Menlo City Campground Introduce
Looking for "camping near me" that offers a convenient and quiet overnight stop, particularly for RV travelers in Iowa? Menlo City Campground, located on an Unnamed Road in Menlo, IA 50164, presents a small, self-pay option for local users and those passing through the area. You can reach them at (641) 524-2411 or +1 641-524-2411 for any inquiries, although reservations are not accepted. Based on the available customer reviews, Menlo City Campground offers basic amenities and a peaceful environment, with a few factors to consider.
The environment of Menlo City Campground is described as being "in the middle of the small farm town of Menlo." This suggests a rural setting, likely offering a quiet and peaceful atmosphere away from the bustle of larger towns or cities. The campground is also located next to a park, providing potential access to green spaces and possibly recreational facilities like a playground. One reviewer noted that the campground was "very clean and quiet," further emphasizing the tranquil setting. However, a significant environmental factor to be aware of is the campground's proximity to train tracks. One reviewer mentioned being "almost on the tracks" and reported a train coming through at 6:45 am, which could be a noise disturbance for some campers. Despite this, another reviewer described their night as "super quiet and peaceful," suggesting that the train noise might be infrequent or not bothersome to all.
Menlo City Campground is primarily geared towards RVs, featuring "6 leveled gravel pads" according to one review, and "an 8 lot RV Park" according to another. These pads offer a stable and level surface for parking RVs. The campground provides essential hookups, including "electric and water" at all six pads mentioned by one reviewer, and "full hook-ups" (presumably including sewer in addition to electric and water) at all eight lots according to another. The availability of full hookups for a reasonable price makes this campground appealing for RV travelers seeking convenient amenities. However, it's important to note that not all spots may accommodate very large RVs. One reviewer with a 39' fifth wheel parked on lot six, but cautioned that "three of the spots would not accommodate big rigs," so those with larger RVs should be mindful of site availability and size limitations.
In terms of other services and amenities, Menlo City Campground is quite basic. One significant limitation is the absence of showers, with only "one satellite bathroom" available. The term "satellite bathroom" likely refers to a portable toilet or a very basic, small restroom facility. This lack of showers could be a major drawback for longer stays but might be acceptable for a quick overnight stop. The presence of a playground and picnic tables is mentioned in one review, indicating some basic recreational facilities are available, particularly beneficial for families with children. The campground operates on a "FIRST COME ONLY" basis, meaning that reservations are not accepted, and sites are allocated upon arrival. Check-out time is at 12 noon.
Menlo City Campground operates on a "self pay" system, with a nightly fee of "$25.00" according to both reviews. This straightforward payment method likely involves depositing cash into a designated box or following posted instructions for payment. The reviewers generally found this price to be reasonable, with one stating it was "well worth driving the couple of miles of the Interstate" for an overnight stay. This suggests that the campground offers good value for its basic amenities, especially for those needing a convenient and affordable stopover.
A crucial piece of advice from one reviewer is to "make sure you have everything you need, there is nothing around for miles." This highlights the rural location of Menlo City Campground and the limited availability of nearby services or supplies. Campers should ensure they are well-stocked with food, water, and any other necessities before arriving, as there may not be convenient stores or other amenities in close proximity. This is particularly important for those planning longer stays.
There is no promotional information provided in the reviews. Local users or those traveling through the area should be aware that Menlo City Campground is primarily an unreserved, self-pay RV park offering basic hookups and limited facilities like a single satellite bathroom and no showers. Its key advantages are its quiet environment (aside from potential train noise), cleanliness, level gravel pads, and proximity to a park, all for a reasonable overnight fee. It is best suited for short stays, especially for RVers who are self-sufficient or only need basic hookups. Those requiring more comprehensive amenities like showers or expecting a more developed campground experience may need to look elsewhere. The limited number of sites (6 or 8) also means that availability could be an issue, especially during peak travel times, despite the first-come-first-served policy.
In summary, Menlo City Campground in Menlo, IA, offers a small, clean, and quiet RV park with full hookups at a reasonable self-pay rate. Its location in a small farm town next to a park provides a peaceful setting, although proximity to train tracks may result in some noise. The campground features level gravel pads, accommodating some larger RVs but not all. The limited amenities, including only a satellite bathroom and no showers, make it best suited for short overnight stays for RVers who are prepared with their own supplies. The first-come-first-served policy means no reservations are taken. Local users and travelers seeking a basic, affordable, and quiet RV stop in this part of Iowa may find Menlo City Campground a suitable option, provided they are aware of its limitations and the rural nature of the surrounding area.
Menlo City Campground Photos









Menlo City Campground Location
Menlo City Campground
Unnamed Road, Menlo, IA 50164, USA
Menlo City CampgroundUnnamed Road
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Menlo City Campground Reviews
The park has 6 leveled gravel pads, electric and water. We parked a 39' fifth wheel on lot six. Three of the spots would not accommodate big rigs. No showers and one satellite bathroom. It's next to a park. Very clean and quiet except for the train. You are almost on the tracks and it came through at 6:45 am. It's self pay. $25.00. Great for an overnight.
Jun 21, 2023 · Diane CrawfordAn 8 lot RV Park, in the middle of the small farm town of Menlo, with full hook-ups, a playground, picnic tables. This park is FIRST COME ONLY, no reservations and check-out is at 12 noon.For $25 per night it was well worth driving the couple of miles of the Interstate.Super quiet and peaceful night.One thing though, make sure you have everything you need, there is nothing around for miles.
May 14, 2023 · Jarred HendricksThis was a great surprise. Small cute RV park with full hookups. Right by the railroad tracks with a railroad run around midnight & 6am. Definitely worth the quick overnight stay and only $25 a night.
Oct 17, 2023 · Dawn Kinert CastroThis is a wonderful little park in small town Menlo. It's about 5 miles off I80 down a country road. You will pass through a small overpass 14' that is quite tight, but there's rarely anyone else on the road. Turn into the gravel road off Sherman Road at the railroad tracks. Sites are plenty spacious, we fit our 30ft trailor truck together & wouldn't have to unhook if needed. The playground is clean & would be great for kids. There's a brand new basketball court here too. Freight trains come through twice a night 3am & 5am and they are VERY loud - they also blow the horns the whole time - they pass within a few minutes but be aware, it can be quite startling, even after reading other reviews and knowing about it. Great overnight spot - VERY quiet. Porta potties are disgusting, avoid those. We camped at Menlo City Campground in a Travel Trailer.
Sep 08, 2024 · Joy WalkerNice, easy, inexpensive. Not a lot of sites and available on 1st come 1st serve basis. We stopped on a holiday weekend and there were several site available (surprise, surprise). It appears as if WIFI might be accessible from the library next door, but I couldn't get it work (holiday weekend). There's not a lot happening in Menlo, but the several people I ran into walking the dog and otherwise were super friendly. There was a train in the morning. For me, it was cool because I like trains. Me and the dog drank coffee and watched the train.
Jun 23, 2020 · JalexJ
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