Managed by the Shelby County Conservation Board, Elkhorn Creek Recreation Area sits along Elk Horn Creek with approximately 10 campsites split between electric hookups and primitive areas. The primitive sites occupy higher ground up the hill, while electric sites cluster in the main area. Access involves rough roads that may challenge some vehicles.
The main campground's restroom facilities close seasonally, with water service turned off during colder months, though electrical hookups remain functional. A pit toilet serves the hillside primitive sites. The recreation area connects to a preserve with multiple trail systems for hiking. Prairie Rose State Park Campground offers an alternative with full facilities about seven miles west.
Description
The Elkhorn Creek Recreation Area is a multiple use area, and is the ideal setting for a family on an outing, or for a person looking for solitude. With it's groomed trails and unique wildlife, the adventures are never ending. The upper picnic area contains what is believed to be the original site of the pioneer village of Elk Horn. Many building foundation blocks remain to mark the site. Petersen Preserve is roughly 32 acres and also part of the park - it has many grass walking trails. No firearms are allowed in either area but archery hunting is allowed. Onsite features include: -7 electrical sites with full electrical hookup, grass pads. -several tent camping sites available as well. -Picnic sites with grills, rural water and sanitary facilities, (pit and flush toilets). The sanitary facilities in the camping area are ADA accessible. -One picnic shelter. -Hiking trails. -Two areas with playground equipment Camping rates:
Fee Info
$14 is non electric $16 is electric
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundElkhorn Creek Recreation Area is located in Iowa
Address
532 Yellowwood Road
Elk Horn, IA 51531
Coordinates
41.57000044 N
95.09000067 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- 30 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Omaha, NE
- 1 hr 13 min from Des Moines, IA
- 1 hr 40 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 45 min from Sioux City, IA
