Ashton-Wildwood Campground

For Iowans seeking a truly immersive and peaceful outdoor experience, Ashton-Wildwood Campground near Mingo, IA, presents a remarkable opportunity. Tucked within the expansive Ashton-Wildwood Park, this campground offers a back-to-basics approach to camping that prioritizes natural beauty and tranquility. It's a place where the grandeur of ancient oak trees, the rustle of leaves, and the vastness of the night sky take center stage, providing a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Ashton-Wildwood Campground is particularly celebrated for its primitive sites, which offer a sense of seclusion and connection with nature that can be hard to find. Whether you're an experienced tent camper, a nature photographer, or simply looking for a quiet overnight stop, this campground promises a clean, well-maintained environment with essential amenities. This article will delve into its unique location, the services it provides, its standout features – including a fascinating on-site observatory – and why it’s an ideal choice for locals looking to unplug and appreciate the serene side of Iowa's outdoors.

Ashton-Wildwood Campground is nestled within Ashton-Wildwood Park at 8717 W 122nd St N, Mingo, IA 50168, USA. This address places it in Jasper County, just a short drive from the small town of Mingo. The park itself encompasses 113 acres of pristine upland oak-hickory woods, creating a naturally rich and picturesque setting for camping.

The accessibility of the campground is a key advantage for Iowans. While it feels wonderfully secluded, it is not far from major routes, allowing for relatively easy travel from various parts of the state. It offers a convenient destination for a weekend getaway without requiring an extensive drive. The campground area is about a half-mile from the main day-use section of the park. Roads leading to the camping area, though sometimes needing fresh gravel, are generally well-maintained with a packed gravel base, making them manageable for most vehicles, including smaller RVs (though larger rigs might find some turns a bit tight). This balance of convenient access and a truly wild feel makes Ashton-Wildwood Campground an attractive option for Iowans seeking a genuine escape into nature.

• Spacious Primitive Campsites: The campground offers a number of large, well-spaced primitive campsites suitable for tents and smaller RVs/campers. These sites are typically grassy and often benefit from excellent tree cover provided by mature oak trees.

• Fire Pits and Picnic Benches: Each site is equipped with a fire pit for campfires and a picnic bench, providing essential amenities for cooking, dining, and gathering outdoors. Fires may only be built in provided grills and fire rings.

• Vault Toilets/Pit Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are available, typically in the form of vault latrines or pit toilets. Reviews note that these facilities are maintained with essentials like toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

• Drinking Water: While individual site water hookups are not available, potable water can be accessed from a hand-operated pump located near the park entrance. Campers should be prepared to transport water to their sites.

• Online Reservation System (QR Codes): The campground utilizes a system with QR codes at each site for reservations, allowing campers to reserve a site for desired dates. However, some reviews indicate that securing a preferred site or specific dates can sometimes be challenging due to high demand or the reservation process. Reservations are recommended, and fees are typically around $7/unit/night.

• On-Site Astronomical Observatory: A unique service, the park is home to the Ashton Observatory, operated by the Des Moines Astronomical Society. It hosts free public programs on most Saturday evenings from April through October, offering lectures and telescope viewings of celestial objects.

• Playground Area: A small playground is available in the camping area, providing a recreational space for children.

• Exceptional Tree Cover and Natural Setting: A standout feature is the dense, old-growth tree cover provided by centuries-old oak-hickory woods. This offers ample shade, a sense of immersion in nature, and contributes to the overall peaceful ambiance.

• Stargazing at Ashton Observatory: This is a truly unique highlight for any campground. The on-site Ashton Observatory, located within the park, offers free public stargazing events and educational programs. The park's dark sky viewing area makes it an ideal spot for observing the night sky, a rare treat away from city lights.

• Secluded and Spacious Sites: The campsites are noted for being "big" and "very spaced apart," offering a sense of privacy and seclusion that is highly valued by primitive campers. This layout contributes to the quiet atmosphere.

• Abundant Wildlife: The natural setting means opportunities for wildlife observation. Campers can expect to see various birds and potentially a "mega deer population," enhancing the outdoor experience.

• Hiking Trails: The park features scenic walking trails that meander down forested slopes, showcasing a wide variety of spring wildflowers. A self-guided ½ mile interpretive trail with a brochure at the trailhead provides an educational element to your hike.

• Affordable Camping: With a camping fee of approximately $7 per night (for primitive sites), Ashton-Wildwood Campground offers an extremely budget-friendly option for an authentic outdoor getaway.

• Year-Round Availability: Weather permitting, Ashton-Wildwood Park and its campground are open year-round, allowing for seasonal camping experiences, from spring wildflowers to autumn foliage and even winter solitude.

Address: 8717 W 122nd St N, Mingo, IA 50168, USA

For information regarding the Ashton Observatory public programs or group visits, you can call the Des Moines Astronomical Society or Jasper County Conservation. (General park inquiries typically go through Jasper County Conservation Board.)

For Iowa residents, Ashton-Wildwood Campground offers a distinctive and valuable outdoor retreat right in their own backyard. It perfectly caters to those who yearn for a traditional camping experience, one where the focus is on natural beauty, peace, and the simple joys of being outdoors. The large, tree-covered primitive sites provide a much-needed sense of seclusion and quiet, allowing locals to truly disconnect from their daily routines and immerse themselves in a serene environment.

The accessibility of this campground, being within a reasonable drive for many across central Iowa, makes it an ideal spot for spontaneous weekend trips or longer, planned getaways. What truly sets Ashton-Wildwood apart, however, is the unique combination of its beautiful natural landscape – complete with rolling hills and ancient woodlands – and the exceptional opportunity for stargazing at the on-site Ashton Observatory. This provides an enriching educational and recreational experience that is rare for a public campground.

Furthermore, the affordability of the campsites and the dedication to maintaining clean, basic facilities ensure that a quality outdoor experience is accessible to everyone. Whether you're an avid tent camper, a nature enthusiast, or a family looking for a unique educational outing, Ashton-Wildwood Campground invites Iowans to rediscover the tranquility and wonder that our state's natural parks have to offer. It's a true hidden gem for genuine, unadulterated outdoor enjoyment.

Ashton-Wildwood Campground

8717 W 122nd St N, Mingo, IA 50168, USA