ROAD OPEN:: The road at Ambrose A Call is open for the season. (Posted 4/11/2025)
Campground Operations: This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 15 - November 15 until 10:00pm CST the day of arrival.
Campground Closed: The campground is closed each year from November 16 - April 14.
Book a Campsite at Ambrose A. Call State Park, IA
Overview
Description
Ambrose A. Call State Park is a 138 acre "oasis" of rugged hills heavily wooded with virgin timber in an area of gently rolling farmland. This park is managed by Pilot Knob State Park and is located near the east fork of the Des Moines River. Ambrose Call and his brother, Asa, were early settlers in the area who carved their name, the first in Kossuth County, on a walnut tree at the present site of the park. The brothers spent their first night in Kossuth County on July 9, 1854. The next day, while Asa went for his wife and supplies, Ambrose and a traveling companion, William Smith, began work on a cabin in what is now the state park.
Recreation:
Trails
The rugged and heavily wooded park offers two miles of trails that wind through the forest, down a ravine, and along a picturesque winding creek. Many species of shrubs, flowers and trees can be found at A.A. Call. A cross-country ski trail is available in the winter which is also popular for snowshoeing and hiking.
The 18-hole Frisbee golf course is challenging and heavily used by avid players.
Winter Activities
Ambrose A. Call closes to vehicles each season a few days before forecasted snow and reopens in the following spring. During the winter months it is recommended to call the Park Manager at Pilot Knob State Park at (641) 581-4853 to check on the status of the park.
Facilities:
Day-Use Lodge
A log-cabin style lodge built in 1928 provides an excellent setting for such group activities as wedding receptions, family reunions, and community get-togethers. It is highly recommended that you contact the Park Manager at Pilot Knob State Park, (641) 581-4835, if you are unfamiliar with the facility and would like more information about the lodge.
Camping
Ambrose A. Call State Park offers a variety of campsites, including electric hookups. A vault restroom is located in the campground. Camping permits are obtained by self-registration Reservations are not taken for camping at this park. Camping is 100% same day reservable, all registrations must be made online or through the call center.
Nearby Attractions:
Nearby Towns The park is located in Kossuth County, approximately 1.5 miles southwest of Algona.
Booking Window
Day-use Lodge
Sun Apr 27 2025 - Mon Apr 20 2026Reservations must be made 7 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Electric
Sun Apr 20 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Non-Electric
Sun Apr 20 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Booking Rules
The lodge can be reserved 12 months in advance. The last day to make a reservation is 4 days prior to the arrival date.Season Dates
Ambrose A. Call Lodge:
Reservable: May 1 - September 30
Ambrose A. Call Campground:
Closed: January 1 - April 14
Off Peak: April 15 - April 30
Peak: May 1 - October 15
Off Peak: October 16 - November 15
Closed: November 16 - December 31
Season Schedule
Park Season
Start
End
Off Peak
Tue Apr 15 2025
Wed Apr 30 2025
Peak
Thu May 01 2025
Wed Oct 15 2025
Off Peak
Thu Oct 16 2025
Sat Nov 15 2025
Services and Amenities
Within Park
- Day-use Lodge
- Dumpster
- Hiking Trail
- Historic Sites
- Jogging/Running
- Parking
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Registration Building
- Restrooms
- Walking
- Water Access, Reservoir
- Wildflower Viewing
- Wildlife Viewing
Less Than 1 Mile
- Swimming - Pool
- Tennis
Greater Than 1 Mile
- ATM/Cash Machine
- Church
- Dining
- Fuel, Vehicles
- Golf
- Grocery Store
- Hospital
- Hunting
- Medical Clinic
- Motel
- Museum
- Retail, Drinks
- Retail, Ice
- Retail, Snacks
- Shopping
- Town
Fees and Cancellation Policies
Facility Rates*
Park Season
Site Type
Nightly/Daily Rates
Off Peak Season
Apr 15 2025 -
Apr 30 2025
Apr 15 2025 -
Apr 30 2025
Standard Non-Electric
$10.00
Standard Electric
$18.00
Day-use Lodge
$62.50-$125.00
Peak Season
May 01 2025 -
Oct 15 2025
May 01 2025 -
Oct 15 2025
Standard Non-Electric
$10.00
Standard Electric
$18.00
Day-use Lodge
$62.50-$125.00
Off Peak Season
Oct 16 2025 -
Nov 15 2025
Oct 16 2025 -
Nov 15 2025
Standard Non-Electric
$10.00
Standard Electric
$18.00
Day-use Lodge
$62.50-$125.00
*Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, attribute fees (electrical hookups / water hookups), taxes or incremental charges
**Weekly rates may not be available for all sites
Getting There
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
43.05167, -94.25417
43°3'6"N, 94°15'15"W
On Hwy. 169 on the south end of Algona turn west onto Call Park Drive and go about 2 miles.
Address:
Ambrose A. Call State Park
2007 Call Park Dr.
Algona IA 50511
Mailing Address:
Ambrose A. Call State Park
2148 340th Street
Forest City, IA 50436
43.05167, -94.25417
43°3'6"N, 94°15'15"W
On Hwy. 169 on the south end of Algona turn west onto Call Park Drive and go about 2 miles.
Address:
Ambrose A. Call State Park
2007 Call Park Dr.
Algona IA 50511
Mailing Address:
Ambrose A. Call State Park
2148 340th Street
Forest City, IA 50436
Nearby Parks
[34.54 miles*]
[37.72 miles*]
[38.76 miles*]
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