Pickard Park Campground

For Iowa locals seeking a dynamic outdoor experience that blends traditional camping with a wide array of recreational activities, Pickard Park Campground in Indianola offers a truly unique destination. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a vibrant hub within the larger Pickard Park, renowned for hosting major sporting events like cross country meets, youth and adult softball tournaments, and even national-level disc golf tournaments. It provides a convenient and welcoming base for athletes, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the active side of Iowa's outdoors.

What sets Pickard Park Campground apart is its ability to cater to different camping preferences within the same expansive park system. While the "south side" of the park might be smaller, it's ideal for those who love softball or disc golf, putting you right in the heart of the action. Conversely, for campers seeking "few neighbors" and a more serene experience, the "north side of the park is perfect." This flexibility, combined with well-maintained facilities and easy access to a wealth of activities, makes Pickard Park Campground a standout choice for Iowans. It represents the best of Iowa's community parks, offering a balance of lively engagement and peaceful relaxation, all within easy reach of home.

Pickard Park Campground is conveniently located at 491 S. 24th Street, Indianola, IA 50125, USA. This prime location places it on the eastern edge of Indianola, a charming community south of Des Moines. For Iowans, this means easy accessibility from across the state, particularly from the Des Moines metropolitan area, making it a feasible destination for weekend getaways or longer stays without extensive travel.

The park's positioning at the eastern terminus of the McVay / Summerset Trail is a significant advantage for cyclists and walkers, providing direct access to a paved trail system. The campground itself is part of the larger Pickard Park complex, which includes a range of facilities. While the address specifies the campground's location, the park as a whole is well-known in Indianola and generally easy to navigate to. Highway 92, west of the Memorial Balloon Field, is a key access route, and the park is situated just east of town on the south side of the road.

Despite its proximity to Indianola, which offers various amenities like dining and shopping, the park itself provides a sense of open space. The internal layout of the campground, with distinct "south side" and "north side" areas, offers different experiences for campers, from being close to the sports action to enjoying more secluded spots. This balance between convenient access to town services and an immersive outdoor environment makes Pickard Park Campground a highly practical and appealing choice for Iowa locals seeking both recreation and relaxation.

• Campsites: Pickard Park Campground offers self-contained camping sites. While specific numbers aren't detailed, reviews suggest there are at least 10 sites.
• Water and Electrical Service: These self-contained sites provide water and electrical hookups.
• No Sewer Service: It's important to note that sewer service is generally not available at these particular sites, meaning campers with RVs will need to utilize a dump station elsewhere or have self-contained tanks.
• Restrooms: Modern restrooms are available within Pickard Park, though their exact proximity to the campground sites might vary between the north and south sections.
• ADA Accessible Playground: The park features an ADA accessible playground, ensuring inclusivity for children of all abilities.
• Drinking Fountains: Drinking fountains are available within the park.
• Picnic Shelters: Several picnic shelters are present throughout Pickard Park, including one with 10 picnic tables seating 80 people and 7 electrical outlets, suitable for group gatherings.
• Picnic Tables: Picnic tables are available at campsites and throughout the park's picnic areas.
• Grills: Grills are provided for cooking at picnic areas and likely at individual campsites.
• Dumpsters: Waste disposal is available with dumpsters on site.
• Disc Golf Course: A world-class 18-hole disc golf course is a major amenity within Pickard Park, with no fees to play.
• Softball Fields: The park boasts multiple ball fields, hosting youth and adult softball tournaments.
• Trails: Various trails are available, including mowed grass paths within the park and direct access to the paved McVay / Summerset Trail for biking and hiking.
• Horseshoe Court: A horseshoe court is available for recreational play.

