RV Parks In Boone, IA
42.0597° N, 93.8802° W
Quick Overview
Boone has long been a favorite stop for RVers crossing central Iowa, and with several RV campgrounds and parks in the area -- including some free options -- you've got reliable choices for an overnight stay or a longer visit. Sitting right along the Des Moines River valley in Boone County, this town of about 12,000 people offers a mix of public and private RV parks that cater to rigs of all sizes, from compact travel trailers to full-size Class A motorhomes pulling toads. The town is best known for the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, a heritage train that runs through the Des Moines River valley and draws visitors from all over the Midwest with its scenic excursions and dinner trains. Ledges State Park, just south of town, is one of Iowa's most scenic parks with towering sandstone bluffs, deep ravines, and wooded trails -- though the campground there is better suited for smaller rigs and tent campers due to tight turns and steep grades on the park roads. For bigger rigs, the private RV parks in and around town offer full hookup sites with pull-throughs that can handle Class A motorhomes and large fifth wheels without any hassle. Many of these private parks also have laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and dump stations on-site. Boone sits at the intersection of US-30 and Highway 17, putting you about 45 minutes northwest of Des Moines. That makes it a convenient base camp if you want to explore the state capital without dealing with city traffic and tight campgrounds. The Ogden exit off I-35 is your quickest route in from the interstate, and the drive from there is flat, straight farmland through corn and soybean country -- easy towing for any rig. The RV parks here tend to be well-maintained, family-run operations that appreciate repeat visitors and offer that genuine Midwestern hospitality you won't find at corporate campground chains. The town itself has all the essentials you'd need for restocking supplies between campground stays, including grocery stores, hardware shops, and fuel stations. From fishing along the Des Moines River to riding the scenic railroad and hiking the canyon trails at Ledges, Boone delivers a solid central Iowa camping experience with real character and plenty to keep you busy.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Boone
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All Dump Stations Near Boone
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Grove | 1.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Earl's Place | 3.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Two Bears Campground | 4.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Ledges State Park Campgrounds | 4.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Swede Point Park | 12.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Swede Point Park | 12.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Homestead Colony Mobile Home | 13.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sleepy Hollow Access | 13.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Old Orchard Mobile Home Park | 13.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Four Seasons Park | 15.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Maple Grove
1.1 miEarl's Place
3.8 miTwo Bears Campground
4.2 miLedges State Park Campgrounds
4.5 miSwede Point Park
12.0 miSwede Point Park
12.1 miHomestead Colony Mobile Home
13.1 miSleepy Hollow Access
13.3 miOld Orchard Mobile Home Park
13.6 miFour Seasons Park
15.7 miTraveling to Boone by RV
Boone is located along US-30 in central Iowa, about 12 miles west of I-35. Take Exit 111 (Ogden) and head west on US-30 -- it's a quick, flat drive with no low bridges or tight spots. From Des Moines, you can also take Highway 17 north directly into town, which is a pleasant two-lane road through farmland. If you're coming from the north on I-35, Exit 128 at Story City puts you on Highway 69, which connects to Boone in about 20 minutes. All the main routes into town are RV-friendly with wide lanes and easy turns. Fuel up along US-30 where you'll find several gas stations, including truck stops with diesel pumps that can accommodate big rigs. Walmart is on the east side of town for supply runs, and there's a Fareway grocery store closer to downtown. Propane refills are available at the local hardware stores and some of the RV parks themselves. If you need RV-specific repairs or parts, Des Moines is your closest bet -- about a 45-minute drive southeast.
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Dump Station Costs in Boone
Among the RV campgrounds near Boone, a portion% offer free camping while a portion% charge a nightly fee. Private RV parks in the area typically run $30 to $45 per night for full hookup sites, with pull-through spots sometimes costing a few dollars more. Weekly rates are available at most parks and usually save you a night or two compared to the daily rate. Ledges State Park charges around $16 to $21 per night depending on whether you want electric hookups, and an Iowa state park sticker is required on your vehicle. If you've got a Golden Age or Access passport, you'll get discounts at the state park. Some of the private parks offer seasonal rates for snowbirds heading through in spring and fall, which can bring costs down significantly for stays of a month or more. Budget RVers can stretch their dollars by taking advantage of free camping options and stocking up on groceries at Fareway instead of eating out.
