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Millions of years before the plains of Iowa were inhabited by the Sauk, Fox and Sioux peoples, much of the American Midwest was covered by a shallow inland sea. It was at this time that the area’s sandstone deposits began forming. Fast-forward to just 13,000 years ago, with the inland sea now long gone, Ice Age glacial meltwater raced across the dry plains, carving and scouring channels and canyons into the sandstone terrain. One of these canyons can be found in Iowa’s Ledges State Park. This 1,000-acre nature preserve and recreation area is located on a wide bend on the Des Moines River, and is just 40 miles north of the city of Des Moines. The park is subject to frequent flooding when the river breaches its banks, but is otherwise a popular year-round outdoor recreation destination. Visitors to Ledges can enjoy a variety of hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities, as well as explore a prehistoric river canyon that showcases nature’s ability to sculpt the landscape.
The campground at Ledges State Park features 94 tent and RV sites situated among deciduous woods not far from the Des Moines River. Campers can choose from full-hookup, partial-hookup, or primitive tent sites. Most sites are back-in; only a few are pull-through for larger vehicles. Tent sites are located in both in the main camp area, and in a secluded walk-in area. There is also a youth group site. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills, and all have access to water faucets, flush restrooms, showers, and trash receptacles; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The campground also features a kids’ playground, outdoor amphitheater, and is within walking distance of trails and picnic areas. Some roads and/or facilities may not be open or available in the winter. Reservations are accepted, however the park saves about half of the sites for first-come, first-served campers; sites are $11–$19/night.
Nice RV campground, full every weekend. Reservations are a little crazy. One host said "Don't trust the information on the website." Nice for family...
This is a great place to spend a lazy summer afternoon, I remember Coming here as a child 55 years ago, It is a great place to take a family To experience nature first-hand, I spent the afternoon with some of my children and grandchildren as we walked in the Creek along the side of the bluffs, It was a memory made not soon forgotten!
So beautiful here. A hidden gem in Iowa. Lost Lake trail will always be one of my favorites. Walking the creek in the beautiful lower ledges is always a memorable afternoon. You are sure to see plenty of wildlife while you are there.
One of Iowa's iconic state parks in my opinion. Can't be beat in the fall. The creek makes for great fun for kids and adults alike. Standing by it to get splashed while vehicles drive through it is a rite of passage. Plenty of hiking trails to enjoy !
Loved our time at Ledges! Hiking, beautiful scenery, unique rocks, creek walking! We spent most of the day there. Brought picnic food. A lot of the trails were pretty intense inclines for our youngest, but she did it. Some trails were more winding and relaxing.