Campgrounds near Britt, Iowa are primarily clustered around Clear Lake and Forest City, with most sites located within a 20-30 minute drive of town. The region features a mix of state parks, county facilities, and wildlife management areas situated in north central Iowa's agricultural landscape. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, while spring and fall can bring sudden weather changes that affect camping conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails: Pilot Knob State Park offers several marked hiking paths through wooded areas. "I3rd got a few awesome things to see. Hiking trails. Picnic area. We have gone a grew times a year and love it!" according to a camper at Pilot Knob State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at Lake Cornelia Park provide opportunities to spot native birds and deer. "We've camped there a couple times with hammocks and tents. It can get pretty busy on the nicer weekends, so showing up before dawn to stake out your spot isn't unheard of," notes a visitor at Lake Cornelia Park.
Fishing: Multiple lakes in the area support good fishing, with Clear Lake being especially popular. "The campground is not on the lake, but it has some nice shade with open space... This is a great campground if you like to boat or fish," shares a camper from McIntosh Woods State Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms are updated and nice. When there is heavy rain you will however have your own pond at most sites," mentions a visitor to Clear Lake State Park Campground.
Family-friendly playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The playground was fun for the kids, nice beach access! Limited full hook up sites. I wish there were more full hook ups that you could reserve. Paved roads are great for bike riding," notes a camper at Clear Lake State Park.
Shaded sites: Many campsites offer tree cover for relief from summer heat. "Great campground for our overnight, would be a wonderful extended stay as well. Friendly owners came right up when we pulled in, $35 a night, no cards but check or cash were fine," reports a visitor to Oakwood RV Park.
What you should know
First-come sites: Some parks don't take reservations. "The entire park is first come, first served," explains a camper at Lake Cornelia Park.
Seasonal hunting impacts: During hunting seasons, early morning noise can affect your camping experience. "Camped here during waterfowl hunting season, so there were several gunshots nearby at around sunrise," notes a visitor to McIntosh Woods State Park Campground.
Water quality varies: Lake conditions can change throughout the season. "Before you get in the water make sure you check with the locals to make sure there is no harmful algae," advises a McIntosh Woods camper.
Dog friendly policies: Most campgrounds near Britt welcome pets with standard leash requirements. "This is a pretty quiet campground in my experience. For $15 you get water/electric sites with access to bathrooms and showers. Dogs are allowed on leash," confirms a visitor to Smith Lake County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming areas ideal for children. "This park is great for families with kids. Very clean bathrooms. Parks all around. You can boat, jet ski, or swim at the lake," shares a camper from Lake Cornelia Park.
Playground options: Several sites include play equipment. "Pilot knob state park is a great place for a week long stay or just a few hours! The camp ground is on the smaller side but it's clean and there is a play ground!" reports a visitor to Pilot Knob State Park.
Pet-friendly activities: Dog friendly campgrounds near Britt offer short trails suitable for walking pets. "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," shares a McIntosh Woods camper.
Tips from RVers
Easy access: Oakwood RV Park provides convenient highway access for larger rigs. "Easy access off I-35. Guided right into the site, easy hookups. Water had a chlorine taste is the only drawback, but probably no worse than city water," notes a camper.
Service proximity: Forest City locations work well for those needing RV maintenance. "If you are picking up a camper from Lichtsinn RV in Forest City they offer to let you stay on their lot with electric hookups during your pick up. But, we found it a little more private and less intimidating to set up camp down the road just a few miles at Plot Knob State Park," explains a visitor to Three Fingers Campground & RV Park.
Site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more room between RVs than others. "We'll maintained and roomy sites. A very quiet campground. No particular activities for families/children," reports an Oakwood RV Park camper.
