Green Valley State Park
00 review1480 130th St, Creston, Iowa, 50801, United States
Green Valley State Park
$20.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$35.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsite fees vary based on amenities. Full hookup sites are priced at $35, electric sites at $25, and non-electric sites at $20. Discounts and other rules were not specified.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Iowa's countryside, Green Valley State Park Campground welcomes adventurers year-round with its diverse accommodation options. Whether you prefer the simplicity of non-electric sites, the convenience of electric hookups, or the comfort of full-service spots, this haven caters to every camping style. Modern amenities including spotless restrooms, hot showers, and a convenient dump station ensure your stay is comfortable. For those seeking a unique experience, the park's charming pine log cabins transport guests back in time, offering an authentic taste of pioneer living with just enough modern comfort to make your stay memorable.
Green Valley State Park accommodates a variety of camping types, including tent camping, RV camping, and cabin lodging. "Year-round camping options," noted one user review.
Historical SignificanceWhile Green Valley State Park may not boast ancient ruins or historic battlefields, its story is written in the landscape itself—a testament to Iowa's commitment to preserving natural spaces for future generations to explore and cherish.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Green Valley in dramatically different colors. Spring awakens the park with a symphony of migrating birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers armed with binoculars and field guides. Summer transforms the 390-acre lake into a refreshing oasis where anglers cast their lines at dawn and families splash in the cool waters by afternoon. Autumn brings its own migration spectacle against a backdrop of changing leaves, while winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for those brave enough to embrace the freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall.
ElevationThe gently rolling terrain of Green Valley creates natural vantage points throughout the park, offering varied perspectives of the surrounding landscape without challenging elevation changes.
Natural Features and SceneryGreen Valley State Park is a living tapestry of Iowa's natural heritage. The centerpiece 390-acre lake mirrors the sky and provides a playground for water enthusiasts, while surrounding wetlands buzz with life and filter the landscape's waters. Ancient woodlands offer shaded retreats where sunlight dances through the canopy, and precious remnants of native prairie grass sway in the breeze, whispering stories of Iowa's past. A thoughtfully designed self-guided nature trail winds through these diverse ecosystems, inviting visitors to discover hidden treasures at their own pace.
Geological RegionSituated in Iowa's scenic District 3 region, Green Valley State Park showcases the state's remarkable ecological diversity. This carefully preserved landscape seamlessly blends aquatic and terrestrial habitats, from the expansive 390-acre lake that anchors the park to the surrounding mosaic of wetlands, woodlands, and native prairie remnants—each ecosystem supporting its own community of plants and wildlife in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park provides accessible fishing piers and other amenities for visitors with varying abilities.
Sites Sizenull
Sites Privacynull
Total Campsites100 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLake-side sites are recommended for tent camping and fishing access. Sites farther from the lake may offer greater privacy.
Best CampsitesLake-side tent sites are favorably reviewed for their scenic views and proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Unspecified
Check-out
Unspecified
Stay Limit
14 days maximum per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unspecified
Groups
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutUnspecified
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 1 to October 31.
Reservation PlatformsOnline reservation platforms were mentioned but specific URLs or platforms were not listed.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are first-come-first-served, referred to as 'Pull Up Sites.' User reviews mentioned frustrations due to unoccupied reserved sites.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policies were provided.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Dump station
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Green Valley State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and beach activities. "Miles of trails that can take you all the way into town and put you at McKinley Park," noted Rosanne Thompson. The park's 390-acre lake serves as a hub for fishing, swimming, and boating activities. "Tent camping right on the water and the fishing was great as usual," remarked Tim Strong. The hiking trails provide scenic views and pass through diverse habitats.
