Volga River State Recreation Area

4.70

25 reviews

10225 Ivy Road, Fayette, Iowa, 52142, United States

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Iowa#3 Forest Camping Iowa Fall Camping Iowa +4 more

Quick Facts

1,060 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Volga River State Recreation Area site

Official Website

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Quick Facts

1,060 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Volga River State Recreation Area site

Official Website

Get Directions

Volga River State Recreation Area

$20.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee structure varies depending on campsite type, with standard sites starting at $20 and equestrian sites going up to $35. Additional costs for...

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

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What Campers Say

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 25 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullakewell-maintained

"User reviews for Volga River State Recreation Area are generally positive, highlighting the quiet, clean environment, well-maintained trails, and suitability for equestrian camping."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

10225 Ivy Road, Fayette, Iowa, 52142, United States

Volga River State Recreation Area

10225 Ivy Road, Fayette, Iowa, 52142, United States

Driving directionsFrom State Highway 150 between Fayette and West Union, turn east on Ivy Road one mile to entrance of Recreation Area

The campground is accessible via paved roads from State Highway 150. The entrance is located on Ivy Road, which is reportedly well-maintained. There are no seasonal closures explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources.

Nearby places

Cedar Rapids (70 miles south), Dubuque (90 miles southeast), Waterloo (55 miles southwest)

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles of the campground, supplies including fuel, grocery stores, firewood, ice, snacks, and bait & tackle are available.

Best Time to Camp at Volga River State Recreation Area

Experience the full spectrum of Iowa's seasons in this enchanting landscape. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and gentle breezes, while summer brings warm days perfect for exploration. Autumn transforms the dense canopy into a brilliant tapestry of golds and crimsons, and winter blankets the rugged terrain in pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for those who embrace the cold.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer ideal for hiking, biking, fishing and boating; trails and lake fully used.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn offers scenic foliage and ridge/valley views (fall notes were referenced but brief).

Spring(Mar-May)

3.8 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and renewed trails; good for hiking though conditions vary.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 9% in IA

Groomed trails enable snowmobiling and cross-country skiing; winter recreation supported year-round.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season pricing is not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round for reservations.

About Volga River State Recreation Area

Nestled in the heart of Northeast Iowa's dramatic landscape, Volga River State Recreation Area beckons with two distinct camping experiences. Albany Campground welcomes both equestrian enthusiasts and traditional campers, offering a rustic retreat where the clip-clop of horses mingles with the sounds of nature. For those seeking modern comforts, Lakeview Campground provides full-service sites complete with electric, water, and sewer hookups, ensuring you can enjoy the wilderness without sacrificing convenience.

Volga River State Recreation Area offers equestrian camping, tent sites, and RV-friendly options, including modern amenities at Lakeview Campground and non-modern amenities at Albany Campground.

Historical SignificanceThis remarkable region has earned the endearing nickname "Little Switzerland" from generations of Iowans who've marveled at its unexpected terrain. The moniker reflects not just the area's physical beauty, but also its cultural significance as a treasured anomaly in Iowa's landscape—a place where visitors discover that the Midwest holds surprises beyond their imagination.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Iowa's seasons in this enchanting landscape. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and gentle breezes, while summer brings warm days perfect for exploration. Autumn transforms the dense canopy into a brilliant tapestry of golds and crimsons, and winter blankets the rugged terrain in pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for those who embrace the cold.

ElevationThe varied topography creates natural vantage points and hidden valleys throughout the recreation area, offering campers diverse terrain to explore and stunning views that change with every trail.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be captivated by a landscape that defies typical Iowa expectations. Ancient rock outcroppings jut dramatically from hillsides draped in dense forest, creating a natural playground for adventurers. The rugged terrain forms intimate valleys and soaring ridges, while the canopy overhead filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor—a photographer's paradise and nature lover's dream.

