$12 - $60 / night

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Nature

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Established Camping

McIntosh Woods State Park Campground

5 Reviews

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

The park is currently closed until further notice due to a wind storm that caused severe tree damage. The earliest the park is expected to reopen is August 15. (Updated August 6, 2025)

The park is currently closed until further notice due to a wind storm that caused severe tree damage. The earliest the park is expected to reopen is August 118. (Updated August 11, 2025)

McIntosh Woods State Park Campground, near Ventura, Iowa, is a cozy spot that offers a laid-back camping experience with a touch of nature's beauty. The campground features a circle of sites around a clean shower house, making it easy to freshen up after a day of outdoor activities.

With electric and non-electric sites available, visitors appreciate the level ground and the convenience of picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings. Many campers have enjoyed the short walk to the nearby lake and marsh, perfect for fishing or just soaking in the scenery. As one happy camper noted, “We can't wait to go back,” highlighting the peaceful atmosphere that makes this place special.

The campground is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Clean bathrooms and showers are a plus, and the friendly park staff are always ready to help with any questions. If you're looking for a quiet retreat with access to walking trails and a chance to unwind, McIntosh Woods is a solid choice. Plus, it's just a short drive from town if you need to grab any supplies.

Description

DNR - Parks

McIntosh Woods State Park

McIntosh Woods is home to the only two yurts in our state park system. It is also the "anchor" base for anglers trying their luck on beautiful Clear Lake anytime of the year. In winter, one may cross-country ski, snowshoe or ice fish. Whether you are here to fish, camp, swim, boat, sail, ski, snowshoe, paddle or just relax, we hope you enjoy your stay.

Yurts have no sanitary facilities but are located near a restroom/shower facility. Renters must provide their own bedding, pillows, towels and toiletry items.

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Location

McIntosh Woods State Park Campground is located in Iowa

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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Access

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

Connectivity

WiFi
Good
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Good

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

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Drive Time

1 hr 17 min from Ames
1 hr 27 min from Rochester
1 hr 30 min from Waterloo
1 hr 33 min from Mankato

Fred S.

Legend

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

Lori N.

Guide

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!

(8) View All

Jennifer D.

Traveler

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.

Rhonda P.

Traveler

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

(5) View All

Matt S.

Legend

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.

(21) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at McIntosh Woods State Park Campground?

Camping at McIntosh Woods State Park Campground can cost between $12.00 and $60.00 depending on the site.

Does McIntosh Woods State Park Campground have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, McIntosh Woods State Park Campground has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at McIntosh Woods State Park Campground?

McIntosh Woods State Park Campground allows vehicles up to 80 feet.

Are fires allowed at McIntosh Woods State Park Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at McIntosh Woods State Park Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at McIntosh Woods State Park Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.

How hard is it to get a campsite at McIntosh Woods State Park Campground?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at McIntosh Woods State Park Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at McIntosh Woods State Park Campground, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at McIntosh Woods State Park Campground?

There are 51 campsites at McIntosh Woods State Park Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

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