Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
Explore family camping activities that bring all ages together, from outdoor games and scenic hikes to memorable campfire fun that creates lasting memories.
Union Grove State Park Campground offers a charming destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a serene yet convenient camping experience in Gladbrook, Iowa. Nestled within expansive grounds, this campground provides a perfect blend of nature and recreation, making it an ideal choice for families, adventurers, and anyone looking to connect with the outdoors.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including kayaking, paddleboarding on the calm lake, fishing in smaller motor boats, and exploring the hiking trails that cater to all fitness levels. The campground also features a play area for kids, a beach, grills, and picnic areas, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Customer feedback highlights the campground's charm, with visitors praising its natural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere. One guest noted, "Nice park. Gladbrook is about 5-10 minutes away so need supplies not too far to go." Another shared, "The spillway is lovely and perfect for a walk." While some mention minor inconveniences like older restrooms and tricky driveway access, overall the campground receives positive reviews for its amenities and scenic setting.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Slides
Swings
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
Dogs allowed
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. 😀
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!
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.
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.
Very peaceful. A lot of beautiful Geese. The waterfall is unusual to see at certain times of the year. Bring your boat if you like to fish. Nice playground for the little ones.