Ledges State Park
00 review1515 P Ave, Madrid, Iowa, 50156, United States
Ledges State Park
$15.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range between $15 and $35 depending on the type of site. Electric and non-electric sites are available.
About this campground
Discover where ancient sandstone meets modern adventure at Ledges State Park, one of Iowa's most beloved natural treasures. Wind your way through the legendary Pea's Creek Canyon drive, where towering 100-foot sandstone walls create a dramatic corridor that has captivated visitors for generations. Historic stone structures built by Depression-era craftsmen stand as testament to the park's enduring appeal, while miles of trails and recreational opportunities invite you to create your own chapter in this storied landscape.
Ledges State Park accommodates a variety of camping preferences, offering electric and non-electric sites, hike-in options, and a youth group campsite. Full hookup sites are also available, suitable for RVs.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of history where Native American tribes once gathered for ceremonies and trade along these sacred bluffs. During the Great Depression, young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps transformed raw wilderness into accessible wonder, hand-crafting the stone shelters, bridges, and overlooks that still welcome visitors today. Their legacy lives on in every carefully placed stone, connecting past and present through timeless craftsmanship.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations, from winter's crystalline wonderland where snow dusts the sandstone ledges, to summer's verdant canopy perfect for trail adventures and refreshing creek explorations. Autumn paints the canyon in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise that draws visitors from across the Midwest. Spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing waters that showcase the park at its most dynamic.
ElevationStand atop magnificent sandstone ledges that soar nearly 100 feet above the winding stream below, offering breathtaking vistas across the Des Moines River Valley. These natural observation decks provide dramatic perspectives where eagles soar at eye level and the forest canopy stretches endlessly toward the horizon.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape sculpted by time itself, where ancient sandstone cliffs frame emerald forests and the Des Moines River carves its patient path through the valley. Majestic oak trees anchor hillsides that burst with spring wildflowers, while hidden hollows shelter delicate ferns and moss-covered boulders. Prairie remnants showcase native grasses swaying in the breeze, creating a living tapestry that changes with each season's palette.
Geological RegionJourney back 300 million years in the Des Moines River Valley, where ancient seas once covered the heartland and left behind the sandstone foundations of today's dramatic cliffs. These towering ledges, rising nearly 100 feet from the valley floor, tell a story written in stone—layers of sediment from prehistoric oceans transformed into today's scenic wonders. Approximately 13,000 years ago, torrential glacial melt-waters carved through these deposits like nature's own sculptor, creating the breathtaking canyons and valleys that define Ledges State Park today.
Campsite details
AccessibilityOak Woods picnic shelter and nearby restroom are fully accessible. A crushed-rock trail leads to the serene Lost Lake area, making it accessible for visitors with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and private, with ample room for multiple tents or RVs.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are noted as secluded, surrounded by trees and bushes, providing privacy not common in many other campgrounds.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites surrounded by trees and bushes offer privacy and are ideal for families. Hike-in sites provide seclusion but require gear transport.
Best CampsitesSite 40 known for shade; site 83 praised for proximity to parking and privacy. Sites like 73 have large private gravel pads.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Has one youth group campsite, but further details on capacity are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes pull-through RV sites, electric and non-electric campsites, hike-in sites, and one youth group site. Gravel pads are common.
Open and Closed SeasonConcessions operate from mid-April to late October. Canyon drive closures depend on flooding and winter weather.
Reservation PlatformsOnline reservation platform available but not specified.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome walk-up sites are available, but they are in limited supply according to user reviews.
Cancellation Policynull
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Ledges State Park can engage in hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The park has four miles of well-maintained trails that offer scenic views of Pea's Creek Canyon and other natural features. The Des Moines River provides opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Seasonal events and programs, including interpretive hikes about mushrooms and fall foliage, are also available.
