Volga River State Recreation Area is known for its rugged, undeveloped beauty. The original intent for the land was to develop it into a large lake. However, cracks in the bedrock forced developers to scale the project down to the smaller Frog Hollow Lake that exists today. The result is a rugged, multipurpose recreation destination for both water sports and land based activities.
There are a variety of fishing opportunities at Volga River State Recreation Area in the Volga River and on Frog Hollow Lake. As with most rivers, the Volga River can run fast and deep or slow and meandering. Either way, the DNR says you’ll find smallmouth bass, rock bass, channel catfish and white suckers when you cast your line into the river from the shore or canoe.
One of the best ways to view the rugged beauty of the area is to paddle the Volga River. There is a convenient put-in near the Albany equestrian campgrounds and several more upstream near the town of Fayette. The take-out at the eastern border of Volga River State Recreation Area has a level and grassy parking next to the Volga River for easy access.
Facilities at Frog Hollow Lake are first class. The lake has a boat ramp, large parking area for vehicles with trailers, restroom facilities, docks, picnic shelters and fishing piers. Any size boat motor is allowed with no speed restrictions. The DNR says fish species include bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish, among others. Paddling the perimeter of the lake is also an enjoyable endeavor.
Other activities at Volga River State Recreation Area include horseback riding, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, and camping. The winter attracts cross country skiers and snowmobilers as well.
The Albany Equestrian Campground is located in the southern part of Volga River State Recreation Area. This well maintained, non-modern campground has electricity at each of the 34 campsites. The large level sites accommodate horses, riders, vehicles and trailers comfortably. Campsites are primarily back-in gravel pads, but, four are pull-through gravel sites. Each campsite has a hitching post and most sites are shaded. The campground has two manure bunkers; two non-modern vented toilets; water spigots; and a small non-equestrian grassy area for tents and dry camping.
On the north side of Volga River State Recreation Area is Lakeview Campground. The amenities at Lakeview are some of the best I’ve seen in an Iowa state park. Most of the campsites have full hook-ups and all of the pull-through sites are paved concrete. The back-in sites have gravel pads and all campsites have a fire ring and picnic table. Camping areas are level but the trees at the campground are young and many sites are in full sun. The shower house facility has clean individual private rooms with locking doors. There are also modern men’s and women’s public restrooms. In addition, Lakeview is within walking distance to Frog Hollow Lake.
