J
Jenna D.
Scout
ScoutLake Considine
Not too shabby!
Pulled up right on the lake! A local fisherman came by was quiet and respectful. No, bathroom - there is a Kwik Star about 8 minutes away though!
Camping near Clear Lake, IA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Clear Lake, Iowa centers around a 3,684-acre natural lake with several established campgrounds along its shoreline. Clear Lake State Park Campground and McIntosh Woods State Park Campground provide the primary lakeside camping experiences, with both offering a mix of RV and tent sites with varying levels of hookups. The area also includes Oakwood RV Park for those seeking private accommodations with full amenities. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access additional options like Pilot Knob State Park, which operates year-round, and Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area for more primitive camping experiences. Campers note that Clear Lake State Park features "well-kept grounds, clean bathrooms, and easy access to the lake," making it popular for families.
Most campgrounds in the Clear Lake area operate seasonally from April through October or December, with only Pilot Knob State Park remaining open year-round. Summer months bring higher occupancy rates, particularly on weekends when reservations are strongly recommended. Clear Lake State Park and McIntosh Woods become especially busy during peak season (June-August) when continuous traffic is common. Facilities typically include shower houses, dump stations, and electric hookups, with some sites offering full hookups. Water quality in Clear Lake can vary seasonally, with occasional algae blooms or beach closures during hot summer periods. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with T-Mobile reporting 3-bar coverage at McIntosh Woods.
The camping options around Clear Lake accommodate various preferences and equipment types. RV campers will find big-rig friendly sites with 30/50-amp service at most established campgrounds, though full hookup sites are limited and should be reserved well in advance. Tent campers have dedicated areas in the state parks, with some sites offering more privacy than others. McIntosh Woods features two rental yurts for those seeking a glamping experience. Water recreation dominates activities, with boat ramps, fishing docks, and swimming beaches available at most lakeside campgrounds. The town of Clear Lake is just minutes away, providing convenient access to supplies, restaurants, and additional entertainment options during summer months.
Best Campgrounds near Clear Lake (85)
1. Clear Lake State Park Campground
"We love coming to Clear Lake! The campgrounds are always very well kept, bathrooms very clean! Easy access to the lake, and the town has so much to do during the summer months!"
"Clear lake state park is a nice campground. It does get very busy during peak season and traffic is continuous. It is clean and close to the beach. Down town and other shopping is a short drive away."
from $18 - $38 / night
Check Availability2. Pilot Knob State Park Campground
"Located by New Ulm, MN this campground has plenty of activities in the park or very near the park."
"When driving to my site two fawns were laying near the playground."
from $14 - $34 / night
Check Availability3. McIntosh Woods State Park Campground
"Clear Lake is a popular place to spend time in North Central Iowa. McIntosh Woods State Park is right on the lake front."
"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."
from $12 - $60 / night
Check Availability4. Oakwood RV Park
"Nice and quiet, many families around. Had a great overnight and a lazy morning before a 2 PM checkout. Would stay again when we're back this way."
5. MacNider Campground
"There are also awesome parks within walking distance. If we ever come through this area again we will definitely be staying here!"
from $12 - $26 / night
Check Availability6. Camp At The Woods
"Perfect size sites and near the river for some water fun. Pool wasn’t open yet but looked to be a good size. Would go back there again for sure!"
7. Inglebretson Park County
"They have a dump, clean bathrooms with hot showers(which super clean), a playground for the kids and a couple of walking/hiking trails nearby."
8. Shellrock River Co Preserve
"Big grassy field surrounded by huge (walnut) trees. There a gravel track that goes along a large river. Trees everywhere so bring bug spray. Quiet, peaceful. Not private but worth it."
9. Eldred Sherwood Park
"This is about as "middle of nowhere" as you can get in Iowa 🙂!"
"It was cold so we didn't get to enjoy the water but we did enjoy a nice walk around the lake. The facilities were not open when we were there in late April, but they looked nice from the outsode."
10. Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area
"There is a boat launch and paths down each side of the launch you could fish. On the way in, you'll see a deck to the left, providing a scenic overlook."
