Last Updated on 3 March, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf
Ledges State Park is a playground for hikers, fishers, families, and campers alike. It boasts four and a half miles of hiking trails, striking sandstone rock formations, and many activities for all ages. If you’re planning a trip to Ledges, you may be wondering where to stay.
This article is your ultimate guide to Ledges State Park camping, whether you prefer a plush hotel or rental with all the amenities, or don’t mind roughing it at a campground. We’ll cover it all!
Ledges State Park camping offers 97 total sites ranging from walk-in tent sites to full electric hook-up sites. In addition to the campground inside the park, there are also several paid campgrounds and rentals within a few miles of the park.
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1. Ledges State Park Campground
The campground within Ledges State Park is the best place to stay if you plan to explore all the park has to offer. It’s located on the park’s eastern edge and is within walking distance of several hiking trails, as well as a picnic area.
Ledges State Park camping offers a total of 97 sites, including:
- 2 shelters
- 53 standard electric
- 16 standard full hook-up
- 13 standard non-electric
- 12 walk-in campsites
- 1 youth group only site
You can check out a Ledges State Park Campground map here. Now, let’s get into the details of Ledges State Park camping!
Note that the campground at Ledges is only open from March to November and closed from December to February. If you decide to explore the park in the winter, head over to our article on winter hiking gear for tips and gear lists for winter hiking!
Amenities
When you stay at the Ledges State Park campground, you can expect the following amenities to make your stay more comfortable:
- Modern restrooms
- Showers
- Dump station
- Playground
- Potable water
- Electric
- Full hook-up
- Firewood for sale (seasonal)
- Trash dumpster
- Pet-friendly
- Fire ring with cooking grate
We stayed at the Ledges State Park campground for one night in our campervan and found it peaceful and quiet. There wasn’t a ton of privacy between each site, but that’s to be expected in a campground.
The restrooms were clean, and the showers were hot, making it a little oasis for anyone traveling!
How To Reserve
Online reservations are required to stay at the Ledges State Park campground. Reservations are made through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources(IDNR).
Price (2026)
Prices vary depending on the season and the chosen site (electric vs non-electric, etc.). Below are the typical prices during peak summer seasons for each type of site:
- Standard Electric: $26/night
- Standard Full Hook-Up: $38/night
- Standard Non-Electric: $18/night
- Walk-In Site: $18/night
Check the IDNR website for specific prices during your intended stay for accurate pricing.
Location
Ledges State Park can only be accessed from its east entrance at the intersection of P Avenue and 250th Street. Once you enter the park, the campground is located at the first right turn (N41.9936, W93.8748).
Next, we’ll explore all the campgrounds, hotels, and rentals available nearby!
2. Two Bears Campground (12 Miles Away)
If you’re looking for accommodations in a rural setting, the Two Bears Campground is your destination! This small campground is situated west of Ledges State Park and features 10 available sites with electric hookups.
While there are no restrooms or shower houses at Two Bears, there is plenty of open space to immerse yourself in nature and make the best of a fun family vacation just a short drive from Ledges State Park.
Note that this campground is for RVs only. There is no tent camping available at Two Bears Campground as of 2026.
Amenities
Camping at Two Bears Campground is a quiet oasis away from all the hustle and bustle of typical campgrounds. Below is a list of their amenities:
- Electric
- Water (seasonal)
- Dump Station (seasonal)
- Playground
- Shelter House
- Pet-friendly
How To Reserve
To secure a spot at this cozy oasis, call 888-298-2327. For up-to-date information about availability, water access, and other campground renovations, check out their Facebook Page.
Price (2026)
Sites are $18 per night. While each site is in a different location, they are all relatively the same size, and each has electric hookup capabilities.
Location
Two Bears Campground is located at 1173 237th St, Boone, IA. It’s approximately 12 miles from Ledges State Park, making it a convenient location if you plan to spend the day exploring the trails or wading the creek at Ledges.
Check out our day hiking gear list to make sure you have everything you need to explore Ledges State Park.
