How much does camping cost at Rock Creek State Park?

Camping fees at Rock Creek State Park range from $6-$11/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Rock Creek State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Rock Creek 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 Rock Creek State Park before I book?

Yes! Rock Creek 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 Rock Creek State Park?

Rock Creek State Park is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend is the peak season for activities and concessions.. 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 Rock Creek State Park?

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

Are dogs allowed at Rock Creek State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Rock Creek 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 Rock Creek State Park?

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

What activities can I do at Rock Creek State Park?

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

Rock Creek State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Rock Creek State Park?

Fire policies at Rock Creek State Park: Firewood is available for purchase at the concession store, but specific fire regulations were not detailed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.25

149 reviews

5628 Rock Creek East , Kellogg, Iowa, 50135, United States

Top 16% in IASummer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

919 ft

Price

$6 - $11/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open roughly April 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Iowa Department of Natural Resources Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

919 ft

Price

$6 - $11/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open roughly April 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Iowa Department of Natural Resources Official Website

Get Directions

Rock Creek State Park

$6.00 - $11.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for campsites range from $11 for electric sites to $6 for non-electric sites. Additional amenities like boat rentals are available at extra cost.

Standard Site Fee$6.00

Hookup Site Fee$11.00

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6412363722

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5628 Rock Creek East , Kellogg, Iowa, 50135, United States

Rock Creek State Park

5628 Rock Creek East , Kellogg, Iowa, 50135, United States

Nearby places

Kellogg (3 miles west and 2 miles south), Newton (4 miles south and 10 miles west), Grinnell (7 miles east).

Nearby supplies

Seasonal concessions operating from approximately April 15 to October 15 provide camping accessories, convenience items, bait, tackle, firewood, and ice. Additionally, Kellogg and Grinnell are nearby towns with general supplies.

Driving directionsArriving on Interstate 80 take the Kellogg Exit number 173 to Hwy 224, take Hwy 224 north, through Kellogg, IA and approximately 6 miles then turn East on County Road F-27, go approximately 3 miles and then the third right turn south will be the campground entrance. Arriving on Hwy 30 take the Hwy 14 exit and head south on Hwy 14, Hwy 14 will go through the town of Laurel and T with County Road F-17 take F-17 east and turn south at Hwy 224 approximately 2 miles then at the intersection of 224 and County Road F-27 turn east, take Hwy F-27 approximately 3 miles and then turn south into the third entrance of the park off of County road F-27.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, but the detailed directions provided imply that there may be some navigation challenges for newcomers. Seasonal closures or challenging terrain were not explicitly mentioned.

Weather at Rock Creek State Park

Current alert: No specific active alerts were detailed.

Best Time to Camp at Rock Creek State Park

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-90s°F and nighttime lows in the 50s-60s. The lake's swim area, boat ramps, and water access operate at full capacity during these months. Spring brings wildflower blooms and mild temperatures, though late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable tent camping window. Winter occasionally blankets the area in snow. Weekends see heavier crowds, so midweek stays or early holiday reservations are smart.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in IA

Summer offers full lake access, rentals, beach and peak-season services; best conditions for activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend is the peak season for activities and concessions.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open roughly April 15 through October 15 for concessions and activities, though some amenities close earlier or later within this range.

About Rock Creek State Park

Rock Creek State Park sits in eastern Jasper County, Iowa, offering 600 acres of lake access at $6-11/night. The campground features electric and non-electric sites across rolling prairie terrain, with amenities including showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. Sites tend to be small and closely spaced, but the park compensates with clean facilities and direct access to swimming, fishing, and boating.

The campground caters to a variety of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. While no cabins or glamping options are available, there are designated areas for electric and non-electric sites.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-90s°F and nighttime lows in the 50s-60s. The lake's swim area, boat ramps, and water access operate at full capacity during these months. Spring brings wildflower blooms and mild temperatures, though late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable tent camping window. Winter occasionally blankets the area in snow. Weekends see heavier crowds, so midweek stays or early holiday reservations are smart.

ElevationElevation data was not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryThe 600-acre Rock Creek Lake dominates the landscape, bordered by remnants of Iowa's tallgrass prairie and scattered hardwood stands. Trails wind through native prairie grasses, and the shoreline attracts Canadian geese and diverse bird populations. The park sits at 919 feet elevation in the gentle terrain typical of central Iowa. Dawn and dusk bring active wildlife viewing opportunities around the lake's edges, where prairie meets water.

Geological RegionSituated in the eastern corner of Jasper County, Rock Creek State Park showcases the gentle beauty of central Iowa's prairie ecosystem. This carefully preserved landscape tells the story of Iowa's natural heritage, where rolling grasslands meet the waters of Rock Creek Lake. The surrounding trails weave through remnants of the vast tallgrass prairie that once covered much of the Midwest, offering glimpses into the region's ecological past while providing modern-day adventurers with miles of scenic exploration.

