Spring Lake Campground

For Iowa locals seeking a camping experience, whether for a quick weekend getaway or a longer-term stay, understanding the nuances of a campground is essential. Spring Lake Campground, located in Burlington, Iowa, is a site that has garnered attention, and it's crucial for prospective visitors to have a clear and comprehensive understanding of what to expect. This article aims to provide an honest and factual overview of Spring Lake Campground, drawing directly from public feedback and available information, to help you make an informed decision about your next outdoor adventure in Iowa.

Camping in Iowa offers a diverse range of experiences, from secluded wilderness retreats to well-appointed RV parks. When considering any campground, factors like amenities, location, and the overall atmosphere play a significant role in shaping your stay. Spring Lake Campground, like any establishment, has its own unique characteristics and management style that have influenced past visitors' experiences. Understanding these perspectives is key to determining if it aligns with your personal camping preferences and expectations.

One reviewer's experience, in particular, offers a candid insight: "If I could give this place zero stars or negative I would, because I have never been treated so rudely and so inconceivably and consciously disrespectful in my whole life! Manager Cindy here decided to after telling us we had until noon the following day because our paycheck was late due to we are working on the road and our paycheck was running a little behind told us we could wait and pay until noon the next day. But instead seeing my boyfriend leaving for work at 5:38 in the morning and proceeded to tell us we had to leave because she checked her box and the money wasn't there. I asked her if she realized it was 5:38 in the morning and no banks were possibly open this early she didn't seem to care she wanted us to go and threaten to call the sheriffs if we weren't out by noon. This is not our first encounter with this woman not to mention the fact that the water is on drinkable the restrooms are closed everything looks deserted and run down and dilapidated around here and she is constantly finding something to b**** about every day. On top of all these things she has her maintenance manager that drives by a daily trying to peek in our windows trying to see what we're doing in our house when we're here it's very obtrusive and considerate and this place gets no stars from me I would not recommend this to any place or anyone for any type of reason. She is a miserable old woman and will find any reason to try to push you away and make your time here not pleasant. If I were you I would save your money and stay home or find any place else to be then here." This review, while severe, highlights significant concerns regarding management style, water quality, and facility upkeep, which are crucial points for any potential camper.

Another perspective reinforces some of these points: "Stayed here for while when doing contract in the area. Based on my experience and dealing with the manager whom tries to act like a bully. Never had issue with any dozens of rv parks in the past like I did with springlake campground. Anyways don't let the manager bully you, remind her that she is running a business in Iowa and we'll law's apply even when she having a tantrum. Anyways lots are not level, water is unsafe to drink (county health department will test eater specimens if you ask them fyi), water is full of sediment so will clog your rv lines or filter, water pressure is low, parking is tight, space to move camper is tight, no amenities, unsafe sometimes, etc. Place will flood if Mississippi River comes up so be prepared to move camper out if it does. Will post some pics of flooding plus petty notes and threats manager left on camper. Anyways beware. I've been ER travel nurse since 2016 and staying at spring lake campground was absolutely miserable for me. I would not recommend any travel nurses stay there for sure." This further emphasizes concerns about management, site conditions, water quality, and potential flooding, particularly relevant for long-term stays or those working in the area like travel nurses.

Given these candid insights, this article will detail the reported location and accessibility, known services (or lack thereof), features and highlights (or reported deficiencies), and contact information, culminating in a factual summary of its suitability for Iowa locals, based strictly on the provided customer feedback.

Spring Lake Campground is geographically located at 3939 Spring Lake Rd, Burlington, IA 52601, USA. Burlington itself is a city in Southeast Iowa, positioned along the Mississippi River. This location implies a degree of accessibility for locals in the region, being within driving distance for those in and around Burlington and surrounding communities.

The address suggests that the campground is situated on "Spring Lake Rd," indicating it is likely near or adjacent to a body of water named Spring Lake. Such a setting typically appeals to campers looking for a natural environment, potentially with opportunities for fishing or water-based activities, although the reviews provided do not confirm pleasant recreational use of the lake itself. A review does mention "has a lake to fish, kayak, canoe," but this is contradicted by other negative reviews about the general state of the property. Public information from The Dyrt also mentions it features a "lake to fish, kayak, canoe" and an "outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat," but these reviews are from 2020. However, the more recent, highly critical reviews state, "everything looks deserted and run down and dilapidated around here."

Accessibility by road would generally involve navigating local roads within Burlington to reach Spring Lake Road. For RVs and trailers, ease of access depends on the width and condition of these roads, as well as the internal roads within the campground. One review explicitly states, "parking is tight, space to move camper is tight," which suggests potential challenges for maneuvering larger RVs within the park. This is a crucial consideration for anyone planning to bring a recreational vehicle.

