The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Gladbrook. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Gladbrook. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Camp in one of several campsites near the park’s lake, featuring both electric and non-electric sites, a modern restroom and shower building. Several campsites sit on the water’s edge and provide beautiful views of Rock Creek Lake. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and advanced campsite reservations through the online reservation system for Rock Creek State Park
$6 - $12 / night
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.
$18 / night
$11 - $16 / night
$10 - $17 / night
As of June 2023, Otter Creek Lake & Park has reopened to the public.This reopening includes all camping area, roadways, trails, etc. Though the refilling process has begun, the lake is still mostly empty. Fishing, swimming, boating, and other water activities are unavailable, as the lake has not yet filled with water. Restoration includes establishment of excellent fish habitat, improved angler access, removal of sedimentation, irrigation improvements, and more.
Seventy (70) acre lake hosting quality fishing, boating, and swimming.
Two open air shelters with approx. capacity of 72 persons each.
Electric camp section with 65 unit capacity.
Tent section with 18 sites, 45 tent capacity
Swimming beach offered at no charge
Picnicking. Tables to entertain up to 400 persons
Concrete boat ramp providing safe and convenient access to lake
Fish cleaning station located next to boat ramp
Sanitary dump station for trailer units using campground
Modern showerhouse (for campers)
Six vault latrines scattered throughout park
Two acre native prairie (never tilled by man)
Headquarters for maintenance operations
Two play areas with assorted play equipment including swings, jungle gyms, spring toys, slides.
3.0 mile loop scenic hiking trail around lake
Handicap access provides safe and easy access to beach play area.
Tama County Nature Center houses main office, 5,600 sq. ft. on main floor, 2,600 sq. ft. in basement, handicap accessible building. The Nature Center is popular for social events including weddings, receptions, family reunions, and workshops.
Visitors kiosk with vending machine is located directly south of the concrete boat landing.$10 - $20 / night
Camp in one of several campsites near the park’s lake, featuring both electric and non-electric sites, a modern restroom and shower building. Several campsites sit on the water’s edge and provide beautiful views of Rock Creek Lake. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and advanced campsite reservations through the online reservation system for Rock Creek State Park
$6 - $12 / night
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.
$18 / night
$11 - $16 / night
