Ledges State Park

About

Ledges State Park is one of Iowa's most historic and unique camping destinations, situated where sandstone ledges tower 100 feet above the Des Moines River. The campground provides 94 total sites to accommodate various camping preferences: 40 sites with electrical hookups (including 2 fully accessible sites), 42 non-electric sites, and 12 primitive hike-in sites for a more adventurous experience. Modern amenities include restrooms with showers, a trailer dump station, and a playground. All campsites are reservable through the Iowa State Parks reservation system, and reservations are required. The park features numerous 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps structures, including an iconic stone bridge spanning Peas Creek. A four-mile trail system winds through steep slopes offering spectacular views of the creek canyon, while a fully accessible interpretive trail leads to Lost Lake. The park provides shelters available for reservation, including the Oak Woods picnic shelter and the Carl Fritz Henning shelter in lower Ledges. During summer weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Friends of the Ledges operates a concession stand offering snacks, souvenirs, and camping supplies. Stream walking along ankle-deep Peas Creek provides a unique family-friendly activity along Canyon Road.

Directions

From Ames, take Hwy 30 west, exit at Hwy 17, go south for 3 miles, then west on 250th St. for 3 miles to the park entrance. From Ogden, take Hwy 30 east, exit at Hwy 17, go south for 3 miles, then west on 250th St. for 3 miles to the park entrance.