Humans have been drawn to the unique natural beauty of the area around Ledges State Park for thousands of years, and it remains a popular destination for Iowa campers to this day.
Located just four miles south of Boone in central Iowa, Ledges State Park is famous for its deep canyon and towering bluffs that surround Pea's Creek. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to enjoy here. Ledges not only offers excellent sightseeing, but it also features great fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
If you're planning on camping in a rental RV, the park's large campground offers sites to suit a wide range of campers and easy access to area's best attractions. Keep reading to find out what to do and where to stay when you camp in an RV in Ledges State Park.
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As one of the oldest and most-visited state parks in Iowa, Ledges State Park offers plenty to keep avid adventurers and nature lovers happy.
The headline attraction that draws most campers to the park is the canyon drive. Pea's Creek, which is a tributary of the Des Moines River, carves its way through a deep sandstone gorge in the park. The gorge is up to 100 feet deep in places and is quite a spectacular sight, and the best way to see it is to take the one-way drive alongside Pea's Creek.
This winding road offers excellent views of the canyon and its imposing bluffs, as well as lovely Des Moines River Valley vistas. There are also plenty of spots along the way where you can park your vehicle and sit down for a picnic or maybe splash in the stream.
Once you've completed the canyon drive and filled up your camera roll, you might want to set out on foot to explore Ledges State Park in a little more detail. Four miles of trails lead you over terrain that can be quite steep in places — something which isn't all that common in Iowa — and to scenic overlooks throughout the park. If you're looking for something a little easier, you'll love the interpretive trail to Lost Lake in the southern area of the park.
Another popular pastime in and around Ledges State Park is fishing. The Des Moines River flows along the park's western boundary and offers excellent trout fishing, so make sure to bring your fishing pole. The river is also ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. A launching point on Lower Ledges Road offers easy access to the water.
If you want to go RV camping at Ledges State Park, search for an RV in Boone County and then start planning your visit. The park's campground offers the following RV-friendly sites:
One of the electric sites and one of the non-electric sites are accessible for people with disabilities. Modern restrooms and showers are centrally located and well-maintained, while a dump station is also provided.
Firewood sales are available in the campground, and there's a playground on-site to keep younger visitors entertained. Pets are also welcome in the campground, provided they're kept on a leash and attended at all times.
There are also 12 walk-in tent sites available for visitors looking for somewhere more remote and secluded to spend a night or two.
You'll probably want to spend a few days in Ledges State Park to make sure you've experienced the best it has to offer. But once you're ready to pack up your RV rental and get out on the open road once again, you'll find plenty of other great attractions nearby that are well worth a visit.
For example, you could steer your rental RV south towards Des Moines, just 45 minutes away. Living History Farms is one of the city's most popular attractions for history buffs. John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park showcases the wonderful, weird, and wacky works of international artists.
If you'd rather continue exploring the great outdoors, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, with its 45 miles of hiking trails, is just 35 miles to the north. Cedar Rapids is also only a couple of hours away, so you might like to head in that direction to check out the many interesting works on display at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.
Where you go after you leave Ledges State Park is entirely up to you. Ledges State Park is just over 30 miles west of I-35, so read up on the best local attractions and start planning your next RV camping adventure.
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November, 2024