Pikes Peak State Park

4.59

37 reviews

15316 Great River Road, McGregor, Iowa, 52157, United States

Romantic GetawayGreat Hiking

Featured in:Fall Camping Iowa#2 Hiking Camping Iowa Forest Camping Iowa +2 more

Quick Facts

1,130 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Memorial Day Weekend...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Friends of Pikes Peak State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,130 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Memorial Day Weekend...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Friends of Pikes Peak State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Pikes Peak State Park

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Based on user reviews, sites with electricity approximate $32.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$32.00

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

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 37 reviews

2246 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanwell-maintained

Some mention

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"Overall, user reviews highlight Pikes Peak State Park as a beautiful location with excellent amenities, scenic views, and well-maintained trails. Common sentiments include praise for cleanliness, accessibility, and the breathtaking Mississippi River overlook."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

15316 Great River Road, McGregor, Iowa, 52157, United States

Pikes Peak State Park

15316 Great River Road, McGregor, Iowa, 52157, United States

Driving directionsAt the end of McGregor's Main Street follow County Road X-56 south, wind upward about 3 miles and arrive at Pikes Peak State Park. The physical address for the park entrance and campground is 32264 Pikes Peak Road.

The park is easily accessible via paved roads. Follow County Road X-56 south from McGregor, with a winding elevation gain over 3 miles to Pikes Peak State Park. No mention of seasonal closures.

Nearby places

McGregor (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes), Marquette (2-3 miles, less than 10 minutes by car)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials are available in nearby towns such as McGregor and Marquette (2-3 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Pikes Peak State Park

Experience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Autumn paints the blufftops in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise as maple and oak trees showcase nature's grand finale. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, with crystalline snow dusting the ancient mounds and frost etching delicate patterns on bare branches. When summer arrives, gentle breezes sweep across the bluffs, offering perfect conditions for exploration while the canopy provides welcome shade along winding trails.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open for summer use with accessible trails, free parking mentioned in summer reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in IA

Peak season for spectacular fall colors; busiest visitation and best photographic conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Park typically closed until Memorial Day weekend; limited spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Park is closed outside Memorial Day weekend–third Sunday in Oct; winter use limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Fall season, particularly around October 9-15 for peak fall colors.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Memorial Day Weekend through the third Sunday in October
Current Alerts: Campgrounds have undergone renovations recently. Reports indicate closures during 2022; status for 2023 is noted as mostly completed.

About Pikes Peak State Park

Perched majestically 1,130 feet above the mighty Mississippi River, Pikes Peak State Park offers adventurers a gateway to some of Iowa's most spectacular vistas. This remarkable destination seamlessly blends natural wonder with ancient history, where effigy mounds whisper stories of civilizations past and hiking trails wind through pristine landscapes. Modern amenities meet rustic charm in the well-appointed campground, featuring both electric and non-electric sites complemented by clean shower facilities and convenient dump stations, ensuring comfort without sacrificing the authentic outdoor experience.

Camping options include both electric and non-electric sites, with facilities catering to RVs and tents. Group camping and primitive sites are not explicitly mentioned.

Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of history at this park bearing the name of the intrepid Lieutenant Zebulon Pike. The landscape holds sacred ground where the Woodland Culture carefully crafted effigy mounds between 800 and 1200 A.D., creating lasting monuments that have endured for nearly a millennium. These ancient burial sites stand as silent testaments to the sophisticated societies that once called this blufftop home, inviting modern visitors to contemplate the deep human connection to this extraordinary place.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Autumn paints the blufftops in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise as maple and oak trees showcase nature's grand finale. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, with crystalline snow dusting the ancient mounds and frost etching delicate patterns on bare branches. When summer arrives, gentle breezes sweep across the bluffs, offering perfect conditions for exploration while the canopy provides welcome shade along winding trails.

ElevationFrom your campsite at 1,130 feet above sea level, the world spreads out before you in panoramic splendor. This commanding elevation atop the ancient bluff creates a natural theater where sunrise and sunset performances paint the sky in ever-changing hues, while the Mississippi River winds its timeless course far below.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape where nature has crafted its masterpiece over millennia. Ancient oak-hickory forests stand sentinel alongside maple-basswood groves, their canopies sheltering wooden boardwalks that guide visitors through hidden glens. The enchanting Bridal Veil Falls cascades delicately down moss-covered rocks, while the confluence of two great rivers creates an ever-changing tapestry below. Throughout this natural cathedral, the mysterious effigy mounds emerge from the forest floor, adding an element of sacred mystery to an already magical setting.