Furthermore, the mention of potential flooding if the Mississippi River rises ("Place will flood if Mississippi River comes up so be prepared to move camper out if it does") highlights a significant environmental factor tied to its location. This is an important piece of information for campers, particularly those planning longer stays or during seasons prone to heavy rainfall or river fluctuations, as it indicates a need for vigilance and preparedness.

In summary, while the campground is physically located in Burlington, Iowa, with an address that implies proximity to a lake, the practical accessibility and environmental considerations, as reported by customers, suggest potential challenges related to tight spaces and a risk of flooding, which are important for prospective visitors to weigh against its geographical placement.

Based on the provided customer reviews, the services and amenities at Spring Lake Campground appear to be significantly limited or, in some cases, reportedly non-functional or unsatisfactory. It is important to present these observations factually, drawing directly from the customer experiences provided:

• Water Hookups: Sites may have water hookups, but the quality of this water is a significant concern. Reviewers state, "the water is undrinkable," "water is unsafe to drink (county health department will test eater specimens if you ask them fyi)," and "water is full of sediment so will clog your rv lines or filter." Additionally, "water pressure is low" is reported. This implies that while a connection might exist, the utility's usability for drinking or protecting RV systems is questionable.
• Restroom Facilities: Reviews indicate that "the restrooms are closed," suggesting a complete lack of functional, accessible public restrooms within the campground. This is a critical deficiency for many campers who rely on such facilities.
• Shower Facilities: Similarly, the reviews mention that the main building has showers for use, but a more recent review contradicts this by stating, "the restrooms are closed, everything looks deserted and run down and dilapidated around here". This would imply showers are also inaccessible or unusable. Another source (The Dyrt) states that there are "two shower houses" but this information might be outdated or refer to a different Spring Lake Campground given the highly negative recent reviews.
• Laundry Facilities: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided highly negative reviews, some general information sources for "Spring Lake Campground Burlington, Iowa" do suggest laundry facilities might exist. However, the dominant negative reviews about run-down facilities would cast doubt on their operational status or quality.
• Site Space: While some basic hookups might exist, the reviews indicate "lots are not level" and "parking is tight, space to move camper is tight." This implies that even if a site is available, its practicality and comfort for parking and setting up an RV or trailer could be challenging.
• Amenities in General: The most direct statement from a reviewer is "no amenities," which broadly suggests a lack of recreational facilities, common areas, or other features typically expected in a campground that enhance the visitor experience.

In summary, the provided customer feedback strongly suggests that many standard campground services are either non-existent, dysfunctional, or of very poor quality at Spring Lake Campground in Burlington, Iowa, particularly concerning water quality and restroom/shower accessibility.

Based on the explicit feedback from the provided customer reviews, Spring Lake Campground presents a challenging picture regarding its features and highlights. Rather than positive highlights, the reviews consistently point to significant deficiencies and negative aspects that prospective campers should be aware of:

• Reported Undrinkable and Contaminated Water: A prominent and alarming "feature" highlighted by reviews is the alleged poor quality of the water. Statements such as "the water is undrinkable," "water is unsafe to drink (county health department will test eater specimens if you ask them fyi)," and "water is full of sediment so will clog your rv lines or filter" are critical. This means campers cannot rely on the park's water supply for potable water and may risk damage to their RV systems.
• Closed and Dilapidated Facilities: Reviews specifically mention that "the restrooms are closed" and "everything looks deserted and run down and dilapidated around here." This indicates a severe lack of functional and well-maintained common facilities, which are fundamental to a comfortable camping experience.
• Unlevel and Tight Parking Sites: Campers report that "lots are not level" and "parking is tight, space to move camper is tight." This presents significant practical challenges for setting up RVs and trailers, potentially making it difficult to achieve a stable and comfortable setup.
• Aggressive and Disrespectful Management (as reported): Multiple reviews highlight extremely negative interactions with the manager, Cindy, describing her as "rudely and so inconceivably and consciously disrespectful," a "bully," and a "miserable old woman." This reported managerial behavior is a severe detractor, affecting the overall atmosphere and well-being of campers.
• Maintenance Manager Surveillance (as reported): One reviewer explicitly states, "she has her maintenance manager that drives by a daily trying to peek in our windows trying to see what we're doing in our house when we're here it's very obtrusive and considerate." This alleged behavior, if true, represents a serious breach of privacy and a highly intrusive environment.
• Risk of Flooding: A crucial environmental consideration highlighted is the park's susceptibility to flooding: "Place will flood if Mississippi River comes up so be prepared to move camper out if it does." This feature, while natural, requires constant vigilance from campers and presents a potential safety and logistical concern.
• Lack of Amenities: The direct statement "no amenities" strongly suggests an absence of recreational features (like playgrounds, picnic areas, common spaces) that typically enhance a campground experience.
• Unsafe Conditions (as reported): One reviewer states the place is "unsafe sometimes," though specific details are not provided beyond the manager's alleged threats. This general warning suggests a concerning environment beyond just facility issues.

