Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Mason City, IA has a lot to offer. Mason City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Mason City and user-submitted reviews.
$17 - $35 / night
"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."
"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!"
$12 - $26 / night
"This campground is just across the river from East Park, a very large part in Mason city. The river flows through the park and there are several, maybe 5 playgrounds in the park."
"There are also awesome parks within walking distance. If we ever come through this area again we will definitely be staying here!"
"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."
$12 - $60 / night
"Sites arranged in a circle around a clean shower house. Potable water. Only 2 non-electric sites. Most sites level. Sites are close to each other, not offering much in the way of privacy."
"Beautiful shaded campground near the lake, not far from town if you forgot something. We stayed in one of the two yurts- bunk bed plus a futon and table/chairs inside. Picnic table and grill outside."
$10 - $28 / night
"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."
"We tent camped but they’ve got lots of spaces for campers and tents as well, bathrooms are close, there is a nice lake near with play equipment located at the lake and at the campground, the campground"
$25 / night
"Short walk to the lake and playgrounds. Bar and grill 1/4 mile away."
GuidePulled in one evening on our way to Texas from Minnesota. Large, open spaces equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. Electric hookups and water also available. Reasonable rates (I think we paid $15) for one night.
TravelerGreat place to stay.
RangerThere were 3-4 sites with three fire rings, two 20 amp hookups, and one picnic table. Cost was $15.
TravelerFirst time camping of the season here! Brian in the office was SO nice and generous. It was pretty quiet there, he upgraded us to a nicer spot and threw in an extra bundle of wood. The facilities were clean, graveled pull through spots were so nice. Other campers there were very nice. It’s pretty close to the interstate, so just be aware you’ll hear that noise, it might be better once the trees have leaves on them. Would stay again!
RangerWe have stayed at this campground many times as we have traveled the "Avenue of the Saints." Highway 218. R Campground is just a few miles off of the saints highway on the south eastern side of town. Interior roads and sites are gravel, many with 50 amp full hook ups. Our favorite sites begin with "OB" for out back. These all have a view of the river. Not all of them will accommodate our 44" Blue Bird.
We have watched this campground grow from the beginning with yearly improvements and upgrades made. Laundry facilities and restroom/shower house on the grounds.
Don't miss the pedestrian bridge over the river, the walking/bike path that runs behind the campground and a casual lunch or dinner by the main street dam.
ScoutI was exhausted when I arrived but couldn’t find a way to drive to the campground due to gates saying hiking, horseback, and walking only.
ScoutFriendly owners. Level cement pads with hookups. Short walk to the lake and playgrounds. Bar and grill 1/4 mile away.
TravelerSites are approximately 2 miles from parking and the hike it relatively easy with minimal elevation change. You have a choice between a grassy walk or walking mainly on tar and gravel as part of the Blazing Star Trail. They are also accessible by boat.
There are 4 backpacking sites and they are well-spaced so you each have privacy. #3 and #4 are close enough that you could be in a group together but #1 and #2 are pretty isolated. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, wood cabinet/fish cleaning table, at least 1 flat spot for a tent, and a nearby porta potty.
Views of the lake are amazing with a variety of birds making appearances. Harvesting season may bring some farm sounds but otherwise, aside from the occasional train, you'll mainly hear the sounds of nature around you.
If you can make the walk carrying everything, including water, on your back, definitely check out one of these sites.
LegendWe tend to stay at campgrounds during the off or shoulder season for a quieter experience so it was with some apprehension that we reserved this campground for a summer weekend so that we could meet friends for Paddlefest. We were happy to discover that despite being a full campground, it was quiet at almost all hours of the day and night. It was, however, an entirely different story on the lake itself, where boats gathered all day to party!
There is little separation between the sites but there are trees located throughout, some of which provide shade to the site. The camper pads were a mix of dirt and gravel and mostly level. 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 (all end sites in our section were larger) and we had plenty of shade trees, a welcome relief on a very hot weekend.
The paved roads leading to the sites are very narrow and would appear to be one-way but are not designated as such, resulting in some confusion. The site numbers are only listed on one side, even though most of the sites appeared to be pull-through.
The restrooms and showers were clean and had soap and (dated) air dryers.
Overall, we had a very pleasant two-night stay even though we were prepared for a different experience.
Camping near Mason City, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to wooded retreats, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, the camping options near Mason City, Iowa, have something to offer everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Mason City, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 90 campgrounds and RV parks near Mason City, IA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mason City, IA is Clear Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Mason City, IA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Mason City, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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