Union Grove State Park
00 review1215 220th Street, Gladbrook, Iowa, 50635, United States
Union Grove State Park
$15.00 - $80.00 / 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$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary based on the type of site or cabin. Cabins are available year-round and are pet-friendly. Tent camping and RV spaces are also offered.
About this campground
Nestled around a sparkling 110-acre lake, Union Grove State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with an irresistible blend of water adventures and woodland escapes. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across mirror-smooth waters, or setting up camp under towering trees, this Iowa gem delivers year-round recreation. Modern RV sites welcome road warriors, secluded tent spots satisfy nature purists, and two fully accessible cabins provide cozy retreats in any season. From sunrise swims to sunset hikes along three miles of scenic trails, every day here writes its own adventure story.
Union Grove State Park accommodates tent camping, RV camping with full hookups, and cabin lodging. Group camping and glamping options are not available.
Historical SignificanceSince opening its gates in 1938, Union Grove has woven itself into Iowa's outdoor heritage, hosting generations of families who return year after year to create lakeside memories. Beyond the park boundaries, the quirky charm of rural Iowa awaits – from the sweet corn celebrations at Gladbrook's famous Corn Carnival to the mind-bending miniature marvels at the Matchstick Marvels Museum, where patience meets artistry in tiny wooden wonders.
Weather and SeasonsSpring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, creating perfect conditions for early-season camping and fishing. Summer transforms the park into a sun-soaked playground where clear skies invite endless days of swimming and boating. As autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, crisp air makes for ideal hiking weather. Winter brings a hushed beauty to the frozen lake, with snow-dusted pines and the occasional cross-country skiing adventure for those brave enough to embrace the chill.
Natural Features and SceneryThree miles of winding trails lead adventurers through a tapestry of Iowa landscapes – from restored prairie grasslands swaying in the breeze to hushed pine plantations where sunlight filters through evergreen branches. The centerpiece lake mirrors the sky while boat ramps promise easy access to fishing holes and hidden coves. Early risers might spot white-tailed deer grazing at forest edges, while patient observers can glimpse wild turkeys strutting through meadows. The air fills with songbird melodies by day and the haunting calls of waterfowl at dusk, creating nature's own soundtrack.
Geological RegionCarved into the rolling hills of northwest Tama County, Union Grove State Park stands as a 110-acre aquatic oasis amid Iowa's patchwork of farms and small communities. This carefully preserved pocket of wilderness offers a striking contrast to the surrounding agricultural landscape, where cornfields give way to wooded shores and prairie meets pine forest, creating diverse habitats that showcase the natural beauty once common across this fertile region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabins are ADA accessible, and trails offer scenic experiences for various mobility levels. No specific feedback from users with disabilities was available.
Sites Size'RV sites seem to be fairly good-sized' according to user reviews. Tent sites are described as sloped, which may limit usability.
Sites PrivacyUser feedback indicates privacy varies, with cabins offering solitude and trails providing peaceful settings. Tent camping areas were noted as clustered.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCabins offer heated floors and air conditioning, a queen bed, futon, and fully-equipped kitchens. Tent camping may present challenges due to uneven terrain.
Best CampsitesCabins are highly rated for their privacy, cleanliness, and modern amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
There is no stay limit explicitly mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified.
Groups
No group camping site details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNo specific layout was detailed, but the campground contains RV and tent sites.
Open and Closed SeasonNo specific open and closed seasons mentioned, although cabins are available year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations likely can be made through official park websites and phone lines, though details were not provided.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly detailed in the sources.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Union Grove State Park provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, swimming at the beach, and picnicking. Official sources confirm three miles of trails for hiking and snowmobiling, a 'no-wake' lake for boating, and beach swimming. User reviews describe the trails as scenic but occasionally overgrown and the lake as suitable for kayaking or canoeing. One reviewer noted, 'Great place to decompress from the hustle of modern-day life.'
