Rock Creek State Park
00 review5628 Rock Creek East , Kellogg, Iowa, 50135, United States
Rock Creek State Park
$6.00 - $11.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$6.00
Hookup Site Fee$11.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees for campsites range from $11 for electric sites to $6 for non-electric sites. Additional amenities like boat rentals are available at extra cost.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of central Iowa, Rock Creek State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of modern comfort and natural beauty. This beloved camping destination spreads across rolling prairies, where electric and non-electric campsites offer front-row seats to the park's crown jewel—a sparkling 600-acre lake. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across mirror-still waters, or exploring scenic trails, Rock Creek delivers the quintessential Iowa outdoor experience. Modern amenities, including updated restrooms, refreshing shower facilities, and a well-stocked concession store, ensure your wilderness retreat comes with all the comforts of home.
The campground caters to a variety of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. While no cabins or glamping options are available, there are designated areas for electric and non-electric sites.
Weather and SeasonsRock Creek State Park transforms with Iowa's dramatic seasons, each offering its own outdoor adventure. Summer brings warm, dry days perfect for swimming and boating, while autumn paints the prairie in golden hues ideal for hiking. Winter occasionally wraps the landscape in a pristine blanket of snow, creating a serene wonderland for the hardy few. Spring emerges with wildflower blooms and mild temperatures, though savvy campers know that late spring through early fall provides the most comfortable conditions for tent camping. The park's predominantly dry climate throughout much of the year means more sunny days to enjoy all that Rock Creek has to offer.
ElevationElevation data was not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryRock Creek Lake serves as the park's shimmering centerpiece, its waters reflecting Iowa's big skies and creating a haven for both wildlife and visitors. Meandering trails invite exploration through native prairie grasses that whisper in the breeze, while stands of hardwoods provide shaded respites. Keep your camera ready—majestic Canadian geese often grace the shoreline, and the park's diverse ecosystem supports an impressive array of birds, mammals, and wildflowers. From sunrise mists dancing across the water to evening light filtering through prairie grass, Rock Creek offers endless moments of natural beauty.
Geological RegionSituated in the eastern corner of Jasper County, Rock Creek State Park showcases the gentle beauty of central Iowa's prairie ecosystem. This carefully preserved landscape tells the story of Iowa's natural heritage, where rolling grasslands meet the waters of Rock Creek Lake. The surrounding trails weave through remnants of the vast tallgrass prairie that once covered much of the Midwest, offering glimpses into the region's ecological past while providing modern-day adventurers with miles of scenic exploration.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park offers handicap access and universally accessible fishing areas.
Sites SizeSites are described as small and narrow by some reviewers, with limited space for larger campers. 'The campsites are small, and the roads are narrow,' noted one reviewer.
Sites PrivacyReviews indicate limited privacy at campsites, with sites close together. One user mentioned, 'Spots are really close to each other.'
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites near the water for better views and lake access. Avoid steep or uneven sites if camping in a large RV or trailer.
Best CampsitesSite 38 was highlighted in user reviews as offering particularly scenic views of the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time listed.
Check-out
No specific check-out time listed.
Stay Limit
The maximum stay limit was not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring, but no explicit guest limit was mentioned.
Groups
Information on specific group sites or their capacity is not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCamping areas include separate sections for electric and non-electric sites, with some tent sites located directly by the water. Roads and campsites were noted to be narrow in some areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen roughly April 15 through October 15 for concessions and activities, though some amenities close earlier or later within this range.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available online or through the campground office. Specific website not provided in the authoritative source.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available and are noted to be popular; however, advanced reservations are encouraged to secure desirable sites.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details were not provided.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Rock Creek State Park offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park features an 8.5-mile unpaved multi-use trail and a 5.5-mile bike trail. The lake is a focal point for fishing, swimming, and various boating activities.
