Ledges State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located on an eastern bank of the Des Moines River, Ledges State Park is one of central Iowa's most scenic recreation areas. Once the trees put on their fall colors, this is a great spot to enjoy a picnic or go exploring. You can go hiking along four miles of trails, enjoy some stream fishing, or take a canoe out on the water. This state park, the first created in Iowa, is located about four miles south of Boone, 15 miles west of Ames, and 11 miles north of Madrid.
Spring 35-58 F
Summer 61-82 F
Fall 45-70 F
Winter 10-30 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Ledges State Park
If you want to enjoy the scenic paths and splash in the Des Moines River for as long as you can, consider staying nearby at a campground. However, you may want more than just a tent. You can enjoy the region in comfort if you get an RV rental from RVshare.
Don Williams Recreation Area
Don Williams Recreation Area is the largest park in the county, and you can go fishing, hiking, and boating there. Rates at the campground start at $11 per night.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: fishing lake, hiking trails, boat ramp
Swede Point Park
Swede Point Park offers a sand volleyball court, hiking trails, and a playground. Rates start at $11 per night.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: volleyball court, hiking trails
What to Do at
Ledges State Park
Inside Ledges State Park
If you love creek wading and rock collecting, then Ledges State Park is the perfect spot for you. It's also the ideal destination for an outdoor adventure. Steep hiking trails lead to beautiful scenic overlooks. Prefer something easier? Stroll along the interpretative trail to learn more about the plants that thrive in the sandstone cliffs' cracks and along the shallow riverbed.
Outside Ledges State Park
Since this park is near Boone and Madrid, Iowa, and only a short drive from Iowa State University, you can find lots to do in the area. If you prefer not to cook, try some of the great restaurants in the area. There are also many nearby shopping opportunities, and you can also visit other nearby attractions.
Restaurants
Van Hemert's Dutch Oven Bakery
Since 1983, diners have enjoyed lunches of fresh sandwiches made with house-baked bread, soups, and salads at Van Hemert's Dutch Oven Bakery. Their freshly baked pastries are the perfect way to start the day or get one of their fresh loaves of bread to serve with the meal you prepare at your RV.
Type: Dutch
Location: 605 Story St, Boone, IA 50036
Jimmy's BBQ Pit
Stop at Jimmy's BBQ Pit for an outstanding Texas-style barbecue with your favorite sides. Do not leave without trying one of their excellent desserts, like sweet potato and lemon curd pie.
Type: Barbecue
Location: 717 Story St, Boone, IA 50036
La Carreta
When you need your Mexican food fix, head to La Carreta, where you can find tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and more served with outstanding margaritas.
Type: Mexican
Location: 215 S Story St., Boone, IA 50036
The Colorado Grill
When you want an upscale dinner, like steak or pasta, head to The Colorado Grill. They also feature an extensive wine list.
Type: Fine Dining
Location: 1514 S Marshall St, Boone, IA 50036
Saints Avenue Café
Choose from the all-you-can-eat buffet with weekend carving stations and all-you-can-eat steak after four at Saints Avenue Café. They have a terrific salad bar.
Type: Buffet, American
Location: 1514 S Marshall St, Boone, IA 50036
Shopping
The Book Shoppe Inc
Find a great thriller, science fiction, textbook, or romance in the new and used sections of The Book Shoppe Inc. You can also find greeting cards, diaries, and other stationery items.
Location: 817 Story St, Boone, IA 50036
Boone Ace Hardware
Complete your honey-do list on your camper or boat by shopping at Boone Ace Hardware. They also carry some home décor.
Location: 1735 SE Marshall St, Boone, IA 50036
Holly’s In Boone
Women can put together the perfect casual clothes outfit when they shop at Holly’s In Boone. Most of the clothes are name brand, so you can find quality clothing without going to the big city.
Location: 701 Story St, Boone, IA 50036
Jodi's Homegrown Boutique
Find one-of-a-kind clothing options at Jodi's Homegrown Boutique, where the goal is to help you feel great about yourself. Women of all ages are likely to find something here that they will love wearing.
Location: 702 Story St, Boone, IA 50036
Hy-Vee
Stock up on all the supplies for your cookout at Hy-Vee, where you get excellent customer service. You can also find a good buffet to dine in and prepackaged meals perfect for taking with you to the park at this store.
Location: 111 8th St, Boone, IA 50036
Sightseeing
Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum
Take the scenic Fraser train or opt to eat lunch or dinner on a train operated by the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. Then, tour the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, where new exhibits, like ones featuring electric trollies, are always being added. Take your family on a seasonal train ride here like the Polar Bear Express or the Pumpkin Express.
Location: 225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036
Seven Oaks Recreation
In the summer, play paintball and float the river at Seven Oaks Recreation. Then, come back in the winter for skiing and snowboarding fun.
Location: 1086 222nd Dr, Boone, IA 50036
Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace
Tour First Lady Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace, where you can view the home, outdoor kitchen, and the carriage house. While the home contains memorabilia from the Eisenhower's life, the carriage house has historic vehicles.
Location: 709 Carroll Street, Boone, IA 50036
Hickory Grove School
Hickory Grove School, constructed in 1889, served the community for more than 77 years before being moved to its current location. Step inside to see old teaching and student tools, a potbellied stove, and more.
Location: County Rd E41 & J Ave, Ogden, IA 50212
Boone History Center
Head inside the Boone History Center to see many historical artifacts from prehistory to the first female American soldier killed in Desert Storm. See many artifacts that the early settlers brought with them.
Location: 602 Story St, Boone, IA 50036
How to Get to
Ledges State Park
If you are in Boone, head east on Mamie Eisenhower Boulevard. Turn right on Corporal Roger Snedden Drive. Go straight to get on Quail Avenue. Turn right on 250 Street. Continue until you reach the park.
Entering Ledges State Park
Ledges State Park is always open to visitors.
Ledges State Park Per Passenger Vehicle : $0.0
If you have spent time exploring Ledges State Park, then share your memories with us. Be sure to tag RVshare.com on your social media posts as we want to see what you and your friends have to say. Perhaps you could give some tips about visiting the park to your fellow RVers. You can also send your stories and photos to [email protected] As the oldest state park in Iowa, Ledges State Park has offer fun experiences for several generations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ledges State Park
Yes, several parts of the park are accessible. One of the trails leading to the Lost Lake area is accessible, and plenty of the picnic areas and restrooms are accessible too.
Yes, pets are welcome in the park. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times, and owners are expected to clean up after their fur babies.
Ledges State Park is home to white-tailed deer, beavers, woodchucks, raccoons, squirrels and other critters. It's a great place for birdwatching too, with the pileated woodpecker being one of its most prominent winged residents.
Yes. Ledges State Park offers both electric and non-electric RV camping sites. Some of the sites are pull-throughs, and some are back-ins. The sites at Ledges State Park can accommodate RVs up to 138 feet.
While some campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations are encouraged if you want to guarantee your spot. Rates start at $20 per night and may be affected by the season.