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Best Campgrounds near Mason City, IA

208 Reviews

Camping options near Mason City, Iowa include several established campgrounds with a range of amenities and hookup availability. Within the city itself, MacNider Campground offers full hookup sites for both tent and RV camping from April through October. The campground features electric hookups, showers, and a dump station, with close proximity to city amenities. Beyond city limits, Clear Lake State Park Campground provides additional options with electric sites, showers, and beach access just a short drive southwest of Mason City.

Most campgrounds in the Mason City region operate seasonally, typically from April through October or early December, with limited year-round options. MacNider Campground charges $19-28 per night depending on hookup needs, offering an affordable option compared to many private campgrounds. For budget-conscious campers, Shellrock River Co Preserve offers free primitive camping with basic amenities including pit toilets and fire rings. Clear Lake State Park requires advance reservations during peak summer months. "When there is heavy rain you will however have your own pond at most sites," noted one camper about Clear Lake State Park's drainage issues.

Several visitors highlight the urban convenience of MacNider Campground paired with natural surroundings. "This campground is just across the river from East Park, a very large park in Mason city. The river flows through the park and there are several, maybe 5 playgrounds in the park," mentioned one review. Clear Lake State Park receives positive feedback for its beach access and family-friendly amenities, though sites can be close together during busy periods. For travelers seeking more seclusion, Shellrock River Co Preserve provides a quieter experience with more primitive conditions. The region's campgrounds generally feature grassy or gravel sites, with varying levels of shade and site separation. Most developed campgrounds offer at least electric hookups, with some providing full hookup options for longer stays.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mason City, Iowa (91)

    1. Clear Lake State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Clear Lake, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 357-4212

    $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."

    2. MacNider Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mason City, IA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (641) 421-3679

    $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!"

    3. Camp At The Woods

    4 Reviews
    Nora Springs, IA
    7 miles
    +1 (641) 696-3413

    "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!"

    4. Shellrock River Co Preserve

    4 Reviews
    Nora Springs, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 423-5309

    "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. Not private but worth it."

    5. Oakwood RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Clear Lake, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 357-4019

    "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."

    6. McIntosh Woods State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Ventura, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 829-3847

    $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."

    7. Pilot Knob State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Forest City, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 581-4835

    $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."

    8. Wilkinson

    1 Review
    Nora Springs, IA
    7 miles
    +1 (641) 423-5309

    9. Rudd Eastside Park

    2 Reviews
    Rockford, IA
    15 miles
    Website

    "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"

    10. Woody’s Campground by the Lake

    1 Review
    Rockford, IA
    15 miles
    +1 (641) 420-3842

    $25 / night

    "Short walk to the lake and playgrounds. Bar and grill 1/4 mile away."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mason City, IA

35 Photos of 91 Mason City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mason City, IA

208 Reviews of 91 Mason City Campgrounds

  • Karla J. B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    George Wyatt City Park

    Small town overnight

    We stayed for one night so we could go fossil hunting at nearby Fossil and Prairie park. This campground has full hookups and gravel pads in what is basically a small town park. It was perfect for our needs -a place to stay. There are no reservations, just pay cash in an envelope at the info sign. There were 2 bigger RVs there the night we were. Bathrooms were adequate, with running water, soap and paper towels.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lake Cornelia Park

    Great County Park

    Love Lake Cornelia. We’ve camped there a couple times with hammocks and tents. It can get pretty busy on the nicer weekends, so showing up before dawn to stake out your spot isn’t unheard of. The entire park is first come, first served.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Crystal Springs RV Resort

    Has a resort feel to it

    Spent one night passing through Ellendale Minnesota. Our reservation paperwork was waiting for us at the gatehouse with directions to our back-in site 11. A close walk to the laundry, showers and restroom pavilion was terrific. I can’t remember but I believe this was the best campground for low road noise of our entire trip!

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Eagle City County Park

    Could be lovely but creeped me out

    Liked the spot by the lake and we could have been the only ones there but we noticed a few things on the way to the site that was unsettling and then we were followed in by a truck that just went to the end of the loop then left, with the driver and passenger obviously not wanting to be seen. Weirded me out so we left. Felt unsafe.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Lake Hendricks Co Park

    Paved sites, simple Accomodations

    A good place for a place to stop next to a lake. Good hookups and picnic tables

  • Kristy E.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lake Cornelia Park

    Beautiful place

    This is a beautiful county park with lots of camping sites with great views and generous camping spots. It is on a small lake that has good fishing, full hookups, and very nice swimming b each beach. We also enjoyed walking on the many trails.

