Hitchcock Nature Center RV Campground

Nice little campground just off freeway but no noise except for the birds. It was first come first serve. We called about 2pm and asked the Ranger how it was looking and he said no problem so we went on in. There were about 6 spaces when we arrived and they were full by 8 pm. We went to nature center and climbed the tower. This is a must. Spectacular views. Also walked the boardwalk. The birds are plentiful and loud! Could have used some mowing around camp. Lower level had more trees but seemed more crowded. Larger sites on top level. Lots of hiking. Bridges birth of camp near Loveland have limited heights. Must enter through Crescent or take gravel Sumac Rd. If you have rig over 12' got sure. One tunnel at 8' but not sure which side of freeway. Actually had free wifi that worked.

We stopped for one night on a south-north trip up I-29, but easily could have spent a longer time here. It is in the Loess Hills area of Iowa which was absolutely beautiful. The nature center consists of a "lodge" which was an education center (exhibits closed due to Covid-19), an observation tower with 360 degree views, and a variety of trails with some good elevation gain and loss.

The campground is slightly apart from the "lodge" and has about 18 sites that are 50 amp electric only. There is a place to get water and a dump. The sites are gravel and back-in and level. Trails can be accessed from the lower loop of the campground. Verizon was good without a booster in the lower loop and there is free wi-fi available that works at least in the upper loop (didn't try it in lower loop).

Campsites are first-come, first served and check-out is 5 pm. Check-in is self serve and requires check or cash to drop in the drop-box. There are some tree branches to be wary of in the campground.

There are two areas .. one for RV camping and another down the road for tent camping. RV sites, as typical, are close together but fairly level. Saw many big rigs. Nice shower facility in RV area. Tent camping requires some work. Parking and a vault toilet are on the road level and numerous tent pads, tables and fire rings are down a steep hill, so you have to carry your gear down and up the hill a ways. Tent sites are fairly private. Campground hosts (RV level) are super nice. They sell firewood. They will often drive their ATV down the hill to the tent sites in the evening to sell wood

After attempting to call the camp host and not receiving an answer, we drove our 40'er + towed up here to see if there were any sites available over Easter weekend.

There were not any spots open.

The park appeared decently maintained, with lots of kids wandering around. Sites appeared level, and most appeared capable of handling a 40' rig.