Nine Eagles State Park

3.84

31 reviews

23678 Dale Miller Road, Davis City, Iowa, 50065, United States

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,079 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Nine Eagles State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,079 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Nine Eagles State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Nine Eagles State Park

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $20 for primitive camping to $50 for premium sites. Additional costs for cabins 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

3.84

Mixed Reviews

Based on 31 reviews

148 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhikingbeach

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews highlight the park's serene and scenic environment, good fishing opportunities, and clean facilities. However, some concerns include uneven campsites, lack of privacy in RV areas, and maintenance issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

23678 Dale Miller Road, Davis City, Iowa, 50065, United States

Nine Eagles State Park

23678 Dale Miller Road, Davis City, Iowa, 50065, United States

Driving directionsOn Interstate 35 take Exit 4. Take Hwy 69 east 4 miles to Davis City. Take Hwy J - 66 / Dale Miller Road south 3 miles to the park entrance.

Roads leading to the park include paved highways (Hwy 69 and J-66), but reviews mention conditions such as unplowed roads during the winter, indicating potential seasonal challenges.

Nearby places

Lamoni (7 miles west), Davis City (6 miles northwest), Pleasanton (1 mile south), Leon (8 miles north).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and essentials available within 10 miles. Lamoni features retail stores including bait & tackle and refreshments.

Best Time to Camp at Nine Eagles State Park

Nine Eagles reveals its many moods through Iowa's distinct seasons. Winter transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures dipping to a crisp 13°F, perfect for those who find magic in frost-kissed mornings and snow-dusted trails. Spring arrives with gentle rains that awaken the forest floor, while summer unfolds in all its glory with temperatures climbing to a comfortable mid-80s°F—ideal for lakeside adventures and evening campfires. Each season paints the landscape differently, but summer and early fall offer the most inviting conditions for camping under star-filled skies.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season: beach, swimming, boating and active recreation available.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Fall brings cooler weather and fewer bugs; scenic but less activity than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring features redbud blooms and green-up; trails can be muddy and variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter is peaceful but some facilities may close and maintenance is reduced.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months likely represent peak season, but specific dates are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, but facilities such as bathrooms and showers may be closed during off-seasons.
Current Alerts: No current warnings or advisories are noted.

About Nine Eagles State Park

Tucked away in the rolling hills of southern Iowa, Nine Eagles State Park beckons adventurers seeking an authentic escape from the everyday. This 1,100-acre sanctuary seamlessly blends the comfort of modern amenities with the raw beauty of primitive wilderness camping. At its heart lies a pristine 64-acre lake that mirrors the sky, while meticulously groomed trails wind through ancient woodlands. Visitors consistently marvel at the park's immaculate beach area and the way nature seems to embrace every campsite, creating an atmosphere where memories are made beneath towering oak canopies.

Nine Eagles State Park offers multiple camping options, including modern, primitive, and equestrian sites. RV and tent camping are available, and there is a cabin for rent.

Historical SignificanceBeyond the park boundaries, the region's rich tapestry of American heritage comes alive. The nearby Amish community of Lamoni offers glimpses into a simpler way of life, where horse-drawn buggies share the roads and handcrafted goods tell stories of tradition. History buffs can time their visit to coincide with the annual Civil War reenactment, where the past springs to life in authentic detail, or experience the thunder of hooves at the championship rodeo—events that celebrate the enduring spirit of the American heartland.

Weather and SeasonsNine Eagles reveals its many moods through Iowa's distinct seasons. Winter transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures dipping to a crisp 13°F, perfect for those who find magic in frost-kissed mornings and snow-dusted trails. Spring arrives with gentle rains that awaken the forest floor, while summer unfolds in all its glory with temperatures climbing to a comfortable mid-80s°F—ideal for lakeside adventures and evening campfires. Each season paints the landscape differently, but summer and early fall offer the most inviting conditions for camping under star-filled skies.

ElevationThe park's varied terrain creates natural amphitheaters and scenic overlooks throughout its expanse, though specific elevation details await your personal discovery.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient sentinels stand guard over Nine Eagles, where oak trees that have witnessed over three centuries of seasons create a living cathedral. The landscape undulates dramatically through wooded hills and secret valleys, each turn revealing new vistas. Remnants of native prairie whisper stories of Iowa's past, while the crystal-clear artificial lake serves as a jewel set among emerald forests. Wildlife enthusiasts find themselves richly rewarded—white-tailed deer emerge at dawn, clever raccoons investigate campsites at dusk, and overhead, majestic eagles and vultures ride the thermals, reminding visitors that this is truly their domain.