Geological RegionRising dramatically 500 feet above the historic confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, this geological marvel showcases nature's architectural prowess. The towering bluff stands as a testament to millions of years of geological forces, now clothed in magnificent old-growth forests where massive oaks and hickories mingle with graceful maples and basswoods. The varied terrain creates a wonderland of ridges and secret glens, each turn revealing new perspectives of this ancient landscape where natural history and human heritage intertwine across the centuries.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

There is no specific information about group sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites described as tight with gravel pads, some of which are uneven. Geared more towards RVs than tents.

Reservation PlatformsOnline reservations available for picnic areas and sites. Specific platforms not mentioned.

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityThe park provides accessible sidewalks, picnic shelters, shower buildings, and several overlook structures. The effigy bear mound and trail viewing platforms are also accessible to mobility-impaired visitors.

Site SizeUser reviews mention sites with large pitches suitable for RVs, but some sites are noted as being tight and difficult to navigate.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are mixed. Reviews indicate that some sites are clustered closely together, while others provide better separation. One reviewer noted tight layouts and narrow roads.

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Pikes Peak State Park is rich in outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. There is also a scenic overlook offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and nearby Wisconsin. Visitors can explore historic effigy mounds and enjoy picnicking in designated shelters.

HikingThe park features 11.5 miles of hiking trails, most of which are shaded and traverse old-growth forests. Trails vary in difficulty, with options ranging from short walks to longer, remote hikes like the 8-mile round trip to Point Ann. Highlights include Bridal Veil Falls and Bear Mound.

FishingFishing opportunities are available within 10 miles of the park, with boat launch ramps and docks mentioned in the vicinity.

BikingA portion of the trails is open to mountain bikes. User reviews highlight the trails' versatility, with one stating, 'Trails are well marked and connect so you can make a hike as long as you want.'

BoatingBoating opportunities exist within 10 miles of the park, with canoe rentals, boat docks, and a marina available.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity, with sightings of pileated woodpeckers, red foxes, and hummingbirds reported. One reviewer noted, 'Seeing the hummingbirds here is a special treat along with all the spectacular river views we get to see.'

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep trails, slippery stairs at Bridal Veil Falls, and uneven campsite pads are mentioned in user reviews.

Active AlertsCampgrounds have undergone renovations recently. Reports indicate closures during 2022; status for 2023 is noted as mostly completed.

Fire Policynull

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesWithin 10 miles: hospital, police, ranger station. Specific names are not mentioned in the data.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site, but there is no mention of recycling facilities or pickup schedules.

Water FeaturesClose to the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. Bridal Veil Falls is a highlight within walking distance.

Camp HostCampground host described as super helpful in user reviews. No specific contact details provided.

Weather at Pikes Peak State Park

Reviews

4.6

37 reviews

Top-Rated

Pikes Peak State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews highlight Pikes Peak State Park as a beautiful location with excellent amenities, scenic views, and well-maintained trails. Common sentiments include praise for cleanliness, accessibility, and the breathtaking Mississippi River overlook.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the cleanliness of the park facilities, well-maintained trails, scenic river views, and accessibility for families. One user described it as 'probably...

Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include uneven campsites, tight layouts, and difficulties with backing RVs. One reviewer remarked, 'Poor layout means one way or the other, you’ll be going the wrong way.'

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing bug spray and water for longer hikes, making reservations due to the campground's popularity, and visiting during fall colors in October for a stunning experience.

Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is busiest in October due to fall colors. Winter reviews highlight icy stairs and picturesque waterfalls. Summer reviews emphasize the value of free parking and entry, along with accessible...

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Great park, probably one of the best state parks in Iowa.' — Sam Fenstermacher 'Beautiful views of the mighty Mississippi River.' — Andy Schmidt 'We walked to the Bridal Veil Falls...only moderately...

Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not identified, but multiple reviews mention tight layouts and clustered sites, making them less suitable for tents and difficult for RVs.

Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

Visitors praise the park's accessible amenities, including sidewalks, shelters, and restroom facilities. One review highlighted, 'The entire bathroom is accessible.'

Based on 37 reviews