Hiking
The park has three miles of trails for hiking and snowmobiling. Trails are scenic, leading to the waterfall spillway and through re-established prairie and pine plantations. User feedback reinforces this: 'Walked the neatly groomed trails,' and 'Nice trails, easy walking.' However, some reviews noted overgrown portions.Fishing
Fishing is available at the lake, which contains bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, saugeye, walleye, and pike. User reviews offer mixed feedback: 'Fishing was slow but better than working,' and 'Recently refilled lake with good fishing.'Swimming
Beach swimming is unsupervised but available. Some reviewers discouraged swimming due to low water levels or bacteria concerns: 'Swimming not recommended at this time,' and 'Unsafe to swim last few years.'Boating
The lake supports a 'no-wake' policy, making it suitable for kayaking and canoeing. There are two boat ramps. User feedback highlights boating as relaxing and enjoyable: 'Beautiful small lake, great to kayak or canoe in.'Wildlife viewing
Visitors can expect to see deer, turkey, songbirds, and waterfowl along the trails. User reviews confirm sightings of bald eagles, foxes, and beavers: 'Saw many varieties of songbirds, white-tailed deer, foxes, badgers, and beavers.'Beach activities
Beach activities include swimming and picnicking, but water levels and bacteria may limit usability: 'The lake is pretty and quiet; swimming not recommended at this time.'Winter Activities
Snowmobiling on trails is permitted during winter months. Ice fishing and spotting snow geese are additional seasonal activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are supported by the 'no-wake' lake policy.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No policies were explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsSome reviews mentioned wildlife, uneven terrain for tent camping, and potential bacteria in the lake affecting swimming.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Within 10 miles: medical clinic. Greater than 10 miles: hospital.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available, but recycling options were not explicitly mentioned. No user reviews commented on this specific amenity.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Union Grove Lake, which features two boat ramps and a beach.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlighted issues such as lack of maintenance in the shower areas, understaffing, sloping tent sites, and infrequent enforcement of pet policies.
HostNot explicitly available.
Campground Map
1215 220th Street, Gladbrook, Iowa, 50635, United States
Driving directionsDrive 5 miles south of Gladbrook on county road T-47. Turn west on 220th St. and continue 1 mile to the park entrance.
The park is accessible via paved roads. There doesn't appear to be any mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain conditions.Nearby places
Gladbrook (6 miles), Garwin (5 miles), Marshalltown (16 miles), Tama (20 miles), Toledo (18 miles).
Nearby supplies
Within 10 miles: grocery store, fuel, church. Greater than 10 miles: motel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Union Grove State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's peaceful atmosphere, scenic trails, ADA-accessible cabins, and small, quiet campground. However, there are mixed opinions about maintenance and swimming conditions.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean cabins and bathrooms, scenic trails, abundant wildlife, relaxing atmosphere, and availability of fishing and boating. Reviewers especially praised the cabins: 'Nice views off the porch/patio,'...
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Common Concerns
Maintenance issues such as overgrown trails, shower cleanliness, and vault toilet doors not closing properly. Tent sites are sloped, and some areas lack privacy. Swimming conditions are poor due to...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bedding, towels, and toiletries for cabin stays. Carry binoculars for bird watching. Visit the nearby Matchstick Marvels museum in Gladbrook. Prepare for sloped tent sites and unpredictable...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight fishing and boating but note crowded campgrounds. Winter reviews focus on ice fishing and snowmobiling, with primitive facilities during colder months. Spring provides...
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Camper Quotes
'What a great getaway!' - Mike Davis. 'If you want tons of activities, this might not be for you, but great place to relax close to nature.' - Jason Jones. 'Nice small park, could use a playground.'...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Cabins receive high praise for cleanliness and modern amenities, while tent camping areas are noted for sloping sites and limited privacy.
Accessibility Features
Cabins are ADA accessible, but no specific feedback from disabled users is available.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, though some reviews mention lack of leash enforcement and pet waste cleanup policies.
Last updated August 10, 2025