Geological RegionCarved by time into a masterpiece of natural architecture, southern Iowa's geological heritage shines at Nine Eagles. The rugged terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient forests dominated by venerable oak monarchs—some more than 300 years old—root themselves in hills and valleys that challenge and reward hikers in equal measure. This distinctive landscape, characteristic of Iowa's southern reaches, creates microclimates and ecosystems that support an extraordinary diversity of life.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Reviews mention no backcountry camping options and imply camping is limited to designated sites.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Reviews suggest designated camping sites may support multiple guests, but exact limits are not given.

Groups

No specific group camping facilities are mentioned in the source materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes modern and primitive camping areas, equestrian sites, and RV sections. Sites are mixed gravel/sand with some uneven spots.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online.

Walk-in AvailabilityReviews indicate some first-come-first-served availability, but details on site numbers or fill patterns are lacking.

Cancellation PolicyReviews mention issues with reservations not being honored, but no clear cancellation policy is stated.

AccessibilitySpecific details on accessibility features are not provided, but one reviewer indicated challenges moving around due to a disability and uneven terrain.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as varied in size, with some being narrow and others offering larger spaces. "Site 39 at the end of the park is reservable and is by a trail and slightly slanted with two places for a tent," noted one camper.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across campsites. Some non-electric sites are noted for having great shade and privacy, while RV sites are described as open and less secluded. "No shade at any camp spots with electric hookups. Very open and uncreative camp area," mentioned one reviewer.

Recommended SitesSelect sites with adequate tree spacing for hammocks in non-electric camping areas; avoid gravel-heavy tent sites without air mattresses.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Nine Eagles State Park can enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, swimming, and equestrian activities. The park features a well-maintained swimming beach, a lake for fishing and boating, and several hiking and multi-use trails. One visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed hiking the many different trail options and enjoyed a quiet and relaxing night by the campfire."

HikingNine Eagles State Park offers nine miles of hiking trails, including a three-mile trail around the lake. "The trails take you through rugged, hilly mature hardwood timber and small remnants of native prairie," according to the official description. Visitors have noted that the trails can become muddy after rain and lack gravel or steps in some areas. "The trails will tax the glutes and calves as they are poorly maintained but passable," commented one reviewer.

FishingFishing is permitted in the park's 64-acre lake, which is known for its clear water. Fish species include bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie. A visitor shared, "Fishing was good, got my first-ever four largemouth bass at this park."

SwimmingThe park features a sandy beach for unsupervised swimming. Visitors have described the beach as clean and pleasant. "The beach, which offers unsupervised swimming, is a great place for swimmers and sunbathers, young and old," noted the official description.

BikingHiking trails are open to mountain bikers, providing an opportunity to explore the park's rugged and scenic terrain.

BoatingOnly rowboats and electric motors are permitted on the park's lake. Facilities include a boat ramp and a fish cleaning station.

Wildlife viewingThe park provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. Visitors have reported sightings of deer, vultures, eagles, and raccoons.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMud and slippery trails during wet periods, unplowed roads in winter, and raccoons causing disturbances at night.

Active AlertsNo current warnings or advisories are noted.

Fire PolicyFire pits are provided at campsites, but some are described as shallow and problematic.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are implied but not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesMedical Clinic within 10 miles; Hospital is greater than 10 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available for waste management within the park. User reviews do not specify the availability of recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesFeatures include a 64-acre lake with a boat ramp, fishing jetty, and beach for unsupervised swimming.

Camp HostReviews mention friendly and accommodating staff, including a ranger who assisted during a storm.

Weather at Nine Eagles State Park

Reviews

3.8

31 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews highlight the park's serene and scenic environment, good fishing opportunities, and clean facilities. However, some concerns include uneven campsites, lack of privacy in RV areas, and maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean facilities, a well-maintained beach, opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, and a peaceful atmosphere. "These are without a doubt the cleanest bathrooms of any state...

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include uneven and muddy campsites, lack of shade in RV areas, maintenance issues such as washed-out gravel, and poor signage. "The campground needs a lot of work/updating," mentioned one...

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellant and water when hiking. Consider an air mattress for comfort in tent areas with gravel. Reserve Site 39 for better privacy. Visit during off-peak seasons for a quieter...

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter brings peaceful, untouched trails but limited maintenance. Spring features blooming redbud trees, while summer offers vibrant beach activities. Fall sees cooler weather and fewer bugs.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nine Eagles State Park is a hidden gem of southern Iowa." "The lake and its facilities are spectacular." "Great state park, love the single cabin in the park."

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 39 is noted for its privacy and proximity to trails. Electric sites are described as open and lacking shade, while non-electric sites offer more seclusion.

Based on 31 reviews