Hiking
The park features a 10-mile trail that circles the lake, offering a combination of grass and existing roadways suitable for hikers and mountain bicyclists. A self-guided nature trail is also available. "Trails are wooded on the west side and paved on the East," stated one user review.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight at Green Valley State Park, with largemouth bass, crappies, bluegill, walleyes, and channel catfish available. The lake fishery was renovated in 2008 to improve species quality. A section of shoreline is designated for 24-hour fishing access, and the park provides fishing jetties and accessible piers. "Nice place to relax and enjoy fishing," said Allen Chilcote.Swimming
The swimming beach offers a refreshing option for visitors during summer. "The beach in June 2024 is the nicest and cleanest I have seen it in years, no goose droppings," noted Ross King.Biking
A 6.5-mile paved multi-use trail on the East and South sides of the lake is open to mountain bicyclists and provides scenic views.Boating
Boating is supported with four boat ramps for convenient lake access. However, no in-board motors or jet-powered boats are allowed, including personal watercraft. Water skiing is permitted in designated zones.Wildlife viewing
The park's diverse habitats, from wetlands to woodlands and remnants of native prairie, host various wildlife species. Mitchell Marsh is particularly notable for bird-watching during spring and fall migrations.Beach activities
Visitors can enjoy sunbathing and swimming at the park's clean swimming beach.Water Sports
nullCampground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rules are unspecified, but firewood sales are available when the campground host is present.
- Quiet hours are Unspecified
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include restrictions on motorized watercraft and risks of severe cold and snow during winter.
Active alertsNo active alerts were noted.
Weather forecast
52
°F
Aug 24
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 91%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Greater Regional Health is accessible within Creston along with additional emergency services; distances not explicitly provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesUnspecified
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility for waste disposal.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground surrounds a 390-acre lake with access to a swimming beach, fishing piers, and boat ramps.
Common complaints"Gets frustrating with Pull Up Sites that aren’t reservable" (Shane Hoyle, User Review). Some reviews expressed dissatisfaction with reserved sites that remain unused.
Host"Friendly park ranger" (Ross King, User Review). Firewood sales are operational April 1 through October 31 when the host is available.
Campground Map
1480 130th St, Creston, Iowa, 50801, United States
Driving directionsThe main entrance is located 3 miles north of Creston on Green Valley Road P27, then west on 130th St about 1/3 mile, then turn south into the park.
The primary road access is paved and relatively straightforward, suitable for most vehicles. Seasonal accessibility appears unimpeded during the open camping season (April 1 to October 31).Nearby places
Creston (2.5 miles southeast), Afton, Orient, Greenfield (distances unspecified).
Nearby supplies
Includes grocery stores, fuel stations, and retail shops in Creston (approximately 2.5 miles southeast). Specific distances for other towns such as Afton, Greenfield, etc. are unspecified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Green Valley State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Green Valley State Park is consistently praised for its cleanliness, maintenance, and diverse amenities. Visitors appreciate the scenic trails, fishing opportunities, and proximity to nature. "Such a nice campground. Beautiful," remarked Mark Claypool. Users also highlight frustrations with reserving pull-up sites, as noted by Shane Hoyle.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean modern shower houses, diverse fishing options, scenic trails, and friendly staff are commonly praised.
Common Concerns
Issues with pull-up sites not being reservable, leading to dissatisfaction with campsite assignments.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own bedding, pillows, and toiletry items if staying in cabins. Explore trails for scenic views and bird-watching opportunities. Ensure your pet is leashed and attended at all times.
Seasonal Insights
Summer is popular for activities like swimming and fishing, with user reviews highlighting clean facilities and enjoyable experiences.
Camper Quotes
"The beach in June 2024 is the nicest and cleanest I have seen it in years," Ross King. "Tent camping right on the water and the fishing was great as usual," Tim Strong. "Miles of trails that can...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Lake-side tent camping sites are highly recommended by users for their proximity to the water.
Accessibility Features
Accessible fishing piers enhance the experience for visitors with varying abilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are permitted but must be kept leashed and attended at all times. Users appreciated the pet-friendly environment but noted strict leash policies.
Last updated August 10, 2025