Hiking
Four miles of hiking trails, including steep slopes, scenic overlooks, and a universally accessible trail to Lost Lake. Popular spots include Inspiration Point and Crow's Nest.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the Des Moines River, with easy access from Lower Ledges Road.Swimming
Natural water attractions, such as the creek in the canyon, provide opportunities for water play and cooling off.Biking
Biking is available within the park, with trails described as low to moderate in difficulty.Boating
The Des Moines River supports canoeing and kayaking, and there are easy access points for boaters.Wildlife viewing
Common wildlife sightings include deer and various aquatic species such as crawdads and frogs.Cultural and Educational Programs
Programs like mushroom interpretive hikes and talks about fall foliage are held, providing an educational experience for visitors.Winter Activities
Hiking in the canyon is allowed even in winter, offering a chance to explore its winter beauty.Water Sports
Tubing and kayaking are popular on the Des Moines River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed with grates provided at sites. Wildlife feeding is discouraged to prevent aggressive raccoon behavior.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsFlooding in the canyon drive, raccoon activity near hike-in campsites, tick and mosquito presence, and steep hiking trails.
Active alertsSeasonal closures of the canyon drive due to flooding and winter weather.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Boone, located 4 miles north of the park, offers emergency services including a hospital and police station.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingRecycling options and garbage collection are available at each loop. Trash cans are located throughout the campground.
Proximity to water featuresPea’s Creek runs through the canyon and is accessible for wading, fishing, and aquatic life exploration. The Des Moines River is located near the west edge of the park.
Common complaintsIssues with raccoons being overly aggressive and unafraid of humans, cleanliness of bathrooms, and limited walk-up camping spots.
HostHosts are generally helpful but not involved in preventing wildlife issues. One host reportedly commented their duties include mowing and bathroom cleaning exclusively.
Campground Map
1515 P Ave, Madrid, Iowa, 50156, United States
Driving directionsFrom the East (Ames): Take Hwy 30 west. Exit at Hwy 17. Take Hwy 17 south for 3 miles. Turn west on 250th St. Take 250th St. west for 3 miles to the park entrance. From the West (Ogden): Take Hwy 30 east. Exit at Hwy 17. Take Hwy 17 south for 3 miles. Turn west on 250th St. Take 250th St. west for 3 miles to the park entrance.
The campground is accessible via Hwy 17 and 250th St, both of which are paved roads. The canyon drive periodically closes to vehicle traffic during summer due to heavy rainfall and flooding, and it also closes during winter. In such cases, visitors can hike into the canyon.Nearby places
Boone (4 miles north), Ames (15 miles east), Madrid (11 miles south)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Boone (4 miles north). Additional amenities like Walmart, gas stations, and restaurants can be found in Ames, which is 15 miles east of the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Ledges State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users consistently praise the park's natural beauty, spacious and private campsites, and well-maintained facilities. Hiking opportunities and the educational programs are highly rated. While most reviews are positive, there are complaints about raccoons at hike-in campsites and occasional cleanliness issues in the bathrooms.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Highlight features include secluded and spacious campsites, well-maintained hiking trails, clean bathrooms, and a variety of activities like fishing, kayaking, and creek exploration. Fire rings with...
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Common Concerns
The most significant issue reported is aggressive raccoon behavior at hike-in campsites, with some users experiencing raccoons entering tents and being unafraid of humans. Occasional complaints about...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a wagon or cart to transport gear for hike-in sites. Store food in vehicles overnight to avoid raccoons. Bring water shoes for creek exploration and bug spray for hikes.
Seasonal Insights
Summer is popular for activities like hiking and water exploration, but raccoons are more active during this season. Fall offers scenic views of changing foliage, and winter allows for unique hiking...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'We did the hike-in only tent camping and had a great experience!' - Julie Roberg
2. 'Loved easy access to bathroom and a great open space.' - Brianna Sander
3. 'The campground is beautiful. The...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Hike-in sites like site 83 are appreciated for their privacy but noted for raccoon activity. Site 73 is described as large and close to the shower house.
Accessibility Features
Accessible features like the Oak Woods shelter and Lost Lake trail are highlighted, with positive mentions of their maintenance.
Pet-Friendly Features
The campground is pet-friendly, and users have enjoyed bringing their dogs, noting plenty of space and opportunities for pets to explore.
Last updated August 10, 2025