Stone State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Nestled near the banks of the Big Sioux River in northwest Iowa, Stone State Park is filled with beautiful ravines and bluffs. Visitors appreciate the park's trails for hiking and horseback riding. The Mount Talbot State Preserve and Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center gives you the chance to see gorgeous trees and wild animals, including butterflies and turkeys. Established in 1935, Stone State Park is one of the oldest state parks in Iowa. In fact, life here goes back centuries — some of the rocks and fossils found in the park date back to the Cretaceous period. The park is located just north of Sioux City and 30 miles south of Le Mars.
Spring 36-62 F
Summer 63-85 F
Fall 50-76 F
Winter 13-32 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Stone State Park
RVing is a convenient way to explore Stone State Park and neighboring parts of the Iowa-Nebraska border. You can pick up a rental from RVshare in Sioux City on your way to the park.
Stone State Park Campground
Stone State Park Campground is open year-round for visitors. The campground is close to more than 15 miles of hiking trails and has some nice spots to fish for catfish.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Cabin rentals, interpretive trail, playground, nature programs, online reservation system, dumpster, restrooms
Sioux City North KOA
Families love all the amenities that are available at the Sioux City North KOA. For example, you have Kamp K9 and a heated swimming pool. You'll find ice cream and other essentials in the camp store and a dog park for your four-legged friends.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Bike rentals, miniature golf course, heated swimming pool, community activities, game plaza, water park
Scenic Park Campground
Whether you camp in an RV or tent, you'll find tons of spots available at Scenic Park Campground. You get one night free when you stay for six nights and free passes to the city swimming pool.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Cable TV, soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, YMCA adjacent, walking trails, cabin rentals
Elk Point City Campground
Located 20 miles north of Stone State Park, Elk Point City Campground is open from May to October every year. All of the more than 20 sites are just one mile away from the city pool and are close to clean restrooms.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Picnic tables, shelters, restrooms, extended stay sites, playground, volleyball court, baseball fields, firepits
What to Do at
Stone State Park
Inside Stone State Park
Stone State Park's Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center has a 400-gallon aquarium filled with fish from Iowa and large murals that show the history of the region. Outside, you'll find 20 miles of trails with clear markings that show which paths are for hikers, horseback riders, or bikers. You can pick up one of the two-mile trails when you leave the nature center or go a little deeper into the park to pick up another trail. If you're in the mood to fish for catfish, head to the Stone State Park Pond.
Outside Stone State Park
Sioux City has plenty of options for those who want to explore. Enjoy delicious food at local eateries such as Archie's Diner, which is a local favorite for brunch. After eating, head over to Albrecht Cycle Shop to grab some cycling tools and accessories before checking out other shops. You'll also find fun attractions in the region, including a butterfly garden and Butterfly House & Aquarium near Stone State Park.
Restaurants
Archie's Diner
For comfort and diner food at its best, head over to Archie's Diner. Though it closed down for a few years, new owners reopened it in the original diner car that's over 70 years old. It's only open on Saturdays and Sundays, but crowds line up for the yummy breakfast dishes.
Type: Diner
Location: 723 W 7th St., Sioux City, IA 51103
Harvey's
If you're in the mood for burgers or sandwiches, Harvey's is the place to go. Guests love the casual atmosphere and how quickly the waitstaff refills their drinks. Some of the dishes use local ingredients too, including the fried catfish that is available on Sunday nights.
Type: Casual
Location: 5307 Military Rd., Sioux City, IA 51109
Billy Boy Drive-Thru
The menu at Billy Boy Drive-Thru might remind you of the glory days of fast food. You can sit inside or use the drive-thru window to place an order. With the Shopper Specials, you can buy a full meal for your whole family.
Type: Fast Food
Location: 2328 Riverside Blvd., Sioux City, IA 51109
Cup O' Joy
Finding healthy food on your trip is easy because this local favorite offers a range of smoothies and wraps as well as a few vegetarian dishes. You'll also find tons of coffee drinks on the menu. A cappuccino or espresso might give you the boost of energy that you need to hit the hiking trails.
Type: Casual
Location: 319 Dakota Dunes Blvd., North Sioux City, SD 57049
Tony's Pizza
The menu here includes daily specials that change every day of the week. Authentic Italian dishes filled with spicy sauces and cheese excite even the pickiest of eaters. Tony's Pizza also offers a wide range of pizzas.
