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Pine Lake State Park

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Pine Lake State Park Campground, near Eldora, Iowa, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With spacious campsites that often come with stunning views of the lake, it’s a perfect place to set up camp and unwind.

The campground boasts clean and modern facilities, including well-maintained bathrooms and showers that visitors rave about. Many campers appreciate the electric hookups available at the sites, making it convenient for RV travelers. As one happy camper noted, “The bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean.”

Outdoor activities abound here. You can paddle on the lake, fish from the shore or a boat, and explore the extensive hiking and biking trails that wind through the area. The nearby town of Eldora offers supplies and dining options, so you won’t have to venture far for essentials.

While it can get busy during peak season, mid-week camping offers a peaceful escape. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Pine Lake State Park Campground is a great choice for families and friends looking to connect with nature.

Description

State Park

Pine Lake State Park is a hidden gem with wooded trails, deep ravines, and scenic lake views in the midst of Iowa’s rolling farmland. Historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) can be found throughout the park, including the Pine Lodge, beach house and stone cabins, which have been carefully restored. Pine Lake is filled with beautiful picnic areas to enjoy a quiet setting by the river or an overlook of the park’s lake. The park originally was home to Iowa’s southernmost stand of native pine trees which were wiped out by a severe hailstorm in August 2009; today hundreds of caged tree seedlings are scattered throughout the park as part of a reforestation effort. Stay overnight in one of four cozy cabins at Pine Lake, with stone fireplaces and outdoor fire rings. One cabin is ADA accessible, and all cabins include a full kitchen and bath, along with heating and air conditioning for year-round stays. The park’s campground offers electric sites with modern showers and restrooms and a trailer dump station. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and advanced campsite and cabin reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Pine Lake State Park.

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Location

Pine Lake State Park is located in Iowa

Detail location of campground

Directions

From U.S. Highway 20: Exit U.S. Hwy 20 at the Eldora/Steamboat Rock exit, turn south on county road S-56. Stop at the four way stop in Steamboat Rock and continue south on County Road S-56 for about two miles. The campground will be on the left at the stone portal. The rest of Pine Lake will be on both sides of the road before you reach state Highway 175. Hwy 175: From Eldora on Hwy 175 on the east edge of Eldora, turn north on the first left through the stone portals on S-56. Lower Pine Lake will be on your right. The cabins and the Iowa River will be on your left. The campground and Upper Pine Lake will be on your right approximately one and one-half miles from Hwy 175 on County Road S-56.

Address

22628 County Hwy S56
Eldora, IA 50627

Coordinates

42.3769718 N
93.06747675 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 22, 2022

Great view, trail and fishing

Site 70 is not level, the driveway was just long enough for us and the view was great! The sites are spacious enough; cell signal was the same. The dumpsters we full when we got there on Sunday the same on Tuesday. Recycling was not offered! The bathrooms are very nice-a room with 3 stalls and 4 individual showers. The trail is superb, we rode our bikes both days we were there. It’s an easy (ebike) ride to Eldora.

Site70
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Pine Lake State Park by Mallory S., July 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Pine Lake State Park by Mallory S., July 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Pine Lake State Park by Mallory S., July 22, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 22, 2022

Beautiful Camping Experience

Lovely views, great walking paths, quiet and picturesque lake. Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean. Campground is well kept. We will definitely be back.

Site63
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Pine Lake State Park by Carolyn C., May 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Pine Lake State Park by Carolyn C., May 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Pine Lake State Park by Carolyn C., May 22, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2021

Pine Lake is an awesome state park

This campground is near home so I know it well.

The campground itself is nice, with some decent sized campsites, many having a great view of upper Pine Lake. There are flush toilets and showers. Campsites have electric hookups. It can get busy during peak season!

Some of the campsites are near the lake, some are near the road. Noise is usually not a problem as the road has a 35mph speed limit by the campground.

Things to do: (so much to list!)

  • Paddle on upper or lower Pine Lake
  • Fishing, shore or boat (lake, stream, or river)
  • Bicycle trails
  • Hiking trails (all around lower Pine Lake)
  • Beach swimming (lower only)
  • Float or paddle nearby Iowa River (tube and boat rentals nearby)
  • Eat, replenish supplies in nearby Eldora
Month of VisitJuly
  • Video pan of the lower campground (near the lake)
    Play button icon
  • Video pan of the upper campground (near the road)
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Pine Lake State Park by Kerry M., August 22, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2021

Gem of a campground

We loved this campground (stayed here many times in the past few years) and they've recently updated the bathroom/shower houses to be shared bathroom spaces with individual shower 'closets' on the opposite side of the building.  Excellent upgrade!

Fishing is good here, as are the hiking trails.  Can get busy on the weekends but if you camp mid-week you may be the only folks around.  Very peaceful.

Site69 (view of the lake)
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Pine Lake State Park by MitchRoeschlein , June 1, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2020

Amazing!!

Amazing campground! So much to do and very nice people!

Reviewed Feb. 19, 2020

Clean quiet campground

Quiet campground near Upper Pine Lake. Facilities are well maintained. The town of Eldora, just outside the park has groceries, gas and some low grade restaurants available.

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2018

BEAUTIFUL

Very nice, clean campground with a beautiful lake. Golfing and river floating nearby, with lots of trails to hike and bike. Highly recommend!

  • Review photo of Pine Lake State Park by Katie R., August 26, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

Cabin

My family and I rented on eof the cabins here. They were nice cabins just off the bank of the river! The cabin comfortably fit 4 of us. It had a nice stone fireplace a decent living room, small kitchen, and bathroom. Nice hiking trails right outside the cabin, along the river. Just down the road is a large lake with more hiking as well. Nice place overall!

  • Review photo of Pine Lake State Park by jennifer M., July 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Pine Lake State Park by jennifer M., July 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Pine Lake State Park by jennifer M., July 16, 2018
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2018

Great Spot Near River and Lake

We camp here about once per year, and love it so much! Great access to river a short drive away for fabulous river tubing and kayaking. The campground has nice bathroom facilities. You have to hold down the lever on the shower, which is a bit of a hassle.

Site120
Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Pine Lake State Park?

    Camping at Pine Lake State Park can starts at $18.00.

  • Does Pine Lake State Park have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Pine Lake State Park has water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Pine Lake State Park?

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