🌤 Weather at Green Valley State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–71 °F | 59–85 °F | 26–76 °F | 11–36 °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 Creston 2 SW, 5 mi away, elevation 1,296 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Green Valley State Park is a public state park in Iowa near Creston in Union County County. Spanning 990 acres and established in 1953, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Iowa |
| Nearest City | Creston |
| County | Union County |
| Park Size | 990 acres |
| Established | 1953 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Green Valley State Park is located near Creston, Iowa. The park’s coordinates are 41.1030, -94.3883.
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
Green Valley 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
Green Valley SP — 1,100 acres on Green Valley Lake (390 acres). The park’s lake, restored prairie, and oak forest support bald eagles, white pelicans, and white-tailed deer. Channel catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie provide excellent fishing.
Nearby Attractions
Creston — adjacent. Union County — surrounding.
More parks nearby: Lake Icaria State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Pammel State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Green Valley State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 48 standard electric sites (20/30/50 amp), 17 tent-only sites, and 15 full hook-up (water/sewer/electric) sites, plus buddy and youth-group sites. Modern restrooms and showers; trailer dump station. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Three camping cabins, $75/night or $450/week. |
| Pets | Pets must be kept on a leash not exceeding 6 feet, kept quiet, and not left unattended anywhere in the park; pets are not allowed to run at large near the cabins. |
| Reservations | 100% reservable; book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call the statewide reservation call center at 1-877-427-2757. Statewide DNR booking window is 3 months ahead of arrival. |
| Special sites | RV/equipment length 45-90 feet; pull-through sites up to 90 feet. Two playgrounds within the park. No equestrian or boat-in sites. |
| Season notes | Campground closed November 1 - March 31, open April 1 - October 31. |
Camping questions about Green Valley State Park
Can you camp at Green Valley State Park?
48 standard electric sites (20/30/50 amp), 17 tent-only sites, and 15 full hook-up (water/sewer/electric) sites, plus buddy and youth-group sites. Modern restrooms and showers; trailer dump station.
How do you reserve a campsite at Green Valley State Park?
100% reservable; book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call the statewide reservation call center at 1-877-427-2757. Statewide DNR booking window is 3 months ahead of arrival.
Are there cabins at Green Valley State Park?
Three camping cabins, $75/night or $450/week.
Are pets allowed at the Green Valley State Park campground?
Pets must be kept on a leash not exceeding 6 feet, kept quiet, and not left unattended anywhere in the park; pets are not allowed to run at large near the cabins.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Green Valley 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 Green Valley 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
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