Hickory Hills Park - La Porte City

The gravel crunch of tires on Hickory Hills Road signals arrival at a stretch of Iowa where sprawling fields give way to tall oaks and whispering pines. Early morning light filters through the trees, spotlighting patches of dew on well-kept grass. As you step from your rig, the low bellow of a bison drifts across the air, mingling with the distant calls of elk. This calm, green expanse feels like a sanctuary, especially when the usual summer crowds retreat and the park’s quiet hum takes over.

Once inside, trails wind through groves where elk and bison roam behind sturdy fences, their presence a constant reminder of the land’s wild roots. The park’s restructured lake, currently a work in progress, invites hikers to circle its banks and watch waterfowl dip and dive. Children’s laughter bubbles up from the playground nestled near the campground’s heart, while anglers anticipate the day the lake refills for fishing. La Porte City lies just a few miles east on Highway 218, offering a handy stop for supplies or a quick meal before retreating to the woods.

Hickory Hills Park’s campsites are spread thoughtfully across gentle hills and shaded knolls, designed to give each group a sense of privacy without sacrificing the community’s friendly vibe. Cabins stand ready for those seeking a blend of comfort and nature, while RV spots offer level pads and easy access, though hookups are modest. The bathrooms shine with cleanliness, a detail many campers note, and the camp host’s warm welcome feels like an old friend stopping by. Though the lake’s current state limits water activities, the park’s other features more than compensate for the absence of swimming.

Even as the sun dips low, the sounds here—rustling leaves, distant animal calls, the occasional bark of a dog—linger softly. Campers return time and again not just for the elk or the playground, but for the feeling of stillness and space that settles deep into the bones. Hickory Hills Park holds a quiet promise: a place to breathe, reflect, and watch nature’s slow dance unfold at its own pace.