Dispersed camping opportunities exist near Ventura, Iowa at Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area, located about 20 miles west of town. This undeveloped site offers water access for kayakers with no amenities and sits at approximately 1,250 feet elevation. Camping near Ventura typically runs from April through October with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F, though some areas remain open year-round.
What to do
Fishing from shore or boat: Clear Lake State Park Campground provides excellent fishing access with boat launches and docks. "Great campground. Family and friends get together a must here. Close to the beach, town and the lake has great fish," notes Lisa M. in her Clear Lake State Park review.
Hiking woodland trails: Pilot Knob State Park offers multiple trail systems for different skill levels. According to Madison L., "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!" The park features CCC-constructed facilities including an observation tower.
Swimming at public pools: Camp near the Mason City municipal pool at MacNider Campground. "This campground is fairly small but fits our 43' rig well. The ground is well kept and staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. There is a nice playground on site plus the city pool is right next door," shares Nichole H. in her MacNider Campground review.
What campers like
Affordable camping rates: Inglebretson Park County offers electric sites for just $15 during summer months. Michael B. notes, "Believe the cost was only $15 on our summer early September rate and drops to $10 basically in October for a few months, which includes a small fire pit, table, and electric! I'll just say a gem of a simple place."
Clean facilities: Oakwood RV Park maintains well-kept grounds and bathrooms. "Great campground for our overnight, would be a wonderful extended stay as well. Friendly owners came right up when we pulled in, $35 a night, no cards but check or cash were fine," reports Cathleen V. about her stay at Oakwood RV Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Eagle Lake offers seclusion for those seeking solitude. Skip H. describes the Eagle Lake Wildlife Management Area: "This spot is exposed with virtually no privacy (winter/early spring). It's about a 1/4 mile off of the dirt road and makes a left towards the end with water access that is great for a kayak. During the summer, when the corn is in, it looks like there would be plenty of privacy."
What you should know
Campsite spacing varies: Clear Lake State Park features sites with minimal separation. Janet K. notes, "Nice campground with grassy pull thru sites. But very close together. If full, you would have no privacy. Fortunately, it was 1/4 full, so no problem."
Shower facilities differ by park: Many parks have updated shower facilities, but comfort levels vary. Lisa P. observes about Pilot Knob State Park: "Pull through sites, bathhouse was clean and showers were individual room with timed lights, motion sensors kept the shower interesting!"
Limited non-electric sites: Most of the best places to camp near Ventura have primarily electric hookups with few primitive options. At MacNider Campground, the rate structure reflects this: "$19 a night for only electric & $28 for full hook ups," according to CROSSFIRE 5.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many campgrounds near Ventura include play areas for children. Jennifer D. recommends, "Clean, well maintained, and the hosts are very friendly. Trail to the beach is clear, the playground has nice, safe equipment for the little kids."
Beach activities: Water access provides entertainment for children. Camp At The Woods offers riverside camping opportunities. Tracy B. shares, "Ray was very accommodating to get us into a full hook site last minute. Nice grounds with many new updates. Perfect size sites and near the river for some water fun."
Multiple recreation areas: Parks near Ventura often feature diverse activity spaces. Desiree R. explains that MacNider 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."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal site availability: Three Fingers Campground offers full hookup sites but frequently hosts long-term campers. Beverly W. notes, "We spent a few nights here before moving closer into town waiting for Winnebago service. This is primarily a long-term RV site with a few transient sites. People are friendly, bathrooms and showers are well-maintained."
Hookup configurations: Pay attention to utility locations when selecting a site. Jeremiah B. mentions about Camp At The Woods, "We had full hook up, but the sewer connection was at the front of the site and was up hill kind of. Nice concrete pads at the site with fire rings."
Early reservations essential: The best camping spots near Ventura, Iowa fill quickly during summer months. Victoria G. recommends Clear Lake State Park: "Loved this state park. 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. Close to town and lots to do."
