Campsite #27

For Iowans who cherish the simple pleasure of setting up camp under the vast Midwestern sky, the Don Williams Recreation Area near Ogden, IA, is a well-known and highly regarded destination. While "Campsite #27" points to a specific spot, it's important to understand that it's part of a much larger, comprehensive outdoor haven managed by the Boone County Conservation Board. This expansive park offers a rich tapestry of experiences, making it a go-to choice for individuals, couples, and families looking to connect with nature, enjoy recreational activities, and simply unwind in the beauty of Central Iowa.

Iowa's landscape, with its gentle slopes, fertile fields, and numerous waterways, provides a beautiful backdrop for a variety of camping adventures. From bustling state parks to tranquil county preserves, our state offers diverse options for every type of camper. The Don Williams Recreation Area exemplifies the best of Iowa's county park system, providing a robust suite of facilities and activities within a well-maintained natural setting. What makes it particularly suitable for local Iowans is its accessibility and the flexibility it offers. Many sites, including those in Campground B (where Campsite #27 would typically reside), operate on a "first-come, first-served" basis, allowing for spontaneous getaways. Additionally, the option for "extended stay campsites" caters to those desiring a longer immersion in the park's natural beauty. With 600 acres to explore, encompassing a 150-acre lake, a golf course, and extensive trail systems, Don Williams Recreation Area ensures that every visit is filled with new discoveries and cherished memories for Iowans.

Campsite #27 is located within the expansive Don Williams Recreation Area, found at 610 H Avenue, Ogden, IA 50212, USA. This address places it roughly six miles north of the charming town of Ogden, nestled in the heart of Boone County, Iowa. The recreation area's central Iowa location makes it remarkably accessible for residents throughout the state, particularly those traveling from major population centers like Des Moines, Ames, and Fort Dodge.

Reaching Don Williams Recreation Area is straightforward, as it's conveniently situated just five miles north of US Highway 30, a key east-west transportation artery across Iowa. This excellent road access minimizes travel time, allowing campers to quickly transition from their daily routines to the tranquility of the outdoors. Once within the park, clear signage guides visitors to the various campgrounds and amenities. The proximity to Ogden means that campers are never far from essential services, including gas stations, grocery stores, and local eateries, providing a perfect balance of natural immersion and modern convenience. For those seeking a wider array of shopping or dining experiences, the larger city of Boone is just about 15 minutes away. This strategic location ensures that Iowans can easily escape to a natural paradise without embarking on an overly long journey, making Don Williams Recreation Area, and by extension, Campsite #27, a highly desirable destination for their next outdoor adventure.

While Campsite #27 refers to an individual spot, it benefits from the full range of services offered within its home, Don Williams Recreation Area Campground B (or potentially Campground A or C, depending on the park's specific site numbering for "Campsite #27"). Based on available information for the Don Williams Recreation Area campgrounds:

• Electric Campsites: Most campsites within the Don Williams Recreation Area, including many in Campground B, offer electric hookups (typically 50/30/110 amp breakers), suitable for RVs and trailers. This provides convenience for powering appliances and devices.

• Non-Electric Campsites: For those preferring a more traditional or rustic tent camping experience, non-electric sites are also available, offering a back-to-basics approach to outdoor living.

• First-Come, First-Served Availability: Many sites, particularly in Campground B and C, operate on a "first come, first served" basis. This means campers don't need advance reservations but should leave a camping unit to secure their chosen spot and pay nightly.

• Extended Stay Options: Select sites within Campground B (specifically E17-E26) are designated as "extended stay campsites," allowing for longer durations without a maximum stay limit. Other sites typically have a 14-day maximum within a 28-day period.

• Modern Shower Houses & Flush Toilets: The recreation area provides accessible, modern bathroom and showering facilities, ensuring a comfortable and clean experience for all campers, regardless of their campsite type.

• Water Hydrants: Multiple water hydrants are strategically placed throughout the campgrounds, allowing campers to easily access potable water for drinking and refilling tanks. (Note: Hoses usually cannot remain continuously hooked up).

• Dump Stations: Two convenient dump stations are available within the recreation area, free for registered campers, for responsible disposal of grey and black water from RVs.

• Bait Shop: For fishing enthusiasts, an on-site bait shop provides easy access to live bait and essential fishing supplies, making it simple to get out on Don Williams Lake.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is sold at the bait shop, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires without the hassle of bringing their own supply.

• Self-Registration System: For first-come, first-served sites, a user-friendly self-registration system is in place, where campers fill out a form and place payment (often cash or local check) in a designated drop box.

