How much does camping cost at Stone State Park?

Camping fees at Stone State Park range from $12/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Stone State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Stone 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.

What is the best time to visit Stone State Park?

Stone State Park is open Open year-round.. 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 Stone State Park?

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

Can I have a campfire at Stone State Park?

Fire policies at Stone State Park: Fire pits with grates are provided.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Stone State Park?

Cell phone service at Stone State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

Are dogs allowed at Stone State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Stone State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Stone State Park?

Stone State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Stone State Park?

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

Stone State Park

3.97

36 reviews

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

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,119 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on Stone State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,119 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on Stone State Park 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

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7122554698

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Campground Map

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

Stone State Park

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

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.

Weather at Stone State Park

Best Time to Camp at Stone State Park

Fall brings the best conditions, with daytime highs in the 50s to 70s (cooling to the 40s–50s by mid-October) and nights dropping into the 30s–40s. Summer sees warm days good for hiking, though afternoon showers and mosquitoes are common. Winter transforms the hills with frost and snow, but temperatures plunge. Weekdays stay quiet; weekends draw moderate regional crowds.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Overview states fall brings best conditions and comfortable temps for trails and views.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Stone State Park

Stone State Park sits in Iowa's Loess Hills near Sioux City, with tent sites, RV spots, group areas, and cabin lodging spread across small, closely spaced sites. The campground charges $12 per night and includes showers, flush toilets, and electric hookups. Reviewers praise the scenery and trails but consistently note that sites are tight and close together.

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 Significance

The campground sits along the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. These hills formed from windblown silt deposits over thousands of years and represent one of only two such formations on the planet. The other is in China.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions, with daytime highs in the 50s to 70s (cooling to the 40s–50s by mid-October) and nights dropping into the 30s–40s. Summer sees warm days good for hiking, though afternoon showers and mosquitoes are common. Winter transforms the hills with frost and snow, but temperatures plunge. Weekdays stay quiet; weekends draw moderate regional crowds.

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 SceneryThe park occupies a section of the Loess Hills, windblown ridges that stretch 200 miles along Iowa's western border at roughly 1,119 feet elevation. Dense woodland canopy covers much of the campground, with breaks in the trees opening to ridgeline views. The landscape supports deer, hawks, and other wildlife where prairie meets forest. Multiple reviews mention the scenery as a highlight, with one calling it "very scenic" despite the campground's limitations.

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.

Scenic Views"Beautiful woods" and Turtle Lake are often praised for their scenic appeal.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe park offers camping cabins with heating and air conditioning but no sanitary facilities. According to the authoritative description, these cabins are near the campground, allowing renters to use the shower building. Carry Phillips highlighted the affordability of these cabins, noting, 'Empty cabin right by me for a much lower price than a hotel room, shower included.'

Programs & ActivitiesThe Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center offers educational displays on the Loess Hills’ cultural and natural resources.

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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 cluster close together. Close enough that you'll hear neighbors' conversations. Reviews consistently describe them as "really really small" and "tight to back into but doable." Spacing between sites is minimal, so privacy suffers.

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.

Best CampsitesSite #19 gets mentioned as decent among the generally small options. Most sites are tight for backing in RVs, and some tent sites sit on gravel with barely enough room for a parked car.

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Booking tips & windows

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Amenities available

Stone State Park offers a variety of amenities close to the natural beauty of the Loess Hills. The park has modern restrooms and shower facilities, picnic areas with beautiful views, a day-use lodge for events, and a nature center with educational displays. "The campground has a variety of sites and has a modern restroom and shower building," according to the authoritative sources. However, user reviews highlight mixed experiences with these amenities, particularly regarding cleanliness.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire pits with grates are provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesWithin 10 miles, the nearest hospital is available in Sioux City.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available. Specific recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesTurtle Lake is a notable water feature with fishing opportunities.

Camp HostNo campground host available.

Cell CoverageCell phone service at the campground varies by provider. Carry Phillips stated there was '1 bar here with Verizon,' while Jeri McDaniel reported '2 bars of cell phone service on AT&T.'

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

4.0

36 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Stone State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #19 is noted as decent. Most other sites are described as small and cramped.

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

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Go if

Hikers and wildlife watchers who want cheap access to the Loess Hills will find plenty here, over 15 miles of trail, Turtle Lake for fishing, deer and birds throughout. Site #19 is the pick of a tight lot. Fall weekdays are the sweet spot before weekend crowds arrive.

Skip if

Bathroom cleanliness is hit-or-miss, with mold reported in showers, bring your own soap and lower your expectations. RV campers also have no dump station. Anyone wanting space or privacy will feel it immediately; sites are cramped enough that conversations carry.

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