Geological RegionWelcome to Iowa's best-kept secret: a geological wonderland where ancient forces carved a landscape more reminiscent of the Appalachians than the Midwest. The Volga River State Recreation Area showcases Northeast Iowa's "Little Switzerland," where dramatic rock formations, steep valleys, and dense forests create a striking contrast to the gentle rolling hills and agricultural plains that dominate the rest of the state. This unique topography offers visitors an unexpected adventure in a region where nature wrote a different story.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Official data does not specify maximum guests per site.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes two separate areas: Albany Campground and Lakeview Campground.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online on Iowa state park websites or by contacting the park office.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up or first-come-first-served availability is not detailed.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not explicitly mentioned.

AccessibilityThe floating fishing pier, shoreline sidewalk, and jetties are described as universally accessible.

Site SizeNo specific information on the size of campsites is provided.

PrivacyNo information about campsite privacy is provided.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesEquestrian campers should choose Albany Campground due to dedicated facilities for horses and trail access. Non-equestrian campers may prefer Lakeview Campground for modern amenities.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Vault toilets

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Activities you can enjoy

The recreation area supports various activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing. Frog Hollow Lake features a diverse fishery and boating opportunities at no wake speeds. The Volga River offers scenic kayaking and canoeing routes. 22 miles of multi-use trails are available for equestrian riders, mountain bikers, hikers, and winter sports enthusiasts. An archery range with a 20-target trail and public hunting opportunities also enhance the recreational offerings.

HikingThe area features 22 miles of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, biking, and equestrian use in summer, and groomed trails for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter. Reviews praise the trails as well-maintained and scenic.

FishingFishing is available at Frog Hollow Lake (bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish) and the Volga River (smallmouth bass, rock bass, channel catfish). Frog Hollow Lake also features a floating fishing pier.

BikingMountain biking is popular on the 22-mile multi-use trail system. The trails are described as rugged and suitable for all-terrain biking.

BoatingBoating at Frog Hollow Lake is permitted at no wake speeds. A three-lane boat ramp, floating fishing pier, and accessible shoreline facilities are available. Canoeing and kayaking are popular on the Volga River.

Wildlife viewingThe area is home to diverse wildlife. 'Lots of wildlife to view but watch out for the grumpy raccoon on Frog Hollow Trail!' one user humorously notes.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area includes wildlife such as raccoons; caution is advised around trails and water bodies.

Fire PolicyCampfire policies are not explicitly mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesWithin 10 miles, there is a hospital, medical clinic, and an ATM for emergency cash needs.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details are available on on-site trash and recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesFrog Hollow Lake is located in the northern section and offers fishing and boating opportunities. The Volga River meanders through the southern portion, ideal for kayaking and canoeing.

Camp Host"Great Ranger and camp host. Very nice groomed trails" - Reviews emphasize the helpfulness of staff.

Weather at Volga River State Recreation Area

Reviews

4.7

25 reviews

Top-Rated

Volga River State Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Volga River State Recreation Area are generally positive, highlighting the quiet, clean environment, well-maintained trails, and suitability for equestrian camping.

Review Summaries

Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the well-maintained trails, peaceful setting, and modern facilities at Lakeview Campground. Equestrian campers appreciate the trail system and hitching posts.

Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users note the lack of showers at Albany Campground, limited amenities for equestrian use, and reports of wildlife encounters.

Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring essential supplies as some amenities like firewood may not be available on-site. Reach out to the park office for trail conditions and winter accessibility.

Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter activities are well-supported with groomed trails for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Summer is ideal for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Volga River Campground was exactly what I was hoping to find. Quiet, peaceful, clean and nicely kept.' - Mitch 2. 'Fantastic trail system large enough that your horse will not be bored.' - John...

Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews praise the Albany Campground for equestrian facilities and the Lakeview Campground for modern amenities. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.

Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is noted at Frog Hollow Lake with universally accessible fishing piers and shoreline facilities, but reviews do not provide further details.

Based on 25 reviews