Volga River State Recreation Area

Open — Lakeview Campground closed for the season as of December 1, 2025. Albany Equestrian Campground is open first-come, first-served through December 31, 2025. Both campgrounds close January 1 through March 31, 2026, reopening April 1. Water and modern facilities are shut off for winter. Starting April 2026, campgrounds transition to 100 percent reservable with same-day reservations accepted.

About

Volga River State Recreation Area is located in one of the most scenic parts of Iowa, in the rugged Driftless region of the northeast often referred to as Little Switzerland. The 5,700-acre recreation area features heavily wooded hills, rock outcroppings, prairie areas, and natural woodlands that contrast sharply with Iowa's typical farmland terrain. Frog Hollow Lake, a 138-acre artificial lake, serves as the centerpiece of the northern portion of the park. The lake offers diverse fishing for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish, with universally accessible features including a floating fishing pier, shoreline sidewalk, and fishing jetties. A three-lane boat ramp accommodates watercraft, though motors must operate at no-wake speeds. The Volga River meanders through the southern portion, providing excellent float trips for kayakers and canoeists through large timber tracts with steep rock croppings, and fishing for smallmouth bass, rock bass, and channel catfish. The recreation area features 22 miles of groomed multi-use trails that serve equestrian riders, mountain bikers, and hikers in summer, and snowmobilers and cross-country skiers in winter. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, including deer, red fox, and beavers. The Don Avenson Archery range west of the scenic overlook includes a trail with 40 targets, open mid-April through September. The entire area is also a public hunting area during designated seasons for waterfowl, small game, wild turkey, and whitetail deer.

Directions

From State Highway 150 between Fayette and West Union, turn east on Ivy Road one mile to the recreation area entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds