Union Grove State Park

Ignore «Daddy O’s» douchey review. He’s from Santa Cruz so I imagine his contempt started with lack of a Starbucks and a fault line ready to burst. God forbid this isn’t spectacular for his robust Cali senses. As for Iowans and the rest of us «normies,» we call this a park because that’s what it is. It has an awesome waterfall, as in daddy o’s opinion, «if that’s your thing.» Enjoy it for what it is. Natural beauty without smog, ahem. Also, I apologize for our uneven camping terrain. I’ve talked to God, we’ll work on it…

I stayed at Union Grove State Park twice over the course of my 4-​year stint in Iowa. It’s probably one of my least favorite state parks for many reasons.
First of all, the terrain is really boring. Well, Bradley, it’s Iowa, and boring is what Iowa does best! Not so, I decry! There are some spectacular state parks in Iowa that are anything but! Alas for poor Union Grove, you failed to inspire me, and perhaps you live up to the great plains stereotype.
Anyway, beyond the boring terrain, the campsites here were rocky, sloped, and generally uncomfortable. I don’t think the fees were too outlandish, but jeez, the fact that they even charge a fee here seems like too much to pay.
They do have some good fishing here, supposedly. If that’s your thing, yay?