Ledges State Park

4.52

134 reviews

1515 P Ave, Madrid, Iowa, 50156, United States

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & QuietGreat Hiking

Featured in:Fall Camping Iowa#3 Family-Friendly Campgrounds Iowa RV Camping Iowa +7 more

Quick Facts

1,093 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Concessions operate ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens District 4 Iowa Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,093 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Concessions operate ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens District 4 Iowa Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website

Get Directions

Ledges State Park

$15.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range between $15 and $35 depending on the type of site. Electric and non-electric sites are available.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 134 reviews

92 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingwell-maintained

"Users consistently praise the park's natural beauty, spacious and private campsites, and well-maintained facilities. Hiking opportunities and the educational programs are highly rated. While most reviews are positive, there are complaints about raccoons at hike-in campsites and occasional cleanliness issues in the bathrooms."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1515 P Ave, Madrid, Iowa, 50156, United States

Ledges State Park

1515 P Ave, Madrid, Iowa, 50156, United States

Driving directionsFrom the East (Ames): Take Hwy 30 west. Exit at Hwy 17. Take Hwy 17 south for 3 miles. Turn west on 250th St. Take 250th St. west for 3 miles to the park entrance. From the West (Ogden): Take Hwy 30 east. Exit at Hwy 17. Take Hwy 17 south for 3 miles. Turn west on 250th St. Take 250th St. west for 3 miles to the park entrance.

The campground is accessible via Hwy 17 and 250th St, both of which are paved roads. The canyon drive periodically closes to vehicle traffic during summer due to heavy rainfall and flooding, and it also closes during winter. In such cases, visitors can hike into the canyon.

Nearby places

Boone (4 miles north), Ames (15 miles east), Madrid (11 miles south)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Boone (4 miles north). Additional amenities like Walmart, gas stations, and restaurants can be found in Ames, which is 15 miles east of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Ledges State Park

Experience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations, from winter's crystalline wonderland where snow dusts the sandstone ledges, to summer's verdant canopy perfect for trail adventures and refreshing creek explorations. Autumn paints the canyon in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise that draws visitors from across the Midwest. Spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing waters that showcase the park at its most dynamic.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer popular for hiking and water exploration though raccoons are more active then.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in IA

Fall offers scenic foliage views and dramatic canyon vistas noted in seasonal descriptions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring wildflowers and emergent green make it attractive, though creek/river conditions can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter provides unique hiking and snow-dusted ledges but canyon drive may close in bad weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Concessions operate from mid-April to late October. Canyon drive closures depend on flooding and winter weather.
Current Alerts: Seasonal closures of the canyon drive due to flooding and winter weather.

About Ledges State Park

Discover where ancient sandstone meets modern adventure at Ledges State Park, one of Iowa's most beloved natural treasures. Wind your way through the legendary Pea's Creek Canyon drive, where towering 100-foot sandstone walls create a dramatic corridor that has captivated visitors for generations. Historic stone structures built by Depression-era craftsmen stand as testament to the park's enduring appeal, while miles of trails and recreational opportunities invite you to create your own chapter in this storied landscape.

Ledges State Park accommodates a variety of camping preferences, offering electric and non-electric sites, hike-in options, and a youth group campsite. Full hookup sites are also available, suitable for RVs.

Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of history where Native American tribes once gathered for ceremonies and trade along these sacred bluffs. During the Great Depression, young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps transformed raw wilderness into accessible wonder, hand-crafting the stone shelters, bridges, and overlooks that still welcome visitors today. Their legacy lives on in every carefully placed stone, connecting past and present through timeless craftsmanship.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations, from winter's crystalline wonderland where snow dusts the sandstone ledges, to summer's verdant canopy perfect for trail adventures and refreshing creek explorations. Autumn paints the canyon in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise that draws visitors from across the Midwest. Spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing waters that showcase the park at its most dynamic.

ElevationStand atop magnificent sandstone ledges that soar nearly 100 feet above the winding stream below, offering breathtaking vistas across the Des Moines River Valley. These natural observation decks provide dramatic perspectives where eagles soar at eye level and the forest canopy stretches endlessly toward the horizon.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape sculpted by time itself, where ancient sandstone cliffs frame emerald forests and the Des Moines River carves its patient path through the valley. Majestic oak trees anchor hillsides that burst with spring wildflowers, while hidden hollows shelter delicate ferns and moss-covered boulders. Prairie remnants showcase native grasses swaying in the breeze, creating a living tapestry that changes with each season's palette.

