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Ambrose A Call

Overview

Ambrose A Call State Park serves as a peaceful refuge in North Central Iowa, offering a glimpse into the region's pioneer history. Named after one of the area's first settlers, this park is celebrated for its rugged, timbered hills that stand in stark contrast to the surrounding agricultural plains. It provides a quiet environment for RVers looking to disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty of the East Fork Des Moines River valley.

Location & Surroundings

Located just south of Algona, Iowa, the park is easily accessible yet feels worlds away from the hustle of highway travel. The landscape is defined by its dense woodland and rolling terrain, which provides excellent shade and a sense of privacy for campers. Travelers will find themselves immersed in a lush forest canopy that is particularly striking during the autumn months when the foliage turns vibrant shades of orange and red.

Amenities & Park Features

The campground offers a mix of electric and non-electric sites suitable for various RV sizes. Guests have access to modern restroom and shower facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay in a rustic setting. One of the standout features is the authentic log cabin, a reconstruction of the original Call family home. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearly two miles of winding trails that meander through the heavy timber, offering a true woodland experience.

Nearby Attractions & Things to Do

Beyond the park’s boundaries, the city of Algona offers unique cultural experiences like the Camp Algona POW Museum, which details significant local World War II history. For water-based recreation, nearby Smith Lake provides opportunities for fishing and boating. Within the park itself, the primary activities include bird watching and nature photography, as the dense woods attract a wide variety of local wildlife and migratory birds throughout the year.

Who This Park Is Best For

This park is an ideal match for travelers who prefer a quiet, nature-focused experience over large-scale resort amenities. It is perfect for history enthusiasts and hikers who appreciate a smaller, more intimate campground. Because of its serene atmosphere, it is best suited for RVers seeking a peaceful stopover or a weekend getaway where the primary focus is relaxation and enjoying the simple pleasures of the Iowa outdoors.

Amenities

- Recreational Facilities

• Horseshoes
• Rec Hall
• Playground

- Policies

• Pets Welcome
• Day Max Stay (14)
• Tent Camping Allowed

- Other Amenities & Services

• Pit Toilets

- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Boating

- Facility

• Type (State Park)
• Partial Handicap Access

- On-Site Rentals

• 

- Sites

• Spaces Available (16)
• Max Length (25)
• Gravel Sites (16)
• 30 Amp
• Electric (13)
• No Hookups (3)
• Max Amps (30)
• Back-ins (18 x 25)

User Reviews

Joshua M.

June 05, 2025

The trails I walked were on the shorter side. Even so they were great at giving me the feeling of being out in nature. Some of the offshoots looked like a real challenge. Overall a nice break for me while traveling for work. They also had a disk golf course but I didn't play so I can't comment on the layout. From what I saw they had concrete tees and nice baskets though.

Daniel Adamkovič

August 14, 2024

A nice campsite right next to a charming small town. We arrived late at night, but had no trouble finding our spot. Reservation was possible online. The toilets were relatively clean (and not smelly). There even seemed to be free firewood available (or at least I didn’t see any signs explaining how to pay).

ja berg

July 13, 2022

Nice, quiet State Park in Iowa. Shared entire campground with host and someone tenting it. $10 a night for non electric and $16 for electric. Pit toilets with clean toilet seats and sanitizer by door.

Sony

October 10, 2021

Beautiful park. Small but worth the visit. Site 8 worked for our motorhome. 30 amp service but not an issue for us. Trails were awesome with leave changing. No dump station, but Smith Lake has one . The park is 4 miles away and it is only $3.OO.

Claire Hotvet

September 15, 2020

Small park but fun Iowa history with a old log cabin. There is a nice lodge and picnic area. The campground is small but secluded with nice spots for tents.

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Map for Ambrose A Call

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