Bur Oak Campground

Introduction / Overview: Discover Bur Oak Campground, Your Quiet Spot in Iowa's Hillview Recreation Area

For Iowans seeking a simple, back-to-nature camping experience without fully sacrificing the convenience of electricity, Bur Oak Campground in Hinton is an excellent choice. Nestled within the expansive 580-acre Hillview Recreation Area, Bur Oak offers a more intimate and budget-friendly alternative to its modern counterpart, Deer Ridge Campground, making it a favorite for many local users and experienced Iowa campers.

Bur Oak Campground is characterized by its dedication to a focused outdoor experience. It provides 18 designated campsites, all equipped with electric hookups, ensuring you can power essential devices and small appliances. While the facility maintains a rustic edge—featuring a communal water source and a vault-style restroom—it balances these elements with immediate access to some of Hillview Recreation Area's best features, including a large playground, the Center for Outdoor Learning, and the popular elk enclosure.

Local knowledge suggests Bur Oak is particularly well-suited for smaller camping units or those who prefer tent camping with the luxury of electricity. The paved pads are generally smaller, approximately 40 feet by 10 feet, which means large RVs or fifth wheels may find a better fit in the nearby Deer Ridge area. The atmosphere here is quiet and welcoming, perfect for those weekend escapes where the goal is to hike, fish, or simply enjoy a campfire under the vast Iowa sky. As a first-come, first-served site managed by Plymouth County Conservation, Bur Oak offers the freedom to head out spontaneously without the need for advance reservations, an increasingly valuable feature for flexible Iowa travelers.

Open seasonally from May 1st to October 15th, Bur Oak Campground invites Iowans to experience the beautiful mixture of oak woodlands, reconstructed prairie, and rolling grasslands that define the Hillview Recreation Area. At a highly competitive price of just $20 per night, it truly embodies the spirit of affordable, accessible outdoor recreation in Northwest Iowa.

Location and Accessibility: A Northwest Iowa Gem near Hinton

Bur Oak Campground is ideally situated within the Hillview Recreation Area, placing it in a convenient location just a short drive from the communities of Hinton and the larger metropolitan area of Sioux City. Its location in Plymouth County makes it a central and accessible destination for many residents across Western Iowa.

The main address for the Hillview Recreation Area, which encompasses Bur Oak Campground, is 25601 C60, Hinton, IA 51024, USA.

The campground is accessed from the C60 entrance of the Hillview Recreation Area, making it easy to find using GPS or traditional mapping methods. Its close proximity to Hinton means campers are never far from local gas stations or grocery stores, offering the perfect blend of natural seclusion and necessary convenience.

Key Accessibility and Operating Information:

• Proximity to Urban Areas: The campground is located less than a 15-minute drive from Sioux City, offering quick access to urban amenities if needed, while still maintaining a rural, nature-focused atmosphere.
• Road Access: Access to the park is generally straightforward via paved county roads off the main highways.
• Seasonal Operation: The camping season runs consistently from May 1st through October 15th each year, aligning with favorable Iowa weather conditions.
• No Reservations (Standard): All 18 campsites at Bur Oak operate on a strict first-come, first-served basis, providing spontaneous travelers with a reliable option. The only exception is during the annual “Halloween at Hillview” event in October, which requires advance booking.
• Check-In Procedure: Campers utilize a self-registration kiosk upon arrival, where fees are paid into a deposit box.

Choosing Bur Oak means setting up camp in a diverse landscape featuring oak timber, reconstructed prairie, and open grasslands, offering different views and hiking experiences all within the same county park.

Services Offered

Bur Oak Campground focuses on providing the essential services for a comfortable stay while maintaining an affordable price point. Its offerings cater specifically to travelers with smaller equipment or those who prefer the simple charms of a non-modern bathhouse campground.

