Rock Creek State Park

4.12

104 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

919 ft

Price

$6 - $11/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open roughly April 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Iowa Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

919 ft

Price

$6 - $11/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open roughly April 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Iowa Department of Natural Resources site

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

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

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 104 reviews

881 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanstafffriendly

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Rock Creek State Park

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

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Rock Creek State Park

Rock Creek State Park transforms with Iowa's dramatic seasons, each offering its own outdoor adventure. Summer brings warm, dry days perfect for swimming and boating, while autumn paints the prairie in golden hues ideal for hiking. Winter occasionally wraps the landscape in a pristine blanket of snow, creating a serene wonderland for the hardy few. Spring emerges with wildflower blooms and mild temperatures, though savvy campers know that late spring through early fall provides the most comfortable conditions for tent camping. The park's predominantly dry climate throughout much of the year means more sunny days to enjoy all that Rock Creek has to offer.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers swimming, boating, rentals and peak-season services; popular Memorial–Labor Day.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Autumn paints the prairie and remains pleasant, but lower staffing can affect maintenance.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring and early summer are popular for fishing and boating as lake access returns to prime use.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Trails used for skiing/snowmobiling, but many amenities/ concessions closed and limited services.

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.
Current Alerts: No specific active alerts were detailed.

About Rock Creek State Park

Nestled in the heart of central Iowa, Rock Creek State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of modern comfort and natural beauty. This beloved camping destination spreads across rolling prairies, where electric and non-electric campsites offer front-row seats to the park's crown jewel—a sparkling 600-acre lake. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across mirror-still waters, or exploring scenic trails, Rock Creek delivers the quintessential Iowa outdoor experience. Modern amenities, including updated restrooms, refreshing shower facilities, and a well-stocked concession store, ensure your wilderness retreat comes with all the comforts of home.

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 SeasonsRock Creek State Park transforms with Iowa's dramatic seasons, each offering its own outdoor adventure. Summer brings warm, dry days perfect for swimming and boating, while autumn paints the prairie in golden hues ideal for hiking. Winter occasionally wraps the landscape in a pristine blanket of snow, creating a serene wonderland for the hardy few. Spring emerges with wildflower blooms and mild temperatures, though savvy campers know that late spring through early fall provides the most comfortable conditions for tent camping. The park's predominantly dry climate throughout much of the year means more sunny days to enjoy all that Rock Creek has to offer.

ElevationElevation data was not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryRock Creek Lake serves as the park's shimmering centerpiece, its waters reflecting Iowa's big skies and creating a haven for both wildlife and visitors. Meandering trails invite exploration through native prairie grasses that whisper in the breeze, while stands of hardwoods provide shaded respites. Keep your camera ready—majestic Canadian geese often grace the shoreline, and the park's diverse ecosystem supports an impressive array of birds, mammals, and wildflowers. From sunrise mists dancing across the water to evening light filtering through prairie grass, Rock Creek offers endless moments of natural beauty.

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.

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 layoutCamping areas include separate sections for electric and non-electric sites, with some tent sites located directly by the water. Roads and campsites were noted to be narrow in some areas.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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.

HikingThe park offers 8.5 miles of unpaved trails for hiking, biking, skiing, horseback riding, and snowmobiling. Additionally, there is a 5.5-mile bike trail connecting the park to Grinnell. A user described the trails as 'suitable for hikers and mountain bikers.'

FishingFishing is a popular activity, with anglers targeting crappie, bluegill, bass, walleye, and catfish. One reviewer praised the 'easy bank access' and noted that 'the fish were really biting in early June.'

SwimmingThe park features an unsupervised beach for swimming, located on the opposite side of the lake from the campground. A user noted, 'You had to pack everything up and drive over there to swim.'

BikingThe 8.5 miles of multi-use trails include opportunities for biking, and the 5.5-mile bike trail connects to Grinnell. The trails are described as 'beginner-friendly' by reviewers.

BoatingBoating options include pontoon, kayak, canoe, and paddle boat rentals. Boat ramps and dock slips are also available. A user review mentioned, 'The ladies that run the boat rental shop are the nicest people.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include deer and geese, as noted by reviewers. The park is described as 'beautiful and peaceful' for observing nature.

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.

Active AlertsNo specific active alerts were detailed.

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.

Weather at Rock Creek State Park

Reviews

4.1

104 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 104 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 104 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 104 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 104 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 104 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 104 reviews