$9 / night

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Roads

Established Camping

Preparation Canyon State Park

6 Reviews

About

State Park

Preparation Canyon State Park, in the heart of the Loess Hills in western Iowa, encompasses 344 acres, including what used to be the town of Preparation. Today, Preparation Canyon is a quiet enclave offering backcountry hiking, picnicking and beautiful views of the unique Loess Hills.

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
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  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Tarrah C.
Reviewed Apr. 5, 2023

Hike In

There are about 8 sites dispersed around the area so camping is always private. There is a parking lot where envelopes are so you can pay and hike in. There are several trails to follow in the area

Site7
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Preparation Canyon State Park by Tarrah C., April 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Preparation Canyon State Park by Tarrah C., April 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Preparation Canyon State Park by Tarrah C., April 5, 2023
  • (17) View All
Alison D.
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2020

Surprise find in Iowa!

I stayed here on a long road trip across the country. Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded. Picnic table and fire ring included. Also, there’s a…

  • Review photo of Preparation Canyon State Park by Alison D., October 9, 2020
Christopher S.
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2020

Unique, Must-See Landscape

Continuing our tour of the best Backpacking parks in our great state of Iowa, my comrade and I spent 2 nights at Preparation Canyon State Park. Located directly adjacent to the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest; the flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to…

Site3
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Preparation Canyon State Park by Christopher S., July 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Preparation Canyon State Park by Christopher S., July 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Preparation Canyon State Park by Christopher S., July 29, 2020
  • (13) View All

Location

Preparation Canyon State Park is located in Iowa

Detail location of campground

Address

21914 Park Loop
Onawa, IA 51040

Coordinates

41.89306 N
95.90796 W

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