Geode State Park

3.95

57 reviews

3333 Racine Ave, Danville, Iowa, 52623, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

758 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground has r...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens DISTRICT 5 site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

758 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground has r...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens DISTRICT 5 site

Official Website

Get Directions

Geode State Park

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Non-electric site fees are $12 as reported by a user review. Additional fees like $5 for firewood are documented.

Standard Site Fee$12.00

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$5.00

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Provider

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What Campers Say

3.95

Mixed Reviews

Based on 57 reviews

462 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswell-maintainedsites

Some mention

reservation

"Overall, reviews for Geode State Park are mixed but broadly positive. Many users praise the cleanliness of the facilities and the variety of activities. However, there are recurring complaints about closures and issues with staff."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

3333 Racine Ave, Danville, Iowa, 52623, United States

Geode State Park

3333 Racine Ave, Danville, Iowa, 52623, United States

Driving directionsTake J-20 and drive 3 miles to the west entrance of the park. Continue across the dam and onward another 2 miles to a T intersection. Take a left at this intersection and you will be led to the campground. Coming from the east, take the exit off of Hwy 34 at Middletown and go south for about 1/4 mile to the intersection of old Hwy 34 and County Road J-20/old Hwy 79. Proceed 6 miles west on J-20. The road will lead straight to the main entrance of the park and campground.

Road access may be challenging due to closures and detours. User reviews indicate Hwy J20 west of the park is completely closed due to bridge repair. A dirt road detour is required, and visitors are advised to approach from the east side.

Nearby places

Burlington (15 miles east, historical downtown and riverfront), New London (9 miles north), Mt. Pleasant (15 miles northwest).

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles: gas stations and vehicles fuel, grocery stores, retail drinks and ice. Greater than 10 miles: retail firewood, swimming pool, bait & tackle shop.

Best Time to Camp at Geode State Park

Each season paints Geode State Park in dramatically different colors. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures, perfect for hiking as wildflowers carpet the forest floor. Summer brings warm days ideal for swimming and fishing, punctuated by refreshing afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the cornfields. Fall transforms the park into a photographer's paradise, with crisp air and blazing foliage creating perfect camping weather. Winter wraps the landscape in a quiet blanket of snow, offering a serene escape for hardy campers who appreciate the beauty of frost-covered trees and frozen lake vistas.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer good for hiking and boating but beach renovations have impacted recent seasons.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall colors and peacefulness are frequently praised in reviews and kayak trips.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers, comfortable temps and good hiking conditions are highlighted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Few winter reviews; limited winter recreational notes and occasional drained lake mentions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground has reopened after renovations, but the beach remains closed for summer updates, including parking lot renovations.
Current Alerts: Beach closed for renovations during the summer of 2023. Hwy J20 west of the park is shut due to bridge repair.

About Geode State Park

Nestled where dense forests meet the iconic rolling cornfields of Iowa, Geode State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of natural beauty and modern comfort. Whether you're casting a line into the tranquil lake at dawn, exploring winding trails through towering trees, or settling into your campsite as fireflies dance in the evening air, this park delivers an authentic Iowa outdoor experience. Recently renovated facilities ensure your stay is comfortable, with sparkling clean bathrooms, hot showers, and full RV hook-ups that let you enjoy nature without sacrificing convenience. From tent campers seeking solitude to RV travelers looking for accessible amenities, every visitor finds their perfect basecamp here.

The park caters to RVs, tents, and group camping, with modern and primitive options available.

Historical SignificanceThis remarkable park takes its name from Iowa's official state rock—the mysterious geode, those unassuming spheres that split open to reveal glittering crystal treasures within. For generations, rock hunters have combed these grounds, hoping to discover their own geological prize. Today, the park honors this heritage while embracing modern adventures, hosting exhilarating dragon boat races that echo across the lake and challenging triathlons that test athletes against the park's varied terrain. It's a place where ancient geology meets contemporary recreation, creating experiences as unique as the crystals hidden in the surrounding rocks.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Geode State Park in dramatically different colors. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures, perfect for hiking as wildflowers carpet the forest floor. Summer brings warm days ideal for swimming and fishing, punctuated by refreshing afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the cornfields. Fall transforms the park into a photographer's paradise, with crisp air and blazing foliage creating perfect camping weather. Winter wraps the landscape in a quiet blanket of snow, offering a serene escape for hardy campers who appreciate the beauty of frost-covered trees and frozen lake vistas.