• Don Williams Lake: The focal point of the recreation area is the beautiful 150-acre Don Williams Lake. This "no wake" lake is perfect for tranquil activities such as peaceful fishing, serene canoeing and kayaking, and enjoyable swimming at the designated beach. It's well-stocked with a variety of fish, including Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Walleye, and Channel Catfish, making it a popular spot for anglers.

• 9-Hole Golf Course & Clubhouse: Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the on-site 9-hole golf course that offers scenic views of Don Williams Lake. A clubhouse with a restaurant provides a convenient spot for meals and refreshments, generally open from April 15 to October 15.

• Extensive Trail Network: The 600-acre park boasts miles of well-maintained hiking trails that wind through diverse natural habitats, offering opportunities for nature walks, bird watching, and invigorating hikes. These trails provide an excellent way to explore the park's varied ecosystems.

• Updated Playgrounds: Several modern playgrounds are scattered throughout the recreation area, providing safe and engaging spaces for children to play and burn off energy, making it an ideal destination for families.

• Designated Swimming Beach: A clean and accessible swimming beach offers a refreshing way to cool down during warm Iowa summers, perfect for families and individuals alike.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The park's diverse landscapes, including woodlands and wetlands, create prime habitats for various wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for bird watching and observing local fauna.

• All-Season Recreation: While camping facilities are seasonal (typically April 15 - October 15), the broader Don Williams Recreation Area offers year-round activities, including ice fishing and cross-country skiing in the winter months, extending its appeal beyond just the warmer seasons.

• Alternative Lodging: Beyond traditional camping, the park also features reservable enclosed shelters, open-air shelters, and three modern luxury cabins (Bass, Catfish, and Walleye cabins) available for rent, providing options for larger groups or those preferring more amenities.

As a well-established county park operated by the Boone County Conservation Board, Don Williams Recreation Area Campground B (and thus, Campsite #27's pricing) typically follows a clear and consistent fee structure. While traditional promotional "sales" may not be a regular feature, the park offers inherent value and specific incentives for campers.

• "Stay 6 Nights, Get the 7th Night Free!": For campsites operating on a "first come, first served" basis (which includes Campground B and C), campers benefit from a "Stay for 6 nights, get the 7th night free!" offer. This provides excellent value for those planning week-long or longer trips, making extended stays more affordable.

• Competitive Pricing: The standard nightly rates for electric ($20) and non-electric ($12) sites are generally considered affordable within the Iowa camping scene, providing access to high-quality amenities and extensive recreational opportunities at a reasonable cost.

• Extended Stay Flexibility: The designation of certain sites within Campground B as "extended stay campsites" (E17-E26) provides a significant benefit for campers needing longer-term accommodation without maximum stay limits, a valuable option for some Iowans.

• Free Dump Station Use: Registered campers at Don Williams Recreation Area enjoy free access to the two dump stations, an added convenience that contributes to the overall value of their stay.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on current rates, specific site details, and any applicable offers or policies, it is always recommended to consult the official Boone County Conservation Board website or contact them directly.

For inquiries regarding Campsite #27, booking information (if applicable for future changes to reservation systems), or any general questions about the Don Williams Recreation Area, please use the following contact details for the Boone County Conservation Board, which manages the park:

Address: 610 H Ave, Ogden, IA 50212, USA

Phone: (515) 353-4237

The phone number provided is the main contact for the Boone County Conservation Board and the Don Williams Recreation Area. It's the best resource for confirming specific site details, understanding the "first come, first served" system for Campground B, and getting information on park hours, seasonal operations (typically April 15 - October 15, weather permitting), and any other rules or regulations.

For Iowans seeking a diverse, accessible, and activity-rich outdoor destination, Don Williams Recreation Area—and by extension, the experience of staying at a spot like Campsite #27—is an ideal choice. The park's management by the Boone County Conservation Board ensures a well-maintained environment with a focus on both recreation and conservation, appealing to a wide range of local preferences. The "first come, first served" availability of many sites, particularly in Campground B, offers spontaneous adventure for those last-minute decisions to escape the daily grind. Furthermore, the provision of "extended stay campsites" caters to Iowans looking for a longer, more immersive experience.

Beyond the camping logistics, the sheer wealth of activities within the 600-acre park makes it incredibly suitable for locals. The 150-acre "no wake" Don Williams Lake is a serene playground for fishing, swimming, and paddling, while the 9-hole golf course provides a leisurely challenge. Extensive hiking trails invite exploration of Iowa's natural beauty, and modern amenities like clean shower houses and playgrounds ensure a comfortable stay for families. Its convenient location near Ogden and major highways means less driving and more time enjoying the outdoors. Don Williams Recreation Area, embodying the best of Iowa's county parks, offers a welcoming, affordable, and endlessly engaging environment for Iowans to relax, recreate, and forge lasting memories in their home state.