Ambrose A. Call State Park
00 review2007 Call Park Dr., Algona, Iowa, 50511, United States
Ambrose A. Call State Park
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$20.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Electric campsites are $20 per night. Tent sites are $10 per night. Two user reviews mention different pricing: $16 for electric and $10 for tent, possibly outdated.
About this campground
Tucked away in Iowa's countryside, Ambrose A. Call State Park offers a peaceful retreat where rugged wooded hills rise unexpectedly from the surrounding farmland. This intimate park invites visitors to step back in time, exploring winding trails through virgin timber while enjoying simple pleasures like traditional camping under ancient canopies.
Ambrose A. Call State Park offers a mix of camping options, including tent and RV sites, with first-come-first-serve availability. Group camping, cabin lodging, and glamping are not offered.
Historical SignificanceThis cherished parkland honors the pioneering spirit of brothers Ambrose and Asa Call, who carved out their homestead as Kossuth County's very first settlers. Their legacy lives on in these protected hills, where visitors can connect with Iowa's frontier heritage while walking the same lands that welcomed the county's earliest European inhabitants.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Winter blankets the hills in pristine snow, with temperatures that can dip to single digits and create a crystalline wonderland perfect for quiet contemplation. Come summer, the forest comes alive under warm sunshine, with comfortable temperatures hovering in the low 80s during the day and cooling to the pleasant 60s at night—ideal conditions for evening campfires and stargazing.
ElevationThe park's terrain offers gentle elevation changes that create intimate valleys and scenic overlooks throughout the property, though specific elevation data has not been documented in available records.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover an enchanting landscape where ancient trees tower over deep ravines and a meandering creek whispers through the valleys. This rare pocket of virgin timber creates a natural sanctuary where wildflowers paint the forest floor in seasonal colors and white-tailed deer emerge at dawn and dusk. The dramatic topography stands in stunning contrast to the gentle farmland beyond, earning its reputation as a true woodland oasis.
Geological RegionRising like an island of wilderness from Iowa's agricultural heartland, these rugged hills form a remarkable geological anomaly near the east fork of the Des Moines River. The park preserves a rare glimpse of Iowa's pre-settlement landscape, where virgin hardwood forests crown steep ravines and create a topography more reminiscent of the state's northeastern bluffs than its typical prairie terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityHandicap access is noted as available at the park, although specific accessibility features for the campsites or trails are not detailed in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeMost campsites are small and suitable for tents, popups, or small trailers. A few larger sites are available, but maneuvering into them may be challenging due to surrounding trees.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers secluded spots that are well-shaded, as highlighted by multiple user reviews. Tent sites are particularly noted for their privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest Site 8 for motorhomes, but most sites are better suited for small trailers or tents due to their size.
Best CampsitesSite 8 is mentioned as accommodating a motorhome with 30 amp service.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified.
Groups
Group camping sites are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSmall campground described as secluded with plenty of shade and sites better suited for tents or small trailers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; no specific open or closed periods mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not possible; self-registration applies.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served; no reservation system in place.
Cancellation PolicyReservations not accepted, self-registration only. No cancellation policy mentioned.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Ambrose A. Call State Park offers a variety of recreational activities that appeal to nature enthusiasts and families. The park features heavily wooded trails, a cross-country ski trail for winter sports, and an 18-hole Frisbee golf course. Wildlife viewing and wildflower observation are popular activities given the park's natural habitat.
Hiking
The park has two miles of rugged, wooded trails that wind through the forest, down ravines, and along picturesque creeks. These trails are described as beautiful and ideal for observing nature, especially during seasonal changes like leaf fall. However, bicycles are explicitly not allowed on the hiking trails.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is frequently noted as an activity at the park, with visitors mentioning sightings of deer during their stays.Winter Activities
The park features cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails during the winter, which are also used for hiking.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Limited fire pits available, some angled or meant for charcoal.
- Quiet hours are Unspecified, but gates lock and close promptly at 10:30 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsPit toilets only, no running water or modern facilities. Fire pits are reportedly uneven or minimal, according to user reviews.
Active alertsNo current alerts or advisories mentioned.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Greater than 1 mile to the nearest hospital and medical clinic (Algona), police station proximity unclear.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingThere is a dumpster within the facility, but no detailed information is available about recycling options or trash pickup schedules.
Proximity to water featuresRavine and creek within the park; Smith Lake nearby offers a dump station for $3.00.
Common complaintsNo dump station or showers; pit toilets only. Fire pits are uneven, and some sites are small or difficult to maneuver into due to trees.
HostCamp host described as helpful and friendly in reviews.
Campground Map
2007 Call Park Dr., Algona, Iowa, 50511, United States
Driving directionsOn Hwy. 169 on the south end of Algona turn west onto Call Park Drive and go about 2 miles.
Accessible via paved roads on Call Park Drive, about 2 miles west from Hwy. 169. No specific seasonal closures or challenging terrain mentioned.Nearby places
Algona (approximately 1.5 miles southwest)
other nearby population centers are not specified.
Nearby supplies
Less than 1 mile swimming pool and tennis facilities
greater than 1 mile for dining, fuel, grocery stores, retail shops, and town amenities in Algona.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Ambrose A. Call State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Ambrose A. Call State Park are generally positive, with many praising its quiet atmosphere, beautiful trails, and helpful camp hosts. However, complaints about the lack of modern amenities such as showers and dump stations are frequent.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Reviews highlight the park's beautiful trails, abundant wildlife, shaded and secluded campsites, and helpful camp hosts. The lodge is also frequently mentioned as gorgeous and well-maintained.
Common Concerns
The most frequent complaints include the absence of showers, lack of a dump station, limited water access, and inconsistent fire rings. Some users also mention that the campground needs upgrading,...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend arriving early to secure a good campsite, carrying extra water due to limited availability on-site, and using the dump station at nearby Smith Lake (approximately 4 miles away).
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the park is particularly pleasant in the fall, with users appreciating the changing leaves and vibrant deer sightings. Winter activities like cross-country skiing are also...
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Camper Quotes
"Beautiful park. Small but worth the visit." - Sony. "Note that the park closes promptly at 10:30 when they lock the gate." - Andrew Denner. "Saw several deer walking through in the morning." -...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 8 was mentioned positively as suitable for motorhomes with 30A electrical service. Users note that most sites are small and best suited for tents or small trailers.
Accessibility Features
Handicap access is available, but there is no specific mention of how accessible the campsites or trails are for visitors with disabilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
There is no specific mention of pet policies or experiences related to bringing pets to the park.
Last updated August 10, 2025