Blackhawk County Park
De Soto, Iowa
Campground in Iowa.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
Campground in Iowa.
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Mason City is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Iowa weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Mason City.
Don't miss local attractions near Mason City. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Mar 23, 2026
This is a great place for trails, exploring, taking family and seeing wildlife. There are several miles of trails of all different types (grasslands, prairie, woods, rocky, flat and hilly). There is even a trail by the visitors center that is partially paved for handicap accessibility. My favorite trail is probably the Quarry Lake Loop as you get to see the lake and have both rocky and woodsy part... This is a great place for trails, exploring, taking family and seeing wildlife. There are several miles of trails of all different types (grasslands, prairie, woods, rocky, flat and hilly). There is even a trail by the visitors center that is partially paved for handicap accessibility. My favorite trail is probably the Quarry Lake Loop as you get to see the lake and have both rocky and woodsy parts of the trail. There is a small play area and lookout to the north at the entry to the prairie trails, great for kids and picnics. The visitors center is very cool for kids with a lot of educational activities and animal info, as well as space to sit and relax. There are bathrooms as well. There are picnic tables outside and a gathering area behind the center with a lot of bird feeders to watch. Dogs are allowed on leashes so I usually take my dog along. Great place to visit to be outdoors!
Mar 23, 2026
Hey, don't forget to check out this awesome place! I recently visited and it was absolutely fantastic. The location was spotlessly clean and they even had really nice restrooms. The space was filled with an impressive collection of fossils and a variety of taxidermy on display. Despite not being very large, it was packed with so much interesting information to take in. Plus, the seating area offer... Hey, don't forget to check out this awesome place! I recently visited and it was absolutely fantastic. The location was spotlessly clean and they even had really nice restrooms. The space was filled with an impressive collection of fossils and a variety of taxidermy on display. Despite not being very large, it was packed with so much interesting information to take in. Plus, the seating area offers a great view of a bird feeding spot where you can just sit, relax, and observe the diverse species of birds that visit. It's definitely worth a visit!
Mar 23, 2026
Beautiful nature trails. Amazing views and many great habitats for wildlife. Great place to see the geological formations of Iowa!!
Mar 23, 2026
The nature center was a great place to come with kids aged two to eight, with lots of child-friendly exhibits that kept them engaged! They especially loved the eagle nest outdoors and being able to touch the fox pelt. There are also miles of well-maintained trails here for hiking through beautiful natural areas.
Mar 23, 2026
I went to visit my girl and had no where in particular to go. She learned about this place so we decided to come for a minute. We ended spending a couple hrs there. Had a good hike, beautiful sunny day, and learned a few things about over 100 types of eggs. Great visit!! Thanks to everybody involved for the wonderful experience
Mar 18, 2026
The campground is kept clean and well maintained. The staff is very helpful. They also have discounted passes for the city pool next door, and a trail that takes you over a walking bridge to East Park.
Mar 18, 2026
Clean, convenient, great location. Full hook ups are on concrete. Gravel areas are water and electric. There are tent areas as well. The office doubles as a little store. They have coin laundry, restrooms and showers in the storm shelter area. Very well maintained. I felt very safe there, everyone was so friendly and helpful! It has a playground and is next to a water park. Sits along the Winnebag... Clean, convenient, great location. Full hook ups are on concrete. Gravel areas are water and electric. There are tent areas as well. The office doubles as a little store. They have coin laundry, restrooms and showers in the storm shelter area. Very well maintained. I felt very safe there, everyone was so friendly and helpful! It has a playground and is next to a water park. Sits along the Winnebago River. Highly recommend.
Mar 18, 2026
This City Park is Fantastic even for Big Rigs! Concrete or gravel sites with Full Hook Ups. Our Pull Thru FHU site was $29/night + tax. Site B5. Large trees/shaded or sunny spot sites to choose from. Sites spaced nicely apart with plenty of grass. Easy On Line Booking. Pick your site! There is a big City Aquatic Center right next door with 3 pools, the river is close by with walking trails.... This City Park is Fantastic even for Big Rigs! Concrete or gravel sites with Full Hook Ups. Our Pull Thru FHU site was $29/night + tax. Site B5. Large trees/shaded or sunny spot sites to choose from. Sites spaced nicely apart with plenty of grass. Easy On Line Booking. Pick your site! There is a big City Aquatic Center right next door with 3 pools, the river is close by with walking trails. Playground for the little ones. Downtown was a short 1 1/2 mile walk away. Large bath house which is also the parks’ storm shelter so felt very safe when weather passed thru. Quiet and very comfortable. Dog Friendly. Will stay again. East Park is a beautifully laid out City park with walking trails throughout right next to the Campground. There is a trail head in the Campground to access the Park right from there. Thank You Mason City for a wonderful Campground and City Park!
Mar 18, 2026
Great group camp area! But neighboring water park is noisy is you want quiet! Friendly host. Interesting people coming in and out… bathrooms weren’t very clean. The women’s shower smelled of urine and my son found “long balloons” in the men’s… but it’s a campground so I don’t expect much better! For the price, totally worth it!
Mar 18, 2026
Great group camp area! But neighboring water park is noisy is you want quiet! Friendly host. Interesting people coming in and out… bathrooms weren’t very clean. The women’s shower smelled of urine and my son found “long balloons” in the men’s… but it’s a campground so I don’t expect much better! For the price, totally worth it!
Mar 18, 2026
Clean and Beautiful campground, a little off the beaten path but right next to a Water Park and if you purchase your water park tickets from the Campgrounds office they are a dollar per person! I did faintly here a train in the the morning but it was time to get up anyway and we were in a tent. There is a nice playground located next to the office.
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Many travelers pair public park visits with nearby private campgrounds for extra amenities like full hookups, WiFi, pools, and laundry.
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