ElevationThe park embraces Iowa's characteristic gently rolling landscape, where subtle changes in elevation create intimate valleys and scenic overlooks. These gentle hills provide just enough variation to keep hikes interesting while remaining accessible to visitors of all fitness levels, offering rewarding views without demanding mountain-climbing stamina.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where towering hardwoods create cathedral-like canopies overhead, their branches alive with songbirds and rustling squirrels. Nature trails wind through this verdant forest before emerging into sun-drenched clearings that showcase Iowa's agricultural heritage—endless cornfields stretching to the horizon. The centerpiece lake mirrors the sky and surrounding trees, its waters teeming with bass, bluegill, and catfish that keep anglers returning season after season. Wildlife enthusiasts delight in frequent sightings of deer grazing at forest edges, great blue herons stalking the shallows, and wild turkeys strutting through the underbrush.

Geological RegionGeode State Park sits in the geological wonderland of southeastern Iowa, where ancient seas once covered the land, leaving behind limestone deposits that would eventually form the region's famous geodes. These natural marvels—ordinary-looking rocks on the outside but containing spectacular crystal formations within—have made this area a destination for rockhounds and geology enthusiasts from around the world. The park preserves not just recreational opportunities but also this fascinating geological heritage, where every trail might lead past rocks holding 340-million-year-old secrets.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4:00 AM

Check-out

10:30 PM

Stay Limit

Unknown maximum stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unknown number of guests allowed per site.

Groups

Group sites are available but specific details such as max capacity were not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutRV areas are closer together; tent camping spots are spacious and private.

Reservation PlatformsOnline reservation platform mentioned for accessible picnic shelters; unclear for campsites.

Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews highlight availability of non-reservable walk-up tent sites but limited specifics on the number of sites.

Cancellation PolicyUser review mentions dissatisfaction with reservation systems, stating that sites can only be paid for 'night by night' and are not reservable for the day of arrival.

AccessibilityThe park includes two accessible camp pads and an accessible restroom. There is also an accessible picnic site.

Site SizeSites plenty large enough for big RVs,' noted a review, with one user mentioning they stayed in a 42' fifth wheel.

PrivacyReviews suggest varying privacy, with some sites described as clustered while others are noted for their seclusion.

Recommended SitesChoose sites based on RV size; some pull-through sites are available. Tent sites are spacious and shaded.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Geode State Park is rich with activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The park features trails of varying difficulty and a no-wake lake popular for fishing.

HikingHiking trails circle the lake and are accessible from picnic areas. Reviews highlight their suitability for leisure walks or challenging runs, with one user stating, 'Trails meet the needs of different levels.'

FishingLake Geode is known for its bluegills, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Designated 24-hour fishing areas are available.

SwimmingThe lake includes a beach and swimming area, although recent reviews indicate the beach has been closed for renovations during summer 2023.

BikingPart of the Southeast Iowa Bike Route, the park offers scenic rides through woodlands and rolling hills.

BoatingLake Geode supports canoeing and other no-wake boating activities. Boat ramps are available on the east side of the lake.

Wildlife viewingThe park's dense forests and surrounding areas make wildlife sightings common, with deer frequently spotted.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention snake sightings within the park and along detours.

Active AlertsBeach closed for renovations during the summer of 2023. Hwy J20 west of the park is shut due to bridge repair.

Fire PolicyNo specific details about fire policies. Firewood costs $5 per bundle.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesGreater than 10 miles to hospitals. Police and ranger stations contact: 3193924601.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility for waste disposal.

Water FeaturesLake Geode accessible for fishing and boating. No-wake zones apply.

Camp HostMixed reviews about camp hosts; some were described as helpful while others were considered rude or unhelpful.

Weather at Geode State Park

Reviews

4.0

57 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Geode State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews for Geode State Park are mixed but broadly positive. Many users praise the cleanliness of the facilities and the variety of activities. However, there are recurring complaints about closures and issues with staff.

Review Summaries

Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious campsites, well-maintained trails, beautiful surroundings, and ADA features are frequently highlighted.

Based on 57 reviews

Common Concerns

Some negative reviews focus on closures (e.g., the beach) and staff behavior. One user called a camp host 'rude,' while another noted inconvenience with the reservation system.

Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend coming from the east due to road closures, bringing your own firewood if possible, and tagging posts when camping.

Based on 57 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees high activity with hiking and boating; however, recent summers have been affected by renovations. Fall reviews highlight scenic beauty and peacefulness. Winter reviews are few, reflecting...

Based on 57 reviews