🌤 Weather at Ambrose A. Call State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23–70 °F | 58–83 °F | 24–75 °F | 6–30 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Algona, 2 mi away, elevation 1,214 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Ambrose A. Call State Park is a public state park in Iowa near Algona in Kossuth County. Spanning 130 acres and established in 1925, this park offers visitors the chance to explore scenic trails.
Quick Facts
| State | Iowa |
| Nearest City | Algona |
| County | Kossuth County |
| Park Size | 130 acres |
| Established | 1925 |
Things to Do at Ambrose A. Call State Park
Visitors to Ambrose A. Call State Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities:
- Hiking – Explore scenic trails
Location & Getting There
Ambrose A. Call State Park is located near Algona, Iowa. The park’s coordinates are 43.0529866, -94.2475381.
Things to Do
Iowa state parks offer a surprising diversity of landscapes beyond the classic rolling farm fields, featuring deep river valleys, natural lakes, loess hills, and ancient limestone bluffs. Activities revolve around the water, with excellent fishing for crappie, bluegill, and bass, boating on natural and man-made lakes, and pleasant beach swimming. Land activities include camping in shaded hardwood forests, hiking expanding trail networks, exploring unique geological formations like the Maquoketa Caves, and cycling on extensive paved rail-trails that frequently connect park units across the state.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) is peak season, ideal for lake activities and family camping, though July and August can bring high heat and humidity. Fall (September–October) is arguably the best time to visit, offering cooler, comfortable temperatures, beautiful hardwood foliage, and excellent conditions for hiking and fishing without the summer crowds. Spring (April–May) provides great mushroom hunting (morels) and spring wildflower blooms. Winter is quiet, but several parks offer cross-country skiing and ice fishing when conditions allow.
Visitor Tips
Iowa stands out by offering free admission to all state parks for day use — no vehicle permits or entrance fees are required. Camping fees apply, and reservations can be made through the Iowa State Parks reservation system. Half of all campsites are reservable, while the other half remain first-come, first-served. When visiting cave parks like Maquoketa Caves, check for any temporary closures related to bat protection (White-Nose Syndrome) and wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy.
Explore More Iowa State Parks
Ambrose A. Call State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Iowa. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Iowa guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Ambrose A. Call SP — 130 acres of old-growth hardwood forest — one of the few remaining stands of virgin timber in Iowa. The park’s ancient oak, maple, and basswood have stood for over 300 years. White-tailed deer, red foxes, and pileated woodpeckers inhabit the forest. Wildflowers carpet the forest floor in spring.
Nearby Attractions
Algona — adjacent. Kossuth County — surrounding — one of Iowa’s top agricultural counties.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Frank A. Gotch State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Eagle Lake State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Ambrose A. Call State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 16 sites — 13 standard electric sites (20/30 amp) and 3 standard non-electric sites, numbered 01-16, in a single campground loop. No shower building or modern restroom; a pit toilet serves the campground. Back-in and pull-through configurations. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets allowed at standard campsites 01-16; not permitted at the AA Call day-use lodge site. |
| Reservations | 100% reservable, no walk-up camping. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 641-581-4835. Statewide DNR booking window is 3 months ahead of arrival (special rules apply near month-end arrival dates); last online booking with credit/debit card is 2 days before arrival. Check-in 4:00 p.m., check-out 3:00 p.m. Cancellations 30+ days out receive a full refund; within 30 days, refunds are limited to weather or documented emergencies. |
| Special sites | RV/equipment length up to 31 feet on pull-through sites, most back-in sites 20-27 feet. No dump station. No equestrian, boat-in, or youth-group sites. An 18-hole disc golf course runs through the park. |
| Season notes | Campground open April 15 - November 15, closed November 16 - April 14. Statewide DNR peak camping rates apply May 1 - October 15; off-season rates apply during the shoulder weeks the campground is open. |
Camping questions about Ambrose A. Call State Park
Can you camp at Ambrose A. Call State Park?
Yes. Ambrose A. Call State Park has 16 campsites. 13 standard electric sites (20/30 amp) and 3 standard non-electric sites, numbered 01-16, in a single campground loop. No shower building or modern restroom; a pit toilet serves the campground. Back-in and pull-through configurations.
How do you reserve a campsite at Ambrose A. Call State Park?
100% reservable, no walk-up camping. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 641-581-4835. Statewide DNR booking window is 3 months ahead of arrival (special rules apply near month-end arrival dates); last online booking with credit/debit card is 2 days before arrival. Check-in 4:00 p.m., check-out 3:00 p.m. Cancellations 30+ days out receive a full refund; within 30 days, refunds are limited to weather or documented emergencies.
Are pets allowed at the Ambrose A. Call State Park campground?
Pets allowed at standard campsites 01-16; not permitted at the AA Call day-use lodge site.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Ambrose A. Call State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, led or carried by the owner, or confined
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Animals are prohibited within designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated dog-friendly cabins/yurts (limit two dogs); all other cabins are pet-free; dogs must be kenneled if left unattended inside
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during season are exempt from the leash rule; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds
Are dogs allowed at Ambrose A. Call State Park?
Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via iowadnr.gov. More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Ambrose A. Call State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
