Dolliver Memorial State Park

4.25

23 reviews

2757 Dolliver Park Ave., Lehigh, Iowa, 50557, United States

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,043 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Dolliver Memorial State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,043 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Dolliver Memorial State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Dolliver Memorial State Park

$15.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The park offers basic family cabins equipped with dorm-size refrigerator, cook-top stove, microwave, and sink. Cabins sleep four people. Electric...

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

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 23 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikingsites

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, well-maintained trails, and monitored campsites. The lack of cell service and limited nearby facilities for purchasing supplies are noted as drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2757 Dolliver Park Ave., Lehigh, Iowa, 50557, United States

Dolliver Memorial State Park

2757 Dolliver Park Ave., Lehigh, Iowa, 50557, United States

Driving directionsFrom Fort Dodge go south on Nelson Ave / P59 to T Corner and turn left or head East on D33 and follow to park. From Lehigh take 290th or D43 northwest out of town turn right onto Dolliver Park Ave/D33 and follow to the park.

Roads to the campground are accessible. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain issues are mentioned in the source materials.

Nearby places

Lehigh is 3 miles southeast, Otho is 6 miles northwest, Fort Dodge is 10 miles north, Webster City is 25 miles northeast.

Nearby supplies

Groceries are within 10 miles. Lehigh offers ice at a bar, and nearby towns provide basic supplies like firewood and drinks, though some stores may be unreliable based on reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Dolliver Memorial State Park

Each season paints Dolliver with its own palette of experiences. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for riverside exploration and cool canyon retreats. Winter transforms the park into a serene wonderland dusted with light snow, while the frigid air creates crystalline beauty on sandstone walls. But it's during spring and fall when the park truly shines for camping enthusiasts—moderate temperatures combine with wildflower blooms or autumn's fiery foliage to create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer: warm, good for riverside exploration and cool canyon retreats.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in IA

Fall colors and golden sandstone vistas noted; reviews: 'beautiful this time of the year.'

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring: wildflower viewing and birding listed; trails and river access make spring appealing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year‑round but winter activities not described; likely reduced usability in cold months.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific mention of peak season pricing periods.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, but specific seasonal closures are not stated.

About Dolliver Memorial State Park

Carved by ancient waters and time itself, Dolliver Memorial State Park embraces 614 acres of dramatic landscapes where the Des Moines River has sculpted a natural masterpiece. Here, towering sandstone formations rise from verdant valleys, mysterious Native American mounds whisper stories of the past, and winding trails lead adventurers through one of Iowa's most stunning geological wonders.

Dolliver Memorial State Park offers a mix of camping accommodations, including electric sites suitable for RVs, tent camping, and two family cabins.

Historical SignificanceStep back nearly a thousand years as you encounter the sacred mounds of the Woodland Culture, dating to approximately 1100 A.D. These ancient earthworks, believed to serve ceremonial or burial purposes, stand as silent sentinels overlooking the river valley. Each mound tells a story of the indigenous peoples who once called this dramatic landscape home, adding layers of human history to the geological narrative written in stone.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Dolliver with its own palette of experiences. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for riverside exploration and cool canyon retreats. Winter transforms the park into a serene wonderland dusted with light snow, while the frigid air creates crystalline beauty on sandstone walls. But it's during spring and fall when the park truly shines for camping enthusiasts—moderate temperatures combine with wildflower blooms or autumn's fiery foliage to create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures.

ElevationThe park's dramatic topography creates a vertical playground where prairie meets canyon, though specific elevation details await further exploration by curious visitors.

Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a theatrical landscape where rugged terrain meets gentle beauty along the Des Moines River Valley. Massive sandstone formations, carved by millennia of wind and water, create natural sculptures that glow golden in the setting sun. Oak-covered hillsides cascade down to the river's edge, their canopy providing shade for hikers and habitat for wildlife. Above it all, remnant prairies stretch toward the horizon, offering sweeping views that capture the essence of Iowa's diverse natural heritage.

Geological RegionDolliver Memorial State Park showcases a remarkable collision of geological forces along the Des Moines River Valley. Here, dramatic bluffs and hidden canyons reveal layers of Earth's history written in sandstone, while flatlands provide gentle contrast to the rugged terrain. The river valley ecosystem supports a rich tapestry of life, from prairie wildflowers to woodland creatures, all thriving among the unique geological features. Ancient Native American mounds crown the landscape, adding human heritage to this natural museum of stone, water, and time.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Cabin check-in guidelines are unclear beyond the 11 AM checkout rule.

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

.Lodge renters must vacate by 10:30 PM following park closure. Cabin checkout is at 11 AM.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabins accommodate up to 4 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNot explicitly described.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online for cabins and day-use lodges.

Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews indicate the campground is small and reservations are helpful, but walk-up availability isn't explicitly stated.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation guidelines are not detailed in the provided materials.

AccessibilityHandicap access is available within the facility, as listed in the authoritative content.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some being spacious and others smaller, as noted by a user review.

Recommended SitesUser reviews suggest cabins for small groups and electric campsites for RVs.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Dolliver Memorial State Park provides a wide array of recreational activities, particularly centered on its hiking trails and natural features like the Copperas Beds and Native American mounds. The park also offers river access for boating and fishing.

HikingThe park boasts nearly six miles of rugged, well-maintained trails. Highlights include the Copperas Beds, towering sandstone formations, and Bone Yard Hollow, a historical area with bison bones. User reviews praise the trails as 'some of the best you can find.'

FishingAnglers can fish in the Des Moines River, accessible via a boat ramp.

BoatingThe park provides a boat ramp for access to the Des Moines River, suitable for canoeists.

Wildlife viewingBird watching and wildflower viewing are listed as activities within the park.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo cell phone service reported by user reviews; remote location may pose communication challenges.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are User reviews confirm quiet hours are enforced by the ranger.

Emergency ServicesHospital, medical clinic, and motel are within 10 miles of the park.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site, as indicated in the authoritative source.

Water FeaturesThe park overlooks the Des Moines River; a boat ramp provides access for canoeists and anglers.

Camp HostThe ranger comes through often to monitor campground activity and enforce quiet hours, according to user reviews.

Weather at Dolliver Memorial State Park

Reviews

4.3

23 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, well-maintained trails, and monitored campsites. The lack of cell service and limited nearby facilities for purchasing supplies are noted as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the park's natural beauty, clean and monitored campsites, and excellent hiking trails. Cabins are also appreciated as an option.

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include the lack of cell phone service and the absence of a camp store or on-site source for firewood and snacks.

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Plan to bring your own firewood, snacks, and supplies. Cabins require renters to bring their own bedding and dinnerware.

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews are consistently positive across seasons, but the lack of cell service is universally noted. Winter activities are not mentioned, suggesting the park may have reduced usability in colder...

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The campsites were organized, monitored, and clean.' - 'The hiking trails are some of the best you can find.' - 'If they had free Wi-Fi or any reception really...I'd give 5 stars.' - 'Beautiful...

Based on 23 reviews