5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Clear Lake offers several RV-friendly campgrounds with convenient access to the lake and surrounding attractions. Oakwood RV Park operates from mid-April through mid-October with full hookup sites including 50-amp electric service, water, and sewer connections for larger motorhomes. Clear Lake State Park Campground provides electric sites with 30 and 50-amp service on gravel pads that accommodate big rigs, though spacing between sites varies significantly. "Overall nice place to stay. Distance between sites can be wide or narrow depending on which site you're on," noted one camper. McIntosh Woods State Park Campground features RV sites with electric, water, and sewer connections, remaining open from April through December with pull-through options.
The narrow interior roads at several parks require careful navigation when towing or driving larger motorhomes. Clear Lake State Park maintains clean facilities with paved roads ideal for accessing the lake, though some RV pads are reported as not particularly level. During summer months, campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends when boating activity peaks on the lake. Most parks provide dump stations, with Oakwood RV Park, Three Fingers Campground, and MacNider Campground all offering full hookups for extended stays. A recent review mentioned, "We spent a few nights here before moving closer into town waiting for Winnebago service. This is primarily a long-term RV site with a few transient sites." Reservations are recommended for Clear Lake and McIntosh Woods State Parks, while other facilities operate on first-come, first-served basis.
"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."
"A very quiet campground. No particular activities for families/children."
"This is primarily a long-term RV site with a few transient sites. People are friendly, bathrooms and showers are well-maintained."
from $45 / night
"Sites not too level, but spacious. Camped in mid April and park was not very busy which was nice. Full hook up sites and W/E only sites. Close to town and lots to do."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $20 / night
"It would be perfect for large family/friend gatherings as some where doing. The campground was super clean and the bathrooms the cleanest I’ve seen at a state park."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $18 / night
"Very inexpensive, convenient, nice place to stay for a layover. It's a first come basis with I believe 22 RV sites."
"Cute park in Rockwell Iowa. There is a south campground too, but that was blocked off when I was there. There is a public golf course and aquatic center just a few hundred feet from the campground."
"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."
"Located by New Ulm, MN this campground has plenty of activities in the park or very near the park."
"Lots to do like hiking, biking, and fishing. Very clean bathhouse and bathrooms, park. Family friendly and quiet place to camp."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $18 / night
"Easy to pull into, large concrete pads. Stationary fire pits with grill grate attached, stationary four bench picnic tables on each site . Very quiet cozy park."
from $20 / night
ScoutKurt and Debbie are awesome. Couldn’t ask for better hosts. Campground has several ponds to fish and a small beach area. Being from Florida, I’ll say the beach is adorable! Dollar general is 2 minutes away. Has food side as well. Propane fill 2 minutes away. Several playgrounds, frisbee golf and shower houses. Lots of regular campers here on weekends so plenty of people to meet in season. I’m here for work so a bit different for me.
LegendCute park in Rockwell Iowa. There is a south campground too, but that was blocked off when I was there. There is a public golf course and aquatic center just a few hundred feet from the campground. The campground is on the edge of town. There a a river running between the south campground and the main campground with a footbridge over the river. Dump station present. Playground for kids. There are sites along the river edge.
LegendThe campground here is no longer available… however, several hundred yards down the country road, there is a campground (looks to be the same system, called Robinson park)
LegendCute small park/campground in Iowa farm country. Inexpensive and quaint. Has a small creek nearby. Kids play area too. Basic amenities.
TravelerSite are first come first reserve. Easy to pull into, large concrete pads. Stationary fire pits with grill grate attached, stationary four bench picnic tables on each site . Very quiet cozy park. Has about 10 rv sites and a few tent sites. Small pond/lake onsite and a river. Large park with some creative equipment.
GuideWe pulled in here sunday about noon and eight sites available eight sites , open thirty amp service , ten dollars a night
GuideThe Nonelectric sites at the White Fox campground were very nice. Great size and mostly private. The electric sites were definitely less private. The showers were clean and the vault toilets actually had a light inside! Trails were very nice.
TravelerNeat little place right off I 90. We arrived in the dark since we had a flat to fix but happily were still able to download the campground map… Seems like people stay here All year at some of the sites because there are literally decks and gardens attached to some larger campers. Gorgeous mature trees and seems like the campground is well kept outside. The bathrooms are clean but pretty old and guessing that the water is fairly hard from the rust stains in the shower… hot water felt great and no quarters to feed. Definitely bring your flip-flops for the shower the drainage was not great. Would definitely stay here again for the convenience, maybe next time we will get to enjoy the water front area… All the sites were nice and flat and easy to back in with lots of length. We have been towing a 31 foot AIRSTREAM so had no problems whatsoever.