  • Leni K.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Myre State Park Campgrounds

    Big Fun, Even With Closures

    Big Island was nicely wooded, keeping a very cool temperature but with little cover from other campsites. Tent pad and fire pit were well maintained. Restrooms were well cleaned, if not exactly maintained (soap and Toilet paper ran light over the weekend, and spiders hung out after a cleaning). ADA accessible. Even with a few trails closed, plenty of trails to explore around the Big Island campground. Rented a tandem kayak from the ranger station, looked like one of the two kayaks, plenty of canoes for rent. Spotted pelicans, turtles, and birds along the shore. Campground host never came by, but the ranger was spotted twice once to keep hammock straps off a smaller tree. Mosquitos were out in full force during the cooler weather.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    MacNider Campground

    Better than free camping

    Quiet, clean and decent size lots.

    This Campground sits among a sleepy country city… however with the trees and the setting, you would never know.

    The cost is $20 per night for electric and water. Sewer cost extra.

    Would stay here 100 times over any type of lot docking and many other campsites that look like parking lot.

    It’s a home run stay here!

Guide to Mason City

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. One camper mentioned, “The trails were in great shape and beautiful with past-peak grasses and developing colors in the trees” at Myre-Big Island State Park.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes, perfect for fishing. A visitor at Pine Lake State Park said, “Fishing is good here, as are the hiking trails.”
  • Cave Tours: Check out the cave tours at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park. One reviewer raved, “Love the cave tours! Some trails in the park are horse trails also, so you may encounter the occasional horseback rider.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at George Wyth State Park noted, “The bathrooms and showers are ultra modern and clean.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. One camper at Blue Earth City Campground said, “The camp host, Denise, was very nice upon arrival.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful surroundings. A visitor at Big Island Campground mentioned, “For July the bugs weren’t bad. After traveling across South Dakota and dealing with 100 plus temperatures with no shade, this was a welcome change.”

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at George Wyth State Park warned, “There were tremendous amounts of mosquitoes at the campground during our visit.”
  • Site Sizes Vary: Some sites may not be level or spacious. A reviewer at Pilot Knob State Park noted, “Not all sites are level, and most do not have delineated parking pads.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Eagle City County Park mentioned, “There is no pit toilet.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. A camper at Maple Springs Campground said, “They have a river to walk along and playground and animals for kids to enjoy.”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check for nearby dining options. One camper at Clear Lake State Park suggested, “Be sure to go to Diner 63 for lunch or dinner while you’re there.”
  • Pack Bug Spray: Keep the bugs at bay for a more enjoyable experience. A visitor at Big Island Campground noted, “We feel too much in view of everyone which causes some distraction for the dog.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Amenities: Make sure your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Blue Earth City Campground mentioned, “For an incredibly low price, we were able to connect to water, dump, and electricity.”
  • Consider Off-Peak Visits: Camp during the week for a quieter experience. A camper at George Wyth State Park said, “I much prefer during the off season.”
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways or train tracks. A visitor at Clear Lake State Park noted, “Beyond the trees on one side of the campground is a major road so you’ll hear cars passing by.”

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

What campgrounds are available in Mason City, Iowa?

Mason City offers several camping options within and around the city. MacNider Campground is located in the city, situated across the river from East Park. For campers willing to venture slightly outside Mason City, Prairie Bridges Park provides a quiet small-town camping experience with convenient walking paths and nearby amenities. Other options within driving distance include Clear Lake State Park, Beed's Lake State Park, and Worth County Fairgrounds. Most campgrounds in the area offer electric sites, with some providing water hookups and shower facilities. Many are open seasonally from spring through fall, with specific opening and closing dates varying by location.

What amenities does MacNider Campground in Mason City offer?

MacNider Campground in Mason City offers convenient access to East Park, a large park with the river flowing through it. The campground is adjacent to the city pool, making it ideal for families who want to swim during their stay. The nearby East Park features multiple playgrounds (approximately five) providing excellent recreation options for children. While the campground itself has basic amenities, its main advantage is the proximity to East Park's extensive facilities. The location offers a unique blend of camping experience with urban convenience, allowing campers to enjoy outdoor activities while remaining close to city amenities and services.

Is tent camping available near Mason City, Iowa?

Yes, tent camping is available near Mason City at several locations. Beed's Lake State Park Campground offers excellent tent camping opportunities with sites located right next to the lake. It's a great fishing destination with beautiful views of the waterfall and dam. Eldred Sherwood Park provides primitive tent sites with a bathhouse about 500 feet away, plus forested and prairie walking paths. Other nearby options include McIntosh Woods State Park and Otranto County Park. Most of these campgrounds feature fire pits, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities. Availability is typically seasonal, running from spring through fall.

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