• Versatile Camping Options: Pickard Park Campground offers self-contained camping sites, ideal for RVs and trailers that have their own waste tanks, providing both water and electrical hookups.
• Dual Campground Ambience: The park effectively caters to different preferences. The south side is "small" and bustling, perfect for those who want to be close to the action of softball or disc golf, while the "north side" offers a quieter experience with "few neighbors," ideal for a more serene retreat.
• Premier Sports Complex: Pickard Park is a hub for athletic activities, featuring a world-class 18-hole disc golf course (among the top 100 globally, according to UDisc, and host to professional tours), multiple ball fields for youth and adult softball, and a venue for cross country meets. This makes it a fantastic destination for active Iowans.
• Extensive Trail Access: Being the eastern terminus of the paved McVay / Summerset Trail, the campground provides direct access to miles of biking and hiking opportunities. Within the park, there are also mowed grass paths like the one-mile Terrace Trail and two-mile Pond & Prairie Trail.
• Clean and Well-Maintained: While specific reviews for the campground section weren't extensive, the general park facilities are noted for being clean and well-maintained, suggesting a high standard of upkeep across the entire area.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: With an ADA accessible playground, picnic shelters, and plenty of open space, the park is well-suited for families with children.
• Scenic Iowa Countryside: The park boasts "beautiful views" of the Iowa countryside, featuring rolling hillsides, woodlands, wetlands, and native prairie, providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities.
• Historical and Ecological Significance: Formerly a farm, the park includes some of the first terraces and water diversion projects in Warren County by the Soil Conservation Service, offering an interesting historical and ecological dimension.
• Free Disc Golf Play: The world-class disc golf course is free to play, offering an exceptional value for enthusiasts.
• Ample Recreational Space: As the largest park in the Indianola system, Pickard Park provides vast areas for various outdoor recreational activities, ensuring plenty of room for all visitors.

As a campground managed by the City of Indianola's Parks & Recreation Department, Pickard Park Campground operates on a standardized fee basis rather than offering traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers" with fluctuating discounts. Its value comes from its consistent pricing and the array of amenities and recreational opportunities available within the larger park.

Specific information regarding rates for the self-contained camping sites at Pickard Park indicates that they are available at a rate of $16 per night.

An important aspect for potential campers to note is that these 10 camping spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis only; reservations are generally not taken for general public camping. This means that while there are no promotional booking windows, securing a spot requires arriving early, especially during peak seasons or busy weekends, as the park is noted to be "extremely busy on weekends."

For special events, such as the National Balloon Classic, a "limited number" of these self-contained camping spots at Pickard Park might be available for pilots/crew through specific reservation portals, with specific rates and terms (e.g., $16 per night, apply for reservation via their portal). This indicates that while general camping is first-come, first-served, event-specific arrangements can be made for designated groups.

While there aren't traditional "deals" or "promo codes" in the sense of external private campgrounds, the affordability of the $16 nightly rate for sites with water and electric hookups, combined with access to a wide range of free park amenities like the disc golf course and trails, represents excellent value for Iowa locals seeking an active and budget-friendly outdoor experience. For the most current fee information and any updates on availability, contacting the Indianola Parks and Recreation Department directly is recommended.

For inquiries about Pickard Park Campground, including information on its facilities, current conditions, or the availability of its first-come, first-served campsites, you can reach out to the Indianola Parks and Recreation Department, which manages the park.

• Address: 491 S. 24th Street, Indianola, IA 50125, USA (This is the specific campground address)
• Primary Park Office Address: 2205 E 2nd Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125 (This is the address for the broader Pickard Park facilities and administration)
• Phone: (515) 961-9420 (This phone number is listed for Pickard Park general inquiries)

Please note that since general camping is on a first-come, first-served basis, calling ahead primarily serves to inquire about park conditions or general questions rather than reserving a specific site for casual stays. For specific events like the National Balloon Classic, dedicated reservation processes or contact information may be provided through the event's official channels.

For Iowa locals, Pickard Park Campground in Indianola is an exceptionally suitable destination, offering a versatile and engaging outdoor experience right here in our own community. Its appeal lies in its unique blend of traditional camping with a robust offering of recreational activities, catering to a wide array of interests that resonate deeply with the active lifestyle many Iowans cherish.

The campground's thoughtful design, with both a bustling "south side" for those who love to be near the action of softball or disc golf, and a quieter "north side" for a more secluded escape, ensures that it can accommodate various preferences. This flexibility makes it ideal for families with different needs, whether they're participating in a youth sports tournament or simply seeking a peaceful retreat. The presence of water and electrical hookups at the self-contained sites provides essential modern comforts, making it accessible for RVs and trailers, while still maintaining an outdoor feel.

Beyond the camping experience itself, the broader Pickard Park is a true jewel in Indianola's recreational crown. Its world-class disc golf course, multiple ball fields, and direct access to the paved McVay / Summerset Trail offer endless opportunities for active pursuits. For Iowans, who often balance their love for nature with a passion for sports and community events, Pickard Park Campground provides the perfect synergy. It’s a place where you can enjoy a quiet morning coffee at your campsite, then spend the afternoon playing disc golf, cheering on a softball team, or biking miles of scenic trail. This combination of convenience, diverse recreation, and a well-maintained environment at an affordable price makes Pickard Park Campground an invaluable local resource and a perfect choice for creating memorable outdoor experiences right here in Iowa.