Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Ford F-150 offers a best-in-class max towing capacity of 13,500 lbs, enough for most campers headed to Ledges State Park near Boone, IA.
- Ledges State Park, just outside Madrid, IA, is a short drive from Moffitt's Ford in Boone via US-30, with campsites open March through November.
- Iowa state park campsites can be reserved up to three months ahead, with a two-night minimum on weekends from May through October.
- The 2026 Ford Expedition, Explorer, and Bronco add family seating, cargo room, and factory tow packages for weekend camping trips.
- Moffitt's Ford in Boone installs trailer hitches and towing accessories on Ford trucks and SUVs before a camping trip.
Families heading to Ledges State Park for a weekend of camping need a vehicle that can handle a loaded trailer and a bit of gravel road. At Moffitt's Ford in Boone, IA, we help Story County drivers match Ford trucks and SUVs to real towing needs for trips to Ledges and beyond.
Here's how the current Ford lineup stacks up on towing capacity, plus what to pack and check before you hitch up.
Why Is Ledges State Park a Favorite Camping Destination Near Boone?
Ledges State Park draws Boone-area campers because it packs sandstone canyons, river access, and reservable campsites into one park a short drive from town, with easy highway access via US-30.
What Amenities and Activities Are Available at Ledges State Park?
The park's four-mile trail system winds past sandstone ledges rising 100 feet above the Des Moines River, with an accessible crushed-limestone path covering the first 0.4 miles to Lost Lake and two designated accessible campsites.
When Is the Campground Open and How Do Reservations Work?
The campground runs March through November and is closed December through February. Every site is reservable through Iowa's state park booking system up to three months ahead, with a two-night weekend minimum (three nights on holidays) and a 14-night maximum stay.
How Do Iowa's Seasons Affect Your Trip Planning?
Central Iowa's swing from freezing, salt-heavy winters to severe spring storms means the real camping season runs spring through fall — book early for summer weekends, watch spring forecasts, and have a Ford serviced after winter salt exposure before towing season starts.
Which Ford Trucks Are Best for Towing a Camper to Ledges State Park?
Matching trailer weight to towing capacity is the key decision, and Moffitt's Ford stocks the full Ford truck lineup to cover it.
2026 Ford F-150: Best-in-Class 13,500-lb Max Towing
The 2026 Ford F-150 delivers a best-in-class max available towing capacity of 13,500 lbs and a max available payload of 2,440 lbs when properly equipped, enough to pull most travel trailers with room left for gear and passengers.
2026 Ford Ranger and Maverick for Smaller Trailers
For a pop-up camper or small utility trailer, the 2026 Ranger and Maverick offer a lighter, easier-to-maneuver option on the park's narrower campground roads, with available tow packages sized to the trailer.
What Towing Capacity Do I Need for a Camping Trailer?
Check the trailer's loaded — not dry — weight, then choose a truck rated comfortably above that number, since coolers, bikes, and passengers add up quickly on the drive to Ledges.
Which Ford SUVs Can Handle Towing and Weekend Camping Duty?
A Boone family planning a Ledges weekend often wants third-row seating as much as towing muscle, and Ford's SUV lineup covers both.
Ford Expedition and Explorer for Family Camping Trips
The Expedition and Explorer both offer available factory tow packages sized for popular travel trailers, plus three rows of seating so the whole family — and the gear — makes the trip together; check current financing and specials before you buy.
Ford Bronco for Trail-Ready Adventures
For exploring Ledges' unpaved park roads after setting up camp, the Bronco's available four-wheel-drive systems add confidence beyond what's needed for the highway leg.
Day Trips vs. Overnight Camping: Which SUV Fits Your Plans?
A day trip only needs cargo space for a cooler and gear; an overnight trailer trip calls for checking the SUV's tow package and payload rating against the camper's loaded weight first.
What Are the Key Features to Look For in a Towing Vehicle?
Trailer Tow Packages, Hitches, and Integrated Brake Controllers
Look for a factory tow package with a heavier-duty hitch receiver, upgraded cooling, and an integrated trailer brake controller. Moffitt's Ford's service team can also add a hitch and wiring harness to a vehicle that isn't tow-ready from the factory.
Ford Towing Tech: Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Sway Control
Available Pro Trailer Backup Assist eases backing into a tight campsite, while trailer sway control helps keep a loaded camper stable on US-30's open stretches between Boone and Madrid.
How Should You Pack and Prepare Your Ford for a Camping Trip?
A short pre-trip checklist prevents most roadside surprises on the way to Ledges.
Camping Trip Packing Guide for Day Trips and Overnights
- Day trip: cooler, water, trail snacks, hiking shoes, and a tire-pressure check.
- Overnight: add bedding, cookware, a spare propane tank, and a printed campsite reservation.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Checklist: Tires, Battery, and Fluids
Check tire pressure and tread on both the tow vehicle and trailer, confirm the battery holds a charge, and top off fluids — towing adds strain to all three. Moffitt's Ford's service department can run this check quickly before departure.
Getting There: Routes from Boone via US-30 to Madrid
From Moffitt's Ford in Boone, US-30 runs toward Madrid and the Ledges State Park entrance. Drivers extending the trip can also detour to the Kate Shelley High Bridge near Boone or continue to Reiman Gardens in Ames.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ledges State Park from Boone, IA?
Ledges State Park sits just outside Madrid, IA, a short drive south of Boone via US-30 — close enough for a day trip or a quick trailer haul for an overnight stay. Moffitt's Ford customers regularly make the trip for weekend camping.
How far in advance can I reserve a campsite at Ledges State Park?
Iowa state park campsites, including those at Ledges, can be reserved up to three months in advance. Weekend stays from May through October require a two-night minimum, and holiday weekends require three nights, so booking early for summer dates is smart.
Can a midsize Ford SUV tow a pop-up camper?
Yes — a midsize Ford SUV equipped with an available tow package can typically handle a pop-up camper or small utility trailer. Confirm the trailer's loaded weight against the SUV's tow rating, and Moffitt's Ford can help match the right package.
What other attractions are near Ledges State Park?
Boone-area travelers often pair a Ledges trip with a stop at the Kate Shelley High Bridge near Boone or Reiman Gardens in Ames, both within easy driving distance for a full day of regional sightseeing.
Does Moffitt's Ford install trailer hitches and towing accessories?
Yes. Moffitt's Ford's service team installs hitches, wiring harnesses, and trailer tow accessories on Ford trucks and SUVs, getting a vehicle camper-ready before a trip to Ledges State Park or anywhere else.
Visit Moffitt's Ford in Boone Before Your Next Camping Trip
Ready to match a Ford truck or SUV to your next Ledges State Park camping trip? Browse the current Ford truck and SUV inventory at Moffitt's Ford in Boone, IA, value a trade-in with our trade-in tool, or schedule a pre-trip service check before you hitch up. Stop by 1819 SE Marshall in Boone or get directions to the showroom on Google Maps.