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Swede Point (Boone County Park)
Overview
Swede Point Park offers a peaceful retreat nestled in the rolling hills of Boone County, just outside of Madrid. This 110-acre park is known for its elevated views and quiet atmosphere, providing a stark contrast to more crowded commercial campgrounds. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the central Iowa landscape while maintaining a rustic, natural charm that many RVers crave when traveling through the heartland.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated on a bluff overlooking the Des Moines River valley, creating a scenic backdrop of dense hardwoods. Its location near Madrid makes it a convenient stop for those traveling between Des Moines and Ames. The wooded landscape provides plenty of shade and privacy between sites, while the surrounding agricultural land ensures the nights are exceptionally dark and quiet, perfect for stargazing after a day of exploration.
Amenities & Park Features
RV travelers will find well-maintained sites equipped with electric hookups, including 30 and 50-amp options. While the park maintains a natural feel, it provides modern necessities including a convenient dump station and clean restroom facilities with showers. Families often appreciate the on-site playground and the numerous picnic areas scattered throughout the grounds. Each site features a fire ring and a picnic table, encouraging traditional campfire evenings under the Iowa sky.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for many visitors is the High Trestle Trail, located just a short distance away. This world-renowned trail features a stunning bridge that glows with blue lights at night, making it a must-visit for cyclists. Additionally, the iconic Ledges State Park is a quick drive north, offering unique sandstone cliffs and stream-splashing opportunities. History buffs can enjoy the nearby Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad or take a short trip into Ames for university events.
Who This Park Is Best For
Swede Point is ideal for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts who want easy access to Iowa’s premier trail systems without the noise of a major highway. It is a fantastic choice for families looking for a safe, quiet environment to unplug and reconnect with nature. Because of its intimate layout, it is best suited for those who appreciate a community-oriented county park vibe over the fast-paced nature of a large-scale commercial RV resort.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Garrett Feddersen
Not a bad little park! Sites are a bit tight, electric is fairly old school and no 50 amp hookups. Fire pits layout was a bit odd. But bathrooms were decent and had a good playground. Best part is right off the High Trestle Trail. Some nice little trails around also.
Whitney Theis
Camped out of my car for one night. Great location to jump on the high trestle trail. Quiet. Facilities were fine. Would definitely come back if I was in the area again.
Jolene Knighton
Sweden Point Park is a small, inexpensive RV park that is an easy bike ride away from access to The High Trestle Trail. The shower pressure was good and always had hot water, but it cannot be adjusted. During my two night stay there was always soap and toilet paper in the bathroom. As in every public shower, I recommend wearing shower shoes. As far as campsite spacing-- I have stayed in places where the sites were more spread out, and I have stayed in sites where the campsites were closer together. The playground had a nice grassy area around it away from cars. Although the regulations say that stays are limited to two weeks, it appeared that some people were long term residents.
Erin Kaufman
Only reason this is a 1 star is because I had to give it something! Let’s start with the good the shower houses are extremely clean and the lighting is amazing. Now on to the negative. Your way to close to the next camper. Some walked in our camp spot and got dog poo all over our rug. We checked our shoes and non of us had any on our shoes so it wasn’t us. No one picked up after there dog except the people we came with. We came back from Boone speed way past camp closing hours and we were meet by the “Rangers” they were rude which I do understand them questioning why we were coming in so late but the rudeness wasn’t called for. When we first got there we were meet by other campers talking about the homeless people that stay there. The dump station was primitive at best. This place was honestly creepy at night and I was a little worried for the children in our group! We will NOT be back!
Mr Krueger
Easy to locate a walk-up site after finding Ledges was already full on a Friday afternoon. Debatably this was also a nicer experience, having an empty lot on both sides. The bathroom is well maintained and feels almost new.