Geode State Park
00 review3333 Racine Ave, Danville, Iowa, 52623, United States
Geode State Park
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
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$5.00
Non-electric site fees are $12 as reported by a user review. Additional fees like $5 for firewood are documented.
About this campground
Nestled where dense forests meet the iconic rolling cornfields of Iowa, Geode State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of natural beauty and modern comfort. Whether you're casting a line into the tranquil lake at dawn, exploring winding trails through towering trees, or settling into your campsite as fireflies dance in the evening air, this park delivers an authentic Iowa outdoor experience. Recently renovated facilities ensure your stay is comfortable, with sparkling clean bathrooms, hot showers, and full RV hook-ups that let you enjoy nature without sacrificing convenience. From tent campers seeking solitude to RV travelers looking for accessible amenities, every visitor finds their perfect basecamp here.
The park caters to RVs, tents, and group camping, with modern and primitive options available.
Historical SignificanceThis remarkable park takes its name from Iowa's official state rock—the mysterious geode, those unassuming spheres that split open to reveal glittering crystal treasures within. For generations, rock hunters have combed these grounds, hoping to discover their own geological prize. Today, the park honors this heritage while embracing modern adventures, hosting exhilarating dragon boat races that echo across the lake and challenging triathlons that test athletes against the park's varied terrain. It's a place where ancient geology meets contemporary recreation, creating experiences as unique as the crystals hidden in the surrounding rocks.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Geode State Park in dramatically different colors. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures, perfect for hiking as wildflowers carpet the forest floor. Summer brings warm days ideal for swimming and fishing, punctuated by refreshing afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the cornfields. Fall transforms the park into a photographer's paradise, with crisp air and blazing foliage creating perfect camping weather. Winter wraps the landscape in a quiet blanket of snow, offering a serene escape for hardy campers who appreciate the beauty of frost-covered trees and frozen lake vistas.
ElevationThe park embraces Iowa's characteristic gently rolling landscape, where subtle changes in elevation create intimate valleys and scenic overlooks. These gentle hills provide just enough variation to keep hikes interesting while remaining accessible to visitors of all fitness levels, offering rewarding views without demanding mountain-climbing stamina.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where towering hardwoods create cathedral-like canopies overhead, their branches alive with songbirds and rustling squirrels. Nature trails wind through this verdant forest before emerging into sun-drenched clearings that showcase Iowa's agricultural heritage—endless cornfields stretching to the horizon. The centerpiece lake mirrors the sky and surrounding trees, its waters teeming with bass, bluegill, and catfish that keep anglers returning season after season. Wildlife enthusiasts delight in frequent sightings of deer grazing at forest edges, great blue herons stalking the shallows, and wild turkeys strutting through the underbrush.
Geological RegionGeode State Park sits in the geological wonderland of southeastern Iowa, where ancient seas once covered the land, leaving behind limestone deposits that would eventually form the region's famous geodes. These natural marvels—ordinary-looking rocks on the outside but containing spectacular crystal formations within—have made this area a destination for rockhounds and geology enthusiasts from around the world. The park preserves not just recreational opportunities but also this fascinating geological heritage, where every trail might lead past rocks holding 340-million-year-old secrets.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park includes two accessible camp pads and an accessible restroom. There is also an accessible picnic site.
Sites Size'Sites plenty large enough for big RVs,' noted a review, with one user mentioning they stayed in a 42' fifth wheel.
Sites PrivacyReviews suggest varying privacy, with some sites described as clustered while others are noted for their seclusion.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites based on RV size; some pull-through sites are available. Tent sites are spacious and shaded.
Best CampsitesSpace 6 is noted for privacy and ADA accessibility.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4:00 AM
Check-out
10:30 PM
Stay Limit
Unknown maximum stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unknown number of guests allowed per site.
Groups
Group sites are available but specific details such as max capacity were not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutRV areas are closer together; tent camping spots are spacious and private.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground has reopened after renovations, but the beach remains closed for summer updates, including parking lot renovations.
Reservation PlatformsOnline reservation platform mentioned for accessible picnic shelters; unclear for campsites.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews highlight availability of non-reservable walk-up tent sites but limited specifics on the number of sites.
