Oak Grove State Park
Iowa’s Big Sioux River Campground — 573 Acres, Electric Campsites & Cabins, Canoe/Kayak Rentals, Prairie Woods Nature Center Near Hawarden
Oak Grove State Park is a 573-acre park near Hawarden, Sioux County, Iowa, along the Big Sioux River. The park features Deer Run and Turkey Ridge campgrounds with 50/30/20 amp electric campsites, rental cabins, a Big Sioux River boat ramp with canoe and kayak rentals, Prairie Woods Nature Center, miles of hiking trails through prairie and woodland habitat, enclosed and open-air rental shelters, playgrounds, modern restrooms, and geocaching.
Oak Grove combines 101 acres of state-owned land with 472 acres of county-managed land (overseen by the Sioux County Conservation Board) to create a 573-acre outdoor recreation area along the Big Sioux River near Hawarden, about 40 miles north of Sioux City. Deer Run Campground and Turkey Ridge Campground offer electric sites (50/30/20 amp) with a playground in Deer Run. Rental cabins are available seasonally. The Big Sioux River boat ramp provides access for boating, fishing, and paddling, with canoe and kayak rentals on-site. The Prairie Woods Nature Center offers environmental programming. Groomed trails wind through prairie, woodland, and riparian habitat. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Things to Do
Camping
- Deer Run Campground — electric (50/30/20 amp) + playground
- Turkey Ridge Campground — electric sites
- Rental cabins — seasonal, reservation required
- Modern restrooms
Water
- Boat ramp — Big Sioux River
- Canoe + kayak rentals
- Fishing
Trails & Nature
- Hiking trails — prairie + woodland + riparian
- Prairie Woods Nature Center
- Geocaching
- Winter: XC ski, snowshoe
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 4051 Cherry Ave, Hawarden, IA 51023 |
| Acreage | 573 (101 state + 472 county) |
| Campgrounds | Deer Run + Turkey Ridge — electric (50/30/20 amp) |
| Cabins | Available — seasonal, reservation |
| Boat Ramp | Big Sioux River |
| Rentals | Canoe + kayak on-site |
| Nature Center | Prairie Woods Nature Center |
| Shelters | Enclosed + open-air — rentable |
| Manager | Sioux County Conservation Board |
| Reservations | MyCountyParks.com or Sioux County Conservation |
| Coordinates | 43.0621° N, 96.4508° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Camping; paddling; fishing; nature center programs; cabins; full facilities | Hot; mosquitoes near river; reserve early |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Foliage along Big Sioux; fishing; hiking; quiet camping; geocaching | Some facilities close; cooler nights; cabins end |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Birding; wildflowers; paddling on high water; trails greening | Muddy; river may be high; campground opening varies |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | XC skiing; snowshoeing; quiet; nature center | Campground CLOSED; cold; limited facilities |
Visitor Tips
- Two campgrounds: Deer Run has a playground and is family-friendly; Turkey Ridge is quieter.
- Kayak rentals: Canoe and kayak rentals are available on-site — paddle the Big Sioux River without bringing gear.
- Nature center: Prairie Woods Nature Center offers environmental programs — check the schedule.
- Reserve online: Book campsites and cabins through MyCountyParks.com or the Sioux County Conservation Board website.
- Geocaching: The park has an active geocaching course — bring a GPS for treasure hunting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oak Grove State Park in Iowa have camping and cabins?
Yes — Oak Grove State Park near Hawarden, Iowa, offers Deer Run and Turkey Ridge campgrounds with 50/30/20 amp electric sites, plus seasonal rental cabins. The 573-acre park features a Big Sioux River boat ramp with canoe and kayak rentals, Prairie Woods Nature Center, hiking trails through prairie and woodland, and modern restrooms. Reserve through MyCountyParks.com or the Sioux County Conservation Board.
Last updated: May 2026
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