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Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Boone
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Best Time to Visit Boone by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
10-35°F
Crowds: Low
Most campgrounds close by mid-November. A few private parks offer winter hookups for hardy travelers passing through central Iowa.
Spring
Mar - May
35-70°F
Crowds: Low
Campgrounds start reopening in April with light crowds. Spring rains can make some river-area sites muddy, so check conditions before booking.
Summer
Jun - Aug
65-90°F
Crowds: High
Peak camping season with the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad running full schedules. Book weekend sites early as parks fill up fast.
Fall
Sep - Oct
45-75°F
Crowds: Medium
Fall colors at Ledges State Park draw visitors from across the state. Cooler temps and thinning crowds make this an ideal time for RV camping.
Explore the Boone Area
Ledges State Park is a must-visit even if you don't camp there -- the sandstone canyon and river overlooks are spectacular, especially in fall when the colors peak. Just be aware that the road into Ledges has some steep grades and sharp curves that aren't ideal for towing or driving anything over 30 feet. Stick to a tow vehicle or smaller rig for that visit. The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad runs dinner trains and special event excursions throughout the season, so check their schedule and book ahead for the popular runs. If you're a fishing enthusiast, the Des Moines River below Saylorville Dam offers good channel catfish and walleye action. For a solid local meal, the restaurants along Story Street in downtown Boone serve up classic Midwestern comfort food. Fill your fresh water tanks before heading out to any of the more rural sites, as water hookups can vary. Morning is the best time to explore Ledges before the day-trippers from Des Moines arrive, especially on summer weekends.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Boone
Where can I find RV parks near Boone, Iowa?
Boone has {{stationCount}} RV campgrounds and parks in the area. Options include private RV parks with full hookups along US-30 and near the Des Moines River, plus Ledges State Park just south of town with electric campsites in a wooded setting along sandstone bluffs.
Are there free RV camping options near Boone?
Yes, there are {{freeCount}} free camping options in the Boone area. These tend to be more basic sites without full hookups, best suited for self-contained rigs that don't need electric or water connections for a night or two.
How much does RV camping cost in Boone, Iowa?
Private RV parks in Boone charge $30 to $45 per night for full hookup sites, with weekly discounts available at most locations. Ledges State Park runs $16 to $21 per night for electric sites. An Iowa state park vehicle sticker is required for state park camping.
Can big rigs camp at Ledges State Park?
Ledges State Park has steep grades and sharp switchback turns on the road into the campground that make it difficult for rigs over 30 feet. If you're driving a larger motorhome or towing a big fifth wheel, the private RV parks in Boone proper are a much better fit with spacious pull-through sites.
What is there to do near Boone for RV travelers?
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad offers scenic train rides through the Des Moines River valley, including dinner excursions. Ledges State Park has excellent hiking trails along sandstone bluffs and ravines. Fishing along the Des Moines River is popular for catfish and walleye, and Des Moines is just 45 minutes away for city attractions.
Where can I find RV parks near Boone, Iowa?
Boone has {{stationCount}} RV campgrounds and parks in the area. Options include private RV parks with full hookups along US-30 and near the Des Moines River, plus Ledges State Park just south of town with electric campsites in a wooded setting along sandstone bluffs.
Are there free RV camping options near Boone?
Yes, there are {{freeCount}} free camping options in the Boone area. These tend to be more basic sites without full hookups, best suited for self-contained rigs that don't need electric or water connections for a night or two.
How much does RV camping cost in Boone, Iowa?
Private RV parks in Boone charge $30 to $45 per night for full hookup sites, with weekly discounts available at most locations. Ledges State Park runs $16 to $21 per night for electric sites. An Iowa state park vehicle sticker is required for state park camping.
Can big rigs camp at Ledges State Park?
Ledges State Park has steep grades and sharp switchback turns on the road into the campground that make it difficult for rigs over 30 feet. If you're driving a larger motorhome or towing a big fifth wheel, the private RV parks in Boone proper are a much better fit with spacious pull-through sites.
What is there to do near Boone for RV travelers?
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad offers scenic train rides through the Des Moines River valley, including dinner excursions. Ledges State Park has excellent hiking trails along sandstone bluffs and ravines. Fishing along the Des Moines River is popular for catfish and walleye, and Des Moines is just 45 minutes away for city attractions.
Are there free dump stations in Boone?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Boone.
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