"It’s like a large gravel parking lot right on the lake. It was insanely peaceful and quiet the entire time. The birds chirping was beautiful."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 20 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 21 min from Waterloo, IA
- 1 hr 27 min from Mankato, MN
Recent Camping Photos near Clear Lake, IA
35 Photos of 85 Clear Lake Campgrounds
Dan B.
Clear Lake State Park Campground
Cathleen V.
Oakwood RV Park
Lori N.
McIntosh Woods State Park Campground
Alyssa D.
Wilkinson
Karla J. B.
George Wyatt City Park
Katie J.
Beed's Lake State Park Campground
Adam S.
West Idlewild County Campground
Karla J. B.
Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park
Katelyn H.
White Fox Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park
Gerald
Backpacking Sites — Myre-Big Island State Park
Niki S.
R Campground, Inc
Chantal C.
Camp Comfort Recreation Area
Recent Reviews near Clear Lake, IA
216 Reviews of 85 Clear Lake Campgrounds
Jason W.ScoutWhite Fox Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park
Nice quiet campground
Spacious sites, clean (very clean) shower and bathroom facilities.
Kimberly P.
GuideBeed's Lake State Park Campground
Fun on the lake
We stayed 4 nights at an electric site in Beed's Lake. After taxes and online reservation fees, it came out to a little less than $100. One of the restrooms was closed for maintenance the entire time we were there, leaving the whole park to share one restroom and 3 showers. The restroom was pretty clean, the shower was not so clean. It was an "I've seen worse" situation.. The campsites are really close to one another and I'm honestly not sure why because it wasn't even close to full. I was disappointed in the lack of any hammock trees. The real star of the park, of course, is the lake. We kayaked and fished the lake while we were visiting. The local reports suggested not swimming due to ecoli, so we did not do any swimming. We had tons of fun kayaking and fishing, but I was also a little disappointed in bank access for fishing, so I'm glad we had our kayaks. It was relatively quiet and everyone was friendly.
Lumpie C.GuideClear Lake State Park Campground
Quiet park with nice facilities
Many long sites with picnic tables and power at sites. Must be reserved online. Beware of site numbers in 70s as they have very significant slope!
Kevin M.
TravelerClear Lake State Park Campground
Busy and densely populated
We are here on a Friday and almost all the spaces are full. Site 1 is about as quiet as it gets tucked off to the side.
Edward R.GuideHickory Hills Campground
The Pros and Cons
The camp grounds as a whole is well kept with gated entrance. Pool area spacious and clean. Has a very massive playground for the kids. We actually never saw the check in desk. Reservations were by phone at the check in area. I would of gave this park a solid 5....except for the gravel road and shower house. Pros: Well kept park. Somewhat quite. Few miles off I 35. Cons: Last 1.5 miles is gravel. But not real bad. A little dusty. The park looked like it had about 85% long term campers. We were on site 1. A longer rig probably wouldn't be very level. But manageable. We booked this for overnight for showers. The showers were very out dated and basically my wife said no way because of the mold and unkept unpleasant decor. The showers are very narrow. But hey...at least the shower had hot water on men's side.
- Crystal R.Guide
Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park
Beautiful but watch out for raccoons
I have stayed here 3 or 4 times and have enjoyed my time for the most part. Except the last time I was there (last summer) the raccoons were absolutely out of control. I didn't even have food unpacked out of my car yet and they were rummaging through my stuff while I was standing right there. They had no fear. I had a giant duffel bag full of tarps (not any food at all in it) and around 1am I hear the racoon trying to steal it. So I get up and put it in my trunk. The raccoon climbs into my trunk! While I'm standing right there, I've never seen anything like it.
Honestly everything else about this park is great. The island is gorgeous with beautiful sunsets, the hiking is great, the sites are nice, etc. But I probably will not come back just because of raccoons. Because keeping a clean campsite doesn't seem to matter for these critters.
