How much does camping cost at Union Grove State Park?

Camping fees at Union Grove State Park range from $15-$80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Union Grove State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Union Grove State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Union Grove State Park before I book?

Yes! Union Grove State Park has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Union Grove State Park?

Union Grove State Park is open No specific open and closed seasons mentioned, although cabins are available year-round.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Union Grove State Park?

Yes, Union Grove State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Union Grove State Park?

Fire policies at Union Grove State Park: No policies were explicitly mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Union Grove State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Union Grove State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Union Grove State Park?

Union Grove State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Union Grove State Park?

Popular activities at Union Grove State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Union Grove State Park

4.22

55 reviews

1215 220th Street, Gladbrook, Iowa, 50635, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

997 ft

Price

$15 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Union Grove State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

997 ft

Price

$15 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Union Grove State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Union Grove State Park

$15.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary based on the type of site or cabin. Cabins are available year-round and are pet-friendly. Tent camping and RV spaces are also offered.

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$80.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 55 reviews

388 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"User reviews highlight the park's peaceful atmosphere, scenic trails, ADA-accessible cabins, and small, quiet campground. However, there are mixed opinions about maintenance and swimming conditions."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1215 220th Street, Gladbrook, Iowa, 50635, United States

Union Grove State Park

1215 220th Street, Gladbrook, Iowa, 50635, United States

Nearby places

Gladbrook (6 miles), Garwin (5 miles), Marshalltown (16 miles), Tama (20 miles), Toledo (18 miles).

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles: grocery store, fuel, church. Greater than 10 miles: motel.

Best Time to Camp at Union Grove State Park

Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, creating perfect conditions for early-season camping and fishing. Summer transforms the park into a sun-soaked playground where clear skies invite endless days of swimming and boating. As autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, crisp air makes for ideal hiking weather. Winter brings a hushed beauty to the frozen lake, with snow-dusted pines and the occasional cross-country skiing adventure for those brave enough to embrace the chill.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring wildflower blooms, early-season fishing and pleasant temperatures praised for camping.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: No specific open and closed seasons mentioned, although cabins are available year-round.

About Union Grove State Park

Nestled around a sparkling 110-acre lake, Union Grove State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with an irresistible blend of water adventures and woodland escapes. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across mirror-smooth waters, or setting up camp under towering trees, this Iowa gem delivers year-round recreation. Modern RV sites welcome road warriors, secluded tent spots satisfy nature purists, and two fully accessible cabins provide cozy retreats in any season. From sunrise swims to sunset hikes along three miles of scenic trails, every day here writes its own adventure story.

Union Grove State Park accommodates tent camping, RV camping with full hookups, and cabin lodging. Group camping and glamping options are not available.

Historical Significance

Since opening its gates in 1938, Union Grove has woven itself into Iowa's outdoor heritage, hosting generations of families who return year after year to create lakeside memories. Beyond the park boundaries, the quirky charm of rural Iowa awaits – from the sweet corn celebrations at Gladbrook's famous Corn Carnival to the mind-bending miniature marvels at the Matchstick Marvels Museum, where patience meets artistry in tiny wooden wonders.

Weather and SeasonsSpring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, creating perfect conditions for early-season camping and fishing. Summer transforms the park into a sun-soaked playground where clear skies invite endless days of swimming and boating. As autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, crisp air makes for ideal hiking weather. Winter brings a hushed beauty to the frozen lake, with snow-dusted pines and the occasional cross-country skiing adventure for those brave enough to embrace the chill.

Natural Features and SceneryThree miles of winding trails lead adventurers through a tapestry of Iowa landscapes – from restored prairie grasslands swaying in the breeze to hushed pine plantations where sunlight filters through evergreen branches. The centerpiece lake mirrors the sky while boat ramps promise easy access to fishing holes and hidden coves. Early risers might spot white-tailed deer grazing at forest edges, while patient observers can glimpse wild turkeys strutting through meadows. The air fills with songbird melodies by day and the haunting calls of waterfowl at dusk, creating nature's own soundtrack.

Geological RegionCarved into the rolling hills of northwest Tama County, Union Grove State Park stands as a 110-acre aquatic oasis amid Iowa's patchwork of farms and small communities. This carefully preserved pocket of wilderness offers a striking contrast to the surrounding agricultural landscape, where cornfields give way to wooded shores and prairie meets pine forest, creating diverse habitats that showcase the natural beauty once common across this fertile region.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified.

Check-out

Not specified.

Stay Limit

There is no stay limit explicitly mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified.

Groups

No group camping site details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNo specific layout was detailed, but the campground contains RV and tent sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations likely can be made through official park websites and phone lines, though details were not provided.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly detailed in the sources.

AccessibilityThe cabins are ADA accessible, and trails offer scenic experiences for various mobility levels. No specific feedback from users with disabilities was available.

Site SizeRV sites seem to be fairly good-sized' according to user reviews. Tent sites are described as sloped, which may limit usability.

PrivacyUser feedback indicates privacy varies, with cabins offering solitude and trails providing peaceful settings. Tent camping areas were noted as clustered.

Recommended SitesCabins offer heated floors and air conditioning, a queen bed, futon, and fully-equipped kitchens. Tent camping may present challenges due to uneven terrain.

Need help booking Union Grove State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveAmerica Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Union Grove State Park provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, swimming at the beach, and picnicking. Official sources confirm three miles of trails for hiking and snowmobiling, a 'no-wake' lake for boating, and beach swimming. User reviews describe the trails as scenic but occasionally overgrown and the lake as suitable for kayaking or canoeing. One reviewer noted, 'Great place to decompress from the hustle of modern-day life.'

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome reviews mentioned wildlife, uneven terrain for tent camping, and potential bacteria in the lake affecting swimming.

Fire PolicyNo policies were explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesWithin 10 miles: medical clinic. Greater than 10 miles: hospital.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available, but recycling options were not explicitly mentioned. No user reviews commented on this specific amenity.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Union Grove Lake, which features two boat ramps and a beach.

Camp HostNot explicitly available.

Weather at Union Grove State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

55 reviews

Satisfactory

Union Grove State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's peaceful atmosphere, scenic trails, ADA-accessible cabins, and small, quiet campground. However, there are mixed opinions about maintenance and swimming conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 55 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean cabins and bathrooms, scenic trails, abundant wildlife, relaxing atmosphere, and availability of fishing and boating. Reviewers especially praised the cabins: 'Nice views off the porch/patio,'...

Based on 55 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance issues such as overgrown trails, shower cleanliness, and vault toilet doors not closing properly. Tent sites are sloped, and some areas lack privacy. Swimming conditions are poor due to...

Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bedding, towels, and toiletries for cabin stays. Carry binoculars for bird watching. Visit the nearby Matchstick Marvels museum in Gladbrook. Prepare for sloped tent sites and unpredictable...

Based on 55 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight fishing and boating but note crowded campgrounds. Winter reviews focus on ice fishing and snowmobiling, with primitive facilities during colder months. Spring provides...

Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

'What a great getaway!' - Mike Davis. 'If you want tons of activities, this might not be for you, but great place to relax close to nature.' - Jason Jones. 'Nice small park, could use a playground.'...

Based on 55 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Cabins receive high praise for cleanliness and modern amenities, while tent camping areas are noted for sloping sites and limited privacy.

Based on 55 reviews

Accessibility Features

Cabins are ADA accessible, but no specific feedback from disabled users is available.

Based on 55 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, though some reviews mention lack of leash enforcement and pet waste cleanup policies.

Based on 55 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Last updated March 28, 2026

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Union Grove State Park