Wild Oak Campground










Wild Oak Campground Overview
Wild Oak Campground Location & Map
IowaStory CountyStory CityTimberland Drive
Wild Oak Campground About
For Iowans seeking a convenient, comfortable, and genuinely welcoming camping experience, Wild Oak Campground in Story City, IA, is quickly becoming a must-visit destination. Nestled amidst mature oak trees, this campground offers a shaded retreat that feels far removed from the everyday hustle, yet it's surprisingly close to everything you might need. It's an ideal spot for anyone looking to enjoy the peace of the outdoors, whether you're a seasoned RV enthusiast or a tent camper seeking a quiet escape.
Wild Oak Campground isn't just another place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a testament to passionate new ownership dedicated to creating an exceptional camping environment. The recent investments in upgrades, such as a new septic system, clearly demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. This forward-thinking approach, combined with highly engaged and approachable staff, ensures that campers receive attentive service and a comfortable stay. From the unique text-based reservation system to the convenient on-site propane filling, Wild Oak Campground is embracing modern solutions to enhance the camper's experience.
What truly sets Wild Oak apart is its tranquil atmosphere and the genuine care put into its development. Despite being a work in progress in some minor areas, visitors consistently praise its quiet ambiance and the palpable effort of the new owners to refine every aspect. This dedication creates a truly positive and optimistic environment for campers, fostering a sense of community and a welcoming vibe. Whether you're staying for a night, a weekend, or a longer term, Wild Oak Campground offers a refreshing and accommodating option for your next Iowa outdoor adventure.
Wild Oak Campground is ideally situated at 1011 Timberland Dr, Story City, IA 50248, USA. This location places it conveniently in central Iowa, making it highly accessible for residents from various parts of the state. Story City itself is a charming community, offering a blend of small-town hospitality with easy access to amenities.
One of the major highlights of Wild Oak Campground's location is its close proximity to the interstate freeway. This makes it incredibly easy for travelers, particularly those living the RV life, to reach the campground without extensive detours. Despite being so close to a major thoroughfare, the campground maintains a remarkably quiet atmosphere, allowing campers to enjoy peace and relaxation.
Beyond the immediate access, the campground's setting in Story City means that essential services and leisure activities are just a stone's throw away. Campers will find grocery stores, golf courses, fishing spots, various shopping opportunities, and diverse restaurants all within a convenient distance. This perfect balance of natural serenity and urban convenience makes Wild Oak Campground a highly practical and enjoyable choice for locals looking to explore central Iowa. Whether you're coming from Des Moines, Ames, or further afield, the drive to Wild Oak is straightforward, leading you to a shaded, welcoming haven.
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Full Hookup Sites: The campground provides full hookup sites, ensuring maximum convenience for RV and trailer campers. Each site includes electric, water, and sewer connections.
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On-site Propane Filling: A significant convenience highlighted by campers, Wild Oak Campground offers on-site propane filling services. This means you don't need to leave the campground to refill your tanks, a feature not commonly found at many campgrounds.
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Text-Based Reservations: Embracing modern communication, Wild Oak allows campers to reserve spots via text message. This "new-aged" approach provides a flexible and efficient way to book your stay.
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Affordable Firewood: Unlike many campgrounds that charge high prices for bundles, Wild Oak offers firewood at a very reasonable rate of $1 per log. This allows campers to purchase just what they need for a fire.
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Upgraded Septic System: The new owners have invested in and installed a new septic system, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining and improving essential infrastructure for a comfortable and sanitary camping experience.
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Attentive and Engaged Staff: Visitors consistently praise the campground staff for being very engaged, approachable, and responsive to camper needs and correspondence. This high level of customer service contributes significantly to a positive experience.
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Abundant Shade from Mature Oak Trees: One of the most frequently lauded features of Wild Oak Campground is the extensive shade provided by its huge, mature oak trees. This creates a comfortable and cool environment, even on warm Iowa days, and adds to the aesthetic beauty of the park.
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Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its proximity to the interstate, the campground is remarkably quiet, making it an ideal spot for those seeking relaxation and respite from noise. This tranquil environment is consistently highlighted by campers.