- SSandra T.Guide
North Cedar Park
Great Quick-Stop Option
We were traveling northbound on 218 on a Tuesday and searched for a convenient stop for one night. It was very hot so filtered the results, showing spots with electric hook-up in order to run the AC a bit. The North Cedar County Park was easy to find, located just a couple miles off the exit and past the town of Plainfield.
The park is heavily shaded in most areas. They have done a good job of keeping the tree canopy high, so we had no worries of hitting limbs in our 34' class A that has a height of 12 feet.
The sites are all grass, with no clear definition of individual sites. We just picked a spot that looked fairly level and dry. Soft soil could be a concern for heavier rigs after rains. Our stabilizers did sink into the dirt a bit, but we were able to level.
They have wooden picnic tables scattered, as well as designated firepit areas. 30 and 15 Amp service was available on the power post. There is a bathroom/shower house, picnic shelter, playground and horseshoe courts.
The campground is right on a wide, fast moving river and offers 2 boat launches. It didnt appear that any of the sites had a water view, but it was a short, pleasant stroll to the rivers edge.
We paid $20 for our one night. It is all first come, first served. They say on their website that they have 40 sites. On a Tuesday in June, there were 3 of us there for the night (the other two looked more long-term). A posted sign said that camping is free on Wednesday nights, so that's cool!
Overall, it was a quiet and pretty place to stop and we would definately visit again.
- BBonnie H.Traveler
Albert Lea-Austin KOA
Nice Overnight Spot
This is a smaller KOA campground under new ownership. The owner and his children are very nice and welcoming. There were other reviews about it being overgrown but everything was nicely mowed when we arrived and I really enjoyed the peaceful setting. Easy off freeway, little freeway noise but not a problem. A bit rustic but clean campground. There are some piles of tree branches as there was a beetle problem and trees had to be removed. I’m sure it is temporary and will be gone soon. All in all a lovely quiet evening in our travels East. Site 53 is at the end of a row and very private location.
Guide to Clear Lake
Camping sites near Clear Lake, Iowa center around a natural lake covering over 3,600 acres with water recreation opportunities throughout spring, summer, and fall. The region features a mix of state parks and county-managed facilities within a 30-minute drive radius. Campsites range from $10-$35 per night depending on hookups and amenities, with most facilities operating from April through October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Clear Lake State Park Campground has excellent fishing access with one camper noting, "the lake has great fish." Fishing is particularly productive in spring and early summer.
Swimming at public beaches: The area offers several swimming options when conditions permit. A visitor to MacNider Campground mentions, "the city pool is right next door" and "there are also awesome parks within walking distance."
Hiking local trails: Several parks offer walking paths through different ecosystems. At Pilot Knob State Park Campground, campers appreciate the "several hiking trails" and one reviewer specifically noted they "got to see turtles laying eggs and deer were all around."
Basketball and playground time: Multiple campgrounds maintain recreational facilities for families. One camper at Camp At The Woods commented on "new park for kids new basketball court new pavilion."
What campers like
Affordable rates: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable fees. At Inglebretson Park County, a visitor noted it was "very inexpensive" at "only $15 on our summer early September rate and drops to $10 basically in October for a few months, which includes a small fire pi, tabke, and electric!"
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. One MacNider Campground reviewer commented, "The ground and well kept and staff is incredibly friendly and helpful," while another noted it "fits our 43' rig well."
Shade coverage: Many campgrounds provide natural shade, important during hot Iowa summers. A Shellrock River Co Preserve visitor described the area as a "Big grassy field surrounded by huge (walnut) trees" with "Trees everywhere."
Spacious sites: Certain campgrounds offer larger-than-average sites. At Clear Lake State Park, a camper observed, "they are large spots" and another mentioned the "Great campground. Family and friends get together a must here."
What you should know
Seasonal water quality: Clear Lake sometimes experiences algae issues. A visitor to Pilot Knob State Park mentioned, "showers were individual room with timed lights, motion sensors kept the shower interesting!"
Site leveling challenges: Not all campsites provide level parking. At Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area, a camper noted, "This spot is exposed with virtually no privacy. (Winter/ early spring) It's about a 1/4 mile off of the dirt road."
