Established Camping
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Water facilities are shut down for the winter season. Facilities will be turned back on late April 2026 as weather permits. (Posted 10/21/25)
If you are unable to reserve a cabin online because the reservation window has closed, you must call the park office at 319-436-7716 regarding cabin availability. All last minute cabin rentals must be a minimum of 2 nights, are handled by park staff and must be done prior to arriving at the park.
This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - November 15 until 10:00pm CST the day of arrival.
Due to a construction project in the campground - The 3rd campground (sites 43-55, 71) will close for the season on September 2nd, 2025. The remaining campsites and cabins will close for the season October 5th, 2025.
The campground is closed each year from November 16 - March 31.
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area, near Palo, Iowa, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a mix of comfort and adventure. The campground offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins, making it suitable for everyone from families to solo adventurers.
Visitors rave about the well-maintained grounds and the clean facilities, including showers and restrooms. One camper noted, “The cabins were nice - not luxury or glamping but clean and in good condition,” which sums up the vibe here perfectly. You’ll find plenty of shade from the trees, and the picnic tables are a great touch for outdoor meals.
For those who love to explore, there’s an 8-mile hiking trail that loops around the lake, providing a bit of elevation change and stunning views. Kayaking and fishing are popular activities, with easy access to the water for those looking to paddle around or cast a line. As one long-time visitor shared, “I often head here for a few days in the Spring and Summer for a day of fishing.”
While the campground has rules, like a two-car limit per site, the overall atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area has plenty to offer for a memorable camping experience.
Description
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is a premier outdoor recreation venue of Linn County. This recreation area is home to a 410 acre lake, 1,517 acres of public hunting grounds, a swimming beach, campgrounds, and twelve miles of multi-use trails. As a unique resource, showcasing large tracts of restored prairie.
Pleasant Creek Recreation Area creates a wide variety of enjoyable outdoor experiences for all visitors.
As a "no-wake" lake, Pleasant Creek is popular for windsurfers, kayaks, canoes, SCUBA diving and pontoon boats. Near perfect water clarity during spring, and most of the summer, allows great visibility for divers. Kayak and diving lessons are offered throughout the summer by local certified instructors.
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is open to hunting and trapping in season. Dog training is allowed year-round at the field trial grounds.
Attention Equestrian Riders: State regulations require horses, mules and donkeys being transported interstate (from one state to another) must have a current Certification of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and a negative Coggin's test (EIA). This paperwork must accompany the animal into the State of Iowa. Please refer to www.iowaagriculture.gov/animalindustry/horseadmissionregs.asp for more information. This law applies to equestrian camping, day-use and trail riding in any State owned Park or Forest.
Location
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground is located in Iowa
Directions
From Interstate 380, take the Center Point Exit 35. Go southwest on Highway W36 also called Lewis Bottoms Rd. for five miles to McClintock Rd Turn right/west onto McClintock Rd, drive for one half mile on McClintock Rd and into the parks main entrance.
Address
4530 McClintock Rd
Palo, IA 52324-0242
Coordinates
42.11705607 N
91.8264704 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Detours Nearby
Gardner Family Farm and Iowa Hemp Farm Stay
22 min away
Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
23 min away
Drive Time
- 20 min from Cedar Rapids
- 38 min from Waterloo
- 39 min from Iowa City
- 1 hr 18 min from Dubuque
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
