Hickory Grove Park

Randy Benton

2023-10

My review is only based on my recent kayaking experience. Made a first time visit and found the lake perfect for kayaking. The lake has a couple good places for access and the water quality is outstanding. The shoreline holds my interest and there are several little arms and bays that you can "get lost" in.

Wesley Markley

2024-04

It's a really nice park since the renovation. Hopefully, the fishing will improve in a few years as it was just restocked a couple years ago. Lots of trails to walk on.

Isaac Jarnagin

2023-05

Used this park as a little day trip away from my life in Ames! Lots of open space, there's a beautiful path around the water, and lots of spots to camp and do all that outdoor stuff too. Absolutely loved taking photos here as well.

Diana Milone

2023-07

Great place and the staff and ranger went up and above for us as we pulled in just for an overnight stay with no reservations! Camp is clean and has a lake and power hookup! Potable and non potable and sewer is on site as well as bathrooms and showers! Nice and quiet campground and for sure a return trip when I'm back this way! 20 dollars for the night. 😃

Roger Willroth

2023-11

Good place to spend an afternoon boat ramp, swimming beach, walking path.Playground: Nice play areas and picnic areas

Laura Hansen

2023-05

A great park for family camping. I love the primitive sites. No RV or generator ruining the ambiance. Some of the fire rings don't have grilling grates that work, so plan accordingly. Be sure to pack a swimsuit for the beach, and archery gear with targets for their free to use archery range. They also have man-powered boats available for rent and a snack bar at the beach!My only sore spot is with the number of tents policy. You can only have one tent per site unless you have children. We camped with 2 other friends and they also had to get their own campsite. It would be more acceptable of a rule but so many campsites are already reserved! It just doesn't seem fair that an RV with a giant truck takes up way more space and damage to a site vs two two person tents. I really hope they change their policy to number of people per site and not limit the number of tents someday soon.

Manda

2024-04

Have been to this park three times this year already and can’t wait to go back again!

J Cram

2023-05

Hickory Grove Park was recently renovated and is a very nice place to visit for the day or stay overnight in one of the two campgrounds. The lake was drained a few years ago to remove sediment and make some improvements. The water level is back to normal now. The three- mile gravel trail around the lake is good for walking or biking.

Ann Trine

2023-05

We stayed in site #18. Nice view of the lake (which has refilled). The bridge to the island is very nice. I wish they would mow the hill side by the lake front sites. Makes it very difficult to use the walking path & walk to the bridge, etc. Plus my little grandchildren do not like walking thru the weeds. Neither do I. We checked in on Labor Day. The grass needed mowing then & stayed 6 nights. Still needed mowing 😕 when we left only much longer!Restrooms: Restrooms are clean & water hot!

Joe K

2023-08

Absolutely stunning campground and lake. I love the small rest areas and shelters scattered around the lake as well. The facilities are second to none.

Anita Williams

2023-05

Loving the new walk path, miss the fishing from shore though. It will be great fishing in the next few years! Did a great job!

Bristal Waldera

2023-05

Love the new areas they made plus u can take a bridge to the island in the middle of the lake.

Dani Howard

2023-10

It was a very well maintained public park with a nice campground with a nice playground and beach area. There was a wonderful area to launch kayaks and many areas perfect for fishing with family and friends. It is yet another opportunity to explore Story County Iowa.

Arealle Erickson

2018-05

The beach is always clean. The staff is always amazing. The views and fishing are awesome! We visit this place at least once a week and bbq with the kids. There are trails we walk on. I've never seen litter.

Carol Scheid

2021-05

Fun to walk in a empty lake. Great play ground. Can't wait until the water is back.

Lavender Moon

2020-05

My boyfriend and I came in early June n managed to get the place to our selves and found a great spot to chill n have a mini vaca ty

Billy Harding

2023-11

Looks awesome for spring and fall for us. Restrooms and showers look great. Thanks we will be backRestrooms: Clean and taken care of

Mike Abrams

2023-05

Enjoy this park. With the restored lake, fishing is fun.

Eric Evans

2023-12

Beautiful and good bass fishing, great hike today

Mary Harris

2023-05

The water is filling the lake back up and it's beautiful!

Amy Schwanebeck

2023-08

Definitely would be back again nice clcampground and showers.

mark mcgrew

2021-05

Sparkling clean restrooms and showers, nicely spaced campsites, and close to many different towns for supplies where needed.

Bill Smith

2019-05

Very nice place to camp, friendly and helpful host we will definitely come back again.

Renee Gleason

2023-07

Great place to camp,kayak and go for walks. Right now you can not turn left on 30 if coming from cedar rapids area. They are doing g a lot of road work in the area.

Lisa Fralicks

2023-05

Absolutely love it!!!!!Very nice campgrounds and kayaking on the lake was very nice.

Jason Munday

2023-06

Great place to experience some nature.

Alyssa Fitzpatrick

2023-08

Only real draw back is the fresh water situation. None labeled as potable for fresh water tank.Restrooms and shower house is great.

Ken Murta

2023-07

Love this campground. Shower house is always spotless and the camp host is awesome. Love the beach area, the kids had a blast there.

TerryLisa Moore

2022-05

Spent 4 nights in this nice county park. Sites were large & the bathrooms were nice. Just electric hookup so stop & fill with water upon arrival (spigot is by the bathrooms). Bummer that the lake is not filling in very quickly, but there is a nice trail that goes 3 miles around the lake. Easy access to Ames from the park.

Sarah Davidson

2023-05

I thought the campground was very well laid out and spaced. The weather left something to be desired. The restrooms were nicer than most restaurants.