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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Story City, IA
31 campgrounds and RV Parks near Story City, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
31 campgrounds
2276 campsites
12 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Story City, IA
Ledges State Park
Madrid, IA (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(94 sites)
+5
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - South Equestrian
Iowa (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+2
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Beach
Iowa (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(47 sites)
+2
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - North Equestrian
Iowa (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(125 sites)
+2
Rock-n-Row Adventures Iowa River Tubing
Eldora, IA (28 miles away)
$$$$$
+4
Dolliver Memorial State Park
Iowa (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(33 sites)
+4
Pine Lake State Park Campground
Eldora, IA (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
+4
Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground
Altoona, IA (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(142 sites)
Adventureland Campground
Altoona, IA (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+4
Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club
Grimes, IA (38 miles away)
$$$$$
(448 sites)
+8
Shady Oaks RV Campground
Marshalltown, IA (39 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
Beeds Lake State Park
Hampton, IA (44 miles away)
$$$$$
(144 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Toilets Dump station Playground Pet friendly Grills Hiking Trails Firewood
Campgrounds near Story City, Iowa
Story City sits in central Iowa within easy driving distance of two of the state's most popular public campgrounds. To the south, Ledges State Park is one of Iowa's first state parks and offers camping with electric and non-electric sites, along with sandstone ledges that rise nearly 100 feet above Pea's Creek and the Des Moines River valley. To the northwest, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area covers 6,500 acres with a mosaic of native prairie, grassland, timber, riparian and lake habitats, and the 690-acre lake is the deepest artificial permanent pool lake in Iowa with an extensive multi-use trail network.
RV travelers have options ranging from state-park electric sites to private full-service parks. Ledges State Park suits travelers who want a wooded, canyon-side base near Ames and Boone. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - South Equestrian, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Beach, and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - North Equestrian serve riders, anglers, and lake users with separate loops for each activity.
For a full-hookup experience closer to Des Moines attractions, Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground in Altoona provides paved pads and long-stay amenities within about an hour of Story City.
Things to do near Story City
At Ledges State Park, a trail system leads up and down steep slopes to overlooks of Pea's Creek canyon, and the one-way canyon drive along the creek is a signature route for families. Anglers can fish the Des Moines River, which holds catfish and smallmouth bass, with walleye, northern pike and carp also present.
Brushy Creek is built around its lake and trail network. Hikers, bikers, and equestrians share more than 45 miles of multi-use trails, including a 12-mile gravel trail around Brushy Creek Lake that stays open in all weather. The lake holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, walleye, and muskellunge, and swimming is restricted to the designated beach on the west side.
In Story City itself, families can ride the restored antique carousel and walk the Skunk River Greenbelt. Reiman Gardens and the Iowa State University campus in Ames are a short drive south.
Camping spots and RV parks near Story City, IA
Seasonal information
- spring
March - May
61° / 39°F 90 mmWet trails; equestrian loops may close after storms
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 115 mmPeak season; book the day the 3-month window opens
- fall
September - November
59° / 37°F 70 mmHardwood color along the Des Moines River valley
- winter
December - February
30° / 14°F 28 mmLedges campground closed; use year-round private parks
Central Iowa runs on a strong four-season cycle, and campground access follows it. The Ledges State Park campground is closed in January and February and again in December, with peak season running May through mid-October and shoulder periods in March, April, and late fall, so winter RV travelers should plan around that closure and rely on year-round private parks. Spring shoulder season brings green trails and lighter crowds, but wet conditions can affect access at Brushy Creek: equestrian trails may close after heavy rainfall to protect natural areas and reopen when conditions improve, so arrival-day access is not guaranteed.
Summer is peak season across every nearby park. Weekends fill quickly at both Ledges and Brushy Creek, and the north equestrian campground fills on popular weekends from May through October, so reservations through the Iowa DNR system are strongly recommended.
