Pollmiller Park — Hotel in Fort Madison

Maybe I caught Pollmiller Lake Park at a bad time. It was mid-May, on a Wednesday. The grass needed mowing, but perhaps the park mows just before the weekend. That would make sense. The campground has a pit toilet, not showers, and the brush surrounding the campground obscures the lake. The campground is also more on a slough of the lake, so the water is more stagnant. As I write this, I'm not impressed, and that makes me feel bad because I wanted to like this spot.

The swimming area is a much nicer part of the lake, so I imagine that day picnicking is more emphasized and popular. Swimming begins at noon. There were a few spots for camping that seemed nice--flat and shaded. I arrived on my bicycle on a mini-tour of Lee County campgrounds. I think if someone were coming with an RV, camp trailer, or camper, then this quiet campground might be more appealing. One would have an indoor environment for the essentials, and the main appeal of the campground would be a bit of nature and some silence.

The county website says the following: "Amenities include sunbathing and swimming areas, shower facilities, fishing, boating, camping (all services), horse-shoe pits, nature walk, numerous play and picnic areas, and restrooms and concession hut." Perhaps the shower is at the swimming area. "All services" for the camping probably means water, electric, and the pit toilet. At any rate, the beach area was definitely kept up better than the campground.

Riding through town and then a mile or so on Pollmiller Trail, an aged but blacktopped bike and hiking trail, I hit the lake, park, and campground, which are at the edge of town. I feel that this park is not so different than other county parks I've visited and camped in around Iowa. I like a campground that has a little more visual appeal. For instance, Oakland Mills campgrounds are on the Skunk River, as Bentonsport Campground is on the Des Moines River. There was some construction going on in the campground, though, so the county is looking to maximize its facility and location.

All things being equal, since it was just before noon when I arrived, I headed down the road to check out another county campground that was nearby. If this were the only choice for me to spend the night, I would have stayed and gotten my rest before moving on. I'm sure I would have had a quiet, peaceful night.

Added five days after writing the review: Pollmiller Campground is being upgraded, but the park is being kept open. Hopefully, after construction, the campground will be maintained for a...

The Pollmiller Park is 86 Acres that features hiking, camping, and fishing. Along with a walking/biking trail, there is a beach, as well as a concession stand with food and rentals. It has two shelter houses and playground equipment and horseshoe pits and a volleyball court; a nice handicap fishing dock rounds out a park that also has flush toilets & shower facilities near the concession stand and beach. It's located about a quarter of a mile east of West Point. The camping has eleven primitive sites and twenty electric sites that have 59 amp breakers. The sixteen acre lake has a boat ramp and only allows hand and electric powered watercraft. It's open Wednesday to Sunday; from Memorial Day to Labor Day Admission $1.00. There is a paved walking & biking trail leading from Pollmiller to the city's South Park.Water is provided by the Rural Rathburn...

This is a fabulous small park. Especially great for camping with a camper or RV. Many sites are paved and have full hookup. There is a paved path into the lovely little town of West Point. We walked in to town on Saturday and had breakfast at a little bakery there. Lovely quaint little spot. We happened to have really good weather, but it is very nice even if the sky doesn't fully cooperate. There is a small lake with a little beach, and it was clear that they were taking care of the park and...