🌤 Weather at Oak Grove State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23–71 °F | 58–85 °F | 23–76 °F | 7–32 °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 Hawarden, 4 mi away, elevation 1,190 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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.
Wildlife & Nature
Oak Grove SP — preserves mature oak grove in northwest Iowa. The park’s ancient oaks, prairie, and wetlands support white-tailed deer, red foxes, and songbirds. Spring wildflowers carpet the forest floor.
Nearby Attractions
Sioux County — surrounding.
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
Nearby parks: If you have extra time, Stone State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Trapper’s Bay State Park is elsewhere in the state.
⛺ Camping at Oak Grove State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Turkey Ridge and Deer Run campgrounds offer Electrical sites ($22-27/night) and Electrical/Water/Sewer sites ($26/night), plus Tent sites ($17/night); permanent seasonal sites are available at $2,379/season. Exact site counts per campground are not published by Sioux County Conservation. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Cabin rentals include Whitetail Cabin and Eagles Nest cabin. |
| Pets | Pets must be kept on a leash (max 6 ft) at campsites and not left unattended outside the camping unit, must be kept quiet and mannerly, with owners responsible for cleanup. In cabins, pets must be kenneled indoors and leashed (max 6 ft) outdoors; not allowed in restrooms/showers. |
| Reservations | Reserve online at mycountyparks.com; Sioux County Conservation Board, 4051 Cherry Ave, Hawarden, IA 51023, (712) 552-1047. |
| Special sites | Located on the banks of the Big Sioux River; boat ramp on site. |
Camping questions about Oak Grove State Park
Can you camp at Oak Grove State Park?
Turkey Ridge and Deer Run campgrounds offer Electrical sites ($22-27/night) and Electrical/Water/Sewer sites ($26/night), plus Tent sites ($17/night); permanent seasonal sites are available at $2,379/season. Exact site counts per campground are not published by Sioux County Conservation.
How do you reserve a campsite at Oak Grove State Park?
Reserve online at mycountyparks.com; Sioux County Conservation Board, 4051 Cherry Ave, Hawarden, IA 51023, (712) 552-1047.
Are there cabins at Oak Grove State Park?
Cabin rentals include Whitetail Cabin and Eagles Nest cabin.
Are pets allowed at the Oak Grove State Park campground?
Pets must be kept on a leash (max 6 ft) at campsites and not left unattended outside the camping unit, must be kept quiet and mannerly, with owners responsible for cleanup. In cabins, pets must be kenneled indoors and leashed (max 6 ft) outdoors; not allowed in restrooms/showers.
Source: siouxcountyparks.org (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Oak Grove State Park
Park policy: Oak Grove is a state park run by the Sioux County Conservation Board, so Iowa's state park rules and the county's own rules apply together (Iowa Administrative Code 571-61.1). Under the state rules, pets must be on a leash or chain no longer than 6 feet, carried, or confined, and may not be left unattended in campgrounds. Sioux County's park rules also require a leash or chain of no more than six feet and do not allow animals to be tied to trees or shrubs (as of October 2026).
- Pets allowed?
- Leashed dogs (leash or chain of 6 feet or less), carried or confined, including on trails and in campgrounds
- Park-specific rules
- Sioux County's four Oak Grove cabins allow pets if they are crated indoors and leashed outdoors. Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during hunting season are exempt from the leash rule.
Are dogs allowed at Oak Grove State Park?
Leashed dogs (leash or chain of 6 feet or less), carried or confined, including on trails and in campgrounds.
More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Oak Grove State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Sioux Falls
from $110
from $12
from $10