Fall brings hardwood color along the Des Moines River valley and cooler nights suited to campfires. Winter use shifts to day activities and to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing on the Brushy Creek trail network.
How to book
Iowa's state park campsites are managed through a single online system operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Reservations open 3 months ahead of the arrival date, and as of 2026 all Iowa state park campsites are reservable through the DNR system rather than being split between reservable and walk-in. This applies to Ledges State Park and to Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - South Equestrian, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Beach, and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - North Equestrian.
Book the moment the 3-month window opens for holiday weekends and any equestrian dates, since the north equestrian loop can be very difficult to secure on high-demand weekends. From May through October, weekend stays require a two-night minimum, and Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends require three nights. Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground is booked directly with the operator; reservations are advised because it caters to long-term guests and can fill.
What to expect
At Ledges, sites sit under a canopy of mature hardwoods. The campground has 94 sites overall, with a mix of full-hookup, electric-only, and non-electric sites plus hike-in tent sites, along with modern restrooms, showers, a playground, and a dump station near the campground entrance. Some pull-through sites accommodate larger rigs, and cell service can be inconsistent inside the canyon.
Brushy Creek's equestrian loops are among the most modern in the Midwest. The north equestrian campground has about 125 sites, roughly 50 with electric, plus a modern shower and restroom, a horse wash area, a hitch rail at every site, and a 100 by 200 foot arena, with potable water hydrants, picnic tables, grills, and a playground.
Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground offers paved pads with full hookups and 30/50 amp service, a clubhouse, and laundry. Expect a quieter, long-stay atmosphere rather than a resort feel.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Story City, IA
How do I choose the right campsite for my RV?
Start with the practical stuff: site length, the hookups you need, and whether it's a back-in or pull-through. Camping conditions in the U.S. vary by region and elevation, so check the local season, road access, and reservation requirements before you book. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and state parks each have their own systems. Learn more.
How much are RV campsites near Story City, IA?
Campsite prices near Story City, IA depend on the type of campground. State park sites typically run $20-$45 with hookups. Private RV parks in town often run $40-$100, with tourist-hub locations charging more. Nearby Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management sites are usually $10-$25, often without hookups.
Is there any free camping near Story City, IA?
Free camping near Story City, IA depends on what federal public land is in driving distance. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land usually allows up to 14 days of dispersed camping at one spot. Check fire restrictions before you head out. Learn more about free camping.
Can I book a campsite through RVezy?
Not directly. RVezy doesn't handle campsite reservations, but each campground listing links to the operator's website or booking page when one's available.
What's the best time to go camping near Story City, IA?
Camping near Story City, IA works best in the shoulder seasons, with spring and fall hitting the sweet spot in most of the country. Summer is peak in northern climates; winter is peak in the southern and desert states. Local weather and elevation drive the specifics.
How far are RV campgrounds from Story City, IA?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Story City, IA. The closest are: {closestCampgroundsWithDistance(3)}. Most U.S. cities have a state park or private RV park within an hour's drive.
Where are dump stations near Story City, IA?
Dump stations near Story City, IA are usually at private RV parks and state park campgrounds, sometimes for a fee if you're not staying overnight. RVDumpsites.net maps the nearest options.
What's the best time of year to rent a RV in Story City, IA?
Renting a RV in Story City, IA works best in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) across most of the U.S. Peak rental demand runs June through August nationwide, while the snowbird stretch from December through March drives winter demand in the southern states and southwest deserts.
What's the best time of year to rent an RV in Story City, IA?
RV rentals in Story City, IA peak from June through August when school is out. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) usually have better availability and lower rates. Winter is high season for snowbird destinations in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
Can I have an RV delivered to my home or campground in Story City, IA?
Yes. Many RVezy hosts in the U.S. deliver and set up at your home, a campground, or a destination. It's especially useful for first-time renters and for trips into remote areas where backing in a big rig isn't fun.
Can the RV be delivered near Story City, IA?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Story City, IA at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.
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