GuideMyre Big Island was a peaceful and relaxing campground to visit. The trees are so tall and beautiful. The island had a few trails and a nice view of the lake.
It did rain while I stayed and site 17E floods a bit but dries up when the rain stops so it wasnt a big deal.
Clear Lake sits at approximately 1,237 feet above sea level in north-central Iowa, surrounded by agricultural land and prairie ecosystems. The 3,684-acre natural lake features sandy and rocky shorelines with multiple state-managed camping areas that stay open from April through December. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting beach access and boat launching conditions.
Fishing access: Clear Lake State Park Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities directly from the shoreline. "Great campground for our overnight, would be a wonderful extended stay as well. Close to the beach, town and the lake has great fish. Reserve early!" notes one visitor who found the fishing particularly rewarding.
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds offer beach access during summer months, though water quality can vary. "DNR cruises the park daily which is nice to see. Great shaded spots," reports a camper at Clear Lake State Park, noting the convenient "nice beach access" for families wanting to cool off.
Bird watching: The marshlands near McIntosh Woods State Park Campground attract numerous waterfowl species, especially during migration seasons. "Short walk to nice lake & marsh. Walking trails. Camped here during waterfowl hunting season, so there were several gunshots nearby at around sunrise," shares one visitor who observed the abundant wildlife.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer sites with adequate room between neighbors. "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!" remarks one satisfied camper.
Cleanliness of facilities: Beed's Lake State Park Campground receives praise for its maintenance standards. "The campground was super clean and the bathrooms the cleanest I've seen at a state park," notes one visitor who stayed during a busy Labor Day weekend.
Proximity to town: Campers appreciate how close rv sites near Clear Lake, Iowa are to urban amenities. "Close to town and lots to do," mentions one camper about Clear Lake State Park, highlighting the convenient access to shopping and restaurants within a short drive.
Site selection considerations: Not all campsites are created equal, particularly regarding privacy and size. "Not all sites are level, and most do not have delineated parking pads. A fire pit and picnic table complete the site. Most of the sites are too close together for our liking," reports a visitor to Pilot Knob State Park Campground.
Water quality issues: Beach closures can occur, especially during warmer months. "The beach area was closed due to e-coli," noted one McIntosh Woods camper, suggesting checking conditions before planning swimming activities.
Reservation timing: Summer weekends fill extremely quickly at most campgrounds in the area. "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 a would-be camper about Clear Lake State Park.
Playground facilities: MacNider Campground offers convenient play areas for children. "There is a nice playground on site plus the city pool is right next door. There are also awesome parks within walking distance," notes a family who enjoyed the kid-friendly amenities.
Safe swimming areas: Some campgrounds offer better swimming options than others. "Nice level sites with electric, picnic tables and fire rings. There is a beach for swimming but there is no lifeguard on duty," cautions a McIntosh Woods visitor.
Nature programs: Several parks offer educational opportunities for children. "The park has 20+ miles of hiking trails through prairies, woodlands, and along the lake too! Plus the park offers geocashing (and free GPS rental), as well as canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and a small fishing that can be rented!" shares an enthusiastic visitor about family activities.
Pull-through site availability: Oakwood RV Park receives positive feedback for its accessibility. "Easy access off I-35. Guided right into the site, easy hookups. Nice and quiet, many families around. Had a great overnight and a lazy morning before a 2 PM checkout," reports an RVer who appreciated the convenience.
Road conditions: Interior roads at some campgrounds pose challenges for larger vehicles. "The interior roads are dirt roads with a few potholes they are very narrow. We were able to drive through the campground with our 40 foot fifth wheel. But just barely, be careful!" warns one RVer about navigation difficulties.
Hookup reliability: Full-service rv camping near Clear Lake varies in quality and availability. "We have electric and water. The chlorine taste is the only drawback, but probably no worse than city water," notes one Oakwood RV Park visitor, suggesting bringing drinking water if sensitive to treatment chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Clear Lake, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Clear Lake, IA is Oakwood RV Park with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 66 RV camping locations near Clear Lake, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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