Clear Lake offers diverse camping opportunities on the shores of a 3,600-acre natural lake in north-central Iowa, with a mild summer climate averaging 80°F in July. The region features several state parks and county campgrounds that provide amenities from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV pads. Seasonal availability typically runs April through October, with some campgrounds extending operations into December.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Pilot Knob State Park, trails wind through wooded areas and lead to a historic observation tower. "Beautiful campground. Well maintained. Nice facilities. You can't beat this place for the price. Nice hiking trails too," notes a camper from Pilot Knob.
Fishing opportunities: Clear Lake State Park provides shoreline fishing and boat launches for anglers seeking walleye, yellow bass, and catfish. A visitor at Riverside County Park mentioned, "Fishing above and below the dam. Picnic table and fire ring at every site."
Swimming options: Many local parks feature swimming areas. At Riverside County Park, "a pond that you can swim in with three beach entry areas" provides cooling relief during summer months.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Sites at Clear Lake State Park provide ample room between neighbors. "The sites are large spots. Close to the beach and fishing is awesome. A big campground but reserve early!" explains one regular visitor.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness stands out in reviews across multiple campgrounds. At Clear Lake State Park, campers appreciate that "the park is clean, the shower house is nice," though one reviewer noted shower temperature control could be challenging for children.
Quiet environments: Despite summer popularity, many campers mention the surprising tranquility. "We were happy to discover that despite being a full campground, it was quiet at almost all hours of the day and night," reported a summer visitor at Clear Lake.
What you should know
Reservation timing: For peak summer weekends, book well ahead. "A big campground but reserve early!" advises a Clear Lake State Park visitor. Sites fill quickly from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Yurt camping Clear Lake, Iowa options: McIntosh Woods State Park offers specialized accommodations with "two yurts" available for rental. These structures provide a glamping alternative to traditional tent camping near Clear Lake.
Water levels: Some sites may experience pooling after heavy rains. "When there is heavy rain you will however have your own pond at most sites," notes a camper at Clear Lake State Park.
Hookup availability: Limited full-hookup sites exist at Clear Lake State Park. "There are only 6 full hook up sites and the care taker made sure we got one. The rest of the sites are beautiful with electric hook up," reports one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many local campgrounds feature play areas. Clear Lake State Park has "nice, safe equipment for the little kids" according to visitors.
Bike-friendly roads: Paved surfaces throughout Myre-Big Island State Park offer safe cycling for children. The park has "6 miles of paved, but badly in need of care, is a bike path that meanders through thick forest and open grassy fields."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local animals. "We saw a ton of wild life many many many deer!" exclaimed one visitor to Myre-Big Island State Park.
Swimming safety: Lakes can get busy during summer weekends. A camper warned, "It was, however, an entirely different story on the lake itself, where boats gathered all day to party!"
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RV campers should check road conditions. At Oakwoods Trails Campground, "The pads are gravel and very level" making setup easier.
Dump station congestion: At some campgrounds, timing matters for tank emptying. One Oakwoods visitor noted, "There is only one road through the grounds so when leaving it can get backed up at the dump station."
Full hookup options: Complete services vary by location. Riverside County Park provides "city water and sewer with 50 and 30 amp to each site," making it suitable for extended stays.
Big rig considerations: Some parks accommodate larger vehicles better than others. "Very long parking pads - big rig friendly and very roomy sites," mentions a Riverside County Park reviewer, highlighting its suitability for larger RVs.
