Meredith Park Campground, Mallard, IA

For Iowans looking to escape the everyday and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature, Meredith Park Campground offers an idyllic setting. Located in Mallard, Iowa, this charming campground provides a fantastic opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike to create lasting memories. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, Meredith Park Campground is a highly popular destination, especially bustling during the warm summer months. However, as many locals will tell you, it's equally delightful for a quieter, refreshing escape in the spring and fall, when the crisp air and changing colors of the Iowa landscape add an extra layer of beauty to your camping experience.

Whether you're pulling in with a big rig, setting up a family tent, or looking for the comfort of a cozy cabin, Meredith Park Campground is designed to accommodate various camping styles. The campground prides itself on its cleanliness, with bathrooms and showers consistently praised by visitors for their immaculate condition. This attention to detail ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay for everyone, from seasoned campers to those new to the joys of outdoor living. Its reputation as a "nice little camping area with full hookups" and a place where "bathrooms and showers are always clean" speaks volumes about its commitment to visitor satisfaction.

Location and Accessibility

Meredith Park Campground is conveniently situated at 40273 250th Ave, Mallard, IA 50562, USA. Nestled in north central Pocahontas County, it's also known locally as Plover Pit, located just 1.5 miles north of Plover on county highway N57. This makes it a remarkably accessible destination for residents across Iowa, particularly those in the northern and central parts of the state. The clear signage and well-maintained county roads leading to the park ensure a smooth and easy drive, allowing you to quickly transition from the hustle of daily life to the peaceful embrace of nature.

The park's location offers a perfect balance of seclusion and convenience. While you'll feel miles away from urban noise, essential services and supplies are within a reasonable driving distance in nearby towns. This accessibility is a major draw for Iowans seeking a quick weekend retreat or a longer family vacation without the burden of extensive travel. The relatively flat terrain of the park, with open spaces and scattered trees, makes navigating the campground easy for all types of vehicles and campers.

Services Offered

Campsites: Meredith Park Campground features 17 electric 50 amp camping sites with water hookups. These sites are equipped with graveled pads, picnic tables, and grills, providing a comfortable setup for RVs, camper trailers, caravans, and tents.
Camping Cabin: A rustic yet comfortable 6-person camping cabin is available for rent. This cabin is heated and air-conditioned, with electricity, a microwave, small refrigerator, and oak cabinets. It includes a full-sized bunk bed and a futon for sleeping up to six people, along with a fire ring, upright grill, picnic table, and water hydrant outside.
Modern Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides modern, clean restroom and shower facilities for all campers.
Septic Dump Station: A convenient septic dump station is available for RVs and trailers.
Potable Water: Water hookups are available at electric sites, and a water hydrant is located near the cabin.
Pets Permitted: Pets are generally permitted on campsites, but not in the cabin or on the cabin site.
Firewood: Firewood is available for purchase within the campground.
Open Shelter House: An open shelter house with electricity is available for use by campers, unless reserved for private events.

Features / Highlights

Swimming Lake and Beach: A prominent feature is the excellent 5.5-acre natural swimming and fishing lake, often referred to as Plover Pit. It boasts a pleasant beach area, perfect for cooling off on warm Iowa days.
Playground: A modern and innovative playground, notably created from 15,000 recycled milk jugs, offers a safe and fun place for children to play with slides, a climbing wall, fort area, and swings. Customer reviews rave about the "playground for kids."
Fishing: The lake is a popular spot for fishing, offering opportunities to catch various species.
Picnicking: Numerous picnic tables and grills are spread throughout the park, perfect for day use or campers enjoying an outdoor meal.
Hiking and Walking: While not extensively detailed, the park's natural setting provides opportunities for short walks and enjoying the serene environment.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Consistently reviewed as a "family friendly campground," it’s an ideal spot for parents and children to enjoy the outdoors together.
Cleanliness: The "bathrooms and showers are always clean" is a frequently highlighted positive point from visitors.
Seasonal Beauty: "Spring and fall camping are great here also," indicating the park's appeal extends beyond the summer rush, offering beautiful scenery during these transitional seasons.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, ongoing promotions for Meredith Park Campground might vary or be seasonal, it's always recommended for Iowa locals to check directly with the Pocahontas County Conservation Board for the most current information. County-operated parks often have rates that are designed to be affordable for local residents, and they may offer special rates or programs throughout the year. Typically, such parks do not run large-scale public promotions like commercial campgrounds, but they focus on maintaining accessible pricing for the community.

Current Rates: Camping rates for an electric/water pad are $20.00 per night. The camping cabin has varying rates: $40/night for Sunday-Thursday, and $50/night for Friday, Saturday, and holidays, with a 2-night minimum stay. A weekly rate of $235 is also available for the cabin.
Reservation System: It's advisable to make reservations, especially during peak summer months, as the campground can get "very busy." While no specific "promotions" are listed, booking in advance ensures you secure your desired spot.
Refundable Deposit: A $50 refundable deposit is charged per cabin stay, which is returned if the cabin is left clean and undamaged. This helps ensure the quality of facilities for all visitors.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any potential special offers, group rates, or seasonal discounts, contacting the Pocahontas County Conservation Board directly is the best course of action. They can provide details on booking policies and any current pricing advantages.

Contact Information

For reservations and inquiries about Meredith Park Campground, you can contact the Pocahontas County Conservation Board:

Address: 40273 250th Ave, Mallard, IA 50562, USA (Park Location)

Pocahontas County Conservation Board Office: 702 NW 7th Street, Pocahontas, Iowa 50574-2206

Phone: (712) 335-4395

Email: conservation@pocahontas-county.com

Website: For more information and reservation details, you can often find resources on the Pocahontas County website or Discover Pocahontas County's attractions section.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Meredith Park Campground truly stands out as an exceptional choice for Iowa locals seeking an accessible, enjoyable, and family-friendly outdoor experience. Its location in Pocahontas County makes it a convenient drive for many Iowans, transforming a potential long journey into a quick and easy escape into nature. The rave reviews from past visitors, such as "Nice little camping area with full hook ups" and "Was very impressed the kids and I stayed at the little cabin there I would go back in a heartbeat," highlight the consistent satisfaction visitors find here.

The campground's commitment to cleanliness, particularly its "always clean" bathrooms and showers, is a significant draw, ensuring a comfortable stay even for those who might typically prefer less rustic accommodations. For families, the standout feature of the new playground, crafted from recycled milk jugs, along with the pleasant swimming pond, provides endless entertainment for children, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The availability of both full hook-up campsites and a cozy cabin means that whether you're bringing your own RV, tent, or prefer a ready-made sleeping space, Meredith Park Campground can cater to your needs.

Furthermore, the park's appeal extends beyond the busy summer months, with "spring and fall camping great here also," offering different seasonal beauty and a potentially quieter atmosphere. Meredith Park Campground embodies the best of Iowa's natural charm, providing a welcoming and well-equipped environment for residents to create cherished outdoor memories right in their home state. It's more than just a place to camp; it's a community asset where the simple joys of outdoor living are celebrated and preserved for all to enjoy.