State Park

Ledges State Park

Boone County, IowaAbout 1,191 acresEstablished 1924
Status
Open (per official listing)
Entrance fee
Not posted
Day-use reservations
None mentioned
Dogs
Statewide rule — see below
Camping
Yes
Official site
iowadnr.gov(515) 432-1852

Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current

Current alerts 1

Water quality Ledges State Park: Water OffWater Off: All modern restrooms and shower facilities at Ledges State Park are now closed for the winter season. One portable restroom will be… (more)

Water Off: All modern restrooms and shower facilities at Ledges State Park are now closed for the winter season. One portable restroom will be available in front of each campground restroom building through November 30th. Water hydrants will be left ON until hard freezing temperatures are experienced. Electricity will remain on to those sites with hook-ups through November 30th. The RV Dump Station will remain open, but there will be no rinsing water, and RV dump inlets at the full hook-up campsites will be open too. The campground will completely close from December 1, 2026, and reopen on March 1, 2027. (Updated 10/19/2026)

Posted by the park 2026-10-19. Official alert

Overview

In Boone County, about 4 miles south of Boone, Ledges State Park covers about 1,191 acres.

Things to do include hiking. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups, group camping, and showers.

Pets

Privately owned animals must be on a leash of max six feet or confined; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds; most cabins/yurts are pet-free.

Statewide rule from Iowa's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.

Reservations

Day use
No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
Camping
Required
Booking system
Iowa State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica)
Phone
1-877-427-2757

100% of the campsites are reservable and a reservation is required.

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Camping

Campground or site typeSitesHookups / featuresPrice
Campsites
Camp in one of the newly renovated campsites at Ledges. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the primitive hike-in sites. Modern restrooms, showers, a trailer dump station and playground are also located in the campground. Advanced reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Ledges State Park. 100% of the campsites are reservable and a reservation is required. The campground accepts reservations March - November and is closed December - February.
—Electric campsites; Walk-to/non electric campsites; Full hook-up campsitesShowers—
Camping details from the park

Camp in one of the newly renovated campsites at Ledges. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the primitive hike-in sites. Modern restrooms, showers, a trailer dump station and playground are also located in the campground. Advanced reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Ledges State Park. 100% of the campsites are reservable and a reservation is required. The campground accepts reservations March - November and is closed December - February.

From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.

Things to do

HikingCamping

Trails

Hike the four-mile trail system that leads to spectacular views of Pea’s Creek “canyon.” While most trails are steeper in nature, a fully accessible interpretive trail to Lost Lake is also available at the southern end of the park. An interpretive trail is also located near the Oak Woods shelter and features lichens—small plant-like organisms growing on trees and rocks—so bring your magnifying glass to identify these creatures up close.

Amenities

Facilities

  • Restrooms
  • Flush toilets
  • Showers
  • Playground
  • Amphitheater

Camping

  • RV dump station
  • RV camping
  • Electric hookups
  • Water hookups
  • Sewer hookups
  • Group camping

✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.

Accessibility

Outdoor conditions can change quickly or be unique to a park. If you have specific accessibility questions or concerns, please contact the park directly and staff will be happy to help.

Bathrooms:

Accessible modern restrooms are located at the Oak Woods Shelter, Lower Picnic Area, and Henning Shelter. An accessible vault toilet is located at the Upper Picnic Area.

Accessibility at Major Park Attractions:

Ledges Canyon Road: The Canyon Road provides an opportunity for a scenic drive featuring sandstone cliffs, diverse flora and creek crossings. Pullouts along the route provide flat surfaces and greenspace. Plans are in place to construct accessible parking and provide an accessible portable toilet along the route for the 2027 recreation season. Please note that the trails within the canyon have steps and steep terrain.

Read more from the park

Trails: Ledges’ most accessible trail is the Lost Lake Trail, which is a shaded, crushed limestone path that leads to a small lake. The first 0.4 miles is accessible, giving an opportunity for an out-and-back hike of nearly 1 mile. With a typical width of 48 inches, the trail is mostly flat with a few gentle slopes; a short section has a slope of 4.9 percent. There is an accessible picnic table at the end of the trail next to Lost Lake.

Additional Accessible Features:

  • Picnic Areas: The Henning Shelter and Oak Woods Shelter are both accessible with nearby restrooms. The Upper Picnic Area provides an accessible table and grill.
  • Campground: Both shower buildings are accessible. Designated accessible campsites are #10 (full hook up) & #74 (non-electric).

Official accessibility information

Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.

Getting there

Address
1515 P Ave.
Madrid, IA 50156
Nearest town
Boone — about 4 mi south (straight line)
Coordinates
41.9919, -93.8748
Phone
(515) 432-1852
Email
Ledges@dnr.iowa.gov

Google Maps directionsApple Maps

Nearby state parks

Sources and freshness

“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology

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