Clear Lake and nearby parks offer several options for yurt camping near Klemme, Iowa. Located in north central Iowa, Klemme sits in a region characterized by prairie pothole wetlands and agricultural landscapes at approximately 1,200 feet above sea level. Seasonal temperatures range from summer highs around 83°F to winter lows near 7°F, affecting camping availability and water recreation options.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Clear Lake State Park features a boat ramp and multiple fishing spots for catching walleye and yellow bass. "The lake has great fish. Family and friends get together a must here," notes a visitor to Clear Lake State Park.
Hiking trails: Explore the extensive woodland trails at Pilot Knob State Park. "Beautiful campground. Well maintained. Nice facilities. You can't beat this place for the price. Nice hiking trails too," according to a camper.
Water recreation: Swimming beaches and boat launches at several parks provide summer water activities. "The lake is gorgeous but just a few places to get to the water. Saw a sign on the park door saying kayaks and canoes available to rent," mentions a visitor to Myre-Big Island State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities. "We saw a ton of wild life many many many deer!" reports a camper at Myre-Big Island State Park. Several parks maintain wildlife habitat areas that attract deer, waterfowl, and occasionally bald eagles.
What campers like
Shade coverage: Mature trees provide relief during summer months at several campgrounds. "We had site 34 – 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 a visitor at Clear Lake State Park.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness rates high in camper satisfaction surveys. "The bathrooms & showers were awesome & the park guy was very nice & informative. It will definitely be a place we will go back to!" says a camper at McIntosh Woods State Park.
Proximity to towns: The convenience of nearby towns for supplies appeals to many campers. "About 5 miles west of I-35; good place to stop for one night. Electric sites: $18; non-electric $14," notes one visitor at McIntosh Woods State Park.
Seasonal events: Summer brings additional programming at some parks. "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 camper.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book early for summer weekends and holidays. "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," mentions a camper at Clear Lake State Park.
Site privacy considerations: Site spacing varies widely between parks and campground sections. "Sites are nice sized and relatively private. There is a gravel pad on each site and some have a tent pad. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring," shares a visitor at Myre-Big Island State Park.
Water levels: Lake conditions can change seasonally. "When there is heavy rain you will however have your own pond at most sites. I guess you pay for what you get," notes a Clear Lake camper.
Yurt availability: The limited number of yurts for camping near Klemme means advance planning. Dows Pool Park & Campground offers additional accommodations if the yurts at McIntosh Woods are reserved. "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," reports a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple parks feature playgrounds for children. "Nice playground is kind of small and old. However we had a great time and will probably be back next year when sibley farm is open again," shares a family who visited Land of Memories Campground.
Water temperature awareness: Shower temperature controls vary between parks. "It's hard to control the temperature in the showers, too hot for little kids to stand directly in the water," notes a Clear Lake State Park visitor.
Biking opportunities: Paved roads in some parks offer safe biking for children. "Paved roads are great for bike riding. Great shaded spots. DNR cruises the park daily which is nice to see," reports a family camper.
Space for activities: Some campgrounds provide open areas for games. "Wide open grass center of Park is wide open for frisbee kids and and such, nice," mentions a Land of Memories camper.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Full hookup sites are limited at most parks. "We had an electric site. Very level and clean. Nice fire pit and located right next to the lake. Only downside was the site was electric only. No option for full hookup but water was located between the sites," reports an RVer at Myre-Big Island State Park.
Pad conditions: Site levelness varies between campgrounds. "The pads are gravel and very level," notes a visitor to Grotto of the Redemption RV Park.
Dump station access: Confirm dump station availability when planning. "Dump station was clean and modern and located close by," shares an RV camper at Myre-Big Island State Park.
Extension cord needs: Some electrical hookups require additional equipment. "The electric hook ups are really far from the pad so bring an extension," advises a Land of Memories camper.