3. Cobblestone Inn & Suites (5.1 Miles Away)
Located just north of Ledges State Park is the beautiful Cobblestone Inn & Suites Hotel. As far as Ledges State Park camping goes, it’s a comfortable stay! It features all the amenities you’d want, and at just 5 miles away, it’s a short commute to hiking, fishing, and picnicking at Ledges State Park.
Not into roughing it in a campground? We get it! Cobblestone Inn & Suites features plush amenities like free WiFi, daily housekeeping, laundry facilities, and front desk personnel available 24/7.
Amenities
There are no shortages in amenities at the Cobblestone Inn & Suites:
- Free WiFi
- Daily Housekeeping
- Free Parking
- Breakfast
- Bar/Lounge
- 24-Hour Gym
- Laundry Facilities
- 24-Hour Front Desk
Each room also features a microwave, refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV at a minimum, with some rooms offering perks like a whirlpool jacuzzi!
Service animals are welcome at Cobblestone Inn & Suites. If you plan to bring your furbag with you, call ahead to inquire about dog-friendly rooms, as it’s unclear if this hotel is pet-friendly or not.
Rooms & Rates (2026)
At Cobblestone, you have four room choices:
- Queen Room ($273/night): A room with 2 queen beds.
- Studio Queen ($299/night): A slightly larger room with 2 queen beds.
- Queen Family Suite ($329/night): Includes 2 queen beds and 1 sleeper sofa.
- King Room ($286/night): Includes 1 king bed.
Prices change depending on the season. The listed prices are estimates for the summer season.
Location & Reservations
Cobblestone Inn & Suites Hotel is located at 1900 Lakewood Dr, Boone, IA 50036. A short 8-minute drive will take you to Ledges State Park!
If this sounds like the perfect place to stay while visiting Ledges State Park, book your stay here!
4. Baymont by Wyndham Boone (5.2 Miles Away)
The Baymont by Wyndham in Boone County, Iowa, is located near the Cobblestone Inn & Suites and is situated just 5.2 miles from Ledges State Park.
Ledges State Park camping at Baymont offers many of the same amenities as Cobblestone, such as a fitness center, free continental breakfast, and free WiFi. Additionally, Baymont has a pool for its guests.
Service animals are welcome at Baymont by Wyndham. Like Cobblestone, it’s unclear if the rooms are pet-friendly at Baymont by Wyndham, so be sure to call ahead to check if your pup or kitty is welcome.
Amenities
Having amenities can make or break a stay, so let’s review all the amenities that Baymont by Wyndham Boone has to offer:
- 24-Hour Front Desk
- Daily Housekeeping
- Fitness Center
- Free Continental Breakfast
- RV Parking
- Free WiFi
- Indoor Pool
Each room is equipped with a coffee/tea maker, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, an option for conjoining rooms, a microwave, and a fridge.
Rooms & Rates (2026)
The Baymont by Windham offers three basic room choices. Each room is the same size (291 square feet) and is typically rated around the same price.
- Standard King: $140/night for 1 king bed.
- Standard Queen: $140/night for 1 queen bed.
- Double Bed: $140/night for two double beds.
As always, prices may change throughout the season, so be sure to check ahead before booking, and take the above-listed prices as estimates for the summer season.
Location and Booking
The Baymont by Wyndham Boone is located at 1745 SE Marshall St, Boone, IA 50036. A 9-minute drive will have you at Ledges State Park.
The Baymont by Wyndham is a more economical choice than the Cobblestone Inn & Suites, making it a fantastic choice for those traveling on a budget. If this sounds like the place for you, make your online reservation here!
5. Super 8 by Wyndham (6.2 Miles Away)
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable place to stay near Ledges State Park, the Super 8 by Wyndham is a good choice. It’s located just 6.2 miles away from the park, further away from the main thoroughfare, offering a quieter accommodation.
The Super 8 by Wyndham is not for those looking for plush amenities or large rooms. It is a simple hotel with budget-friendly rooms. Service animals are welcome, but you’ll have to leave any other furbags at home, as this Super 8 is not pet-friendly.
Amenities
The amenities at Super 8 are similar to other hotels, such as free WiFi and daily housekeeping. They also specify free parking spots for trucks, buses, and RVs, making it a great amenity for campervan or RV travelers.
