Clear Lake State Park Campground offers diverse camping opportunities near Nora Springs, Iowa. Located in north-central Iowa where elevations typically range between 1,100-1,200 feet, the area experiences distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters. Campgrounds around Nora Springs provide access to Clear Lake and the Cedar River, with water recreation serving as primary attractions during summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Cedar Bridge County Park in nearby Osage, campers can fish the Cedar River. "Great hiking and horse trails. Sitting right on the Cedar River, it's a great location to kayak and tube," notes one visitor who appreciated the variety of activities.
Wildlife viewing: Deer spotting is common at many area campgrounds, especially at dawn and dusk. "Seeing large groups of deer was a daily/nightly thing!" shared a visitor to Pilot Knob State Park, highlighting the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in the region.
Hiking trails: Halvorson Park features walking paths along the Cedar River. According to a reviewer, "There is also a nice walking trail a couple miles away on the river by Mitchell that we enjoyed," providing additional options for nature exploration near St. Ansgar.
What campers like
Quiet camping experiences: Despite being popular destinations, several campgrounds maintain peaceful atmospheres. "We were surprised to discover that despite being a full campground, it was quiet at almost all hours of the day and night," reported a visitor to Clear Lake State Park about their summer weekend stay.
Clean facilities: Riverside Co Park in Stacyville features modern amenities. A camper noted the park has been "Totally renovated 2 years ago nestled along the little Cedar river above the dam. New Shower house/bathrooms," reflecting the quality of infrastructure at this location.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide well-sized camping spaces. At Airport Lake Park Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "Camper spots were huge with plenty of space between sites. Fire ring was on a cement slab," highlighting the comfortable setup for both tents and RVs.
What you should know
Alternative yurt camping: Beyond the popular yurts at McIntosh Woods, Clear Lake State Park Campground offers comfortable electric sites. "Sites not too level, but spacious. Camped in mid April and park was not very busy which was nice. Full hook up sites and W/E only sites," explains a visitor who appreciated the early season tranquility.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the area operate from spring through fall. A visitor at Clear Lake State Park pointed out, "When there is heavy rain you will however have your own pond at most sites," indicating potential weather-related challenges during rainy periods.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "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," shared a visitor unable to secure a spot at Clear Lake State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Airport Lake Park Campground provides recreational facilities for children. "The playground and lake was also fun for the kids too. We camped with family in the group circle site. The circle group site has a nice big area for the kids to play," noted a family camper.
Swimming options: Several parks feature swimming areas ideal for families with children. At Riverside Co Park, a visitor observed the park "has a pond that you can swim in with three beach entry areas," providing safer water access for younger swimmers.
Natural play areas: Some campgrounds incorporate nature into play spaces. A camper at Riverside Co Park mentioned its "Very creative natural play park for children to play on," offering a unique outdoor recreation experience beyond standard playground equipment.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared for potentially uneven sites. According to a Clear Lake State Park visitor, "Sites are not too level, but spacious," suggesting RVers should bring leveling blocks.
Hookup availability: Oakwoods Trails Campground near Austin offers limited utilities. A camper noted, "Water and electric hookup only. They offer a dump station as well. There is only one road through the grounds so when leaving it can get backed up at the dump station," providing important logistics information for RVers.
Big rig accessibility: While many parks accommodate larger RVs, navigation can be challenging. A visitor to McIntosh Woods observed, "Sites are close to each other, not offering much in the way of privacy. Short walk to nice lake & marsh," highlighting the trade-off between convenience and spaciousness for larger vehicles.
