Camping options near Clear Lake, Iowa include established state parks and county recreation areas within a 30-mile radius. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80°F and winter temperatures frequently below freezing. Campgrounds typically fill quickly during peak summer season when water activities on Clear Lake are most popular.
What to do
Hiking trails: Pilot Knob State Park offers multiple hiking paths through wooded areas where wildlife sightings are common. "Beautiful campground. Well maintained. Nice facilities. You can't beat this place for the price. Nice hiking trails too," reports Eric J. about Pilot Knob State Park Campground.
Water recreation: The Shell Rock River Preserve provides direct water access for fishing, kayaking and swimming during warmer months. "It's quiet, clean, and has some pretty views of the Iowa nite sky," notes Brandon P. about Shellrock River Co Preserve, where campers can enjoy riverside activities.
Night sky observation: The area offers excellent stargazing opportunities away from larger cities. "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," shares Ax H. about the open viewing areas at Shell Rock River Preserve.
What campers like
Accessibility to town: Clear Lake State Park provides camping close to shopping and entertainment options. "Down town and other shopping is a short drive away. Lots of families camp here. Spots are nice," mentions Tiffany about Clear Lake State Park Campground.
Affordable rates: Several campgrounds offer economical options for budget-conscious travelers. "For $12/night on a 30AMP hookup, I really can't complain. This is my first of many stops in the new RV, needed a place to camp out before getting it serviced the next day," states Jacob B. about his stay at Pilot Knob State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Camp Comfort Recreation Area features shoreline fishing access directly from campsites. "The river is off a smaller dam and has great fishing. Kids had a great time playing in the water, our site was about 20 ft from the waters edge," reports Chantal C. about Camp Comfort Recreation Area.
What you should know
Limited horse facilities: None of the campgrounds near Clear Lake currently offer dedicated horse corrals or equestrian facilities, though some parks have trails that permit horseback riding.
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly during summer months. "Sad that there were so many back up sites over the holiday weekend, would have liked to have been able to camp here. It being full more than a week before the holiday, shows how great it is," shares Jennifer D. about Clear Lake State Park.
Free camping option: Shell Rock River Preserve offers no-cost camping with basic amenities. "Secluded free camping with port a potty, fire rings and a shelter. My AT&T service worked enough for a podcast but not streaming," notes Tammie C. about Shellrock River Co Preserve.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Clear Lake State Park provides family-friendly swimming areas accessible from the 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!" writes Vanessa H.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds include play equipment for children. "Nice campground with grassy pull thru sites. But very close together. If full, you would have no privacy. Fortunately, it was 1/4 full, so no problem. Bathrooms clean, nice warm showers! Nice beach, lots to do," explains Janet K. about her experience at Clear Lake State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Opportunities for children to observe local animals enhance the camping experience. "Got to see turtles laying eggs and deer were all around. Family loved the fishing," reports Lisa P. about her stay at Pilot Knob State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Campground layouts vary in privacy and spacing. "The layout of the campground would be challenging if all sites were occupied," notes Lee D. about Pilot Knob State Park, advising RVers to research site maps before booking.
Self-service amenities: Cedar Bridge Park offers convenient facilities for recreational vehicles. "There are about 20 self-serve sites with electric and water. Self serve firewood. Dump station and dumpsters near the exit. Clean bathrooms and showers. Lots of space at each campsite," explains Tim M. about Cedar Bridge County Park.
Leveling challenges: Not all sites provide naturally level pads for RVs. "We were lucky to snag Site 34 (reserved about three months in advance) – it was on the end, making it a much larger site than the interior sites and we had plenty of shade trees, a welcome relief on a very hot weekend," shares Lee D. about Clear Lake State Park.
