Kevin M.
Traveler
TravelerClear Lake State Park Campground
Busy and densely populated
We are here on a Friday and almost all the spaces are full. Site 1 is about as quiet as it gets tucked off to the side.
Camping near Mason City, IA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Mason City (94)
1. Clear Lake State Park Campground
"Site 1 is about as quiet as it gets tucked off to the side."
"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!"
from $23 - $43 / night
Check Availability2. MacNider Campground
"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!"
from $12 - $26 / night
Check Availability3. Camp At The Woods
"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
"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
"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
"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."
from $12 - $60 / night
Check Availability7. Pilot Knob State Park Campground
"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."
from $15 - $38 / night
Check Availability8. Wilkinson
9. Rudd Eastside Park
"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
"Short walk to the lake and playgrounds. Bar and grill 1/4 mile away."
from $25 / night
Drive Time
- 1 hr 19 min from Waterloo, IA
- 1 hr 19 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 27 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 37 min from Mankato, MN
Recent Camping Photos near Mason City, IA
39 Photos of 94 Mason City Campgrounds
Alyssa D.
Wilkinson
Lee D.
Clear Lake State Park Campground
Cathleen V.
Oakwood RV Park
Lori N.
McIntosh Woods State Park Campground
Karla J. B.
George Wyatt City Park
Adam S.
West Idlewild County Campground
Katie J.
Beed's Lake State Park Campground
Niki S.
R Campground, Inc
Chantal C.
Camp Comfort Recreation Area
Amber S.
Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park
Clay U.
Wilder City Park
Deanna J.
White Fox Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park
Recent Reviews near Mason City, IA
227 Reviews of 94 Mason City Campgrounds
Edward R.
GuideHickory Hills Campground
The Pros and Cons
The camp grounds as a whole is well kept with gated entrance. Pool area spacious and clean. Has a very massive playground for the kids. We actually never saw the check in desk. Reservations were by phone at the check in area. I would of gave this park a solid 5....except for the gravel road and shower house. Pros: Well kept park. Somewhat quite. Few miles off I 35. Cons: Last 1.5 miles is gravel. But not real bad. A little dusty. The park looked like it had about 85% long term campers. We were on site 1. A longer rig probably wouldn't be very level. But manageable. We booked this for overnight for showers. The showers were very out dated and basically my wife said no way because of the mold and unkept unpleasant decor. The showers are very narrow. But hey...at least the shower had hot water on men's side.
- Crystal R.Guide
Big Island Campground — Myre-Big Island State Park
Beautiful but watch out for raccoons
I have stayed here 3 or 4 times and have enjoyed my time for the most part. Except the last time I was there (last summer) the raccoons were absolutely out of control. I didn't even have food unpacked out of my car yet and they were rummaging through my stuff while I was standing right there. They had no fear. I had a giant duffel bag full of tarps (not any food at all in it) and around 1am I hear the racoon trying to steal it. So I get up and put it in my trunk. The raccoon climbs into my trunk! While I'm standing right there, I've never seen anything like it.
Honestly everything else about this park is great. The island is gorgeous with beautiful sunsets, the hiking is great, the sites are nice, etc. But I probably will not come back just because of raccoons. Because keeping a clean campsite doesn't seem to matter for these critters.
- SSandra T.Guide
North Cedar Park
Great Quick-Stop Option
We were traveling northbound on 218 on a Tuesday and searched for a convenient stop for one night. It was very hot so filtered the results, showing spots with electric hook-up in order to run the AC a bit. The North Cedar County Park was easy to find, located just a couple miles off the exit and past the town of Plainfield.
The park is heavily shaded in most areas. They have done a good job of keeping the tree canopy high, so we had no worries of hitting limbs in our 34' class A that has a height of 12 feet.
The sites are all grass, with no clear definition of individual sites. We just picked a spot that looked fairly level and dry. Soft soil could be a concern for heavier rigs after rains. Our stabilizers did sink into the dirt a bit, but we were able to level.
They have wooden picnic tables scattered, as well as designated firepit areas. 30 and 15 Amp service was available on the power post. There is a bathroom/shower house, picnic shelter, playground and horseshoe courts.
The campground is right on a wide, fast moving river and offers 2 boat launches. It didnt appear that any of the sites had a water view, but it was a short, pleasant stroll to the rivers edge.
We paid $20 for our one night. It is all first come, first served. They say on their website that they have 40 sites. On a Tuesday in June, there were 3 of us there for the night (the other two looked more long-term). A posted sign said that camping is free on Wednesday nights, so that's cool!
Overall, it was a quiet and pretty place to stop and we would definately visit again.
- BBonnie H.Traveler
Albert Lea-Austin KOA
Nice Overnight Spot
This is a smaller KOA campground under new ownership. The owner and his children are very nice and welcoming. There were other reviews about it being overgrown but everything was nicely mowed when we arrived and I really enjoyed the peaceful setting. Easy off freeway, little freeway noise but not a problem. A bit rustic but clean campground. There are some piles of tree branches as there was a beetle problem and trees had to be removed. I’m sure it is temporary and will be gone soon. All in all a lovely quiet evening in our travels East. Site 53 is at the end of a row and very private location.
