WIFI - No
ATT - Yes, but spotty
VERIZON - No
COST - $19 Nightly 20/30/50 AMP - FHU'S'
DISCOUNTS - Stay a week get the 7th night free
SERVICES - FHU'S but you will require at least 20' of sewer hose
OTA TV - Not used here
COORDINATES 42.04245, -94.84319
REVIEW - This park is a little different. All of the camping sites are located under hundred year old Oak trees. Rather than put slabs down that would make the trees unhealthy the entire campground is graveled beneath the trees. Sites are a bit tight and the sewer connections require at least 20' of hose so be prepared for that. The parks namesake lake is a beautiful prairie lake that features Trumpeter Swans and Bison in the surrounding hills. Very picturesque place. The locals flock to this gem so book early.
Adventureland Campground, Altoona, Iowa - RATING - 4/5
WIFI - Yes
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes
COST - $45 Nightly (during the Iowa State Fair) 15/30/50 AMP FHU's
DISCOUNTS - None we are aware of
SERVICES - FHU'S, 20/30/50amp
OTA TV - Not used here
COORDINATES - 41.6544, 93.4955
REVIEW - A very crowded park. It is near Adventureland Theme Park. It has 120 RV Campsites and is well used meaning that with that many campers it's a little tired but for the most part quite pleasant. There is a lot of traffic if you are assigned a site near the main roads of the park, There is a shuttle that runs during Adventureland's hours that will pick you up and bring you back pretty much at your own schedule. The shuttle picks up at various places located throughout the park. Sewer hook ups are a little different here in that they exit the ground on a 45 degree angle. It's not a problem but you need a sealing 90* fitting here so be ready for that. There are mature trees that provide good shades at most sites but end of row sites don't have them.
Lakeside Casino RV Park, Osceola, Iowa - RATING - 3.5/5
WIFI - Yes
AT&T - Yes
VERIZON - Yes, but spotty
COST - $20 Nightly 15/30/50 FHU's
DISCOUNTS - Good Sams
SERVICES - FHU'S 20/30/50amp
REVIEW - This is a crowded park due to the proximity to I-35 and the casino. It is a first come first serve pay on your honor park. The sewer utility is a little weird here. They are put to the side of the power pedestal and sanitary water hook up by about 15-20 feet so you will need at least two 10' sewer hoses to reach them depending on the length and placement of your RV. The sites are not all level and if you have a long vehicle length you will be ok but it is a bit tight. However $20 for FHU's make this a great rest stop or overnight place when you stop for the day or just to gamble. The casino is typical with a snack bar, restaurant and bar. It's really a smoky casino.
Spring Lake Park - Jefferson, Iowa - RATING - 4/5
WIFI - NO
ATT - Yes, 3 Bars, 5 with Weboost
VERIZON - Yes,4 bars, 5 with Weboost
COST - $17 Nightly
DISCOUNTS - None
SERVICES - 20/30/50 Amp, no water or sewer on site, dump station and potable water available near the dumpstation
REVIEW - Great family park, 125 campsites, many right on the lakefront. First come, no reservations. Despite the wet weather and the accompanying fly infestation, we really liked the park. Clean, well maintained. Showers were clean, even with a full campground on Labor Day weekend. They have a concession stand with boat rentals for $5 a half hour or $10 an hour. A roller skating rink open Friday and Saturday nights. $4 admission. A swimming beach and a 9 hole disc golf course. A couple of short hiking trails and a boat launch (electric motors only). Definitely a family friendly place. Close to two golf courses and a casino. An hour or so from Ames or Des Moines.
Our site was #66
Roller Skating Rink
Concessions and Boat Rental
Prairie Flower Campground - Saylorville Lake - Polk City, Iowa - RATING - 4.9/5
WIFI - No
ATT - Yes, 4 Bars - 5 bars with Weboost
VERIZON - Yes, 4 Bars - 5 bars with Weboost
SERVICES - 20/30/50 AMP ONLY. Water in the camp ground loops but you need long hoses. Sewage dump on site, dumpsters on site
COST - $22 nightly $11 with senior pass
DISCOUNTS - Senior Pass
REVIEW - Hands down the very best Corp of Engineers Park that we've been to. Things are maintained expertly, grass is mowed, power pedestals are maintained and work without negative grounds or opens.
The volunteers and work campers are excellent and care about what they do. I had occasion to talk with one of the rangers and she told me that the entire staff takes great pride in the park. It shows! The only reason I didn't give it a rating of 5/5 is there is no sewage or water on the sites. I't a minor inconvenience compared to how nice the park is. Sites are spaced widely.
Our site almost provided a full view of the lake but there were trees blocking the full view. Went for a drive to see the rest of the campground and the C loop seems to have the best views. Very clean. Huge sites. Playground, shower house, bike trail and swimming beach close by.
Close to Ankeny and Des Moines. The only concern is one dump station for all the campsites. Sunday could be slow going.
The other half of the campground has sites where the RVs parallel park around a loop with a central area that has a picnic shelter in the middle. Great for big groups.
Our site was B46
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