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Map showing campground location near Ventura, Iowa
Camper submitted image from McIntosh Woods State Park CampgroundView 36 Photos
FacilitiesMap showing campground location near Ventura, Iowa

McIntosh Woods State Park Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Fishing, kayaking, and swimming on Clear Lake draw campers to McIntosh Woods State Park Campground in Ventura, Iowa, where the park sits directly on the lakeshore and gives anglers access to a dedicated fish-cleaning station and a boat ramp with docks for launching. The campground itself is set back slightly from the water, though reviewers describe it as a short walk to the lake and adjacent marsh. Sites are arranged in a circle around the shower house, and most are level with shade from surrounding trees. Sites sit close together, so expect limited separation from neighbors, particularly during peak season.

The campground has only two non-electric sites; the majority include electric, water, and sewer hookups, accommodating RVs up to 80 feet. Yurts are also available to rent. Reviewers consistently note that the restrooms and showers are kept clean and well-stocked. One practical note worth heeding: the beach can close due to water quality issues, and as Matt S. suggests, it's worth checking with locals about harmful algae before getting in the water. During waterfowl hunting season, expect gunshots near sunrise.

Cell coverage runs around three bars on T-Mobile. The campground sits near Ventura, with town accessible on foot for resupply or a meal. Campers interested in places to camp near Ventura will find additional options in the area, including Clear Lake State Park Campground to the east. The season runs April through December, making it a workable overnight stop for travelers near I-35.

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Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

McIntosh Campground will be closing for the winter on November 15, 2025 and will remain closed due to the scheduled campground renovation for the 2026 season. (10/16/25)

Due to storm damage both Yurts are closed. (Posted 5/18/2026)

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Map & DirectionsMcIntosh Woods State Park Campground is located in Iowa near Ventura

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Take Exit 194 off of Interstate 35 and go west on Hwy 18 approximately five miles to McIntosh Rd. Turn south to the park entrance.

Address

1200 East Lake Street
Ventura, IA 50482

Coordinates

43.12568305 N
93.45874255 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/4/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Presented byHershey's

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/4/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Cabins
  • Yurts

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - McIntosh Woods State Park Campground

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the clean facilities and shaded sites near Clear Lake. Several guests observed privacy varies by site, with some muddy conditions possible during rain.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2021

Nice Small Campground near lake

Not a big campground. Sites arranged in a circle around a clean shower house. Potable water. Only 2 non-electric sites. Most sites level. Sites are close to each other, not offering much in the way of privacy. Camped here on the off season, so it wasn't crowded. Short walk to nice lake & marsh. Walking trails. Camped here during waterfowl hunting season, so there were several gunshots nearby at around sunrise. 3 bars T-Mobile. About 5 miles west of I-35; good place to stop for one night. Electric sites,: $18; non-electric $14. Would stay here again.

Site35
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of McIntosh Woods State Park Campground by Fred S., October 5, 2021
  • Review photo of McIntosh Woods State Park Campground by Fred S., October 5, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2020

Peaceful, restful stay.

We can't wait to go back. Our camp was so private & we were happy because we had a new puppy that was from a hoarding situation & not real social. We didn't want to bother any neighbors if she was loud. She did very well with our other two. They all enjoyed walking on the trails with us😁 The bathrooms & showers were awesome & the park guy was very nice & informative (I feel bad I didn't get his name.) It will definitely be a place we will go back to!

  • Review photo of McIntosh Woods State Park Campground by Lori N., September 20, 2020
  • Review photo of McIntosh Woods State Park Campground by Lori N., September 20, 2020
  • Review photo of McIntosh Woods State Park Campground by Lori N., September 20, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2019

Not my favorite

I prefer Clear Lake State park, but this was ok. We had lots of rain, and the sites got a bit muddy. The beach area was closed due to e-coli. Restrooms were clean, and always stocked.

Reviewed Jun. 8, 2018

beautiful spot near lake

Beautiful shaded campground near the lake, not far from town if you forgot something. We stayed in one of the two yurts- bunk bed plus a futon and table/chairs inside. Picnic table and grill outside. Walk to small town/restaurants.Clean bathroom facilities in area. Short hikes. Fishing nearby.

SiteYurt 1
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of McIntosh Woods State Park Campground by Rhonda P., June 8, 2018
  • Review photo of McIntosh Woods State Park Campground by Rhonda P., June 8, 2018
  • Review photo of McIntosh Woods State Park Campground by Rhonda P., June 8, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2016

Leave your Apple Macintosh computer at home and spend the night at McIntosh Woods State Park

Clear Lake is a popular place to spend time in North Central Iowa. McIntosh Woods State Park is right on the lake front. The campground is not on the lake, but it has some nice shade with open space.

It also has Yurts to rent as well. There is a large station for cleaning fish and a huge picnic area with wide open space and a nice playground. There is a beach for swimming but there is no lifeguard on duty. There is also a boat ramp and a few docks for launching.

This is a great campground if you like to boat or fish. Before you get in the water make sure you check with the locals to make sure there is no harmful algae. This is a great place to spend the weekend.

  • Review photo of McIntosh Woods State Park Campground by Matt S., September 12, 2016
  • Review photo of McIntosh Woods State Park Campground by Matt S., September 12, 2016
  • Review photo of McIntosh Woods State Park Campground by Matt S., September 12, 2016
  • (21) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitor reviews say about camping at McIntosh Woods State Park?

McIntosh Woods State Park offers a pleasant camping experience with nicely shaded sites arranged in a circular layout. The campground features a mix of electric and non-electric sites (only 2 non-electric available) with most being relatively level. While sites are somewhat close together with limited privacy, campers appreciate the clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere. The park is particularly enjoyable during the off-season when it's less crowded. Some visitors note that heavy rain can make sites muddy. Overall, campers value the park's proximity to Clear Lake, though some prefer Clear Lake State Park as an alternative.

What's the location and access like for McIntosh Woods State Park on Clear Lake, Iowa?

McIntosh Woods State Park is situated directly on the shoreline of Clear Lake in North Central Iowa. The campground itself is set back slightly from the lake but within easy walking distance to the water. Its convenient location provides the perfect balance of natural setting while remaining close to town, making it easy to grab forgotten supplies or enjoy local restaurants. Some campers can walk to a small town and nearby dining options. The park serves as an excellent base for exploring Clear Lake, a popular recreation destination in the region.

Are there photos available of McIntosh Woods State Park's camping areas and lake views?

While specific photo resources aren't detailed, visitors can expect to capture scenic views of the shaded campground with its circular layout and central shower house. The park offers photogenic lakefront areas with Clear Lake access points, hiking trails through wooded sections, and the distinctive yurt accommodations. For current official photos, check the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website or contact the park directly. Many campers also share their experiences and photos on camping platforms like The Dyrt.

What amenities and facilities are available at McIntosh Woods State Park campground?

McIntosh Woods State Park campground offers clean shower houses and restroom facilities that are well-maintained and stocked. The campground provides potable water and features both electric and non-electric sites. For alternative accommodations, the park has two yurts available for rent, equipped with bunk beds, futons, tables, and chairs inside, plus picnic tables and grills outside. Additional amenities include a large fish cleaning station and picnic areas. The park also has hiking trails and provides easy access to Clear Lake for water activities and fishing.

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