We like to stay in 3 that are fairly close for short week-end getaways... In order of
our personal preference:
1. Prairie Rose State Park, near Harlan, IA. No wake lake with beach and Bass & Catfish fishing. Nicely-sized sites, some more even than others
, although some are limited due to trees (our 2850RK fits with no problems in most); shared electric hookups require
long electric cables when trying to hook up to the left. Also nice hiking trails around the lake.
2. Lewis and Clark State Park, Onawa, IA. Generously-sized sites, with back-yard lake access (especially in the low 40 site numbers). Some require good-sized electric cords to reach the shared electric hook-ups. This lake is open to any boats; can be noisy on week-ends due to speed boats and jet skis. Good fishing if not too many boats around - Bass, Catfish, and
PIKE. Hiking trail with interpretive part available. There is also a KOA on the East shore.
3. Wilson Island, Loveland, IA. Very generous camp sites under large trees. Missouri river access, and DeSoto Wldlife Refuge (with DeSoto Bend Lake) just 'next door' (DeSoto requires entry fee). Nice hiking trails in the woods.
For more information, see
the Iowa DNR Web site. Tip: Ask the park ranger for a "coupon book" if you stay for 7 or more nights per year in Iowa parks. Regular price is $16 per night; with coupon it's $13... You pay $91 up front for 7 coupons, and just use 1 coupon per night instead of a check...
P.S.: In SW'ern Iowa there's also the newly updated Viking Lake State Park with full hook-ups. A little crowded, but otherwise nice fishing and sites - try to get a spot along the lake: you'll fish from your patio
.
Alain.
2003 Dodge 3500 QC Cummins TD 4x4 Dually
2003 Montana 2850RK