Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Green Valley
Overview
Green Valley State Park provides a serene escape into the rolling hills of southwest Iowa. Centered around a sprawling **390-acre lake**, this destination is a favorite for those seeking a mix of water-based recreation and quiet prairie landscapes. The park maintains a balance between modern convenience and natural beauty, making it a reliable stop for travelers crossing the heart of the Midwest who want to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing basic comforts.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just a few miles north of Creston, IA, the park is characterized by its **expansive shoreline** and lush greenery. The surrounding Union County area offers a patchwork of agricultural beauty and small-town charm. Travelers will appreciate the easy access to the water from almost every point in the park, providing a constant connection to the calming influence of the lake and the diverse local wildlife that calls this prairie region home.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground is well-equipped for RVers, offering over 100 **electric sites** with both 30-amp and 50-amp service. Visitors have access to modern restroom and shower facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay even in a rustic setting. Key features of the park include:
- **Convenient dump station** for easy waste management
- Several accessible water fill-up points throughout the camp loops
- Paved multi-use trails for walking and cycling around the lake
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Anglers frequent the lake for its abundance of largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. The **designated swimming beach** is a popular spot during the summer months for cooling off, while the multi-use trails cater to hikers and mountain bikers alike. Beyond the park gates, the town of Creston offers historic architecture, local dining, and the beautiful McKinley Park, which features its own scenic lake and a modern aquatic center for family fun.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for **outdoor enthusiasts** and families who enjoy a traditional camping experience without the crowds of a commercial resort. It is a perfect fit for birdwatchers and nature photographers looking to capture Iowa’s diverse landscape. If your travel style favors quiet evenings by the campfire and active days spent on the water, this state park is an excellent choice for your next Iowa RV adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
User Reviews
Sarah Okeson
Camped here for three nights. Didn't have reservation, but Iowa state parks generally have sites set aside for people without reservations. Campground host was very helpful and directed me to good tent site. The park had a lot of campers the weekend I was there and most of them were quiet. The lake was posted with signs warning of high e coli so I didn't swim although I did see families with small children in the water. Another camper told me I had a taillight out and was very insistent on fixing it himself. I wasn't interested in having my car fixed by someone I didn't know. If you are a woman traveling alone, as I was, think it is good to be cautious.
Dan Eslinger
Really liked Green Valley State Park! Being somewhat newbies to the camping scene, it's important for my wife and I to try different campgrounds outside of our home area and Green Valley didn't disappoint! Great campground, great facilities, and fantastic lake! We really enjoyed ourselves!!
Psalms 27
Such a beautiful park! The trail is so beautiful but it’s 10 miles and do not attempt if you’re not used to walking long distances. It took us 4 hours to walk the entire trail. For those wanting to camp, there’s lots of raccoons, so don’t leave your food outside!
Lisa Carter
Absolutely. Love the state park. It's a must seen and I absolutely loved the 11 mile trail that we took our E bike on. They have a new kayak ramp that makes it easier to get into the water.
Sharon Spoelstra
I visited Green Valley State Park in mid-September with 3 grandkids. I found it to be a lovely park. Many flowers were blooming, it was well-kept. We first stopped by the ranger station for information and a kind ranger gave the kids a little talk on animal furs and skulls. It was very interesting. Then we got a map of the park and started exploring. There are two different playgrounds, one at the campground and another one. We played at both. We also played at the beach with sand toys. My granddaughter loved the story pages along the trail. I would have loved to walk more of the trails but we did have a great time and I'd like to go back. The trail goes all around the lake but we only walked a short distance of it. It was very pretty and I think it would be a great place to camp. I also noticed some cute cabins.