Varying privacy levels: Campground layouts offer different privacy experiences. One MacNider camper observed it was a "Quaint city campground" with a relatively "small" footprint but accommodating for larger rigs.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking basic experiences, free camping exists. At Shellrock River Co Preserve, a camper noted it's "quiet, clean, and has some pretty views of the Iowa nite sky" and another mentioned, "Secluded free camping with port a potty, fire rings and a shelter."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment. A Clear Lake State Park visitor noted, "the playground has nice, safe equipment for the little kids."
Swimming options: Public beaches and pools provide swimming opportunities. At McIntosh Woods State Park Campground, a camper mentioned there is a "beach for swimming but there is no lifeguard on duty."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing can entertain children. At Pilot Knob State Park, one family "Got to see turtles laying eggs and deer were all around. Family loved the fishing."
Rental accommodations: For families without camping equipment, some parks offer alternatives. McIntosh Woods features "two rental yurts" described as having a "bunk bed plus a futon and table/chairs inside. Picnic table and grill outside."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Be prepared for varying utility connection placements. At Camp At The Woods, one RVer found "the sewer connection was at the front of the site and was up hill kind of."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds provide on-site dump stations. A visitor to Inglebretson Park County appreciated that "They have a dump, clean bathrooms with hot showers."
Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds remain open year-round. A winter visitor to Camp At The Woods noted they were "very accommodating super nice people helped us back in and set up in middle of winter after dark" and "the water worked when temp was below freezing."
Site reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A Clear Lake State Park visitor advised, "Reserve early!" while another noted it being "full more than a week before the holiday, shows how great it is."
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available at Clear Lake, Iowa?
What campgrounds are available at Clear Lake, Iowa?
Clear Lake, Iowa offers several excellent camping options. Clear Lake State Park Campground is a popular choice with well-maintained grounds and easy lake access. McIntosh Woods State Park Campground provides nice shaded sites and lakefront access. Other nearby options include Prairie Bridges Park for a quieter experience, Beed's Lake State Park with its picturesque waterfall, and Oakwood RV Park for those seeking more amenities. The area also has several county parks like Eldred Sherwood Park and Eagle City County Park that offer more secluded camping experiences.
What amenities are offered at Clear Lake State Park campgrounds?
What amenities are offered at Clear Lake State Park campgrounds?
Clear Lake State Park Campground offers clean, well-maintained facilities including modern shower houses and restrooms. The campground provides easy beach access with swimming areas, a playground for children, and picnic facilities. There are limited full hookup sites available, with more electric-only sites throughout the park. Water access points make the park perfect for fishing and boating activities. The park maintains clean grounds with garbage facilities and is located a short drive from downtown shopping and restaurants. During peak season, the park can get busy with families, reflecting its popularity as a summer destination in North Central Iowa.
Are there RV camping options at Clear Lake, Iowa?
Are there RV camping options at Clear Lake, Iowa?
Clear Lake offers several RV-friendly camping options. Oakwood RV Park is designed specifically for RVs with full hookups and big-rig-friendly sites. Prairie Bridges Park offers a quiet small-town camping experience with convenient amenities nearby. There are limited full hookup sites at Clear Lake State Park, while McIntosh Woods provides electric sites. For more RV options, Worth County Fairgrounds and R Campground also accommodate RVs. Most campgrounds in the area have electric sites, though water and sewer connections vary, so it's best to check specific amenities when making reservations.
Can you rent RVs at Clear Lake, Iowa for camping?
Can you rent RVs at Clear Lake, Iowa for camping?
While Clear Lake itself doesn't have dedicated RV rental facilities within the state parks, several options exist in the general area. KOA Kampgrounds of America near Clear Lake may offer RV rentals or can direct you to local providers. Alternatively, check with MacNider Campground in nearby Mason City for rental information. Many campers opt to rent from regional or national companies like Cruise America or RVshare, then bring their rental to Clear Lake's RV-friendly campgrounds. For the most current rental options, contact the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce or check online RV rental marketplaces that serve North Central Iowa.
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