- 24-Hour Front Desk
- Bus/RV/Truck Parking
- Daily Housekeeping
- Free Breakfast Items
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Facilities
Each room is equipped with a coffee/tea maker, mini fridge, microwave, TV, and in-room temperature control.
Rooms & Rates (2026)
The Super 8 in Boone, Iowa, offers three room choices. However, note that there are smoking and non-smoking rooms available. If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke, this may not be the best place to stay!
- King Bed: $90/night
- Queen Bed: $90/night
- 2 Double Beds: $100/night
Again, prices vary by season, so check ahead for the most accurate prices and consider the listed prices above as estimates.
Location & Booking
The Super 8 by Wyndham is located right in Boone, Iowa, at 1715 S Story St, Boone, IA 50036. It is a short 10-minute drive to get from the Super 8 to Ledges State Park.
If this budget-friendly hotel is your cup of tea, you can book your stay here!
6. American Inn & Suites (6.4 Miles Away)
Another budget-friendly option for campers exploring Ledges State Park is the American Inn & Suites hotel. At just 6.4 miles from Ledges, it’s a convenient, budget-conscious choice for folks looking for accommodations.
The American Inn & Suites is not a luxurious hotel, but it does offer many amenities and comforts that weary travelers will find appealing. Most importantly, it’s a comfortable place to lay your head after a day of adventures!
Amenities
Many of the same amenities found at other hotels on our list can be found at American Inn & Suites, with the addition of an in-hotel restaurant to grab a bite to eat before or after your escapades.
- 24-Hour Front Desk
- Free WiFi
- On-Site Parking
- Laundry Facilities
- Restaurant
- Daily Housekeeping
- Indoor Swimming Pool (Seasonal)
Each room is equipped with standard amenities, including a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, temperature control, and a flat-screen TV.
Rooms & Rates (2026)
American Inn & Suites offers three basic room choices:
- King Room: $90/night
- Queen Room: $100/night
- Double Queen Room: $100/night
As always, prices vary by date. Consider these estimates and verify the exact rates ahead of your trip.
Location & Booking
If you decide to stay at the American Inn & Suites, it is located at 1215 S Story St, Boone, IA 50036. A short 10-minute drive will have you at the entrance to Ledges State Park.
If this sounds like the perfect destination, book your stay here!
7. Boone VRBO Apartment (8 Miles Away)
If you don’t want to rough it at a campground but you’re not into hotels and motels, this Vrbo apartment (similar to an Airbnb) may be the perfect place to stay near Ledges State Park!
If you book here, you and your party will have the entire 480 square feet apartment to yourselves. It is located off the main road, offering quiet accommodations while you explore the area and the nearby park.
Amenities
Unlike a hotel or campground, this VRBO site offers a home-like feeling with a full kitchen, living room, and laundry room.
- Washer & Dryer
- Free WiFi
- Fully Equipped Kitchen (utensils and cookware included)
- Air Conditioning & Heating
- Smart TV
- Outdoor Patio
Towels and bedding are provided and can be changed out upon request. You’ll have to leave the furbags at home for this adventure, as this apartment is not pet-friendly.
Price (2026)
During summer, this VRBO apartment is typically around $150 per night after taxes and fees. The price may vary with the seasons, so be sure to check ahead before booking to get the exact price.
The price includes the entire apartment, so you won’t have to share space with anyone else during your stay!
Location & Booking
This apartment is located at 715 Keeler St, Boone, IA 50036. It takes a short 15-minute car ride to reach Ledges State Park from the apartment.
Sound like your kind of place? Book your stay here!
What About Boondocking?
Unfortunately, there are no boondocking spots near Ledges State Park. There are a few boondocking areas in Madrid to the south or Ames to the east, but most of them are overnight Walmart Parking Lots that don’t offer any comforts or views.
We only like to recommend places that we would stay ourselves, and a Walmart parking lot just isn’t cutting it!
If you’re looking for other ways to find overnight parking, check out our article on how to find free overnight parking!
Ledges State Park Camping Best Practices
Ledges State Park camping can be a fun experience, whether you’re traveling solo or bringing the whole family along. However, there are some things to keep in mind when camping with others around.
