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Hickory Grove Park (Story County Park)
Overview
Hickory Grove Park is a sprawling 445-acre destination nestled in the heart of Story County. At its center lies a **98-acre lake**, providing a serene backdrop for those seeking a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life. The park is managed with a focus on conservation and recreation, offering a harmonious blend of shaded woodland and open water. It serves as a premier spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in Iowa's natural beauty.
Location & Surroundings
Located just outside **Colo, Iowa**, this park offers a convenient yet secluded retreat for travelers on the U.S. Route 30 corridor. The surrounding landscape features the gentle topography of central Iowa, characterized by mature trees and rich agricultural vistas. Its proximity to **Ames and Iowa State University** makes it an excellent base camp for those visiting the university while preferring a quiet, natural setting to return to each evening.
Amenities & Park Features
The **Breezy Bay Campground** within the park provides well-maintained sites that cater to various camping styles. Key features include:
- Electric sites with **30 and 50-amp service** for RVs.
- Access to modern restroom facilities and hot showers.
- A **sandy swimming beach** and dedicated boat ramps.
The park also offers several open-air shelters and picnic areas, making it easy to host gatherings amidst the scenic wooded shoreline.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the park boundaries, the city of Ames offers cultural highlights like the **Reiman Gardens** and various collegiate sporting events. Anglers frequent the lake for its abundance of largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. During the warmer months, the calm waters are perfect for **kayaking and paddleboarding**. The nearby Heart of Iowa Nature Trail provides additional miles of cycling and walking paths for those looking to explore the region further.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal fit for **family campers** who appreciate a safe, nature-focused environment with plenty of space for children to play. It is equally suited for **anglers and birdwatchers** who value the quietude of a lakefront setting. If you prefer the charm of a county park over a commercial resort, you will find the rustic atmosphere and starry nights here to be exactly what you need for a restorative getaway.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Donna Peters
This campground is outstanding. We were just traveling through but the owners have gone above and beyond. We were here in October so didn’t use the pool but it was incredible. The bath house was the best I’ve ever seen in a campground. We really appreciated the Halloween decorations but they could look scary to young kids. The sites were large and open. We definitely recommend this campground!
Janet Lark
Our favorite county park so far. Big level (ish) sites. Nice views. Walking trails.. lake, even an island. ! Great bathrooms. And very quiet.
Breanna Upah
Clean park and beach area. Fun place to relax and swim. Definitely will come back and hike the trails and would like to kayak when the water goes down a little bit from all the rain we've had!
Val Peacock
Beautiful place to go kayaking trails are amazing. Camping was nice.
Randy Benton
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.