- RRussell T.Guide
Popejoy Conservation Park
Daytime Fun
This is a day use conservation only area. No camping is currently allowed.
There is a nice accessible vault toilets, play ground, and it has the Iowa River passing through it. There is also a very nice community building at the property.
- RRussell T.Guide
Bigelow Park
Camp and Fish
This little camp ground is part of the Iowa River Trail system. There is a good sized parking / turn around area. It was well kept and it costs about $10 a night and is in Hardin County.
The gravel road is fairly busy, but it could just be due to planting season starting. There were quite a few annoying gnats / mosquito's. There is a ramp for access, but it is dirt and gravel, so not something you can back a boat down in there easily.
I spent a night here and it was a pleasant experience, other than the flying bug annoyances.
Craig L.TravelerLake Considine
Serene, beautiful, easy access, great birding
Coming in from the west there is a large u-shaped pull-off to the left just before a gate that is used to close the road for flooding. There are no signs. The lot area appears to be mowed annually. I parked along the lake/river shore without issues and popped up my truck tent. Over 40 bird species and a curious bald eagle dropped in and observed me through sunset.
Clay U.
ScoutWilder City Park
Great Park and Even Better Hosts
Campground Hosts were amazing. We were short on some food the first night, Chuck was gracious to lend us some food and a 30amp extension cord. We had some nasty weather that first night also and we received a call from the host asking how we were doing!
Very clean park and very family friendly! Also has an excellent pond for fishing.
Will absolutely be coming back
Guide to Mason City
Mason City, Iowa sits at the junction of the Winnebago and Shell Rock Rivers at an elevation of 1,129 feet, creating natural camping opportunities throughout the area. The region experiences distinct seasons with warm, humid summers reaching 80°F and cold winters often below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area are situated on relatively flat terrain with a mix of wooded and open sites on clay or gravel surfaces.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: McIntosh Woods State Park Campground offers excellent lake access for anglers. "Family loved the fishing," noted a visitor who also appreciated seeing "turtles laying eggs and deer were all around."
Swimming at nearby beaches: Several campgrounds provide water recreation options during summer months. "Nice beach access!" mentioned one camper at Clear Lake State Park Campground, adding that "paved roads are great for bike riding."
Playground exploration: Multiple playgrounds can be found within short distances of campsites. "There is a nice playground on site plus the city pool is right next door. There are also awesome parks within walking distance," noted a camper at MacNider Campground.
What campers like
Affordable options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the pricing at several area campgrounds. "For $12/night on a 30AMP hookup, I really can't complain," mentioned one visitor to Pilot Knob State Park Campground, while another called it "a great place for the price."
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. A visitor to Rudd Eastside Park noted "it's small but well kept blacktopped camper spots" and mentioned "a nice pond with a beach and jetties for fishing."
Shade coverage: Mature trees at several campgrounds provide relief during hot summer days. "Great shaded spots," commented one camper about Clear Lake State Park, while another mentioned "beautiful shaded campground near the lake" at McIntosh Woods.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds have limited privacy between sites. A visitor to Clear Lake State Park Campground noted "sites not too level, but spacious" while another mentioned "nice campground with grassy pull thru sites. But very close together. If full, you would have no privacy."
Weather impacts: Drainage issues can occur at some campgrounds during rainy periods. "When there is heavy rain you will however have your own pond at most sites," mentioned a camper about Clear Lake.
Limited full hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric-only sites with fewer full-service options. "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," noted a visitor to Clear Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Camp At The Woods offers upgraded facilities for children. "New park for kids new basketball court new pavilion wish we could have been there in the summertime I'm sure the pool is nice when uncovered," one visitor mentioned.
Beach activities: Several campgrounds provide swimming areas ideal for families with children. At Rudd Eastside Park, "there is a nice lake near with play equipment located at the lake and at the campground, the campground has old bikes for the kids to use."
Urban camping convenience: Families appreciate the proximity to city amenities at some campgrounds. "This campground sits among a sleepy country city… however with the trees and the setting, you would never know," noted a visitor to MacNider Campground.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: RV campers should research site conditions before arrival. "Sites are not all level, and most do not have delineated parking pads," mentioned a visitor to Shellrock River Co Preserve.
Hookup placement: Some campgrounds have unusual utility configurations. At Camp At The Woods, one camper noted "the sewer connection was at the front of the site and was up hill kind of."
Year-round options: While most campsites near Mason City, Iowa close for winter, some remain open. "Very accommodating super nice people helped us back in and set up in middle of winter after dark," reported a Camp At The Woods visitor who appreciated the year-round accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Mason City, Iowa?
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?
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?
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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