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Proximity to Local Amenities: Campers benefit from being "pretty close to everything." This includes easy access to grocery stores for supplies, golf courses for recreation, fishing spots, various shopping options, and a range of restaurants in Story City.
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Dedicated New Ownership and Ongoing Improvements: The campground is under new ownership that is highly engaged and genuinely committed to improving the facilities. This dedication is evident in investments like the new septic system and continuous efforts to enhance the overall camping experience. Campers note a positive trajectory and optimism for future developments.
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Pet-Friendly Environment: While not explicitly detailed, most campgrounds of this nature welcome pets, allowing locals to bring their furry companions along for the adventure.
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Flexible Stay Options: Wild Oak Campground accommodates various stay durations, from short-term visits to extended stays. Reviews mention guests staying for months, indicating it's suitable for long-term RV living.
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Community and Engagement: The approachable staff and the visible efforts of the owners foster a sense of community and positive interaction among campers, creating a friendly and supportive environment.
While Wild Oak Campground does not explicitly list ongoing public promotions or discounts on widely available information, the nature of its new ownership and their commitment to customer satisfaction suggests that they may offer various incentives. Given the direct communication methods (like text-based reservations) and the personal touch from the owners, it is highly probable that campers can inquire about:
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Long-term Stay Rates: As evidenced by a three-month stay mentioned in a review, Wild Oak likely offers discounted rates for extended periods. This is a common practice in RV parks and campgrounds that cater to long-term residents or seasonal visitors.
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Returning Customer Incentives: With owners who are described as "really caring about improving this campground," it's plausible they might offer small gestures or discounts to repeat visitors as a thank you for their continued support and patience during ongoing improvements.
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Off-Peak Season Discounts: During less busy times of the year, campgrounds often offer reduced rates to encourage bookings. This could be a possibility at Wild Oak.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any potential promotions, special offers, or long-term pricing, it is strongly recommended that interested campers directly contact Wild Oak Campground. Given their "neat/new aged way of reserving spots via text" and highly "engaged/approachable staff," reaching out via phone or text is likely the best way to uncover any current deals or discuss your specific needs. They are committed to putting "profits back into the business," so they may be keen to attract and retain loyal customers through various means.
For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about Wild Oak Campground, you can reach out using the following contact details:
Address: 1011 Timberland Dr, Story City, IA 50248, USA
Phone: (515) 231-9430
Mobile Phone: +1 515-231-9430
The availability of both a standard phone number and a mobile number, along with the noted text-based reservation system, highlights their accessible communication approach. Don't hesitate to give them a call or send a text to plan your next camping adventure.
For Iowans seeking a convenient, comfortable, and truly evolving camping destination, Wild Oak Campground in Story City presents an excellent choice. Its prime location, offering both a peaceful, shaded environment and easy access to local amenities and major roadways, makes it incredibly appealing for those who want to maximize their relaxation time without extensive travel. Whether you're coming from Ames, Des Moines, or anywhere across central Iowa, the journey to Wild Oak is straightforward, leading you to a welcoming retreat.
The commitment of the new owners is perhaps the most compelling reason for locals to visit. Their visible efforts to improve the campground – from upgrading the septic system to providing unique services like on-site propane filling and affordable firewood – demonstrate a genuine passion for creating a top-tier experience. This dedication ensures that while some minor improvements are "work in progress," campers are part of a positive journey, witnessing the transformation of a good campground into a great one. The attentive, approachable staff further enhances this experience, ensuring that every camper feels valued and well-cared for.
Furthermore, the practical benefits are significant. Full hookup sites provide all the necessary comforts for RVers, and the extensive shade from the mature oak trees is a major draw, offering respite from the sun and a beautiful natural setting. The quiet atmosphere, despite the campground's accessibility, provides a genuine sense of escape and tranquility. For locals, Wild Oak Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a supportive community where you can unwind, enjoy the simple pleasures of camping, and feel good about supporting a local business that is actively investing in its future. It’s a place where your patience and understanding as a camper are met with genuine appreciation and a commitment to continuous improvement, promising an even better experience with each return visit.
