Stone State Park

4.13

36 reviews

5001 Talbot Road, Sioux City, Iowa, 51103, United States

Quick Facts

1,119 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Stone State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,119 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Stone State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Stone State Park

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tent-only sites cost $12 per night as confirmed by user reviews. This is described as a low fee compared to alternatives such as parking lots or...

Standard Site Fee$12.00

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

4.13

Satisfactory

Based on 36 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenery

Some mention

small

"User reviews highlight the picturesque setting, abundant trails, and wildlife but often criticize the small size of campsites and cleanliness of facilities. Greg S described the park as 'very scenic,' while Amanda Reinhart mentioned the 'very small campground' and issues with bathroom cleanliness."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5001 Talbot Road, Sioux City, Iowa, 51103, United States

Stone State Park

5001 Talbot Road, Sioux City, Iowa, 51103, United States

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 29, take exit 151, which is Hwy. 12 north. Go north on Hwy. 12 approximately 4 miles to the park entrance.

Access to the park is relatively easy via paved roads from Interstate 29 and Highway 12. The winding roads within the park offer scenic views, but some may find it challenging when driving larger RVs due to tight turns as described in user reviews.

Nearby places

Sioux City is located within approximately 10 miles

other nearby cities are unlisted.

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as firewood, snacks, drinks, and fuel are available within 10 miles of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Stone State Park

Each season paints Stone State Park in its own distinctive palette. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, though occasional afternoon showers can sweep through, bringing out the earthy scent of the forest—and yes, a few extra mosquitoes. As autumn arrives, the canopy explodes into fiery colors, while winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures plunge, creating perfect conditions for those who love the stark beauty of frost-covered hills and the satisfying crunch of snow beneath their boots.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Warm summer days are great for hiking and wildlife; expect bugs and higher visitation.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Seasonal foliage and Loess Hills vistas likely make fall a high-scoring season; scenery praised in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Verdant woodlands and returning wildlife make spring appealing; trails and interpretive signs open.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Park open year-round but few winter-activity mentions; quieter but limited services/activity value.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Stone State Park

Nestled in Iowa's dramatic Loess Hills, Stone State Park beckons adventurers with its perfect blend of wilderness and comfort. Whether you're seeking a rustic retreat in one of the cozy camping cabins or pitching your tent beneath towering trees, you'll find modern amenities seamlessly woven into the natural landscape. Well-appointed restrooms and refreshing hot showers ensure comfort after a day of exploration, while scattered picnic areas invite you to dine al fresco among the whispering pines and ancient oaks.

Stone State Park offers a variety of camping options including RV and tent sites, as well as cabins. Primitive camping is not explicitly mentioned.

Historical SignificanceYour journey through Stone State Park places you directly on the legendary Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, a route that tells the story of Iowa's most remarkable geological treasure. These ancient hills, formed by windblown silt deposits over thousands of years, hold secrets of prehistoric times and represent one of only two such formations in the entire world—the other being in China. This designation as a National Scenic Byway underscores the park's role as both a natural wonder and a cultural landmark.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Stone State Park in its own distinctive palette. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, though occasional afternoon showers can sweep through, bringing out the earthy scent of the forest—and yes, a few extra mosquitoes. As autumn arrives, the canopy explodes into fiery colors, while winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures plunge, creating perfect conditions for those who love the stark beauty of frost-covered hills and the satisfying crunch of snow beneath their boots.

ElevationThe park's rolling terrain creates an ever-changing landscape of peaks and valleys, offering hikers varying levels of challenge and photographers endless opportunities for that perfect vista shot.

Natural Features and SceneryLose yourself in a verdant wonderland where ancient trees arch overhead, creating natural cathedral ceilings along winding roads that reveal new wonders at every turn. The dense woodland canopy filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor, while breaks in the trees frame breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Loess Hills. This unique ecosystem supports an impressive array of wildlife—from deer stepping quietly through morning mist to hawks circling high above the distinctive geological formations that make this landscape unlike anywhere else in North America.

Geological RegionStone State Park sits within the crown jewel of western Iowa's natural heritage—the magnificent Loess Hills. Stretching approximately 200 miles along Iowa's western border, these hills represent one of the planet's most remarkable geological phenomena. The rugged, almost mountain-like terrain seems to belong to another world entirely, carved by ancient winds into dramatic ridges and deep valleys. This rare landscape supports a unique ecosystem where prairie meets forest, creating a biodiversity hotspot that draws nature enthusiasts, scientists, and adventure seekers from around the globe.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

2-night minimum for tent camping as stated in user reviews.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites are generally small, and user reviews note tents and small trailers as the main accommodation type.

Groups

The youth group campsite is available for chaperoned organized youth groups. Specific details on the capacity are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are small and close together; some only accommodate tents on gravel or a parked car.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are recommended as there are limited sites.

AccessibilityThe campground is handicap accessible, as noted in the authoritative source.

Site SizeSites are described as small, with reviews noting, 'Most sites are really really small' (Margot Robison) and 'Camp sites are tight to back into but doable' (Jeri McDaniel).

PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to the proximity of campsites. Multiple reviewers, such as Amanda Reinhart and Jeannie Pratt, noted that sites are too close together, making it easy to hear neighbors' conversations.

Recommended SitesChoose sites during weekdays for privacy; tent sites are better suited for small groups or single tents.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Stone State Park offers a wide range of activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park features more than 15 miles of trails and areas for fishing in the Big Sioux River and Turtle Lake. Interpretive trails and a nature center enrich the visitor experience.

HikingThe park features over 15 miles of trails, including the self-guided Carolyn Benne Nature Trail with interpretive signs. Greg S mentioned, 'This is a very scenic place to camp and hike,' while Katy Themm described the trails as 'beautiful and wind their way through the park, connecting different areas.' Trails cater to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.

FishingFishing is supported, with the Big Sioux River offering opportunities for catfishing and Turtle Lake providing options for panfishing. Katy Themm highlighted, 'Turtle Lake is gorgeous and has fish if you like fishing.'

BikingThe park offers mountain biking on 6 miles of dirt trails and a 17-mile loop for road bicyclists. Bicyclists can explore a network of trails in the area.

BoatingBoating activities such as canoeing and paddle boating are available in the park. Amanda Kay Swan mentioned these activities as part of the park’s attractions.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight of the park. Katy Themm noted the presence of 'turtles, geese, deer, frogs, and lots of bird species.'

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center offers educational displays on the Loess Hills’ cultural and natural resources.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison ivy is common along trails, and bugs are problematic after rain.

Weather at Stone State Park

Reviews

4.1

36 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews highlight the picturesque setting, abundant trails, and wildlife but often criticize the small size of campsites and cleanliness of facilities. Greg S described the park as 'very scenic,' while Amanda Reinhart mentioned the 'very small campground' and issues with bathroom cleanliness.

Review Summaries

Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful scenery, abundant trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and affordable camping options.

Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

Small and crowded campsites, inconsistent cleanliness of bathrooms and showers, and lack of a dump station for RVs.

Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood and soap/hand sanitizer. Avoid weekends for a quieter experience. Site #19 was specifically noted as decent among generally small sites.

Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weekday visits are recommended for a quieter experience due to the close proximity of campsites. Summer months may have higher bug activity, especially after rain.

Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'If you're just good people who would rather tent camp than hotel camp, this is the best place I've seen from eastern Washington to here.' - Carry Phillips 2. 'The trails are beautiful and wind...

Based on 36 reviews