With sandstone cliffs, a deep wooded river valley, and an abundance of wildlife, Ledges State Park near Boone is one of Iowa’s most beautiful campgrounds. You can visit Ledges State Park, located in central Iowa, at 1515 P Ave., Madrid.

The iconic Ledges State Park stone bridge was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is still in great shape.
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
Other examples of their work include the shelter in Oak Woods, the stone shelter in lower Ledges, and the stone trail steps.
There are 95 campsites in Ledges State Park.
Iowa DNR Website
You’ll find electrical hookups at 40 of them. 42 non-electrical sites are easily accessible, and 12 of the campsites are hike-in only. A trailer dump station, playground, modern restrooms, and showers are located in the accessible campgrounds.
At the west edge of the park, stream fishing and canoeing opportunities abound.
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
The Des Moines River flows through the west side of the park, offering fun and recreation for hikers, climbers, campers, and visitors.
Ledges State Park is located about four miles south of the city of Boone.
Bing Maps
Carl Wycoff/Flickr

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Carl Wycoff/Flickr
Pea’s Creek is a tributary of the Des Moines River. This area is known for its spectacular fall colors. West and south-facing slopes of hickory and oak trees and east-facing slopes of basswood and maple trees make for fiery color combinations. Vegetation at Ledges State Park is a nice mix of clearings, woodlands, and prairies, making it one of Iowa’s most beautiful camping areas.
Along Pea’s Creek, motorists can take in beautiful views of the canyon portion of the park and the Des Moines River Valley.
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
The sandstone rises almost 100 feet over the floor of the streambed and is over 300 million years old. It was deposited in the area after the shallow sea that covered most of the Midwest retreated.
With four miles of hiking trails, there are many opportunities to take in beautiful scenery.
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
Amazing scenic overlooks, steep slopes, and deep woods make many of these trails a challenge worth taking on. There is a fully accessible interpretive trail located in the southern portion of the park.

Iowa has many beautiful campgrounds, and Ledges State Park is certainly one of its best. Which of Iowa’s amazing campgrounds do you enjoy most? Let us know in the comments.

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