Hunt down Madison County's six legendary covered bridges from an RV site in Winterset, Iowa. Five parks in our directory start at $15 nightly and hug rivers or sit near town. Park your rig here to bike to Cedar Covered Bridge or walk to the John Wayne Birthplace Museum.
Winterset claims fame as the real-life backdrop for "The Bridges of Madison County," with six historic spans like Cedar Creek Bridge just minutes away. Climb the towering Madison County Courthouse steps on the square. Peek into the John Wayne Birthplace Museum at 216 South John Wayne Drive. Time your trip for the annual Covered Bridge Festival in September, or ramble trails along the Middle River.
Pammel State Park draws hikers to its wooded riverside pads from $22 a night. Winterset City Campground and RV Park drops adventurers in town center for $23 nightly, close to diners and shops. Madison County Fairgrounds Campground hooks thrifty travelers at $18 per night during events. Criss Cove County Park invites pet owners with water hookups and drinking water on site. Pammel County Park fits groups and pups alike, boasting showers, a dump station, and sites from $15 to $20 nightly.
Winterset draws visitors for its six historic covered bridges and ties to "The Bridges of Madison County." The Madison County Courthouse towers over the square, a National Historic Landmark. John Wayne fans flock to his birthplace museum on South John Wayne Drive. Events like the September Covered Bridge Festival pack the streets yearly. Trails and rivers add outdoor pulls nearby.
Try Pammel State Park, Winterset City Campground and RV Park, Madison County Fairgrounds Campground, Criss Cove County Park, or Pammel County Park. These five spots cluster within 15 miles of downtown, along the Middle River or near highways. Rates start at $15 nightly, with amenities from showers to pet areas.
Yes, Criss Cove County Park and Pammel County Park welcome pets with water hookups and group sites. Both offer drinking water and open spaces for walks. Check park rules for leash requirements, but leashed dogs roam freely in many Madison County areas.
