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Reviews

Union Grove


User Reviews

Ryan Parnow

September 01, 2025

We enjoyed our weekend stay here. It’s a small campground with 11 or so spots and two cabins. There are toilets and showers. Each camping spot had electricity and water. Even though the campground was full this weekend it was quiet and peaceful. There is a good size lake a couple of shorter hiking trails. We picked this location due the reasonable price and it was right in between home and Ames for the football game.

Tayah Medhaug

August 30, 2025

The lake is absolutely beautiful! There are many spots to stop and have a picnic. The waterfall is pretty but took us a bit to find - there is a small gravel parking area by the intersection of C ave & 220th street. (I'm 99% sure that's where it is.) Walk over to the bridge and you can't miss the waterfall. I only give the 4/5 rating because the walking paths could have been better maintained or trimmed back but I also understand nature takes over rather quick. The guard rail at the top of the waterfall was very loose too so don't lean against that! Overall it was a great experience and I will be returning :)

Katy Santiago

July 30, 2025

A small yet beautiful park. There are two well maintained cabins in the campground that overlook the lake and would be a perfect retreat for a family looking to step away from the daily hustle. We enjoyed a small hike and picnic on the southern edge of the lake, it is rare to enjoy the sound of falling water in Iowa. While not a big destination, it was a cute stop to gain 300 pts on my Iowa State Parks Passport!

Autumn Trogdon

July 02, 2025

The campsite itself is fine expect one pretty big issue. THE FLIES!!!! I understand we’re outside but it was really bad. We had the citronella candles, wristbands, bug spray, fly strips and still had to use 2 fly swatters with no reprieve. The video is after 3 founds of battle all day.

Mike Deeds

April 29, 2025

Terrible lake quality. I don't know who dropped the ball but the fishing is no good waters unsafe to swim in. Great area but the lakes in desperate need of attention. I know its been dredged it takes time. This isn't a time issue anymore its water quality. I thought their's supposed to be airaraters but I never seen them running.

Amber

August 03, 2024

Nice place! I didn't get to explore the whole park because I was short on time, but the spillway is lovely. The walk from the spillway to the bathroom is full of goose bombs, so watch where you're stepping!

Amy Russell

July 18, 2024

Nice park. Gladbrook is about 5-10 minutes away so need supplies not too far to go. Good size lake. Calm water that is nice for paddling with a kayak or a SUP. 2 docks-1 has a kayak dock as well. Smaller motor boats for fishing ok. I have not seen modern showers/restrooms- but can camp. Play area for kids. Does have a beach. Grills, area available picnicking. Hiking trail easy enough for anyone. Drive way to access public area can be tricky-may turn on a residential street 1st. 😀

Mark Lovetinsky (Lithium 7)

December 16, 2023

We stayed in cabin #2 for five days in mid-December, and we were the only people in the campground. The cabins look small from the outside but feel much larger when you're inside. Heated floors, two mini-split units, a big bathroom, and a good-sized kitchen. The bed was comfortable. The geese on the lake were loud, which was amusing for us, and we just happened to be there while they're migrating. If you're going to tent camp, be prepared to set up on a slope. The spots with electricity are level. Cabin #2 has a fence around the deck, and cabin #1 is not fenced.

Marty Hogan

September 14, 2020

What a great park that is not huge. Fishing , camping, wateractivities, and boating in a very nice area. Would have loved to have more time to hike and explore. Fished for 20 minutes and got blanked, but the rain the last week am sure affected the fishing. The waterfall present ks some unique photos opportunities. Another park we intend to come back and spend more time in.