Type: Italian, Pizza
Location: 1917 Pierce St., Sioux City, IA 51104
Shopping
Southern Hills Mall
The best place to shop near Stone State Park is the Southern Hills Mall. Bath & Body Works and other major chain stores are in the mall as are many restaurants. You can also take in a movie at the on-site theater.
Location: 4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City, IA 51109
DeWolf's Junque Shop
This local consignment store offers nearly everything that you could want under one roof. The eclectic items range from vintage video games and toys to handmade jewelry and gifts. Brian, the owner, often runs sales around the holidays.
Location: 1420 Villa Ave., Sioux City, IA 51103
Albrecht Cycle Shop
If you're looking for a bike to ride through the state park and after you head home, this is where you want to go. The shop staff is knowledgeable and knows what it takes to find the right bike for each shopper. You'll find cycling helmets and other accessories too.
Location: 200 5th St., Sioux City, IA 51101
Scheel's All Sports
The closest sporting goods store to Stone State Park is Scheel's, which offers everything from scopes and running shoes to exercise equipment and clothing. You can pick up some equipment before fishing for catfish in the park or grab new shoes to hit the trails.
Location: 4400 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City, IA 51106
J & J Coins and Collectibles
One of the best places to buy coins and jewelry in Iowa is this shop. The owners love talking about collectibles to shoppers and can tell you what your items are worth. You'll also find tons of products featuring gold and other metals.
Location: 901 S Cecelia St., Sioux City, IA 51106
Sightseeing
Falls Park
With more than 120 acres, Falls Park is the largest public park in Sioux Falls. The falls inside the park gave the city its name and see more than 7,000 gallons of water move every second. A former mill is also in the park.
Location: 131 E Falls Park Dr., Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Pettigrew House & Museum
Home to the former Senator Pettigrew, this former residence is one of the region's oldest and most beautiful buildings. Many of the artifacts on display at the Pettigrew House & Museum date back to his time there and even earlier. Convenient free parking is available right outside.
Location: 131 N. Duluth Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Wild Water West Waterpark
Though it's only open during the warmer months, the Wild Water West Waterpark is just a short drive from the park and offers tons of thrilling rides. A paintball course, volleyball court, and miniature golf course are also available. Many special discounts are available too.
Location: 26767 466th Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Butterfly House & Aquarium
The annual Wings and Waves Gala is just one of the special events held at the Butterfly House & Aquarium each year. Even if you visit outside of those events, you'll find both a Stingray Pool and a Pacific Tide Pool. The butterflies in the Butterfly House are another popular thing to see.
Location: 4320 South Oxbow Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History
Another nice place in the Sioux Falls area to see wild animals in the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History. Lions and rhinos are just some of the animals that you'll see. You can also head over to the museum to learn more about the natural history and the changes that happened to the region over the years.
Location: 805 S Kiwanis Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104
How to Get to
Stone State Park
Whether you're coming from the north or south, you can take Route 12 to get to Stone State Park. You can also take Interstate 29 to Route 105, which is also called Military Road. Once you pass through North Sioux City, hop over the Big Sioux River to pick up Route 12. You'll follow the road for just a few miles before seeing a sign for Stone State Park.
Entering Stone State Park
Stone State Park is open daily from sunup to sundown.
Stone State Park Per person : $0.0
Experience fun in the heart of Iowa at Stone State Park. Whether you stay in the park or visit for hiking and horseback riding, let us know about all the fun you had. Send your photos and stories to [email protected] You can also tag RVshare on your social media posts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stone State Park
Winter is the best time of the year to visit this state park because it is less crowded. You can also visit this place when it is warm in the summer.
Given its location in northwest Iowa, Stone State Park has a humid continental climate. Its summer months are often warm and wet while its winter months are cold, windy and snowy.
Many wildlife animals live in this state park. These include deer, red foxes, and coyotes. Eastern towhees, barred owls, and turkey vultures are the most common avian creatures in this park.
Stone State Park has several designated RV camping areas. Besides having electrical hookups, the sites are near a playground and a dumpster. Book a campsite in the busy summer months to be sure that you get a site.
Pets are allowed to enter Stone State Park. While in the park, dogs must remain on a leash of not more than 6 feet. Guests must also clean after their pets.