Camp David

Camp David is closed as of January 2013.  Check with the local Chamber of Commerce.

Camp David has a prime location overlooking the bluffs of the Iowa River in Iowa Falls.  It is a very nicely decorated Iowa Smoke House restaurant with a wilderness camp feel.   You can sit outside or inside in the A/C.  20 years ago, this was the place to go, and we looked forward to eating there, however my last visit was less then wonderful and left me feeling tired when I left.  It might be the downturn in the economy or the hot summer sun, but the Camp has lost its enthusiasm.  Three items off the lunch menu and we were all left unsatisfied.    The smoked meat (which should be the centerpiece of any smokehouse) was heavy in sauce, so much so that you could not taste the meat, the buns looked like somebody attempted to toast them but decided to take them off too early (better then burnt) so they were kind of wet and soggy with butter.    The cold slaw was more or less just cut up cabbage, very little to no dressing was present and the potato salad was just plain bad.   The smoked beans were excellent and some of the best I have had.  We waited an extended time to be served and the staff seemed to vanish for long periods of time.   The Camp is functioning, but nobody is excited about it, and that shows in the attention to details.

Where else can you get barbeque and eat it with an indoor or outdoor view of the river in this area?  Decent food.  I'd recommend burgers or the Hickory Sampler.  The wait staff was just attentive enough.  Same owner for 20 years.  Check it out!