In conclusion, based on the provided customer feedback, the "features" of Spring Lake Campground predominantly revolve around significant deficiencies in water quality, facility maintenance, site conditions, and particularly, highly problematic management and privacy concerns, along with a notable risk of flooding.

Given the highly negative and critical nature of the provided customer reviews for Spring Lake Campground, there is no public information or indication of any promotions or special offers. The reviews focus on severe issues related to management, water quality, facility maintenance, and overall visitor experience, rather than any incentives or attractive deals. It is highly unlikely that a campground facing the level of reported dissatisfaction detailed in the reviews would be actively promoting itself with special offers without first addressing fundamental operational and customer service issues.

Therefore, based solely on the provided information, we cannot list any promotions or special offers for Spring Lake Campground. Prospective visitors are instead advised to prioritize verifying the current operational status, water quality, and management practices before considering any stay, rather than seeking potential discounts.

For individuals who still wish to attempt contact with Spring Lake Campground, perhaps to inquire about current conditions or to express concerns, the following contact information has been provided:

• Address: 3939 Spring Lake Rd, Burlington, IA 52601, USA
• Phone: (319) 752-8691
• Mobile Phone: +1 319-752-8691 (This is often the same primary number but provided for completeness, especially for mobile users.)

It is important to note that, given the severe negative reviews regarding management, communication may be challenging. Prospective visitors are advised to approach any contact with a clear understanding of the reported issues and to prioritize confirming critical aspects such as water potability, restroom availability, and the current management approach before committing to a stay.

Given the nature of the reviews, it may also be prudent to consult additional, very recent, independent sources of information or local authorities, such as the county health department regarding water quality, if considering this location for an RV stay.

Based on the provided and overwhelmingly negative customer reviews, Spring Lake Campground in Burlington, Iowa, appears to be not suitable for locals or any traveler seeking a pleasant, safe, or functional camping experience. The consistent and severe criticisms highlight fundamental deficiencies that would make a stay here deeply problematic and uncomfortable for the vast majority of campers.

The primary reasons this place is unsuitable, as reported by customers, are:

• Hostile and Disrespectful Management: Multiple reviews detail encounters with a manager described as "rude," a "bully," and "miserable," who allegedly threatens campers and creates a consistently unpleasant atmosphere. This directly undermines the peace and relaxation that locals typically seek in a campground.
• Unsafe and Undrinkable Water: The repeated assertion that "water is unsafe to drink" and "full of sediment" is a critical health and safety concern. For Iowans relying on campground water for their RVs or personal consumption, this poses a significant risk and inconvenience, requiring campers to bring their own water or risk health issues and damage to their RV systems.
• Lack of Functional Amenities and Dilapidated Conditions: Reports of "restrooms are closed" and the overall appearance being "deserted and run down and dilapidated" indicate a severe lack of basic, operational facilities. Locals expect certain standards of cleanliness and functionality, which are reportedly absent here. The claim of "no amenities" further reduces any appeal.
• Privacy Concerns and Intrusive Behavior: The alarming accusation of a "maintenance manager that drives by a daily trying to peek in our windows" suggests a profound lack of respect for privacy and personal space, creating an intrusive and uncomfortable environment for residents.
• Site Issues: Reports of "lots are not level" and "parking is tight, space to move camper is tight" present practical difficulties for setting up, especially for RV owners, directly impacting comfort and convenience.
• Flooding Risk: The explicit warning that the "Place will flood if Mississippi River comes up" presents a tangible safety and logistical risk, requiring campers to be constantly vigilant and prepared for rapid evacuation, adding unnecessary stress to a supposed leisure activity.

In summary, while its geographical location in Burlington might seem convenient for some Iowa locals, the overwhelming evidence from customer reviews indicates that Spring Lake Campground currently falls far short of providing a suitable or even minimally acceptable camping experience. The severe issues with management, water quality, facility maintenance, and overall safety and comfort strongly suggest that locals would be better served by exploring other camping options in the Iowa region that prioritize guest well-being and provide reliable services.