system: "Reservations can be made online at campsd.com or through the call center at 1-800-710-2267 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Follow the link and select 'Make a reservation' tab. Reservations are accepted up to 90 days in advance of your arrival at the park."
Campground layouts: Campgrounds vary significantly in their setup and privacy levels. At Lions Park, "The sites are against the brick building that is the recreation center. When we pulled up we decided not to stay as the few sites that were there were so close together," reports Shannon G., highlighting the importance of researching site layouts before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lions Park features playground equipment adjacent to camping areas. "There was a nice playground and restroom. The restroom looked to be shared with the ball fields next to the camp sites," notes a reviewer, making it convenient for families with active children.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming opportunities for children. At Lazy H Campground, "The beach has giant floating lily pads that the kids loved. There are showers on the beach to wash off feet after you're done swimming," reports Bryan R.
Educational opportunities: Ponca State Park provides learning experiences for children. "For the 100 years celebration they had re-enactments, making walking stick adornments, bird catch and release to show an up close and personal peek at the local birds," shares Shari M. from Turkey Ridge campground, noting the educational center is excellent for families.
Tips for RVers
Site specifications: RV campers should check site dimensions and hookup availability before booking. At Lazy H Campground, "The pull through sites are fully concrete and level. They all have a huge table and stone fire pit. Plenty of room for a second vehicle," according to Bryan R., who adds, "Full hookups are great."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer sewer connections, but many provide dump stations. At Turkey Ridge, visitors note the "Park had dump station, pay showers ($1 for 6 minutes), and flush toilets. Restrooms were very clean."
Pet-friendly considerations for RVers: Most campgrounds near Vermillion welcome pets with specific guidelines. When camping with pets at Oak Bluff, one visitor noted, "Lots of trees throughout the park" providing needed shade for pets during warmer months, while another mentioned the "Beautiful trails" that are "well maintained for pet walking."