Cancellation PolicyUser review mentions dissatisfaction with reservation systems, stating that sites can only be paid for 'night by night' and are not reservable for the day of arrival.
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
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Geode State Park is rich with activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The park features trails of varying difficulty and a no-wake lake popular for fishing.
Hiking
Hiking trails circle the lake and are accessible from picnic areas. Reviews highlight their suitability for leisure walks or challenging runs, with one user stating, 'Trails meet the needs of different levels.'Fishing
Lake Geode is known for its bluegills, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Designated 24-hour fishing areas are available.Swimming
The lake includes a beach and swimming area, although recent reviews indicate the beach has been closed for renovations during summer 2023.Biking
Part of the Southeast Iowa Bike Route, the park offers scenic rides through woodlands and rolling hills.Boating
Lake Geode supports canoeing and other no-wake boating activities. Boat ramps are available on the east side of the lake.Wildlife viewing
The park's dense forests and surrounding areas make wildlife sightings common, with deer frequently spotted.Beach activities
Beach-related activities include sunbathing and swimming, though the beach has been intermittently closed for renovations.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities were mentioned.Water Sports
Canoeing and other non-motorized water activities are supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific details about fire policies. Firewood costs $5 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention snake sightings within the park and along detours.
Active alertsBeach closed for renovations during the summer of 2023. Hwy J20 west of the park is shut due to bridge repair.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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 10 miles to hospitals. Police and ranger stations contact: 3193924601.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility for waste disposal.
Proximity to water featuresLake Geode accessible for fishing and boating. No-wake zones apply.
Common complaintsComplaints about reservation systems and RV sewer dump sites being impractical ('6" above ground level').
HostMixed reviews about camp hosts; some were described as helpful while others were considered rude or unhelpful.
Campground Map
3333 Racine Ave, Danville, Iowa, 52623, United States
Driving directionsTake J-20 and drive 3 miles to the west entrance of the park. Continue across the dam and onward another 2 miles to a T intersection. Take a left at this intersection and you will be led to the campground. Coming from the east, take the exit off of Hwy 34 at Middletown and go south for about 1/4 mile to the intersection of old Hwy 34 and County Road J-20/old Hwy 79. Proceed 6 miles west on J-20. The road will lead straight to the main entrance of the park and campground.
Road access may be challenging due to closures and detours. User reviews indicate Hwy J20 west of the park is completely closed due to bridge repair. A dirt road detour is required, and visitors are advised to approach from the east side.Nearby places
Burlington (15 miles east, historical downtown and riverfront), New London (9 miles north), Mt. Pleasant (15 miles northwest).
Nearby supplies
Within 10 miles: gas stations and vehicles fuel, grocery stores, retail drinks and ice. Greater than 10 miles: retail firewood, swimming pool, bait & tackle shop.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Geode State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews for Geode State Park are mixed but broadly positive. Many users praise the cleanliness of the facilities and the variety of activities. However, there are recurring complaints about closures and issues with staff.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean and spacious campsites, well-maintained trails, beautiful surroundings, and ADA features are frequently highlighted.
Common Concerns
Some negative reviews focus on closures (e.g., the beach) and staff behavior. One user called a camp host 'rude,' while another noted inconvenience with the reservation system.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend coming from the east due to road closures, bringing your own firewood if possible, and tagging posts when camping.
Seasonal Insights
Summer sees high activity with hiking and boating; however, recent summers have been affected by renovations. Fall reviews highlight scenic beauty and peacefulness. Winter reviews are few, reflecting...
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Camper Quotes
'Great hospitality from campground hosts.' 'Beautiful park, loved the changing colors in fall.' 'No cell service, lots of quiet.'
Site-Specific Reviews
User Sony stayed at space #6 and noted it was private and had full hookups. Tent campers highlighted good non-electric sites.
Accessibility Features
Positive feedback highlights ADA-accessible campsites and restrooms.
Pet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed, and reviews note pet-friendly trails and campgrounds.
Last updated August 10, 2025