Hiking and fishing enthusiasts will find multiple trail access points and water opportunities at Pilot Knob State Park Campground, which operates year-round in Forest City, Iowa. The campground sits outside the main park entrance gates, arranged in several rows with a mix of electric and non-electric sites ranging from $14-$34 per night.
Sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet with full hookups available, though not all spots are level and most lack defined parking pads. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table, with pull-through options for easier maneuvering. Michael W. found it "very nice and quiet," particularly when sites aren't fully occupied. The layout can feel crowded when all spots are taken, but occupancy varies significantly by season and day of the week.
The bathhouse provides clean facilities with individual shower rooms featuring timed lighting and motion sensors. Campers consistently note the cleanliness of restrooms and showers throughout reviews. Lisa P. mentions that "family loved the fishing," and wildlife sightings include deer and turtles. The park features horseback riding trails, hiking paths, and an observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, though the tower requires a two-mile walk or drive from the campground area.
Access can be challenging during wet conditions, with some campers reporting rough road surfaces. The campground stays open all year, making it useful for winter camping or RV servicing stops near Forest City. Reservations are available and recommended during peak seasons, especially for sites with full hookups that fill up faster than basic camping spots.
Description
Pilot Knob State Park was dedicated in 1924 and has drawn many visitors to explore its hidden treasures and historical structures. Camping, fishing, hiking, and bird watching are just a few of the activities Pilot Knob provides.
The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed several structures in 1934. The entrance portals, stone shelter, three stone bridges, amphitheater and observation tower are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The observation tower is 30 feet tall and was supposed to be 40 feet tall but winter set in and the CCC had to stop construction.
Pilot Knob is listed in the Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide. The park is a wonderful area for bird watching, particularly during migrations. Deer and turkeys are prevalent and readily seen. Turkeys were reintroduced into the area in 1979 and have flourished. Much of the wildlife can be seen while walking the thirteen and one half miles of trail through the park.
There is no equestrian campground at this park. Equestrian activities are day-use only.
Attention Equestrian Riders: State regulations require horses, mules and donkeys being transported interstate (from one state to another) must have a current Certification of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and a negative Coggin's test (EIA). This paperwork must accompany the animal into the State of Iowa. Please refer to www.iowaagriculture.gov/animalindustry/horseadmissionregs.asp for more information. This law applies to equestrian camping, day-use and trail riding in any State owned Park or Forest.
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - October 31 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
The water is on at Pilot Knob State Park for the 2026 recreational season. The modern restrooms and shower facilities are open. (Posted April 28th, 2026)
The campground is closed each year from November 1 - March 31.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPilot Knob State Park Campground is located in Iowa near Forest City
Directions
Go 3 miles east of Forest City on Hwy 9. Turn right/south on 205th Ave and go 1 mile to the park entrance.
Address
2148 340th Street
Forest City, IA 50436
Coordinates
43.25312456 N
93.561343 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 23 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 26 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 29 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 42 min from Waterloo, IA
