Volga River State Recreation Area is a gem in the Volga River Valley of Northeast Iowa. It’s the perfect spot to retreat to nature, with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
This nature area features the best of Iowa, with excellent camping and a scenic lake for fishing and paddling. But that’s not all! Miles of beautiful hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails wind through the woods and prairie.
A Brief History of Volga River State Recreation Area
Northeast Iowa is often called “Little Switzerland” for its rugged terrain, vast meadows, and forested areas.
Native American tribes lived in the Volga River Valley and surrounding areas until European settlers came in the 1830s and 40s. Not long after, nearly all the Sac and Fox, and Winnebago peoples were compelled to leave the area to live on reservations.1
The idea for a park on the Volga River began in the 1960s. After many years of political and conservation delays, the construction of Frog Hollow Lake began in 1978. The lake was complete in 1980, and by that time, other park developments, like trails and campgrounds, were underway.1
Things To Do at Volga River State Recreation Area
Camping
Volga River is a beautiful and fun-filled place to go camping! And you’re sure to find the right camping spot for you at one of the two campgrounds. From primitive tent camping sites to full hookup and equestrian camping, there’s something for everyone at the Volga River State Recreation Area campgrounds. For details, see the campground section below.
Fishing
Fish by boat or shore at Frog Hollow Lake. Or cast a line in the Volga River on the recreation area’s south side.
Frog Hollow Lake is a super popular fishing area! It has a boat ramp, shore access, a floating fishing pier, and a nice paved sidewalk along the lake shores. According to the Iowa DNR, anglers catch Bluegill, Crappie, Catfish, Sunfish, and Largemouth Bass, to name a few.
The Volga River winds through the park’s southern half, with accessible shore fishing. Popular fish species include Smallmouth Bass, Golden Redhorse, and Rock Bass.
Go boating at Frog Hollow Lake.
Frog Hollow Lake (also called Volga Lake) is a 138-acre artificial lake on the recreation area’s north side that’s popular for boating. Whether you have a sailboat, kayak, canoe, or motor boat, it’s an excellent lake for paddling, cruising, and fishing! Any size boat is allowed at no-wake speeds. Find the boat ramp near the parking area.
Hit the trails: Hiking, biking, & horseback riding
There are several ways to explore over 22 miles of multi-use trails! Whether you hike, mountain bike, or go horseback riding, you’ll experience the varied landscape, water crossings, and beauty of the area.
The soft surfaced trails are grass, dirt, gravel, or sand, and several trailheads are just off the main park road.
Picnicking
Volga River is a fantastic place for a picnic! Frog Hollow Lake has excellent picnic spots and an open-air picnic shelter. And find another picnic area near the Albany Equestrian Campground on the park’s south side. A few other picnic tables are scattered throughout the park too.
Hunting
The recreation area is a 5700-acre public hunting area too. With diverse habitats and water sources, it draws lots of wildlife, offering many hunting opportunities. Hunt for small game, deer, waterfowl, and turkey during open hunting seasons.
Seasons and species are restricted by Iowa hunting regulations for public hunting areas. Find hunting regulations and license information at the Iowa DNR website.
Paddle the Volga River
Kayak or canoe the Volga River for a beautiful, winding float through woodlands and rock formations. Find several river access points in the recreation area.
It’s important to mention that the Volga River can get quite low, so check river levels before you head out. See the Iowa DNR interactive paddling map to plan your trip.
Winter Activities at Volga River State Recreation Area
Don’t let winter weather stop you from enjoying the outdoors! Head to the recreation area to experience the trails or go fishing in the winter.
Cross-country skiing
The Upper Lima trail (~2 miles) is often groomed for cross-country skiing when there’s enough snow on the ground.
Snowmobiling
There are several miles of trails open to snowmobiles in the winter. Every path except the Lower Lima and Upper Lima Trails allows snowmobiles.
Ice fishing
When the temps drop, and the ice gets thick, head to Frog Hollow Lake to do some ice fishing!
Recreation Area Map
Campgrounds at Volga River State Recreation Area
There are two campgrounds at Volga River State Recreation Area: Lakeview Campground and Albany Equestrian Campground. Both offer excellent camping in their own respects. Read on for details.
Lakeview Campground
Lakeview is a fantastic, modern campground with great amenities!
- Located on the recreation area’s north side.
- Most campsites have full hookups(!), but a handful have electric or electric & water.
- Pull through and back in sites; some paved
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station on-site
- Playground
- Youth group campsite
- Make reservations at ReserveAmerica.com
- See the campground map here
Albany Equestrian Campground
This excellent equestrian campground has easy access to nearby trails!
- Located on the recreation area’s south side.
- 34 electric equestrian sites; 10 non-electric, non-equestrian tent sites
- Mostly back in spots, a few pull through
- Water hydrants
- Vault toilets
- Manure bunker
- Make reservations at ReserveAmerica.com
- See the campground map here
Things To Do Nearby
Northeast Iowa is a playground for nature lovers! Not only is it beautiful and unique, but there are so many outdoor activities—fishing, camping, hiking, biking, and water trails. Below are a few of the many places to consider seeing while you’re there!
Just east of Volga River State Recreation Area are a couple of great local businesses worth stopping at! Heaven Boutique Winery is on 175th St, on the east edge of Volga River. And at the corner of Hwy 150 & 175th St, find Down’s Produce, a fantastic family-owned roadside stand. Both are open seasonally.
Echo Valley State Park is a 100-acre nature area just north of the recreation area. This former state park, now operated by Fayette County, has historic CCC-built structures, a trail, a primitive campground, and trout fishing streams.
Decorah, Iowa, is a great town to spend a day or two (or three or four). Tour the Fish Hatchery and museums and explore several scenic nature areas and trails. Decorah is just 35 miles north of Volga River.
Spook Cave is a fun stop about 40 miles to the northeast. Take a one-of-a-kind cave tour in a boat! Plus, there’s a campground with a waterfall on site.
Effigy Mounds National Monument is an hour to the northeast. Go check out the visitor center, trails, and ranger programs. Also, learn the history of local Native American tribes and see animal-shaped burial mounds!
Pike’s Peak State Park is nearly an hour’s drive northeast of the recreation area but well worth the drive! It’s situated on a 500-foot-tall bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Take in the panoramic views and hike to a waterfall!
Yellow River State Forest is the place in Northeast Iowa to get away from it all! Yellow River is about an hour northeast of Volga River. Find 40+(!) miles of multi-use trails, primitive campsites, trout fishing, kayaking, and more!
Iowa’s oldest state park, Backbone State Park, is about 45 minutes southeast of the Volga River. It features what was once called The Devil’s Backbone, the highest point in northeast Iowa. And there are so many things to do – hike, fish, climb, paddle, camp, or rent a cabin!
Cedar Rock State Park is about 50 minutes south of the recreation area. Visitors can see a Frank Lloyd Wright design, a Mid-Century-style home on a ridge overlooking the Wapsipinicon River. A visitor center is on-site too!
Visit Volga River State Recreation Area Today!
Volga River State Recreation Area is at 10225 Ivy Rd, Fayette, IA 52142.
1. The Natural History of Volga River State Recreation Area and Echo Valley State Park, Fayette County, Iowa. Edited by Raymond R. Anderson and Richard J. Langel Iowa. Geological Survey. http://publications.iowa.gov/25724/1/GSI-074.pdf
