Menlo City Campground

Hello, fellow Iowans! If you're on the hunt for a convenient, clean, and remarkably peaceful spot for your RV or a quick overnight stop, then Menlo City Campground is a place you absolutely need to know about. Tucked away in the charming small farm town of Menlo, this city-run campground offers a no-frills yet highly effective solution for travelers and locals seeking a quiet place to rest and recharge. While it might be small in size, its utility and welcoming atmosphere make it a standout for those who appreciate simplicity and value.

Menlo City Campground isn't about sprawling amenities or bustling crowds. Instead, it provides precisely what's needed for a comfortable stay: level sites with essential hookups, nestled next to a pleasant city park. As one reviewer noted, it’s "super quiet and peaceful," making it a perfect antidote to the noisy highways. Despite its proximity to a train track (a unique characteristic of many Iowa towns!), its overall cleanliness and quietude receive high praise. For Iowans, whether you’re passing through on I-80 or looking for a close-to-home escape, Menlo City Campground offers an excellent, affordable, and easy-to-access option. Let's delve into what makes this small-town gem such a valuable resource for our camping community.

Location and Accessibility

Menlo City Campground is conveniently located on an Unnamed Road in Menlo, IA 50164, USA. More specifically, it is situated at 417 Sherman St, right in the middle of the small farm town of Menlo. Its proximity to Interstate 80 is a significant advantage, making it an ideal "overnight" stop for travelers. Reviewers note it's "about 5 miles off I80 down a country road" or "just about five minutes off of the interstate," indicating excellent accessibility.

The campground's location within the city park provides an added layer of convenience and a pleasant setting. While some reviewers mention passing through a "small overpass 14' that is quite tight," they also note that there's rarely much traffic, making it manageable. The campground features 8 sites, with "6 leveled gravel pads" that are well-maintained. For RV campers, it's important to note that while some spots can accommodate "big rigs" (like a 39' fifth wheel on lot six), "three of the spots would not accommodate big rigs," so choosing your spot carefully, especially on a first-come, first-served basis, is advisable. The straightforward access from the highway and its position within the town make Menlo City Campground a remarkably accessible and stress-free stop for all types of campers.

Services Offered

Menlo City Campground provides essential services for a comfortable stay, focusing on the core needs of RV and tent campers looking for convenience and value.

• RV Sites with Hookups: The park offers 8 sites, with at least 6 featuring leveled gravel pads. These sites come with electric and water hookups. Some reviews indicate that some sites may even offer full hookups (water, electric, and sewer), with one site (Site #5) noted to be $18/night but without sewer hook-up, implying other sites may have it for the standard $25/night. Electric service includes both 30 and 50 amp options.
• Water Hookups: Potable water hookups are available at the sites, providing a convenient water source directly at your spot.
• Electric Hookups: Each site is equipped with electric hookups, supporting your RV's power needs.
• Satellite Bathroom: The campground has "one satellite bathroom," providing a basic restroom facility. It's noted that there are "no showers."
• Self-Pay System: The campground operates on a self-pay system, making check-in simple and flexible for arrivals at any time. The fee is $25.00 per night for most sites, and $18 for site #5.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, offering a designated space for outdoor dining.
• Trash Disposal: While not explicitly detailed, it's implied that trash receptacles are available for waste disposal, as mentioned by one camper.
• First-Come, First-Served: The park operates on a strict "FIRST COME ONLY, no reservations" policy, with check-out by 12 noon.

Campers should be prepared for a rustic experience in terms of amenities, particularly the lack of showers, and plan accordingly for their needs.

Features / Highlights

Menlo City Campground, despite its small size, offers several notable features and highlights that contribute to its appeal, particularly for those seeking a tranquil and convenient stop in rural Iowa.

• Clean and Quiet Environment: Consistently praised in reviews, the campground is described as "very clean and quiet" (aside from the occasional train). This peaceful atmosphere is a major draw for campers looking to unwind.
• Proximity to City Park: Being "next to a park" means immediate access to additional recreational opportunities. The city park includes a "new playground," a "basketball court," and a "pavilion with picnic tables," which are excellent amenities for families.
• Easy Access to Interstate 80: For travelers, its location just a few miles off I-80 is incredibly convenient, making it a perfect overnight stopping point without significant detours.
• Small Town Charm: Situated in the "middle of the small farm town of Menlo," campers get to experience the authentic, unhurried pace of rural Iowa life.
• Nearby Library with Public Wi-Fi: The City library is "right across from the park with public WiFi available," providing a valuable resource for internet access if needed, enhancing connectivity for campers.
• Access to Local Trails: The campground is near the Raccoon River Valley Trail and Historic U.S. Route 6, offering opportunities for biking, walking, and exploring Iowa's scenic byways. The White Pole Road is also a nearby scenic route.
• Affordable Rate: At $25 per night (or $18 for site #5), it's considered "well worth driving the couple of miles of the Interstate" for the value it provides.
• Self-Pay Convenience: The self-pay system offers flexibility and ease of use for campers arriving at any time.

The key highlights here are its strategic location for travelers, its clean and quiet atmosphere, and the practical amenities it offers within a charming small-town setting.

Contact Information

For direct inquiries about Menlo City Campground, including questions about site availability (remember it's first-come, first-served), specific amenities, or any local information, you can contact the City of Menlo.

Address: Unnamed Road, Menlo, IA 50164, USA (Actual physical location often cited as 417 Sherman St, Menlo, IA)

Phone: (641) 524-2411

Mobile Phone: +1 641-524-2411

Email: menloia@netins.net

Given the first-come, first-served policy, direct contact is primarily for general information rather than reservations. However, calling ahead can help you inquire about the likelihood of finding a spot, especially if you have a "big rig" and need a specific type of site. You can also typically find information on the City of Menlo's official website, which may provide more details about the city park and its camping facilities.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For us Iowans, Menlo City Campground is a highly suitable and practical option for a variety of local camping needs, particularly for those seeking convenience, affordability, and a tranquil atmosphere. Its prime location just off I-80 means it's incredibly accessible from nearly anywhere in the state, making it perfect for an easy overnight stop during a longer journey or a quick weekend escape without extensive travel time. This accessibility is a huge benefit for busy Iowans looking to maximize their leisure time.

The campground’s inherent "small farm town" charm offers an authentic Iowa experience. We can appreciate the peace and quiet away from major city noise, yet have the convenience of basic amenities like electric and water hookups. While it doesn't offer showers, this aligns with a more self-sufficient, rustic camping style that many Iowans appreciate for short stays. The adjacent city park with its playground provides a great bonus for families, and the nearby library with Wi-Fi is a thoughtful touch for staying connected if needed. The self-pay system simplifies the arrival process, and the affordable $25 nightly rate (or $18 for Site #5) makes it an excellent value. For a no-fuss, clean, and friendly place to park your RV or pitch a tent, offering a taste of genuine Iowa tranquility, Menlo City Campground is a perfect local choice.

Menlo City Campground

Unnamed Road, Menlo, IA 50164, USA