Hiking
The park offers 8.5 miles of unpaved trails for hiking, biking, skiing, horseback riding, and snowmobiling. Additionally, there is a 5.5-mile bike trail connecting the park to Grinnell. A user described the trails as 'suitable for hikers and mountain bikers.'Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with anglers targeting crappie, bluegill, bass, walleye, and catfish. One reviewer praised the 'easy bank access' and noted that 'the fish were really biting in early June.'Swimming
The park features an unsupervised beach for swimming, located on the opposite side of the lake from the campground. A user noted, 'You had to pack everything up and drive over there to swim.'Biking
The 8.5 miles of multi-use trails include opportunities for biking, and the 5.5-mile bike trail connects to Grinnell. The trails are described as 'beginner-friendly' by reviewers.Boating
Boating options include pontoon, kayak, canoe, and paddle boat rentals. Boat ramps and dock slips are also available. A user review mentioned, 'The ladies that run the boat rental shop are the nicest people.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include deer and geese, as noted by reviewers. The park is described as 'beautiful and peaceful' for observing nature.Beach activities
The beach is described as shallow and kid-friendly, but some users found the location inconvenient as it requires driving from the campground.Winter Activities
The park supports winter activities such as skiing and snowmobiling on its multi-use trails.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular water sports at the park, with equipment rentals available on-site.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood is available for purchase at the concession store, but specific fire regulations were not detailed.
- Quiet hours were not specified but some user reviews noted noise issues at night.
Hazards
General hazardsConcerns include ticks ("tick city" according to one user review), runoff pollution affecting lake water quality, and uneven terrain at some campsites.
Active alertsNo specific active alerts were detailed.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 79%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.7 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
Hospital within 10 miles (specific location not detailed).
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend is the peak season for activities and concessions.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site. Recycling facilities are not mentioned explicitly.
Proximity to water featuresThe park is set adjacent to Rock Creek Lake, offering multiple fishing piers, a marina, and a beach area located opposite the campground.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers, uneven campsites, unclear signage, and lack of enforcement of camping rules.
HostCampground hosts are present but were noted as non-existent or difficult to locate during some seasons.
Campground Map
5628 Rock Creek East , Kellogg, Iowa, 50135, United States
Driving directionsArriving on Interstate 80 take the Kellogg Exit number 173 to Hwy 224, take Hwy 224 north, through Kellogg, IA and approximately 6 miles then turn East on County Road F-27, go approximately 3 miles and then the third right turn south will be the campground entrance. Arriving on Hwy 30 take the Hwy 14 exit and head south on Hwy 14, Hwy 14 will go through the town of Laurel and T with County Road F-17 take F-17 east and turn south at Hwy 224 approximately 2 miles then at the intersection of 224 and County Road F-27 turn east, take Hwy F-27 approximately 3 miles and then turn south into the third entrance of the park off of County road F-27.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but the detailed directions provided imply that there may be some navigation challenges for newcomers. Seasonal closures or challenging terrain were not explicitly mentioned.Nearby places
Kellogg (3 miles west and 2 miles south), Newton (4 miles south and 10 miles west), Grinnell (7 miles east).
Nearby supplies
Seasonal concessions operating from approximately April 15 to October 15 provide camping accessories, convenience items, bait, tackle, firewood, and ice. Additionally, Kellogg and Grinnell are nearby towns with general supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Rock Creek State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Rock Creek State Park receives mixed reviews. Positive highlights include the park's cleanliness, variety of activities, and scenic lake. Negative reviews focus on campsite size, slope, and restroom cleanliness.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users praise the park's cleanliness, friendly staff, and variety of activities. One review noted, 'One of the cleanest campgrounds I’ve been to,' and another mentioned, 'Every site has something to...
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Common Concerns
Complaints include small campsites, sloped terrain, and inconsistent restroom cleanliness. A user stated, 'Not one level campsite in the entire campground.' Another noted, 'Bathrooms and showers need...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own firewood as the concession area can be hard to locate. Choose lakeside sites if available for better views and proximity to the water.
Seasonal Insights
Spring and early summer are popular for fishing and boating. In fall, lower staffing may affect maintenance. Winter offers activities like skiing and snowmobiling.
Camper Quotes
'The lake is beautiful but buggy.' 'Great family-friendly environment.' 'The fish were really biting in early June.' 'Spots by the lake are definitely desirable.'
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 38 is highlighted as desirable. Some users note that lakeside sites offer excellent views but may lack shade.
Accessibility Features
Accessible fishing areas are available, but detailed reviews on broader accessibility features are limited.
Pet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed, and many campers bring them, but complaints of barking and unleashed animals were noted.
Last updated August 10, 2025