• Electric Hookups: All 18 sites include electric service, supporting everything from tent camping with a fan to small RVs requiring power.
• Communal Water Source: A water hydrant is available to all campers for potable water collection. Campers should be prepared to fill their tanks from this communal source.
• Primitive Restroom Facilities: A vault-style restroom (toilet) is available on-site for camper use, prioritizing basic functionality.
• Paved Camping Pads: Each site features a paved pad, offering a level and clean area for parking a small camper or setting up a picnic area.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Standard amenities are provided at each site, allowing for traditional Iowa campfires and outdoor dining.
• Nearby Park Access: Bur Oak provides excellent proximity to many of the main park attractions, including the largest playground and picnic shelter.
• Affordable Daily Rate: Camping fees are set at a very competitive $20 per night, or $120 for a full week if paid upfront.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Bur Oak Campground apart is its location within the extensive Hillview Recreation Area and the immediate access it grants to unique recreational and educational opportunities, making it a full-service outdoor destination.

• Immediate Access to Park Attractions: The campground is ideally located near some of Hillview’s most popular sites, including a large, modern playground complex for children and the park's main picnic shelter, enhancing family convenience.
• Elk Enclosure Viewing: A unique feature of the Hillview area is the dedicated elk enclosure, which is located very close to the Bur Oak Campground, offering campers a memorable opportunity for wildlife viewing.
• Fishing Pond and Swimming Beach: Campers have easy access—just a short walk or drive—to the 3.3-acre fishing pond and a designated swimming beach within the recreation area, providing multiple water-based activities.
• Center for Outdoor Learning: The Center is situated nearby, making it convenient for campers to attend educational programs or to utilize the facility for pre-booked events, highlighting Plymouth County Conservation’s commitment to education.
• Multi-Use Trail System: Hillview Recreation Area boasts miles of scenic trails through its 580 acres, suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, offering diverse ways to explore the woodlands and prairie.
• Affordable Electric Camping: Bur Oak provides the perfect balance of budget-friendly pricing and essential electric hookups, catering to Iowans who want a quality stay without the higher cost of a full-hookup modern facility.
• Paved but Smaller Sites: The paved sites, while compact (approx. 40'x10'), offer a reliable, level base, which is an advantage for small campers and trailers seeking a solid footing.

Contact Information

Since Bur Oak Campground is a component of the larger Hillview Recreation Area, all inquiries and administrative questions are handled by the Plymouth County Conservation Board.

Address:

Hillview Recreation Area (Bur Oak Campground)

25601 C60, Hinton, IA 51024, USA

Phone:

(712) 947-4270 (Plymouth County Conservation Office/Hillview Park Headquarters)

Reservation Information:

Campsites are strictly first-come, first-served. Call the number above for information on the annual “Halloween at Hillview” event, which is the only time reservations are accepted.

What is Worth Choosing Bur Oak Campground

Bur Oak Campground stands out as an exceptional choice for the local Iowa user because it perfectly encapsulates the core benefits of county park camping: convenience, affordability, and nature access.

Value and Access: At just $20 per night, campers receive an electric hookup site—a non-negotiable for many modern setups—while gaining full access to the extensive amenities of a 580-acre county park. This is far more value than a typical roadside stop. The availability of a nearby fishing pond, swimming beach, and the unique opportunity to view elk right in the park transform a simple camping trip into a complete outdoor vacation.

Perfect for Smaller Rigs and Tents: The campground is ideal for a specific niche of Iowan campers: those with small travel trailers, pop-ups, vans, or tents who want electricity without the cost and congestion of a fully-modern facility. The smaller paved sites ensure that the campground remains quiet and less crowded than the large, full-service RV parks, appealing to those who prioritize peace and quiet.

Spontaneity: The first-come, first-served policy is a huge benefit for the spontaneous weekender. Iowans can decide on a Friday afternoon to escape and still find a quality, electric site without having to compete in the often stressful reservation systems of state parks.

In short, if you are looking for an affordable, electrically-serviced base camp for exploring the trails, fishing spots, and unique wildlife of Northwest Iowa, Bur Oak Campground at Hillview Recreation Area provides a reliable, high-value, and welcoming option right in your backyard.