- Leash Your Pets: If you’re bringing any furbags along, keep them leashed and within your campsite. Surprisingly, this is one of the things that ruins our camp stays the most. Others (like us) may have reactive dogs, be traveling with a cat, or just not feel comfortable having a loose dog around. Be considerate and keep your pets leashed.
- Pack Out All Trash: Leave the campsite cleaner than you found it. Pack out all your garbage, food scraps, toilet paper, etc.
- Be Respectful of Quiet Hours: Campgrounds aren’t the place to blast music and party all night long. Know when quiet hours are and be respectful of your neighbors.
- Generators: Some campgrounds have restrictions on when generators can be run. Know what hours generators can be run, and be respectful of those requirements. No one wants to listen to a generator run all night long.
With these things in mind, your stay is bound to be an enjoyable adventure from start to finish!
Things To Do At Ledges State Park
Once you settle on a place to stay, it’s time to figure out your plans for exploring Ledges State Park! There are numerous activities to enjoy at this beautiful Iowa park in Boone County, including hiking, fishing, wading, and picnicking.
The best way to familiarize yourself with the park is to check out a Ledges State Park Map from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It lists hiking trails, the campground, picnic areas, and points of interest in the park.
There is no fee to enter Ledges State Park. The park is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furbag(s)! Don’t forget the following items if you plan to hike with your dog:
- Leash: Check out our guide on the 10 best dog leashes for hiking here!
- Water Dish: Our article on the 8 best portable dog dishes for hiking can help you choose the best one.
- First-Aid Kit: For any scrapes or bruises your canine companion gets along the way. Check out our guide to building a dog first-aid kit for inspiration.
- Rescue Sling: For emergency situations. We have a list of the best dog rescue slings here.
Iowa is known for ticks and mosquitoes, so make sure your pup or feline friend is up to date on their flea and tick medication.
Hiking
One of the most popular activities at Ledges State Park is hiking the trails. The park offers four and a half miles of hiking trails that meander through oak woods, around lakes, and across creeks. Trails range from very easy to moderately challenging.
Ledges offers an accessible trail as well, the Lost Lake Interpretive Trail, for those with movement disabilities.
For an in-depth look at the hiking trails at Ledges State Park, head over to our Hiker’s Guide to Ledges State Park.
Picnicking
There’s nothing better than enjoying a picnic surrounded by nature, towering sandstone formations, and the gentle babble of Pea’s Creek. There are five total picnic areas in Ledges, with each area offering picnic tables and shaded areas to escape the summer heat.
Some of the picnic areas are located near trails, giving you plenty of options to explore the park before enjoying a nice picnic with the family.
Fishing
If you’re an angler, the Des Moines River on the park’s west side offers a variety of fishing opportunities. You’ll find walleye, white bass, flathead, and catfish, among others. Make sure you obtain a fishing license and pay any applicable fees before heading to the river.
Scenic Drive
Driving through Ledges State Park is a treat in and of itself. Canyon Drive offers dazzling views of the towering sandstone formations. The road crosses Pea and Davis creeks in several different places and intersects with various trailheads as well.
Ledges State Park Camping: Wrap-Up Session
There are many opportunities for Ledges State Park camping, whether you enjoy campgrounds, hotels, or rental properties.
The Ledges State Park campground is by far the closest option if you want to explore all the park has to offer. However, staying a bit further away allows you to tour the rest of Boone County during your stay.
To recap, here are the 7 places to stay around Ledges State Park:
- Ledges State Park Campground
- Two Bears Campground
- Cobblestone Inn & Suites
- Baymont by Wyndham Boone
- Super 8 by Wyndham
- American Inn & Suites
- Boone VRBO Apartment Rental
Unfortunately, there are no boondocking spots near Ledges State Park unless you’re okay with staying in a Walmart parking lot or similar. And hey, for some folks, that works! Otherwise, Ledges State Park camping includes only campgrounds, hotels, or rental properties.
As far as Iowa State Parks go, Ledges is definitely worth a stop. We enjoyed our time there and explored most of the trails while there. Ledges State Park is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furbag along!
Until next time, give your fuzzy pals an extra pet from us and keep exploring this beautiful world! For more hiking, travel, and camping tips, check out our Dirtbags with Furbags blog!
