Every now and then on the road, you stumble upon a real gem. A place that’s not in the big guidebooks, but it’s got everything you need and a whole lot of heart. For me, Dakota City Memorial Park & Campground in Humboldt County, Iowa, is one of those places. When you’re rolling across the vast, open stretches of U.S. 20, finding a convenient and stress free spot to empty your tanks can be a bit of a gamble. But this little city run park is a sure bet. It’s not just a dump station; it’s a peaceful, riverside haven that serves up a slice of genuine Midwestern hospitality. The park itself is modest, with just 14 back in sites that offer both water and electricity, but it’s clean, quiet, and right on the banks of the Des Moines River. Whether you’re headed east toward Waterloo or pushing west to Sioux City, this is the kind of low key, easy stop that makes the full timer life so rewarding.
Humboldt County is one of those places that might not be on the national tourist map, but it’s got its own quiet charm. It’s located right where the two forks of the Des Moines River come together, making it a hotspot for paddling, fishing, and just enjoying the water. For us RVers who love to get out and stretch our legs, the 33 mile Three Rivers Trail is a fantastic amenity. It’s a well maintained trail that runs right through Dakota City, connecting several small towns and passing through beautiful wetlands that are teeming with birds. If you need to resupply or just want a taste of local life, the nearby town of Humboldt has a cool revitalized downtown area. You can grab a craft beer at TractorLift Brewery or explore some of the local parks. It’s a great area for shoulder season travel, too. The spring walleye runs bring in the anglers, and the fall foliage along the river is absolutely stunning.
Dumping your tanks at a city park like this one is a different experience than at a commercial campground or a truck stop. It’s usually much more laid back. You can expect limited staff, especially on weekdays, so it’s often a self serve situation with a pay station or an honor box. The dump pad at Dakota City is situated near the boat ramp, which means you might be sharing the access road with fishermen trailering their boats. It’s not a big deal, just something to be aware of. Keep your mirrors in check and give them plenty of room. The station itself is well designed with a concrete apron to keep things clean and even a covered rinse hose station. That said, in a place like Iowa, you have to assume that the water might be shut off once the first deep frost hits, so always have a backup plan in the late fall or early spring. The process is as straightforward as it gets: pull up, align your rig, connect your hose, and dump the black tank first, followed by the gray.
Let’s talk about the amenities. Having potable water spigots at each of the 14 sites is a huge convenience. It allows you to fill your fresh tank right where you’re parked if you decide to stay the night. The sites also offer a mix of 30 and 50 amp electric hookups, which is perfect for recharging your batteries after a stretch of boondocking. There’s a basic but clean city maintained bathhouse with showers and restrooms. A little insider tip for municipal parks: sometimes the hot water in the showers is coin operated, so it’s never a bad idea to have a few quarters handy.
Now, for a couple of things to be aware of. The park rules currently state that pets are not allowed. This is something you’ll definitely want to confirm with a phone call to the city office before you plan your stop, as regulations in small towns can sometimes be flexible or change from season to season. Also, like many smaller parks, there isn’t a trash can right at the dump pad. You’ll probably find a dumpster near the park’s softball diamond, but if it’s locked for any reason, be prepared to pack out your trash. It’s all part of the Leave No Trace ethos that keeps these beautiful little parks open for all of us. And lastly, there’s no fuel or propane available in the park itself, but the main U.S. 169 corridor in Humboldt is just three miles away and has everything you need.
The cost for dumping is usually not posted online for parks like this, but you can budget for around $10 to $12, which is a very fair price for a clean, convenient facility in rural Iowa. If you decide to stay overnight, the full hookup site rate is typically in the $20 to $25 range, an absolute bargain for a riverfront spot with power. Your best bet is to call Humboldt Parks & Rec directly. They can give you the exact pricing and let you know if they prefer cash in an envelope or if they’ve moved to a mobile payment app.
To make your visit as smooth as possible, I’d recommend calling ahead, especially if you’re traveling during the summer. Small town parks can fill up surprisingly fast when there’s a local softball tournament or community event happening. Again, have some quarters with you just in case, and try to time your dump for the early afternoon. This helps you avoid the morning rush of fishermen heading out and the evening rush of campers settling in. Most importantly, be a good steward of the park. These places often rely on volunteers and the goodwill of visitors. A simple act like wiping down the concrete pad after you’re done and packing out your trash goes a long way.
In short, Dakota City Memorial Park is a true hidden gem. Its beautiful riverside location, small crowds, and traveler friendly dump station make it an ideal stop along Highway 169. The availability of water and power at every site adds tremendous value. Just remember to call ahead to get the latest on their pet policy and the current dump fee. It’s the perfect place to empty your tanks, take a long walk on the Three Rivers Trail, and just soak in a little bit of that wonderful small town Iowa charm.
811 1st Ave N, Humboldt, IA 50548
(515) 332-3083
Cost: Price not available
Category: Park
Has Water
dakotacityiowa.com