Volga River State Recreation Area

State: Iowa

Address 1: 10225 Ivy Road

City: Fayette

Zip: 52142

Phone: 563-425-4161

Open: Open all year

Open all Year: Yes

Number of Sites: 50

Camp URL: http://www.iowadnr.gov/parks/state_park_list/volga_river.html

Full Hook: Yes

The Volga River Recreation Area has become a very popular center for a number of trail activities. Hiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and equestrian trails wind through the area. Tails include Frog Hollow Trail, Lake View Trail, Ridge Trail, Albany Trail and the Lima Trail. The Lima Trail takes visitors past 20 foot high limestone bluffs and a 15 acre white pine plantation. The total trail system is 25 miles in length.

In the winter, some trails are maintained for snowmobiling. Snowmobilers are asked to remain on groomed trails. They should obtain a report on trail conditions from the ranger.

In addition to the Volga River, beautiful Frog Hollow Lake provides abundant fishing opportunities. The river contains smallmouth bass, rock bass, channel catfish and white suckers. The lake offers bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish, among others.

Any size boat motor may be operated at “no wake” speeds. Canoeing on the river has also become popular.

For yet another alternative, try canoeing on Volga River itself. You can put in on the southwest end of the park and take out right next to the road on the east side of the area. You can spend the entire day on the river view steep bluffs and wooded hillsides but only have to drive or walk back to the put in point two miles back down the road.

The area is open to public hunting during regular hunting seasons. White-tailed deer and wild turkey are popular quarries.

The rugged beauty of Volga River provides a picturesque setting for camping. There are 50 non-modern campsites at the “Albany” campground area (once the site of the town of Albany). A portion of the camping area is available for equestrian campers. This is a nonmodern campground. Water is available, but there are no showers or flush toilets. Advance campsite reservations can be made online through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.