🌤 Weather at Pammel State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–71 °F | 58–84 °F | 26–76 °F | 10–35 °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 Winterset 1S, 3 mi away, elevation 1,100 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Pammel State Park is an Iowa state park near Winterset, managed by the Madison County Conservation Board since 1989. Spanning 350 acres and established in 1928, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Iowa |
| Nearest City | Winterset |
| County | Madison County |
| Park Size | 350 acres |
| Established | 1928 |
Location & Getting There
Pammel State Park is located near Winterset, Iowa. The park’s coordinates are 41.2916, -94.0757.
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
Camping at Pammel is run by the Madison County Conservation Board, not the Iowa DNR, so Iowa’s state park booking site does not cover it. Campsites can be reserved online through the county’s Pammel camping page up to one year in advance, or taken on arrival by self-registration; modern sites cost $24 a night online and $22 with self-registration (as of October 2026). The campground is open from the first weekend in April through the last weekend in October. The main entrance runs through a tunnel with 12′6″ clearance, so taller campers should use the south gate off Carver Trail.
Explore More Iowa State Parks
Pammel 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
Pammel SP — 281 acres in the Middle River Valley. The park’s limestone bluffs, caves, and forest support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bats. The park is near one of Iowa’s few covered bridges — the Holliwell Bridge, made famous by the novel and film “The Bridges of Madison County”.
Nearby Attractions
Winterset — 5 miles east — birthplace of John Wayne. Covered Bridges of Madison County — throughout the area (6 historic bridges). Des Moines — 30 miles northeast.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Green Valley State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Pammel State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 41 sites — 36 modern rock-surfaced sites with 50-30-20 amp electrical and water hookups, gravel parking pad, table, fire ring and grate; $22/night self-registration or $24/night plus $2 fee online (peak season). 5 elevated tent-only sites, no hookups; $14/night self-registration or $16/night plus $2 fee online. Modern bathrooms and showers serve the campground. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Book online at mycountyparks.com or self-register on site; office phone (515) 462-3536. Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance; 2-night minimum stay (higher minimum on holidays). All reservations are final; no refunds. |
| Special sites | One camping unit and one vehicle per site, maximum 6 people per site. Dump station and playground on site. Managed by Madison County Conservation, not Iowa DNR. |
| Season notes | Campground and cabins open the first weekend in April through the last weekend in October. |
Camping questions about Pammel State Park
Can you camp at Pammel State Park?
Yes. Pammel State Park has 41 campsites. 36 modern rock-surfaced sites with 50-30-20 amp electrical and water hookups, gravel parking pad, table, fire ring and grate; $22/night self-registration or $24/night plus $2 fee online (peak season). 5 elevated tent-only sites, no hookups; $14/night self-registration or $16/night plus $2 fee online. Modern bathrooms and showers serve the campground.
How do you reserve a campsite at Pammel State Park?
Book online at mycountyparks.com or self-register on site; office phone (515) 462-3536. Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance; 2-night minimum stay (higher minimum on holidays). All reservations are final; no refunds.
Source: madisoncountyparks.org (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pammel 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
- Park-specific rules
- Pammel is run by the Madison County Conservation Board, which does not allow pets inside or outside its two yurt cabins by the south camping loop, including the cabin parking area.
- 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 Pammel 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 Pammel State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
