Stone State Park Campground and Lodge

**Introduction / Overview: Stone State Park Campground – A True Loess Hills Gem**

For Iowa residents seeking a blend of rich history, unique geology, and convenient outdoor recreation, **Stone State Park Campground and Lodge** in Sioux City, IA, is an essential destination. This park is not just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an urban wildlife sanctuary nestled within the globally unique **Loess Hills**—wind-deposited silt formations rivaled only by a similar region in China. The park and its campground offer a heavily wooded, incredibly scenic environment, providing a dramatic, rolling landscape that contrasts beautifully with the flatter terrain typical of much of the Midwest.

The atmosphere here is one of peaceful, immersive nature, despite its proximity to the conveniences of Sioux City. Visitors consistently describe the experience as "very scenic," with the drive up to the campsites winding "just under a **canopy of trees**." The facility, built in part by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, carries a rustic, preserved aesthetic, featuring structures like the Stone Lodge that add historical charm to the natural setting. Its geographical location is also a major draw, being "nearly a **tri-state campground**, being so close to the border of South Dakota and also Nebraska," making it an easy central meeting point for friends and family across the region.

Whether you're looking for a comfortable stay in a cabin, a shaded spot for your tent, or simply a base for exploring the park's extensive trail system, Stone State Park offers a quality experience, complete with clean, modern amenities that keep the camping trip enjoyable.

**Location and Accessibility**

Stone State Park Campground and Lodge is centrally located at **5001 Talbot Rd, Sioux City, IA 51103, USA**. Sioux City, situated in the westernmost part of Iowa, provides an easy-to-reach location for Iowans, Nebraskans, and South Dakotans alike. The park serves as a gateway to the **Loess Hills National Scenic Byway**, making it a perfect starting or ending point for a scenic drive through this geological wonder.

Accessibility is excellent due to its proximity to Interstate 29 (Exit 151) and Sioux City itself. This "urban wildlife sanctuary" designation means you get the feeling of deep woods camping without sacrificing access to nearby services like hospitals, restaurants, and vehicle maintenance stations, all available within a 10-mile radius. Park gates are closed after 10:30 PM, requiring campers to access the park from designated entrances, emphasizing a commitment to quiet and security. Despite the park's rugged terrain, the main roads leading to the campground are well-defined, though prospective campers should be mindful of the "winding roads" and "heavily wooded" setting which adds to the scenic appeal.

**Services Offered**

Stone State Park offers a range of camping options and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for nearly all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

• **Campsites**: Total of **30 campsites** available.
  • **Electric Hookups**: **Nine** sites offer electric hookups, ideal for small RVs and trailers.
  • **Tent-Only Sites**: **Thirteen** sites are designated for tent camping. Note: A **two-night minimum stay** is required for weekend tent camping (Friday and Saturday, May 1 - October 31).
• **Cabin Rentals**: **Three camping cabins** are available, equipped with heating/air conditioning, a fridge, microwave, and dining area, though they do not have private sanitary facilities.
• **Modern Sanitary Facilities**: A **modern restroom with showers** is available near the campsites and cabins, confirmed by reviews to be "kept pretty clean" and offering **hot and cold water**.
• **Youth Group Camp Area**: A large, shaded, flat grassy area on the north side of the campground entrance for large groups.
• **Individual Site Amenities**: Each campsite is equipped with a **picnic table** and a **fire ring with a grate**.
• **Water Access**: Drinking water spigots are conveniently located in the area.
• **Lodge and Shelters**: The historic CCC-era **Stone Lodge** and several picnic shelters are available for reservation for day-use events.

*Note: The park does not have a dump station on-site; campers must utilize public dump stations located elsewhere, such as along I-29.*

**Features / Highlights**

The unique features of Stone State Park are rooted in its extraordinary geography and commitment to recreation:

• **Loess Hills Geology**: Campers are surrounded by one of the world's most unique geological formations, offering breathtaking terrain and distinctive scenic views, including the **Elk Point Overlook** and **Dakota Point Overlook**.
• **Extensive Trail System**: Over **15 miles of multi-use trails** are available for various activities:
  • **Hiking**: Trails like the **Carolyn Benne Nature Trail** (with interpretive signs) and the more challenging **Mt. Lucia Trail** and **Broken Toe Trail** offer diverse experiences.
  • **Mountain Biking & Equestrian Riding**: Six miles of challenging dirt trails are maintained for biking and six miles of bridle trails are available for equestrians.
• **Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center**: Located adjacent to the park, this nature center features interpretive displays, an aquarium, and a discovery area, making it an excellent educational feature for families.
• **Historic CCC Structures**: Many of the park’s rustic stone structures, including the entrance portals and the Stone Lodge, provide a tangible link to the park’s 1930s origins.
• **Tri-State Proximity**: Its location near the borders of South Dakota and Nebraska makes it a culturally and geographically unique gathering place.

**Contact Information**

For reservations—which are highly recommended, especially for cabins and electric sites, as availability is limited—and current park conditions, please use the following contact details:

**Address**: 5001 Talbot Rd, Sioux City, IA 51103, USA

**Phone**: (712) 255-4698

**Mobile Phone**: +1 712-255-4698

Reservations for state park campgrounds can generally be made up to three months in advance through the official Iowa DNR reservation system.

**What is Worth Choosing**

Stone State Park Campground and Lodge is emphatically worth choosing for Iowa local users seeking a **highly scenic, historically rich, and activity-packed outdoor experience** near a major city center. You should choose this park if:

**1. You are a Trail Enthusiast:** With over 15 miles of multi-use trails, it is an ideal location for serious hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians looking for challenging and diverse terrain in the Loess Hills.

**2. You Value Clean, Modern Comforts:** The presence of a clean, modern shower house with hot water elevates the experience above primitive camping, making it suitable for families and longer stays.

**3. You Need a Convenient Base:** Its location right outside Sioux City and its tri-state proximity make it a perfect, easily accessible gathering spot, combining the peace of the woods with the convenience of urban amenities.

While tent campers should be aware of the two-night weekend minimum and the potential for closely situated sites, the trade-off is unparalleled access to one of Iowa’s most distinct natural treasures and a beautiful, heavily shaded retreat from the everyday.