Geological RegionJourney back 300 million years in the Des Moines River Valley, where ancient seas once covered the heartland and left behind the sandstone foundations of today's dramatic cliffs. These towering ledges, rising nearly 100 feet from the valley floor, tell a story written in stone—layers of sediment from prehistoric oceans transformed into today's scenic wonders. Approximately 13,000 years ago, torrential glacial melt-waters carved through these deposits like nature's own sculptor, creating the breathtaking canyons and valleys that define Ledges State Park today.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Has one youth group campsite, but further details on capacity are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes pull-through RV sites, electric and non-electric campsites, hike-in sites, and one youth group site. Gravel pads are common.

Reservation PlatformsOnline reservation platform available but not specified.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome walk-up sites are available, but they are in limited supply according to user reviews.

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityOak Woods picnic shelter and nearby restroom are fully accessible. A crushed-rock trail leads to the serene Lost Lake area, making it accessible for visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are described as large and private, with ample room for multiple tents or RVs.

PrivacyCampsites are noted as secluded, surrounded by trees and bushes, providing privacy not common in many other campgrounds.

Recommended SitesSites surrounded by trees and bushes offer privacy and are ideal for families. Hike-in sites provide seclusion but require gear transport.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Ledges State Park can engage in hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The park has four miles of well-maintained trails that offer scenic views of Pea's Creek Canyon and other natural features. The Des Moines River provides opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Seasonal events and programs, including interpretive hikes about mushrooms and fall foliage, are also available.

HikingFour miles of hiking trails, including steep slopes, scenic overlooks, and a universally accessible trail to Lost Lake. Popular spots include Inspiration Point and Crow's Nest.

FishingFishing opportunities are available in the Des Moines River, with easy access from Lower Ledges Road.

SwimmingNatural water attractions, such as the creek in the canyon, provide opportunities for water play and cooling off.

BikingBiking is available within the park, with trails described as low to moderate in difficulty.

BoatingThe Des Moines River supports canoeing and kayaking, and there are easy access points for boaters.

Wildlife viewingCommon wildlife sightings include deer and various aquatic species such as crawdads and frogs.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlooding in the canyon drive, raccoon activity near hike-in campsites, tick and mosquito presence, and steep hiking trails.

Active AlertsSeasonal closures of the canyon drive due to flooding and winter weather.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed with grates provided at sites. Wildlife feeding is discouraged to prevent aggressive raccoon behavior.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesBoone, located 4 miles north of the park, offers emergency services including a hospital and police station.

Trash & RecyclingRecycling options and garbage collection are available at each loop. Trash cans are located throughout the campground.

Water FeaturesPea’s Creek runs through the canyon and is accessible for wading, fishing, and aquatic life exploration. The Des Moines River is located near the west edge of the park.

Camp HostHosts are generally helpful but not involved in preventing wildlife issues. One host reportedly commented their duties include mowing and bathroom cleaning exclusively.

Weather at Ledges State Park

Reviews

4.5

134 reviews

Top-Rated

Ledges State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users consistently praise the park's natural beauty, spacious and private campsites, and well-maintained facilities. Hiking opportunities and the educational programs are highly rated. While most reviews are positive, there are complaints about raccoons at hike-in campsites and occasional cleanliness issues in the bathrooms.

Review Summaries

Based on 134 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlight features include secluded and spacious campsites, well-maintained hiking trails, clean bathrooms, and a variety of activities like fishing, kayaking, and creek exploration. Fire rings with...

Based on 134 reviews

Common Concerns

The most significant issue reported is aggressive raccoon behavior at hike-in campsites, with some users experiencing raccoons entering tents and being unafraid of humans. Occasional complaints about...

Based on 134 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a wagon or cart to transport gear for hike-in sites. Store food in vehicles overnight to avoid raccoons. Bring water shoes for creek exploration and bug spray for hikes.

Based on 134 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular for activities like hiking and water exploration, but raccoons are more active during this season. Fall offers scenic views of changing foliage, and winter allows for unique hiking...

Based on 134 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We did the hike-in only tent camping and had a great experience!' - Julie Roberg 2. 'Loved easy access to bathroom and a great open space.' - Brianna Sander 3. 'The campground is beautiful. The...

Based on 134 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Hike-in sites like site 83 are appreciated for their privacy but noted for raccoon activity. Site 73 is described as large and close to the shower house.

Based on 134 reviews