Dolliver Memorial State Park
00 review2757 Dolliver Park Ave., Lehigh, Iowa, 50557, United States
Dolliver Memorial State Park
$15.00 - $50.00 / 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
The park offers basic family cabins equipped with dorm-size refrigerator, cook-top stove, microwave, and sink. Cabins sleep four people. Electric campsites are available for reservations. Day-use lodges can be rented online for events such as family reunions and wedding receptions.
About this campground
Carved by ancient waters and time itself, Dolliver Memorial State Park embraces 614 acres of dramatic landscapes where the Des Moines River has sculpted a natural masterpiece. Here, towering sandstone formations rise from verdant valleys, mysterious Native American mounds whisper stories of the past, and winding trails lead adventurers through one of Iowa's most stunning geological wonders.
Dolliver Memorial State Park offers a mix of camping accommodations, including electric sites suitable for RVs, tent camping, and two family cabins.
Historical SignificanceStep back nearly a thousand years as you encounter the sacred mounds of the Woodland Culture, dating to approximately 1100 A.D. These ancient earthworks, believed to serve ceremonial or burial purposes, stand as silent sentinels overlooking the river valley. Each mound tells a story of the indigenous peoples who once called this dramatic landscape home, adding layers of human history to the geological narrative written in stone.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Dolliver with its own palette of experiences. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for riverside exploration and cool canyon retreats. Winter transforms the park into a serene wonderland dusted with light snow, while the frigid air creates crystalline beauty on sandstone walls. But it's during spring and fall when the park truly shines for camping enthusiasts—moderate temperatures combine with wildflower blooms or autumn's fiery foliage to create ideal conditions for outdoor adventures.
ElevationThe park's dramatic topography creates a vertical playground where prairie meets canyon, though specific elevation details await further exploration by curious visitors.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a theatrical landscape where rugged terrain meets gentle beauty along the Des Moines River Valley. Massive sandstone formations, carved by millennia of wind and water, create natural sculptures that glow golden in the setting sun. Oak-covered hillsides cascade down to the river's edge, their canopy providing shade for hikers and habitat for wildlife. Above it all, remnant prairies stretch toward the horizon, offering sweeping views that capture the essence of Iowa's diverse natural heritage.
Geological RegionDolliver Memorial State Park showcases a remarkable collision of geological forces along the Des Moines River Valley. Here, dramatic bluffs and hidden canyons reveal layers of Earth's history written in sandstone, while flatlands provide gentle contrast to the rugged terrain. The river valley ecosystem supports a rich tapestry of life, from prairie wildflowers to woodland creatures, all thriving among the unique geological features. Ancient Native American mounds crown the landscape, adding human heritage to this natural museum of stone, water, and time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityHandicap access is available within the facility, as listed in the authoritative content.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with some being spacious and others smaller, as noted by a user review.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest cabins for small groups and electric campsites for RVs.
Best CampsitesNone specified.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Cabin check-in guidelines are unclear beyond the 11 AM checkout rule.
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
.Lodge renters must vacate by 10:30 PM following park closure. Cabin checkout is at 11 AM.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Cabins accommodate up to 4 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNot explicitly described.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but specific seasonal closures are not stated.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online for cabins and day-use lodges.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews indicate the campground is small and reservations are helpful, but walk-up availability isn't explicitly stated.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation guidelines are not detailed in the provided materials.
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
Picnic tables
Dump station
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Dolliver Memorial State Park provides a wide array of recreational activities, particularly centered on its hiking trails and natural features like the Copperas Beds and Native American mounds. The park also offers river access for boating and fishing.
Hiking
The park boasts nearly six miles of rugged, well-maintained trails. Highlights include the Copperas Beds, towering sandstone formations, and Bone Yard Hollow, a historical area with bison bones. User reviews praise the trails as 'some of the best you can find.'Fishing
Anglers can fish in the Des Moines River, accessible via a boat ramp.Boating
The park provides a boat ramp for access to the Des Moines River, suitable for canoeists.Wildlife viewing
Bird watching and wildflower viewing are listed as activities within the park.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned in the provided materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing are supported through river access.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours are User reviews confirm quiet hours are enforced by the ranger.
Hazards
General hazardsNo cell phone service reported by user reviews; remote location may pose communication challenges.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 1.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Hospital, medical clinic, and motel are within 10 miles of the park.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific mention of peak season pricing periods.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site, as indicated in the authoritative source.
Proximity to water featuresThe park overlooks the Des Moines River; a boat ramp provides access for canoeists and anglers.
Common complaintsUser reviews consistently note lack of cell phone service and limited immediate access to ice and firewood.
HostThe ranger comes through often to monitor campground activity and enforce quiet hours, according to user reviews.
Campground Map
2757 Dolliver Park Ave., Lehigh, Iowa, 50557, United States
Driving directionsFrom Fort Dodge go south on Nelson Ave / P59 to T Corner and turn left or head East on D33 and follow to park. From Lehigh take 290th or D43 northwest out of town turn right onto Dolliver Park Ave/D33 and follow to the park.
Roads to the campground are accessible. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain issues are mentioned in the source materials.Nearby places
Lehigh is 3 miles southeast, Otho is 6 miles northwest, Fort Dodge is 10 miles north, Webster City is 25 miles northeast.
Nearby supplies
Groceries are within 10 miles. Lehigh offers ice at a bar, and nearby towns provide basic supplies like firewood and drinks, though some stores may be unreliable based on reviews.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Dolliver Memorial State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, well-maintained trails, and monitored campsites. The lack of cell service and limited nearby facilities for purchasing supplies are noted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users praise the park's natural beauty, clean and monitored campsites, and excellent hiking trails. Cabins are also appreciated as an option.
Common Concerns
The most common complaints include the lack of cell phone service and the absence of a camp store or on-site source for firewood and snacks.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Plan to bring your own firewood, snacks, and supplies. Cabins require renters to bring their own bedding and dinnerware.
Seasonal Insights
Reviews are consistently positive across seasons, but the lack of cell service is universally noted. Winter activities are not mentioned, suggesting the park may have reduced usability in colder...
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Camper Quotes
- 'The campsites were organized, monitored, and clean.' - 'The hiking trails are some of the best you can find.' - 'If they had free Wi-Fi or any reception really...I'd give 5 stars.' - 'Beautiful...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not mentioned, but one user noted that 'most of the sites have a decent amount of space, a few are a little small.'
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are noted in the authoritative content, but specific user feedback on accessibility is not available.
Pet-Friendly Features
One user review confirms that the park is pet-friendly.
Last updated August 10, 2025