Customer Reviews
Good: -Reserved spot via text: kind of a neat/new aged way of reserving spots. Not sure if an online reservation program is on the radar for the future but I didn’t mind the texts. -Pretty close to everything: grocery, golf, fishing, shopping, restaurants, etc. -Lots of shade! -New septic system/working towards improvements: understanding how running a business works, I saw how hard the new owners are working towards improving this campground and have already upgraded the septic system. -Quiet: I’m an old man at heart, so I can appreciate the quiet sometimes! :) -Full hookups: electric, water, dump station -Firewood $1/Log: usually campgrounds will require you to pay $5-$10 for a bundle. I liked being able to grab a log or two for $1 each. -They fill propane!: this is the first campground I’ve seen that does this. Pretty neat. -Very engaged/approachable staff -New owners seem to really care about improving this campground: As in any other new business ventures, it takes capital to invest capital. They seem to be putting profits back into the business. Kudos! Work in progress: -Roads through park are a little pitted- pretty big gravel and some pretty good sized ruts in the roads. Nothing too terrible, just more pitting and bigger gravel than I’m used to seeing in a campground. -Dump station too high (for our camper): I had to get a little creative on how to manage dumping our tanks. Our camper sits pretty high and usually dont have a problem with this. Might just need another layer of rock or something and it’ll be just fine. -Fire pits are a little small/can’t cook on them: some of our firewood couldn’t fit in the fire ring. Luckily we had some smaller logs to have a smaller fire. May take some time/investment to upgrade to bigger fire pits- they are still functional though! ***A little spendy for what the park has to offer compared to other campgrounds but I see the work being put into it so I really cannot say anything “negative” about this place. I always enjoy seeing people working towards their goal/passion so I am not going to point out every little flaw, rather acknowledge that this investment/vision is going to take time and will require some patience and understanding from campers in the meantime! Keep it up guys, I’m optimistic to see how far it gets by the next time we stay!***
Wild Oak Campground & RV Park is fantastic. Wonderful location very close to the interstate freeway. HUGE mature oak trees are beautiful and provide great shade. They were attentive to all of my needs and quickly responded to all of my correspondence. I was there for three (3) months and I would stay there again and again. I recommend Wild Oak to anyone who's living the RV life!
We have stayed at this campground under previous ownership, 3 years ago. New owners took over and tout new management as a perk of the campground. There are 2 restroom/shower houses but one has been out of order since we stayed there in 2021-2022. Men and women have to share the other bathroom which means most of the time, the door is locked. The one time we tried to use it, it was trashed. The playground equipment is old and questionably safe. Definitely has been upgraded since our last stay. There is no staff on site. All of these issues that have existed for years, but they were adding new campsite. So more people can camp and have no facilities to use? The owners are very elitist so if you are travelling with new camper or a fancy class A, you will be fine. Which is ironic considering the entire front of the campground facing the road is full of dilapidated campers that have obviously been there a long time. They were there when we stayed previously. Our former neighbor was also even still there. Photographs added were taken mid sunmer. They aren't particularly kid or family friendly. They do not like outdoor toys or kids making noise, especially if it disturbs the nightly campers with fancy rigs. This used to be one of our favorite campgrounds but we will be steering clear. If you have kids or travel with an older rig, I wouldn't recommend staying here at all.
We came in late, unsure if we would even make it due to the weather, and they answered their phone after hrs. They made a spot for us, greeted us way after hrs in the dark when we arrived, and guided us to our overnight spot. Awesome customer service, above and beyond! So grateful.
Quiet and respectful neighbors. Good internet. Consistent maintenance by owners. Price is higher than some but lower than others. However, so much space for kids to play or nature walk with so many mature trees. There is a small creek in the back 40. Easy pull through for big rigs. Less than a block away is a bow hunting nature area. Ready access to food, gas, highway. Golf course, park and carousel (yes, a real carousel) is about a mile down the road. I can't say how it is to camp in a tent. As for transient workers...(sorry Karen) I am one. Proud of my job, house, RV, husband and the bank account that a job provides. Most "transient" workers are professionals in a high demand trade and paid well and appropriately.
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