Scenic ViewsSeveral campsites are located next to the 600-acre lake, which provides scenic water views. "Take site 38 if you can get it and the lake will be your friend," one user review suggests.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe park does not feature any hotel-style lodging or cabins. One user lamented, 'Unfortunately no cabins.'

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in time listed.

Check-out

No specific check-out time listed.

Stay Limit

The maximum stay limit was not specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring, but no explicit guest limit was mentioned.

Groups

Information on specific group sites or their capacity is not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground separates electric and non-electric sites into distinct areas, with some tent sites positioned directly on the water. Roads and individual sites run narrow, and pads sit close together with limited screening between neighbors. Several sites slope noticeably, which can complicate setup for larger campers or RVs.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available online or through the campground office. Specific website not provided in the authoritative source.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available and are noted to be popular; however, advanced reservations are encouraged to secure desirable sites.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details were not provided.

AccessibilityThe park offers handicap access and universally accessible fishing areas.

Site SizeSites are described as small and narrow by some reviewers, with limited space for larger campers. 'The campsites are small, and the roads are narrow,' noted one reviewer.

PrivacyReviews indicate limited privacy at campsites, with sites close together. One user mentioned, 'Spots are really close to each other.

Recommended SitesChoose campsites near the water for better views and lake access. Avoid steep or uneven sites if camping in a large RV or trailer.

Best CampsitesSite 38 offers particularly good lake views according to user reports. Lakeside sites provide proximity to swimming and boating access, though reviewers note these fill quickly on summer weekends.

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Amenities available

Rock Creek State Park offers a variety of amenities both officially listed and referenced in user reviews. Facilities include modern restrooms, shower buildings, firewood sales, boat rentals (pontoons, kayaks, paddle boats, and fishing boats), a park concession store with snacks, fishing licenses, camping accessories, and more. The park features a dump station, a bait house, and a marina store. User reviews describe the campground as mostly clean, although some have noted instances of stray trash and concerns over restroom cleanliness. Sites are reported to include fire rings and picnic tables.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Rock Creek State Park offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park features an 8.5-mile unpaved multi-use trail and a 5.5-mile bike trail. The lake is a focal point for fishing, swimming, and various boating activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsConcerns include ticks ("tick city" according to one user review), runoff pollution affecting lake water quality, and uneven terrain at some campsites.

Fire PolicyFirewood is available for purchase at the concession store, but specific fire regulations were not detailed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours were not specified but some user reviews noted noise issues at night.

Emergency ServicesHospital within 10 miles (specific location not detailed).

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site. Recycling facilities are not mentioned explicitly.

Water FeaturesThe park is set adjacent to Rock Creek Lake, offering multiple fishing piers, a marina, and a beach area located opposite the campground.

Camp HostCampground hosts are present but were noted as non-existent or difficult to locate during some seasons.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is not explicitly mentioned in the data, and no user reviews address it specifically.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

149 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Rock Creek State Park receives mixed reviews. Positive highlights include the park's cleanliness, variety of activities, and scenic lake. Negative reviews focus on campsite size, slope, and restroom cleanliness.

Review Summaries

Based on 149 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the park's cleanliness, friendly staff, and variety of activities. One review noted, 'One of the cleanest campgrounds I’ve been to,' and another mentioned, 'Every site has something to...

Based on 149 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include small campsites, sloped terrain, and inconsistent restroom cleanliness. A user stated, 'Not one level campsite in the entire campground.' Another noted, 'Bathrooms and showers need...

Based on 149 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 38 is highlighted as desirable. Some users note that lakeside sites offer excellent views but may lack shade.

Based on 149 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood as the concession area can be hard to locate. Choose lakeside sites if available for better views and proximity to the water.

Based on 149 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer are popular for fishing and boating. In fall, lower staffing may affect maintenance. Winter offers activities like skiing and snowmobiling.

Based on 149 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The lake is beautiful but buggy.' 'Great family-friendly environment.' 'The fish were really biting in early June.' 'Spots by the lake are definitely desirable.'

Based on 149 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible fishing areas are available, but detailed reviews on broader accessibility features are limited.

Based on 149 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed, and many campers bring them, but complaints of barking and unleashed animals were noted.

Based on 149 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Fishing families and casual paddlers who book lakeside early, especially site 38, get the most out of this place. Crappie and bass come easily from the bank, pontoon and kayak rentals are right there, and the beginner trails extend 8.5 miles if you want to stretch your legs betwe

Skip if

Big rigs will fight every site here. Reviewers flatly say there's not a level pad in the campground, roads run narrow, and spots crowd together with little buffer. Campers who aren't part of the local social fabric have reported uncomfortable encounters, so if you already feel li

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